Applying to the University of California system—especially top campuses like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego—requires more than just good grades. Successful applicants often combine academic rigor, research, extracurricular involvement, and strategic summer experiences to build a compelling application.
Below is a curated list of programs and resources, each with a brief explanation and linked bullet points to help students navigate the UC admissions journey with purpose.
🎓 Academic Enrichment & Research Programs
Engaging in advanced academic work or research as a high school student can help demonstrate intellectual curiosity and initiative. These programs provide exposure to university-level coursework and research. You can find opportunities at Opportunities.
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Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – Johns Hopkins program offering challenging online and summer courses
👉 https://cty.jhu.edu -
Research Science Institute (RSI) – Highly selective summer research program at MIT
👉 https://www.cee.org/research-science-institute -
Local University Research Internships – Many UC and CSU campuses offer summer programs for high school students (check each school’s summer outreach page)
🧠 Academic Competitions
Competitions validate academic excellence beyond school grades. Success in these contests is often viewed as an indicator of passion, preparation, and problem-solving skills.
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Science Olympiad – Team-based national competition in science, biology, engineering, and chemistry
👉 https://www.soinc.org -
Math Olympiad / AMC / AIME – Prestigious math competitions organized by the Mathematical Association of America
👉 https://www.maa.org/math-competitions -
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) – Business, finance, and leadership competitions; aim for nationals
👉 https://www.fbla.org/high-school/competitive-events -
DECA – Business and marketing competition with opportunities to advance to nationals
👉 https://www.deca.org -
Congressional App Challenge – National coding competition for middle and high school students
👉 https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us
💼 Internships for High School Students
Internships provide valuable real-world experience and signal initiative. Top UCs appreciate applicants who take the time to explore professional environments while still in high school. You can find opportunities at Opportunities.
STEM & Research
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NASA Internships – Paid internships involving real projects in science and engineering
👉 https://intern.nasa.gov -
Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) – STEM-focused internships and apprenticeships with researchers
👉 https://www.usaeop.com -
NIH Summer Internships – Biomedical research internships for upper high school students
👉 https://www.training.nih.gov
Tech, Business & Creative Fields
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Microsoft Discovery Program – Summer program for graduating seniors focused on coding and career skills
👉 https://careers.microsoft.com -
Adobe / IBM / Unity Technologies – Occasionally offer high school internships (check company career portals)
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Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Academy – Journalism workshops for aspiring writers and reporters
👉 https://www.crimsoneducation.org/us/courses/journalism-academy -
Library of Congress Internship – Remote or hybrid internship with a focus on literacy, research, and service
👉 https://www.loc.gov
Government & Public Sector
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U.S. Senate Page Program – Prestigious opportunity for high school juniors to serve on Capitol Hill
👉 https://www.senate.gov/reference/reference_index_subjects/Pages/Pages_and_Page_School_vrd.htm -
U.S. Department of Education Internships – Explore education policy, research, and public service
👉 https://www.ed.gov/students -
U.S. Department of the Interior Pathways Program – Paid internships in various federal agencies
👉 https://www.doi.gov/pathways
✍️ College Essay & Application Help
UC essays (Personal Insight Questions) are a critical part of the application. Great essays showcase self-awareness, growth, and values.
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College Essay Guy – Offers brainstorming tools, free resources, and example essays tailored to UC prompts
👉 https://www.collegeessayguy.com -
Peer Essay Review Groups – Forming a group for feedback can dramatically improve essay quality
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UC Application Booster Program – Informal or private mentorship programs with UC alumni (helpful for strategy and storytelling)
📚 Academic Support & Test Prep
Even though UC schools are test-blind, AP scores and coursework rigor still matter. Students may also submit SAT/ACT scores for scholarship consideration.
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CollegeBoard – Official site for SAT and AP prep
👉 https://www.collegeboard.org -
Khan Academy – Free SAT prep, AP subject tutoring, and concept videos
👉 https://www.khanacademy.org -
AP/IB Courses – Demonstrate college readiness and can earn credit at many UCs
☀️ Summer Enrichment at UC Campuses
Summer programs hosted by UC schools offer exposure to university life and academics—while boosting college applications.
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UC COSMOS – Selective STEM program at UC campuses
👉 https://cosmos.ucop.edu -
Berkeley Pre-College Scholars – College-level courses and cultural programs for high schoolers
👉 https://precollege.berkeley.edu -
UCLA Summer Sessions – Opportunity to earn UCLA credit as a high school student
👉 https://summer.ucla.edu
🌐 Online Forums & Communities
Online platforms give students a chance to ask questions, find peer support, and gain perspective from applicants and college students.
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Reddit – r/ApplyingToCollege – Candid advice, essay reviews, and peer mentorship
👉 https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/ -
College Confidential – Longstanding forum with discussions on every stage of the application process
👉 https://www.collegeconfidential.com
✅ Final Thoughts: Building a Strong UC Application
To stand out in a competitive UC applicant pool, students should:
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Take rigorous academic courses (AP, IB)
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Participate in competitive academic programs
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Engage in research or internships
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Demonstrate initiative through leadership or unique hobbies
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Write thoughtful, authentic UC essays
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Use free support tools for essay writing and test prep
There is no one “perfect” path—but with the right mix of challenge, curiosity, and commitment, students can craft an application that truly shines.
Get involved!
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