APPLYING
Who can apply to the program?
Transfer students from the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) schools – City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges, who have been accepted into UC San Diego and are majoring in the Arts and Humanities. Unfortunately students with only a minor in Arts & Humanities are not eligible.
Can I apply if I have attended multiple community colleges, some outside of SDCCD?
Yes, you can apply and be accepted to the program if you have attended other community colleges in addition to a SDCCD school, however you must currently be attending/transferring from a SDCCD campus to UC San Diego.
How many students are accepted into the program? How are students selected?
The program admits between 20-35 students. It aims to include an equal amount of students from each SDCCD campus, across all Arts & Humanities majors. Students will be selected based on the information they provide in the application as well as the essay responses given, to determine if they will be a good fit for the program.
When and how will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?
Students will be notified via email at the beginning of June, so appropriate plans can be made for the program.
SUMMER ACADEMY CLASSES
Is the program strictly academic or do students participate in other activities?
While the program focuses around the completion of 2 academic courses, it equally emphasizes student preparation and introduces resources available on campus via special workshops and the peer mentor program. Students have the option to participate in activities outside the classroom with their peers in the program, such as study sessions, scavenger hunts, performances together and more.
How many classes will I take as part of the Summer Academy?
Students take two courses in the summer and receive academic credit. These classes are required for all PATH students, regardless of each students major. Check out the Current & Past Year Programs page for class details specific to this year.
How do the classes help me towards my degree?
The courses taken during the PATH summer academy help prepare students for the workload and teaching style of UC San Diego professors, and help familiarize students with campus resources, and academic expectations. While the classes in the program are chosen with the intention of providing credit to the greatest number of students, it is unlikely that the classes will count towards every students specific major. It is recommended that students meet with college and major advisers for specifics on individual degree requirements.
Do I have to attend all of the Summer Academy classes/workshops/meetings?
Yes. By joining the program, you are agreeing to participate in all required classes, workshops and meetings. Special circumstances that may impact total participation in the PATH Summer Academy must be discussed with the program coordinators in advance to approve any absences. Upon acceptance, all participants will be required to sign a contract confirming their commitment to the program. Those who do not partake in required activities may have their stipend revoked or miss out on other opportunities.
What if I leave the program before it’s over?
Our program should only be attended by those students who are willing to make a serious commitment from beginning to end.
Can I speak with a student who has attended the program?
Yes! Contact us at path@ucsd.edu and we will connect you with a UC San Diego PATH student. Alternatively, you can read about the experiences of the 2017 students on the blog page.
DEADLINES
What is the deadline to apply for the Academy?
Check out the Eligibility & Applying page for details specific to this year.
What are the dates of the program?
Check out the Current & Past Year Programs page for details specific to this year.
UC SAN DIEGO CAMPUS
Do the dining halls offer food that is dietary restriction friendly?
Yes. The dining halls currently provide options that are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly. For more specific dietary concerns, please contact us so that we can advise you. UC San Diego has a variety of resources to meet religious, cultural, and medically-necessary diets: https://hdh.ucsd.edu/wellness/pages/Specialty.html
Can I use public transportation to get to campus? Where do I park and how much does it cost?
UCSD has a comprehensive website that can be found here: http://blink.ucsd.edu/sponsor/trans-services/. San Diego’s MTS has a number of different routes that serve the UCSD campus, including 30, 41, 101, 150, 201/202, 204, 237, and 921. If you plan to drive to and park on campus, as part of being enrolled in the PATH Academy, you will receive a free parking permit (upon request) for the duration of UC San Diego’s Summer Session I. You can find more information about parking permits here.