Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQS Last Updated On: April 22, 2024
About Summer Bridge
What is Summer Bridge?
Summer Bridge is a year-long student support program that starts in the summer before the incoming academic year. We serve incoming first-year students who have accepted UC San Diego. Summer Bridge is designed to maximize the academic, personal, and professional success of students, with the goal of preparing them for the global workforce and/or graduate or professional school. The Summer Bridge programming spans the first year of collegiate study and includes a pre-first year 5-week summer transition program, peer and professional staff mentoring/guidance, learning enrichment activities, and assistance in obtaining paid summer work opportunities.
How would participation in the Summer Bridge Program benefit me?
Our experience, supported by national data, indicates that participation in a summer transition program, followed by comprehensive and robust support throughout the academic year, increases academic excellence. The Summer Bridge program is designed to simultaneously build upon students’ strengths while customizing services so that all Summer Bridge scholars will be able to fully experience and benefit from the scope, scholarship, and scale of the University.
How are students selected for the Summer Bridge Program?
Students who are admitted to the University of California, San Diego are among the very best students in the country, and there is an expectation of high academic achievement for all. Decisions to prospective, applied program participants of Summer Bridge are based upon a holistic approach that considers academic interests, life experiences, and diverse backgrounds, in addition to academic profiles. All are welcome to pre-register, but we do prioritize students who identify as first-generation, or from underserved populations.
How long is the commitment to the Summer Bridge Program and when would my commitment begin?
The Summer Bridge Program is a one-year program, running from Summer 2024 through the end of the first year (June 2025). The Summer Bridge Program begins during the summer with a 5-week immersive program. Through this experience, students will broaden their academic skills, enhance their personal and professional development, create support networks, and familiarize themselves with the campus and its resources. Specifically, Summer Bridge scholars will be required to participate in the Summer Transition Program from August 3rd – September 7th, 2024. Participants must commit to the entire duration of the Summer Program.
(Due to the uncertainties, the program format and dates are subject to change. If you are selected for Summer Bridge 2024 and are offered on-campus housing, you will be asked to commit to the program.)
What is the commitment if I pre-register for the Summer Bridge program?
The Summer Bridge program participation agreement is found here. You will be asked to acknowledge and sign this agreement upon registration to the Summer Bridge 2024 program.
How is the first year of the Summer Bridge Program structured?
Summer 2024:
During the summer transition program, Summer Bridge allows Summer Bridge Scholars to preview the expectations for UC San Diego first-year students. Scholars will further broaden their academic skills and knowledge of the University environment and available resources and develop a strong community of peers. Summer Bridge Scholars will reside at the Warren College campus dorms (if offered housing) and participate in classes in one of the following disciplines: one anchor DEI course and the option for mathematics. There will be seminars, workshops, and academic skills development activities to further enhance their personal, professional, and academic development. Classes and seminars are taught by faculty, staff, and graduate student instructors who also teach courses during the academic year. This provides scholars the opportunity to become acquainted with the style and rigor of college classroom instruction, but in a more structured and supportive environment than is typical during the academic year.
First Academic Year (2024):
During the first academic year, all Summer Bridge Scholars will live in their respective colleges, and have opportunities to live in Summer Bridge Learning Communities to continue to benefit from the community support developed during the summer program. SB Peer Mxntors will continue to support scholars to achieve success by helping them manage academic and personal challenges. Summer Bridge Scholars are able to join First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) and participate in group scheduling with their Summer Bridge peers for core courses, as well as specially designed academic sessions. There will also be monthly group meetings to address topics relevant to Summer Bridge Scholars.
Would participation in the Summer Bridge Program preclude me from participating in other campus programs and activities in the summer or upcoming academic year?
Summer Bridge scholars can still participate in the many campus programs and activities such as student project teams, student societies, study abroad programs, Honors, and many others during the academic year. However, Summer Bridge scholars would not be able to participate in any other summer programs with Summer Session courses attached to it, due to the time commitments of the individual programs and the requirement that all Summer Bridge Scholars have during the summer component.
These programs include, but are not limited to:
- Freshman Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
- Summer Program for Incoming Students (SPIS)
- TRIO SSSP Summer Experience
If you have any questions on whether your participation in Summer Bridge could be impacted, please follow up with our professional staff team.
How much would the Summer Bridge Program cost me?
The University of California, San Diego is on the frontier of new and innovative education and is strongly committed to increasing the number of responsible graduating students who contribute to our society. Summer Bridge is a significant commitment, however, we are proud to provide this experience at no cost to participants because of the support from the Executive Vice Chancellor, Chancellor, and private donors.
How am I selected for the Summer Bridge program??
Once you have been admitted to UC San Diego and you complete your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), you will receive messaging from the Summer Bridge program to pre-register for Summer Bridge in order for our team to confirm your eligibility.
Eligibility and Benefits
I am an international student. Am I eligible to pre-register to the Summer Bridge Program?
Thank you for your interest in our program. Unfortunately, the Summer Bridge Program is currently unable to accept international students. Due to the scheduling of our courses and programming, which require students to attend in Pacific Standard Time (PST), we do not recommend this program for international students.
I am planning on going overseas/out of the country during a portion of Summer Bridge. Am I still able to participate?
Due to the scheduling of our courses and programming, which require students to attend in Pacific Standard Time (PST), we do not recommend this program for those who plan on doing international travels during the program.
The Summer Bridge Program schedule is very full and requires students to dedicate themselves to managing their time for program events, meetings, and potentially 2 courses. Students take away from the program as much as they put into it.
We do understand that students may have commitments for other components of their life, however the course(s) you will be taking during the program will impact your academic performance at UC San Diego.
If I participate in Summer Bridge does that mean that I can continue working with staff during my first-year?
Yes, all Summer Bridge students continue to receive support and services during the academic year (September 2024 through June 2025 of the following year).
Summer Bridge is a year-long transition program that begins with a 5-week component from August to September of 2024 and continues throughout the academic year, ending in June 2025.
Can I work or have other outside commitments during the Summer Bridge Program?
The Summer Bridge Program schedule is very full and requires students to dedicate themselves to managing their time for program events, meetings, and potentially 2 courses. Students take away from the program as much as they put into it.
We do understand that students may have commitments for work or other components of their life.
If you are unsure if your commitments will impact participation, please pre-register to the program and connect with Summer Bridge staff to ask more questions (summerbridge@ucsd.edu).
Here is an example of what to expect in a week for a Summer Bridge student.
Math Placement
Can I use a Chromebook to take the Math Placement Exam?
No, Chromebooks are not compatible with the ProctorU system. Students must secure a Mac or PC with a functioning webcam and speakers prior to their exam appointment. ProctorU recommends for students to check their equipment several days in advance of their appointment to avoid delays in accessing and completing the MPE. For questions about computer loaning, please see the Technological Needs section below.
How do I know if I need to take the Math Placement Exam?
Please look for a message from the Math Testing and Placement Office or contact them at mathtesting@ucsd.edu to inquire if you need to take the Math Placement Exam. We ask that Summer Bridge students take the Math Placement Exam prior to June 30th to be offered the opportunity to take a math course during the Summer Bridge program (pending on 2024 course offerings).
What if I miss the deadline for the free proctored MPE?
Students who are required to take the MPE might be able to complete it remotely via ProctorU for a fee ($20 or higher) as long as it is completed before the Summer Bridge enrollment deadline. Please look for an email message from the Math Testing and Placement Office with personalized instructions or contact mathtesting@ucsd.edu to inquire if you need to take the MPE.
Do I need to take the Math Placement Exam (MPE) before I commit to Summer Bridge?
Our deadline to pre-register for Summer Bridge is June 17th, 2024. We ask that if you need to complete the Math Placement Exam (MPE), please do so by June 30th, 2024.
Technology Needs
Can I use a Chromebook for the Summer Bridge program?
No, a Chromebook is not an acceptable device for participation in Summer Bridge. Due to the nature of our program, we may ask you to use programs and tools that are not compatible with Chromebooks. If you require technological needs, please get in contact with the Summer Bridge team so we can best assess your needs.
What are the technology requirements for my PC or Mac?
In order to attend all mandatory program components, it is important to verify that your device can meet the following requirements. Please note that a Chromebook will not be able to support the software used by this program.
- Operating SystemWindows 7+ or Mac OS X 10.6+
- Computer Speed/Hardware:
- Use a computer 5 years old or newer, if possible
- 4GB+ RAM
- 2GHz + processor
- Webcam with microphone (Microsoft or Logitech)
- Internet Connection and Speed (3G or 4G/LTE): 1.5 Mbps+ up/down (You can check your speed at Speedtest.net (Links to an external site.))
- Browser (Windows and Mac):
- Firefox
- Chrome
- Safari 5+
COVID-19
Is the COVID 19 vaccine required to participate in Summer Bridge?
Yes. Read more about this requirement here.
Will there be COVID-19 testing?
More details about testing will be communicated in June 2024 pending changes (if any) to campus COVID guidelines.
Residential Life
Who is eligible to live on campus during the program?
Students are offered to live on campus during our summer component ONLY if they satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- Those who are without access to stable housing;
- Those who come from housing/food insecure households;
- Those who are unable to travel home;
- Those who are from areas highly impacted by COVID-19 or regions at risk for a COVID-19 outbreak;
- Those who are unable to relocate without high risk to their safety;
- Those who would be relocating to homes that lack infrastructure to accommodate virtual instruction.
- Those who are prioritized due ot financial aid status
We try our best to review those who fit any of these criteria, however we do have a limit on housing capacity.
For students who express the desire to purchase their own housing for the summer, we reccomend looking into other UC San Diego Summer opportunities. We highly discourage this option because although you will be residing on-campus, your course selections will still be conducted online.
For additional questions contact us at summerbridge@ucsd.edu for more information.
Where will the residential component be held?
If offered housing, Summer Bridge students will be dorming in Warren College this summer (irregardless of UC San Diego college of enrollment).
If I am invited to live on campus do I need to have health insurance for the Summer Bridge Program?
Yes, if you are living on campus during the program, it is required that you have health insurance during the program. You will be living on-campus for 5 weeks, and although you are likely to be in good health, there is a possibility that you may become ill or injured during that time. Minor medical services are covered by the Student Health Center only during normal business hours. The Summer Bridge Program cannot assume financial responsibility incurred by a major illness or injury.
Information on Early Start Insurance for our students participating in our Summer Success Programs can be found here.
If I am invited to live on campus can I have guests visit during the program?
Guests visits are subject to campus COVID guidelines at the time of the program. For more information, visit the HDH summer success website.
If I am invited to live on campus can I bring my car during Summer Bridge?
Yes, you may bring a car. However, parking permits are a personal out-of-pocket expense and will not provided by Summer Bridge. UC San Diego offers students a variety of transportation programs and services. To learn more about transportation options at UC San Diego, check out the Transportation Guide for New Tritons.
If I am invited to live on campus what are the current living arrangements?
For more information, https://hdhhome.ucsd.edu/hdh-covid-19-faq.html
If I need accommodations, are they available during the program?
Office for Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability who needs accommodations (for mobility, learning, etc.) please contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) at 858.534.4382 as soon as possible (You need to get accommodations approved before classes start).
Additional information may be found at https://osd.ucsd.edu/.
Veteran/ CalVet Education Benefits
If you are a Military Affiliated student receiving Federal Veteran Affairs (VA) or Cal Vet assistance during the summer and would like to request more information, please contact the Student Veteran Benefits Coordinator, Lisa Linares at (858) 534-0477 or by emailing llinares@ucsd.edu.
For more information please visit: https://students.ucsd.edu/finances/financial-aid/types/veterans/federal-benefits.html
Course Selection
What courses are offered in Summer Bridge?
In 2024, the Summer Bridge program will give the option to take one or two courses depending on the student's choice. We understand that taking two courses over the 5-week program can add more stress, so we are allowing students to make that decision.
This summer we are offering AWP 10 or EDS 25, which are the required DEI course options. The second optional courses is currently MATH 2. However, course selection is subject to change. As stated before, Summer Bridge students have the option to take a math course based on placement and it is not required.
How is my enrollment in math courses determined?
Students may be eligible to enroll in math at UC San Diego by meeting one of the following accepted math prerequisites:
- AP Calculus AB or AB sub-score exam score of 2 or higher
- AP Calculus BC exam score of 3 or higher
- IB Mathematics Higher-Level Analyses & Approaches exam score 5 or higher
Transfer Equivalent Credit - UC San Diego awards transfer equivalent credit for approved calculus courses and statistics (not precalculus) taken at other colleges and universities.
All students who have not met a prerequisites listed above needs to take the Math Placement Exam (MPE) before they will be able to enroll in math without exception.
Please consult mathtesting.ucsd.edu for detailed information.
Does my Precalculus and/or Statistics course taken in high school or at another college meet a prerequisite to enroll in math at UC San Diego?
No, students with any of the following math experiences cannot use them for math placement at UC San Diego and will need to take the MPE:
- Precalculus taken in high school or at another college or university
- Statistics taken in high school at another college or university
- IB Higher-Level Math Applications and Interpretations and any IB Standard-Level Mathematics exams are not UC transferable; therefore, they cannot be used to meet the prerequisites to enroll in math at UC San Diego
- SAT or ACT math results (may be considered only after MPE has been taken)
Please consult mathtesting.ucsd.edu for detailed information.
Summer Bridge Program Requirements
Do my transcripts need to be submitted to UC San Diego Office of Admissions by July 1?
Yes, your transcripts need to be sent and validated with UC San Diego by July 1. You can attend the Summer Bridge Program only if your final transcripts have been validated by the UC San Diego Office of Admissions. The validation process confirms that all admissions provisions have been cleared.
Students with any transcripts from schools outside the United States must have all official transcripts sent before July 1.
You must submit official transcripts from all high schools and community colleges (courses taken from dual/concurrent enrollment) attended before the deadline of July 1. Begin requesting transcripts as soon as you've accepted your offer of admission to UC San Diego.
Refer to the UC San Diego Office of Admissions Webpage (HOW AND WHEN DO I SEND MY OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS?)
If you have questions please contact the Office of Admissions at please email ADMISSIONSREPLY@UCSD.EDU or register for VIRTUAL ADMISSIONS ADVISING.
Please DO NOT send transcripts to the Summer Programs office!
How do I know if my test scores have been received by UC San Diego's Office of Admissions?
Official Advanced Placement (AP/IB) scores will display on the Academic History section of MyTritonLink for students who have accepted the offer of admission when College Board sends AP scores to UC San Diego electronically. If your test scores are not showing by the time enrollment appointment times are published, please email us at receiptoftestscore@ad.ucsd.edu with the following information:
- date/s you requested your scores from College Board
- names used each time you took the exam (even if it only varies by the inclusion or exclusion of a middle initial)
- the year in which you took the exams
- the method of delivery you chose—one week or rush delivery
Do I need to complete the FAFSA to participate in Summer Bridge?
It is highly encouraged that students complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA application. For more information, please visit the UC San Diego Financial Aid website.
