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Parent Information

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in their student’s success. Your support and encouragement may be all they need to take the steps to apply, be accepted, and attend the program. COSMOS is committed to working with you to make your student’s experience positive and engaging.

Why COSMOS

COSMOS offers high-achieving math and science students the opportunity to challenge themselves in ways not traditionally available to them in the high school setting. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and supplies, one-on-one contact with world-renowned scientists, researchers, and mathematicians, and exposure to inventors, scientists, and researchers in Industry.

Some of the academic connections students make at COSMOS are life-long or may inspire students to pursue a specific field of study not otherwise considered. COSMOS alumni will also have exclusive opportunities to apply for internships, college scholarships, mini-research grants, and special events.

While academic credit is not awarded after the program, COSMOS is considered an Academic Preparation Program for which students who participate can indicate so on their University of California admissions application. Some UC campuses give special consideration to those who have participated in COSMOS. Non-UCs may also be familiar with COSMOS. We encourage you to keep a copy of your COSMOS acceptance letter and Certificate of Completion for verification of participation.

FINANCIAL AID
Financial assistance is optional, and availability depends on COSMOS Statewide’s fundraising efforts each year.  Financial aid funds result from a generous foundation and corporate and individual donors who care about the success of COSMOS students. For more information about donating or learning about our donors, visit our giving site

WHAT IT COVERS
The State of California and the University of California Office of the President subsidize a significant part of the cost of attendance for California resident students.  The reduced tuition covers four weeks in on-campus dormitories with three meals per day, instruction, distinguished speakers, and all materials required to be an active and engaged participant. Financial aid funds assist families with the student portion of the tuition.  Access is critical to our mission in serving the State of California. However, financial aid is awarded based on need and available funds.

POLICIES
A request for financial aid will not affect your application eligibility since COSMOS Statewide determines awards for the entirety of the State program. Financial assistance is only available to financially eligible California students.  Not all applicants will receive financial aid, but every effort is made to assist qualified students.

Financial aid requests must be complete and submitted with your application to COSMOS, and supporting documentation must be postmarked by the application deadline.  Documentation must include gross annual family income and the total number of dependents. Typical documentation includes a tax transcript from the IRS or copies of your 1040 (please redact social security numbers).  Failure to submit documentation by the deadline will render your financial aid application incomplete, but not your program application, and you will not be eligible for financial aid if admitted.  Requests for financial assistance are not accepted after the application deadline.

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in their student’s success. Your support and encouragement may be all they need to take the steps to apply, be accepted, and attend the program. COSMOS is committed to working with you to make your student’s experience positive and engaging.