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2025 PATHS Scholars Program Application

Application Process

The PATHS Scholars Program is open to all high school seniors admitted to UC San Diego who have an interest in advancing representation in STEM-related fields. Students must be admitted to UC San Diego in a STEM-related field as an incoming freshman. Students from underserved backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The first step is to complete and submit an application to UC San Diego. The application for the PATHS Scholars Program opens on March 17, 2025 and closes on April 14, 2025 at 11:59PM (PST). Please make a special note of the application requirements as well as the required digital copies of unofficial transcripts and other material. Your application will undergo a holistic review process.

Please note that in order to complete your application, you will also need to upload documents as well such as unofficial transcripts, admission letter from UCSD (if you received one already). For your reference, eligibility requirements have been listed below. If any issues or questions arise during the application process, please email us at paths@ucsd.edu.

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Application Requirements/Check List

  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. Provide Unofficial high school transcripts
  5. Provide responses to essay questions
  6. 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 

Eligibility Requirements

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

  • Demonstrate a commitment to advancing representation in the sciences and related fields

  • Intend to pursue a STEM Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and/or approved Masters programs

  • Demonstrate commitment to character, culture, and community

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

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


This program is open to all students who meet the eligibility criteria. Students from low economic status and first generation backgrounds are encouraged to apply.


PATHS does not consider race, color, national origin, or any other protected status as part of the application and selection processes.

Program Requirements

  • A​​ttend the UCSD PATHS Summer Boost 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

Application Timeline

  • March 17, 2025: Application available at paths.ucsd.edu
  • April 14, 2025: (11:59 pm PST): Application deadline
  • May 1, 2025: UC San Diego acceptance of admission deadline
  • May 2 and 3, 2025: Finalists are invited to final interview and selection day
  • May 17, 2025: Scholar Interview and Selection Day
  • May 20, 2025: Scholar selection finalized

Frequently Asked Questions

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 17th. 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 1 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.

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. 

 

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.

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!

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.