Kickstart Your UCI Journey: Exploring the Freshman Summer Success Program
The Freshman Summer Success Program (FSSP) is not just any summer program. It's a unique opportunity for upcoming freshman students of UCI to kickstart their academic journey. With 4 distinct pathways tailored to individual needs, FSSP allows students to earn UCI credits early, fast-track their degrees, and create meaningful connections with peers, staff, and faculty.
I’ve sat down with FSSP’s team member Brighitte Preciado to understand the different pathways and the program's offerings. So, let’s dive in!
What types of opportunities and programs are available? Are they for specific students, or can every freshman apply?
There are 4 Summer Pathways available, each created for different demographics. There’s the Summer Bridge Scholarship pathway for first-generation and low-income students, the Math in the Summer pathway, the International pathway for international students who are currently abroad, and the Explore pathway for incoming freshmen who are not first-generation or low-income.
Could you talk about the programs available for first-generation and low-income students?
So, the Summer Bridge Scholarship has eligibility criteria, including being a California resident, a first-generation college student, and low-income.
The Summer Bridge Scholarship Pathway is open to incoming freshmen from August 1st until September 12th. During those 6 weeks, you’re invited to live on campus while enrolling in 2 classes: Sociology 1 and University Studies 84, so 8 units in total. During those 6 weeks, the Summer Bridge Scholarship covers all course fees, room and board, and the cost of the cohort program that matches students to mentors and counselors to make sure these students have a smooth transition to university life. On top of all of that, Summer Bridge Scholarship recipients receive priority registration and continuous mentorship throughout their first year. As a reminder, the application deadline is June 2nd, so it’s coming soon so make sure to apply now!
How do students determine if they meet the income-based program eligibility criteria?
The student’s 2023-2024 FASFA or CA Dream Act Application determines their eligibility for the programs held for low-income students. If your applications have already been submitted, you don’t have to worry about submitting anything else.
What are the required classes, Sociology 1 and University Studies 84, about?
Sociology 1 is an introduction to sociology. In that course, you’ll explore major ideas, theories, and research in sociology, focusing on how people interact with each other, how society is divided into different groups, how people and groups fit together or clash, and how societies change over time.
University Studies 84 is a course created to help freshmen transition to UCI and promote a successful university experience. Students learn about the different resources and programs that support their transitions to the campus and enhance academic development through lectures, writing labs, and discussion groups.
What is the Math In the Summer Program about?
The Math in the Summer Program (MITS) is a hybrid pathway designed for incoming freshmen who want to jump-start their math requirements. It allows students to take their pre-calculus course (Math 1B) over the summer while also being able to participate in the campus immersion experience. The MITS Pathway starts from August 1st to September 12th, and the 6-week program is broken down into 2 parts. The first week (August 1st -10th), students get to live and study on campus; then, from August 11th through September 12th, students will go home and complete their classes remotely. During these 6 weeks, students enroll in Math 1B and University Studies 87, so 6 units in total. MITS offers a great opportunity for students to secure a spot in Math 1B because it’s usually really competitive, and you’ll be able to get a head start on your math classes with access to the math faculty and tutors for additional support. Students interested in MITS should have their 2023-2024 FASFA / CA Dream Act Application to determine their eligibility for additional financial aid. The application deadline for MITS is June 9th, so register now!
How about international students? Are there any opportunities for them to have a smooth transition to UCI?
Yes! We have the International pathway, a program for international students to get a headstart on their new life at UCI. It starts from August 1st til September 12th, and this 6-week residential program offers international students the opportunity to make friends and become familiar with their new home while they live and study on campus. Additionally, the program provides specialized support and access to resources to aid their transition. FSSP International participants will enroll in Political Science 21A and University Studies 84, so 8 units in total, to jumpstart their academic journey. The registration deadline is June 2nd, and students must submit their visa requirements by June 10th.
How does the program help with language barriers?
During the program, international students will be enrolled in University Studies 84, which is catered specifically to international students and includes a writing component. This component is meant to support students in preparing for college-level writing. We encourage participants to check out the International Center programs such as the English Conversation Program (ECP), providing international students the opportunity to practice and improve their conversational English with the help of English-speaking facilitators, or the International Coffee Hour, which is an opportunity for international and domestic students, international scholars, and staff to engage in conversations, create friendships, share their culture, and connect with the UCI community in a casual, comfortable environment.
Is there assistance with the visa application and any other immigration issues I might face during this transition?
Once students complete their registration and are enrolled in classes, they will receive an email from the International Center with the next steps for the Visa and Confidential Financial Statement requirements. The International Center will support students with the visa process. Students can also contact FSSP at fssp@uci.edu for extra guidance and assistance.
What class is Political Science 21A about?
Political Science 21A is an introduction to the American Government, so you’ll learn the basics of the American political processes and institutions. You’ll talk about the elections, political participation, different political groups, and the different branches of the American government.
What if I want to participate in a summer program, but the other pathways don’t apply or interest me? Is there a pathway for me?
Yes, there are! We have FSSP’s Explore pathway. The FSSP Explore invites incoming freshmen to live and attend classes on campus over the summer. It runs from August 1st to September 12th, allowing freshmen to acclimate to college life during those 6 weeks. Like the other programs, you’ll have access to staff to provide personalized support to ensure a smooth transition. FSSP Explore students must enroll in University Studies 83 and pick 1 elective course from a pre-approved list (FSSP Explore Approved Courses 2024), taking 6 units in total. Students interested should have their FASFA or CA Dream Act Application submitted to determine eligibility for additional financial aid. As always, if you register here.
If I’m interested in multiple programs offered, can I apply to them all?
Unfortunately, students may only participate in one pathway this summer. Students can only apply to one pathway at a time, but if you apply to Summer Bridge and do not receive a scholarship, you will be invited to register for FSSP Explore or MITS.
Speaking of applications, what is the application process like?
The only pathway with an application is the Summer Bridge Scholarship. The other pathways use a registration form that can be completed in a short amount of time. Students can apply directly on their application portal, and you’ll need to prepare a 150-200-word response to their chosen question.
For the other programs, click here for the registration information. Registration deadline is June 9th, and students secure their spots on a rolling basis, so if you’re interested, make sure to register ASAP!
I know money is a huge determinant of whether students can participate, so how much does the program really cost? Are there additional financial aid available?
Click here for a breakdown of the costs for all the different programs. Remember, these numbers do not include extra financial aid that students might receive.
As for additional financial aid, it’s available to students who completed the 2023-2024 FASFA or Dream Act Application. Students who register for FSSP Explore, MITS, or FSSP International will automatically receive a $1,200 priority scholarship towards the program's cost. Students who wish to receive additional aid must complete the 2023-2024 FASFA/Dream Act Application. All Summer Bridge Scholarship applicants must submit their 2023-2024 FASFA/Dream Act Application to be considered for a full or partial scholarship.
Since living on campus is required for these programs, are living expenses included in the overall fee, and is food also covered and included in the fee?
The cost of the program includes room and board. Participants will reside in Middle Earth Towers or CLassics and have a meal plan for Brandywine.
Lastly, do the students living on campus get assigned roommates? If so, are they allowed to pick who they want, or are they randomly assigned?
The rooming assignments are made by the program. However, students will submit their rooming preferences and can request a preferred roommate.
So there you have it, a breakdown of all the pathways available during the summer for incoming UCI freshman students. I know a lot of information was shared today, so I’ll leave the links and information to the most important information.
I hope y’all are excited about jumpstarting your new life at UCI! Welcome and zot zot!
Links & Info:
FSSP Homepage, which includes all information about the different programs, applications & registrations, and breakdown of costs.
The International Center has links on its website for extra support programs for a smooth transition.
The Freshman Summer Success Program email: fssp@uci.edu
