Summer Edge
Once you have been accepted to UC Santa Cruz, you don’t have to wait until the fall to begin your journey. Instead, you can get an edge on your education by taking classes before the fall.
When you register for Summer Edge you get set up early to enroll in Summer Session courses for your major, General Education requirements or something you’re passionate about. Most classes are accelerated five-week courses, and you’ll get full academic credit. You can also experience on-campus living with dedicated Peer Mentor support and exciting social and academic programs.
What is Summer Edge?
An opportunity to get started at UCSC before the rush of fall. As a new Slug, you’ll:
- Take a required 2-credit course designed for new admits transitioning into University life and academics.
- Take a 5-credit course (or more!) of your choice during the summer.
- Have designated staff and Peer Mentor support all summer.
- Get 25% off of your summer tuition!
International students whose first language is not English also have the opportunity to take advanced academic writing in preparation for the expectations and workload of writing and research at UCSC.
What are my options?
All Edge students are unique. That’s why we offer flexible options for how you want to complete your program. Most of our summer classes are taught at an accelerated five-week pace during Session 1 or Session 2.
|
Edge Program Options |
Residential 5-week (recommended) |
Residential + |
100% online |
|
Session(s) |
Session 2 |
Take at least one class in Session 2 + add one or more classes in any session |
Any session |
|
Required 2-credit class |
In person or online in Session 2 |
Online in Session 1 OR In person or online in Session 2 |
Online in Session 1 or Session 2 |
|
5-credit class* |
In person or online in Session 2 |
In person or online in any session |
Online in any session(s) |
|
Credit Minimum** |
7 credits in Session 2 |
7 + credits |
7 + credits online |
|
Summer Housing |
Summer Edge-designated housing offered in Session 2. Live in residential housing with a cohort of incoming students and Edge Peer Mentors |
Summer Edge-designated housing offered in Session 2. Live in residential housing with a cohort of incoming students and Edge Peer Mentors |
N/A |
|
Summer to Fall Housing |
Optional: Transitional housing between the end of your program and the start of fall (must have a housing assignment in Session 2 and fall) |
Optional: Transitional housing between the end of your program and the start of fall (must have a housing assignment in Session 2 and fall) |
N/A |
*Individual classes may be offered in-person or online in a synchronous or asynchronous format, so make sure to check out the instruction mode of the class you are considering.
Registration to join us this summer opens March 2023.
“Summer Edge is one of the best decisions I’ve made. I felt unprepared diving into courses at UCSC and just generally starting school. Summer Edge was an amazing way for me to find my footing and get a head start on school. Because of Summer Edge, I am able to declare a double major in time and am prepared and excited to start the year at UCSC!” - Sydrah Al-saegh (2021)
Ready to take the Next Step?
- Explore Costs and Financial Aid
- Choosing Classes
Questions? You can email summeredge@ucsc.edu.
