California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced
COSMOS at UC Merced is a four-week residential program for talented high school students interested in STEM, offering hands-on research and academic enrichment.
▌ Editor's read COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) at UC Merced is a four-week residential program designed for high school students with an aptitude for STEM. The program emphasizes hands-on research and academic enrichment, allowing students to explore advanced topics not typically covered in high school curricula. As a program hosted by a University of California campus, it benefits from university resources and faculty expertise. The website clearly outlines the program's academic rigor and the immersive residential experience. While the site details academic aspects, information regarding staff-to-student ratios or background check policies for staff is not readily available.
Who thrives here Ages 13–18
California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in stem, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- Not listed
- Operator
- University program
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: STEM
- Ages: 13–18
- Address: 5200 North Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95343
- Cost notes: USD
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced
- What ages does California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced accept?
- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced is open to children ages 13–18. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced cost?
- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced publishes $1,380/week for the standard session. USD Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- Who runs California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced?
- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced is operated by a university program. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced provide lunch?
- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - UC Merced with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- STEM summer camps guide · Compare projects, staff fit, and age-readiness signals.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.