2Excel is a retention and support program serving second-year students. The program is a year-long commitment starting fall through spring quarter.
2Excel provides holistic support through personal, academic, and professional development.
How to participate:
- You must be a second-year student who entered UC San Diego as a freshman to apply to the program (no transfer students)
- Program capacity is limited to 205 students
- 2024-2025 Application is now closed. 2025- 2026 application will open Winter Quarter, 2025.
Your commitment:
- Year-long participation from fall quarter to spring quarter
- Required attendance of (1) 2nd Year Experience (2YE) workshop/presentation AND listen to one (1) Podcast/YouTube video or instagram livestream
- Meet with your Academic Advising, if advised by professional staff
- Mandatory meetings with your peer mentor 3 times per quarter
- Attend Quarterly Group Meetings with your mentor
- Enrollment in EDS 23 (a 2-unit seminar offered winter quarter)
- Completion of a program assessment exercise at the end of the academic year
2Excel program benefits include:
Enrichment Opportunities
Receive priority consideration for a variety of job opportunities. Jump start your career now!
2EXCEL Application Currently Closed
The 2024-2025 application is currently closed. 2025- 2026 application will open Winter Quarter, 2025.
PRESENTATIONS
Attend targeted workshops and presentations covering psycho-social issues; you'll also learn about campus resources such as studying abroad, undergraduate research, career development, and more.
PODCASTS
Second-year program participants will have access to regular podcasts exploring second-year issues, topics, and challenges. For access to podcast content, please follow the button.
NEWSLETTERS
We use newsletters to inform folks about scholarships, presentations, internships, and job opportunities. Click the button to learn more!
Presentations
Attend targeted workshops and presentations covering psycho-social issues; you'll also learn about campus resources such as studying abroad, undergraduate research, career development, and more.
2Excel students must attend a minimum of 2 presentations per quarter.
Find the Presentation Reflection form here!
Program participants will also be individually referred to various campus resources as appropriate.
Peer Mentorship / Regular Sessions
You'll be matched with an upper classmate who is in a similar major or field of interest. You must meet 3 times per quarter with your assigned mentor for the entire academic year.
Professional Staff Support and Advising
After being accepted into the program, you must complete an initial meeting with 2Excel program coordinator.
Priority Enrollment in Tutorial Workshops
You'll receive priority enrollment in Math and Science Tutorial Program (MSTP) and Language Arts Tutorial Services Program (LATS) workshops, as well as other applicable tutorial services based on your enrolled courses.
EDS 23 (Winter Quarter Seminar)
EDS 23 is a 2-unit, pass/no-pass course that focuses on college students' second year of higher education, the challenges that you confront during this period, and alternative solutions to those challenges.
OASIS Alumni Mentorship
You're encouraged to participate in the OASIS Alumni Mentorship program where you can be matched to an alumni in a similar major and/or career field.
A Supportive Process to Review and (Re)establish Goals
You are directed to explore goals setting — academic, personal and social goals — as part of the seminar process and during the length of your participation in the program.
CONTACT US!
2ND YEAR EXPERIENCE
