SUMMER BRIDGE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who Can Apply?
Any incoming undergraduate UC San Diego freshman can apply.

How Many Students will be selected to participate?
We expect to select up to 120-140 students to participate in Summer Bridge 2012.

Is Summer Bridge Free?
Yes, it’s free! There is no monetary cost to you for your fees, housing, books, or meals. This is a value of over $3,000 per student. In return, we do expect your full participation in all aspects of the Summer Bridge and Academic Transition Programs.

Can I bring my car? Is parking available during Summer Bridge?
Yes. You can bring your car and park it for free in the designated parking areas with your issued parking permit displayed properly. Summer Bridge does not assume responsibility or payment for parking violations. Visitors will need to pay for their parking Mondays-Fridays and follow parking rules each day.

Do I need my own health insurance?
Yes. It is highly recommended that you have some type of health insurance during Summer Bridge. You will be living with us for a month, and although the chances are high that you will be in good health the entire time, the possibility exists that you may become sick or injured during that time. Summer Bridge cannot assume financial responsibility incurred by a major sickness or injury. Minor medical services are covered by the Student Health Center, and only during normal business hours. Therefore it is highly recommended that you acquire health insurance before Summer Bridge begins.

Do I need to have all my Immunization requirements met?
Yes. You will not be able to register for classes until you take care of these requirements.

Do I have to stay on campus every night?
Yes. Summer Bridge is designed as a full participation academic and residential program which will only benefit you if you spend a majority of your time with us. The only exceptions made will be for family emergencies or health reasons. If you have any questions about this policy, apply to the program first, and if accepted then contact the Summer Bridge office at otp@ucsd.edu with your inquiry.

Do my transcripts need to be submitted to the UC San Diego Office of Admissions & Relations With Schools by July 15?
Yes. The Summer Bridge Program can only be attended by those students whose final transcript have been validated by the UC San Diego Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools. The validation process confirms that all freshman admissions provisions have been cleared. If you have received a grade lower than a "C", in any A-G coursework during grade 12, or your weighted GPA for A-G coursework in grade 12 is below a 3.0, you must provide a written explanation as soon as possible to the Office of Admissions and Relations With Schools. Please make sure to submit transcripts for any (community) college work you have completed as well!

PLEASE DO NOT SEND TRANSCRIPTS TO THE SUMMER BRIDGE OFFICE!

How do I get accepted into Summer Bridge?
Our first priority is to work with students who come from quintile 4-5 (bottom two-fifths) of high schools in California. These are students that attended high schools that produce the least amount of UC eligible students. Students will be selected based on the information they provide in the application as well as the essay responses given. Other factors such as GPA, first-generation college status, low income, and Entry Level Writing Requirement test results will be considered.

Why should I consider participating in Summer Bridge?
Here are a few good reasons why you should consider attending our program:
• It’s free! There is no monetary cost to you for your fees, housing, books, or meals. This is a value of over $3,000 per student. In return, we do expect your full participation in all aspects of the Summer Bridge and Academic Transition Programs.
• You’ll make life long relationships with other college students before the academic year starts.
• You’ll establish a network of faculty, staff, and peers in a supportive environment.
• You'll become familiar with and gain greater exposure to various campus offices and departments such as:
     • Residential Life, Student Affairs, Academic advising at all six colleges
     • Financial Aid
     • Campus Housing
     • Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention Resource Center
     • Cross Cultural Center
     • Women's Center
     • LGBT Resource Center
     • Student Health Services
     • Counseling and Psychological Services
     • Student Legal Services
     • A variety of student clubs and organizations
• You’ll have a chance to sharpen your skills in university level writing, math, science, and study skills.
• During the program, you will enjoy a BBQ at the beach, a dance, a talent show, sports events, cultural programs, and many other opportunities for recreation. In addition you will have time to just relax and enjoy the campus with your friends.
• It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

Will I receive college credit for Summer Bridge courses?
Yes. You will receive 8 units of academic credit for Summer Bridge, all of which will go towards elective units you need to graduate.

Can I work or have other outside commitments during Summer Bridge?
No. If you decide to participate in Summer Bridge, you must commit your time to the program. The Summer Bridge schedule is very full, and will not allow you enough time to work or have large outside commitments. Although we cannot offer you any monetary compensation, we do not charge for fees, housing, books, or meals.

Can I leave Summer Bridge from time-to-time?
Yes. There will be non-scheduled times when you will be able to leave Summer Bridge. Upon entering the program, you will receive a calendar of events which will outline non-scheduled times. All students are required to spend every night of the program at Summer Bridge. Attendance for all academic courses and scheduled activities is mandatory. Exceptions will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Can I have visitors during the program?
Yes. Visitors are welcomed, but only during non-scheduled activity times. Upon entering the program, you will receive a calendar of events which will outline non-scheduled times. Visitors are responsible for paying for their parking (Mondays through Fridays) and making sure they are parking in the correct parking space. Summer Bridge does not assume responsibility or payment for parking violations.

Can visitors spend the night?
No. Visitors may not spend the night.

Where will Summer Bridge be held?
Summer Bridge will be held at one of the on-campus residence halls at Revelle College. This is only temporary housing for Summer Bridge, therefore students must take all of their belongings with them at the end of the program.

If I participate in Summer Bridge does that mean I automatically become an Academic Transition Program student during the academic year?
Yes. Summer Bridge is a four-week, residential program in August. All Summer Bridge Students continue to receive priority services from OASIS through the Academic Transition Program during the academic year (Sept. – June of the following year).