Summer Edge

What is Summer Edge?

Summer Edge is UCSC’s early start program for newly admitted students who want to take classes the summer before their first fall. 

Eligibility 

First Year and Transfer students who are admitted for fall 2025 and have completed their Statement of Intent to Register(SIR) through their MyUCSC Student Portal can register for free starting April 1.

Classes 

You’ll take a minimum of 7 credits in addition to your 1-credit Slug Orientation Course. Most summer classes are taught at an accelerated 5-week pace so, you can decide if you want to take classes the first 5 weeks or the last 5 weeks of the summer quarter (Session 1 or Session 2) or take a class in each session to spread out your workload over the full 10 weeks. You can:

• Take classes to fulfill prerequisite, major, or General Education (GE) requirements.
• Complete an entire course series over summer (ex: Math 19A and Math 19B).
• Take a class to explore a major or passion while still earning credits that count toward your degree.

What motivated me to join Summer Edge was the opportunity to get a head start in school. I genuinely feared for my academic performance and for a long time doubted myself. Summer Edge showed me that I could succeed academically and truly enjoy college. I am super grateful for my experience at Merrill too and all the amazing friends I’ll have now forever. Being able to wander and explore the campus environment was really helpful because I felt like a pro-navigator when fall started. 

– Maya Nelson

The Edge Residential Experience in Session 2

Live on campus alongside dedicated Peer Mentors by enrolling in at least one Session 2 class. You’ll explore your new home, take advantage of beneficial academic workshops, and start making friends while engaging in social events on campus and in the surrounding Santa Cruz area.

Additional benefits

• Financial Aid is available to eligible students.
• Get early access to student accounts and campus resources.
• Build relationships with instructors before the rush of fall.

Registration

Summer Edge registration is open April 1 – June 15. Only registered newly admitted students may enroll into summer classes (registering does not obligate you to enroll if your plans change).

Note: As an incoming student, you are responsible for ensuring that your conditions of admission to UC Santa Cruz have been met. Read the Conditions of Admission page in your online offer of admission to fully understand your obligations. If you anticipate any problem that could hinder you from meeting your conditions, please contact the Office of Admissions through their Contacts and Directory Tool or (831) 459-4008 as soon as possible.