Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ's below refer to the 3-week summer commuter program.

FAQs for Commuter Program

How do I request a transcript?
For instructions on how to order a transcript, please click here. If you’ve never ordered transcripts through Parchment before, you will need to register for a Parchment account. Details can be found from the link above. All transcripts will be printed and delivered by one of the methods listed here. Transcript requests are processed by Student Services. Should you have any questions, please contact them at unex-reg@ucsd.edu.

You can also view/download your grade report by logging in your MyExtension here.

What is Academic Connections?
Academic Connections at the University of California, San Diego is a pre-college summer academic and residential experience targeted to highly motivated, high achieving, college bound high school students, grades 9 - 12. The program invites students to explore the best UC San Diego has to offer.

What are the program goals?
The goal of the Academic Connections program is to connect select high school students with UC San Diego, by providing hands-on college subject matter courses, which provides students with the opportunity to experience life and learning at this top-ranked research university located in the beautiful San Diego area.

Who may attend Academic Connections?
Students who are entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade by July 1st are eligible to apply and must be at least 14 years old before the program starts. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and provide a recommendation from a teacher or counselor.

What does tuition cover?
Tuition covers course instruction, field trips, and any daily activities outside of class. SAT prep is not included and optional. Students will be able to request SAT prep in their application and will pay an additional $200 fee.

Is financial aid available?
UC San Diego Academic Connections is a self-supported program that does not receive any State or Federal funding. As a result, we are unable to offer financial aid or grants to our program participants. Students are encouraged to reach out to their school counselors and community for scholarship opportunities. Please also see the "Scholarship" tab for possible funding opportunities through our partners.

How do I apply to Academic Connections and register?
You can visit the Apply Now tab on the website to learn more or follow the link here: Apply Now. Please note there is a $100 non-refundable application fee when applying to Academic Connections.

Once you have submitted an application you will receive a decision for regristration within 5-7 business days with detailed instructions to follow in order to finalize registering for the program and course.

Can non-California residents apply?
Yes, non-California residents and international students are welcome to apply to Academic Connections for Summer 2025.

Please note however, that there Academic Connections cannot offer any housing, transportation, or meal accomodations as Summer 2025 is running as a commuter program. If you and your family can make this work as a non-California resident or International student then you are welcome to apply.

Are there international student requirements? (Visa information)
International students are allowed to apply to our Academic Connections commuter program; however, all students will be responsible for their room & board, along with transportation to the program. The Academic Connections Commuter Program does not qualify for an F-1 student visa. Most international students who participate in the commuter program enter the country with a tourist visa

When is the Academic Connections application deadline?
The application deadline for Summer 2025 will be Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST.

Is Academic Connections a first-come, first-serve process?
Yes. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

When will I be notified about whether or not I have been accepted into the program?
Once fees have been paid, please allow 5 to 7 business days for the enrollment to go through. Enrollment verifications can be viewed by logging into your MyExtension account. Enrollment confirmations are not emailed. Students must log into their account to check their registration. Students will have access to their course materials on the course start date.

Do I need to have my teachers or guidance counselor mail the recommendations directly to Academic Connections?
You will need to attach the recommendation to your application file. Teachers and counselors can send them directly to academicconnections@ucsd.edu or they can give them to the student to upload to their application. The application is incomplete without all of the required materials.

Is there a minimum GPA that I need to be accepted into Academic Connections?
To be considered for admission to Academic Connections, students must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better. While grades are one of the elements reviewed, students with a lower GPA will be considered based on their Teacher/Counselor Recommendation and/or extenuating circumstances.

What is the curriculum like at Academic Connections?
Academic Connections offers classes that span many disciplines. Whether students are interested in Marine Biology, Journalism, Political Science, Engineering, Creative Writing, or Economics, to name just a few, there are classes offered that will match many interests.

What is a typical day at Academic Connections like?
Academic Connections strives to balance a demanding academic schedule with engaging materials that go beyong just lectures. Classes are held 5 hours per day, Monday – Friday. On a typical day, Academic Connections students attend course lectures in the morning 9-11:30 AM, break for lunch, and participate in laboratories and study sessions in the afternoon 1:30-4:00 PM. Special activities include, but are not limited to: supervised field trips, SAT training (for an additional fee), and social events planned during the lunch breaks throuhgout the 3-week period.

Are students permitted to be temporarily checked out of the program?

The Academic Connections program is intense and offers a taste of the college experience. Not only will students be participating in classes and labs, but will also enjoy opportunities to participate in evening and weekend recreational activities. We expect interaction with other stu dents, Academic Connections instructors, RAs, and staff will prove to be rewarding both academically and socially. To help students fully enjoy all the educational and interpersonal opportunities at Academic Connections visitation and checking students out will NOT be allowed. We understand that students may have other academic, recreational, and religious commitments outside of Academic Connections, however students will only benefit by participating in the program in its entirety. No exceptions to this policy will be made.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) who need to check-out their students for an emergency (e.g. death in family) need to email academicconecctions@ucsd.edu in advance and only those listed on authorization forms may check-out and check in students. All guests will need to show valid Government Issue ID.

Who are the Academic Connections faculty and staff?
Academic Connections Research Studies faculty members are typically UC San Diego doctoral students who design and instruct their own courses. Class enrollment is limited to 25 and all classes with an enrollment of 12 or greater have the option of hiring a teaching assistant. The Academic Connections staff includes a Program Director, 2 Program Managers, and Program Assistant.

Can I get high school or college credit for Academic Connections attendance?
Each student who completes the program will earn six units of UC San Diego Extended Studies Pre-College credit. A transcript will be available on-line once the course is completed and grades received. An 'official' transcript to send for college applications can be ordered for an additional fee. Although most colleges will accept appropriate UC San Diego Extended Studies credits, the decision to accept the transfer of credits rests solely with the college you attend. Similarly, the decision to accept the units as part of a high school curriculum depends on each individual high school.

What grading option should I select?
At UC San Diego Extended Studies, you have the option to choose how you want your course(s) graded. Please note that Academic Connection courses are not part of a certificate program but the description for each still follows.

Letter Grade: A grade between A+ and F reflects your performance in the course and is included in your grade point average (GPA) calculation. A passing grade counts toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.

Pass/No Pass: A grade of P or NP reflects whether you have passed the course, but does not otherwise indicate your performance. These grades are not included in your GPA calculation; however a P (passing) grade counts toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.
Not for Credit: A grade of “NFC” reflects that you were enrolled in the course but does not indicate your performance. This grade appears on your transcript, but is not included in your GPA calculation and is not counted toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.

You will have the opportunity to select your grading option when you enroll in your course

Can I change my grading option
You may change your grading option at any time before the final class meeting (by 11:59 p.m. on the day before the published end date for online courses) or before final grades are posted, whichever comes first.

Log in to My Extension.
Navigate to "My Courses" and select the course you would like to change.
On the right side under "Tools," select "Change Grading Option."
In the pop-up window that appears, click "Submit."

Or submit a written request via email to unex-reg@ucsd.edu or precollege@ucsd.edu. You will receive an email confirmation within 1 to 2 business days after your drop request is processed. Details on how to change grading options can be found here.

How do I sign up for the SAT test prep course?
Details on how to register for the Online SAT test prep section will be provided in April or May for those who originally expressed interest on the application. This will be available for an additional $200. This discounted price is only available for students registered in the AC online courses. For more information on the course details and how to register, please click here.

May I attend Academic Connections more than once?
Yes. Students are welcome to attend Academic Connections as many times as they would like. We have many students who attend all four of their high school years.

What do I do if I have more questions?
All staff are working remotely and are unable to make and/or take calls. Please contact Academic Connections via email at academicconnections@ucsd.edu.

We expect the highest standards of behavior from our students both in personal conduct and in commitment to academic pursuits. Students and parents are required to adhere to the Academic Connections rules of conduct guidelines, which you will receive in your Course Assignment Packet.

We expect students to:

strive to do their best work possible in their courses
tolerate and respect individuals of different races, cultures, religions, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, and national origins
behave in a friendly, cooperative, and responsible manner
attend all classes, activities, and meetings
observe all rules for student conduct

Students who are unable to live up to these expectations will not be accommodated.

Students may be dismissed from the programs for any of the following reasons:

not attending to their academic work in a satisfactory manner
cheating, plagiarizing, or committing other acts of academic dishonesty
being in restricted areas of campus, or leaving campus, unaccompanied by a staff member
being in an opposite-sex building or suite
leaving their suite after lights-out
having guests over in their dorms or being caught with guests on campus
stealing or vandalizing property
possessing or using tobacco, alcohol, or any drug
hazing
undermining the safety or well-being of self or others

No tuition refunds will be made to students dismissed from the program. If a student damages property, the cost of repair or replacement is added to the student account balance and is the responsibility of the parent(s).

Prohibited Items

We reserve the right to seize for the length of the program any items that, in our judgment, demonstrate the potential for distracting students from the goals of the program, pose undue risk to the safety and well-being of people, or pose undue risk to property.

The following items should not be brought to the program:

weapons of any kind (including pocket knives and martial arts devices)
any flame-producing device (including matches, lighters, and firecrackers)
trading cards, including Magic®
pets of any kind
products that damage surface finishes (brand names Slime®, Gak®, etc.)
televisions, or computer games or video games
bicycles, skateboards, surf boards, roller blades, scooters, or skates
water guns
halogen lamps, refrigerators, or hot pots
laser pointers

All residential assistants are first aid and CPR certified, so they are able to screen student medical complaints and provide first aid. In general, students who become ill or injured during the program are referred to UC San Diego Student Health or local emergency rooms for treatment. A program staff member accompanies the student on any such trips, and parents are informed as soon as possible. The costs associated with these referrals are the responsibility of the student's family.

UC San Diego Extended Studies reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses, or to change instructors. Because Extended Studies receives no state revenue support, classes may be canceled at or prior to the first scheduled meeting if fewer than the required minimum number of students enroll. Refer to complete details in this catalog regarding refunds of fees. The State of California Information Practices Act of 1977 (effective July 1, 1978) requires that the university provide the following information to individuals who are asked to supply information about themselves. The principal purpose for requesting information on the enrollment form is for processing your enrollment in UC San Diego Extended Studies courses. University policy authorizes maintenance of this information. Furnishing all of the information requested on this form is mandatory if you are enrolling for credit or contact hours. Failure to provide this information will delay or may even prevent completion of the action for which the form is being filled out. Furnishing the information requested on this form is voluntary if you are enrolling for non-credit.

The information furnished may be used by various university departments for verifying enrollment status and will be transmitted to the state and federal governments if required by law. Individuals have the right of access to this record as it pertains to themselves. Maintenance of the records mentioned above is the responsibility of the chief operating officer, UC San Diego Extended Studies and Public Programs, University of California, San Diego. Federal Privacy Act of 1974.

Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory, as it is used to verify your identity on transcripts and other records. This recordkeeping system was established prior to January 1, 1975, by authority of the Regents of the University of California under Article IX, Section 9, of the California Constitution, and complies with the provisions of the Federal Privacy Act of 1974.

Nondiscrimination

The University of California, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age in any of its policies, procedures, or practices; nor does the university discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, university programs and activities, including but not limited to, academic admission, financial aid, educational services, and student employment. Inquiries regarding the university's equal opportunity policies may be directed to office of the dean, UC San Diego Extended Studies and Public Programs, (858) 534-3412.

University of California: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy Regarding Academic and Staff Employment

It is the policy of the University not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with the University of California on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, Vietnam era veteran, or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized). This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, merit increase, salary, training and development, demotion, and separation. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws and University policies.

In addition, it is the policy of the University to undertake affirmative action, consistent with its obligations as a Federal contractor, for minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for special disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, and any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. The University commits itself to apply every good faith effort to achieve prompt and full utilization of minorities and women in all segments of its workforce where deficiencies exist. These efforts conform to all current legal and regulatory requirements, and are consistent with University standards of quality and excellence.

In conformance with Federal regulations, written affirmative action plans shall be prepared and maintained by each campus of the University, by each Department of Energy Laboratory, by the Office of the President, and by the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Such plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Office of the President and the Office of the General Counsel before they are officially promulgated.