2025 PATHS Scholars Program Application

1. Be admitted to UC San Diego in a STEM major
2. Complete the online program application
3. Complete the FAFSA/CA Dream Act application
4. 1 Letter of recommendation
5. Provide Unofficial high school transcripts
6. Provide responses to essay questions
7. Student must acknowledge that if they are admitted to the program, one of the requirements is mandatory on-campus housing for the first 2 years of their college experience 

• Be admitted to a STEM major at UC San Diego as an incoming Freshman

• Demonstrate an interest in the advancement of historically underrepresented populations in the sciences and related fields

• Students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply

• Demonstrate commitment to character, culture, and community

• Must have an intent to pursue a STEM Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or advanced degree upon graduation

• Must commit to living on campus for the first two years of the program

• Must be a resident in the state of California, as defined in the UC application

• A​​ttend the UCSD Summer Bridge Program

• Attend PATHS Retreat (dates are week before the start of the Fall Quarter)

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 while enrolled in an approved STEM B.S. major

• Maintain communication with program and cohort mates and attend all required meetings, workshops, and events

• Apply to and participate in a summer research program or industry internships each year, starting no later than their sophomore year

• Join a research lab by the beginning of their third year

• Attend and present their research at local, regional or national conferences

• Apply to STEM graduate programs (Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and/or approved Masters programs) their senior year

• March 17, 2025: Application available at paths.ucsd.edu
• April 14, 2025: (11:59 pm PST): Application and letter of recommendation deadline
• May 15, 2025: UC San Diego acceptance of admission deadline
• May 2 and 3, 2025: Finalists are invited to final interview and selection day
• May 10, 2025: Scholar Interview and Selection Day
• May 20, 2025: Scholar selection finalized

How long does it take to hear back once I apply?

Applicants will be notified early May if they are invited to an interview. Interviews will be held virtually on May 10th. We will notify accepted candidates a week after if they have been admitted into the program.

Will I know if I have been accepted into the PATHS Program before I need to submit an SIR to UCSD? 

No. First-Year applicants will have to SIR by May 15 to UCSD. This will be prior to receiving an offer from the PATHS Scholars Program.

If I was accepted into the program, would the program's scholarship lead to a reduction in institutional aid given to me by UCSD?

Every institution has a policy against over-awarding financial aid to students. Meaning that if you receive free gift aid that fully covers your expenses as a student, the scholarship will only cover the remaining balance. In short, the scholarship should not reduce institutional aid, it will only cover the remaining gap/balance you may have on your student account and this can be up to $8,600.

Do I have to live on campus if I get accepted into the PATHS Program? 

Yes, it is a requirement for students in our program to live on campus for their first two years. 

Can letters of recommendation be submitted after the deadline?

Unfortunately, our deadline for letters of recommendation remains April 14th, 11:59 pm (PST). Our committee will begin reviewing applications as soon as possible, therefore an extension is not possible. If this certain recommender cannot send it in time, we suggest reaching out to another contact to see if they can submit one on your behalf.

Are there any other universities that also offer this PATHS Scholars Program, or just UCSD?

Yes, the following schools provide a similar program: UC Berkeley, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Penn State, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and Howard University.

Can the letter of recommendation be from a high school teacher?

Yes! Letters of recommendations can be from a teacher, counselor, or leader in the community who can provide a thorough analysis of your potential to succeed at UCSD.

Does PATHS also look for LGBT+ youth?

Yes! PATHS is committed to educational equity, and that includes increasing the number of LGBTQIA+ scholars on our campus, and in the STEM fields. 

If we are accepted do we need to reapply each year?

No, if you are accepted as a PATHS Scholar in your first year, you are a part of the PATHS Family for your four years at UC San Diego. Even after graduation, you remain a member of the PATHS Family; you will join the ranks of distinguished PATHS Alumni!

Financial Aid Questions

Financial aid packages are determined based on the family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The scholarship meets the financial aid gap after all gift aid has been applied. If a student’s cost of attendance is $32,000, and $27,000 is awarded through federal/state grants (free money), the PATHS Scholarship would cover the remaining balance which would be $5,000 in this case scenario.

If a student is given the chancellor’s scholarship (CASP) would they still be given the scholarship money from the PATHS program?

In short, no. The purpose of the PATHS scholarship is to help cover your cost of attendance. If you are a CASP Scholar (congratulations by the way!)  then your cost of attendance will already be covered. Then, there are no additional costs for PATHS to cover. Please keep in mind that the PATHS Scholars Program is both a scholarship and STEM student support program.