Both programs are residential, last for 6 weeks, and fall under the umbrella of the Summer Start Programs. The curriculum for each program is designed to help new SSS students make the best possible academic and social transition to UCI. Students earn UCI credit and get a head start working towards their degree while meeting other new students, staff and faculty.
Who is eligible to attend Summer Bridge?
SSS Summer Bridge Programs are open to qualified first-generation, low-income/Pell eligible and disabled students. If you think you may be eligible,
please contact us at osss@uci.edu for more information.
What classes will I take in Summer Bridge?
All Freshman Bridge students will take University Studies 84, Bridges to University Success, and Logic and Philosophy of Science 60, The Making of Modern Sciences. Transfer Bridge students will enroll in University Studies 108, Introduction to Research and a 4-unit elective of their choice.
Can you tell me more about each of the classes I'll be taking?
Bridges to University Success is a 4-unit class taught by a faculty member, a team of peer discussion leaders and graduate student teaching assistants (TA). The faculty member will address a wide range of topics that are important to your success at UCI, sharing with you approaches, opportunities and resources. Following the lecture, your discussion section will meet to discuss course topics and participate in an activity related to the course topic . You will also meet regularly with your TA where you will receive writing instruction and assistance. You will also participate in academic, study skills and lifestyle activities with fellow students outside of regular class meetings. Bridges to University Success will help prepare you to get the most out of your UC Irvine experience and give you a head start and pointers on expectations for University writing. You will also get to know incoming students and current successful UCI students.
The Making of Modern Sciences is a 4-unit course that looks at science from the perspective of both history and philosophy. It is similar to, but smaller than, many of the classes you'll be taking during your first two years at UCI while you fulfill your General Education requirements (it fills one of them) and explore areas of interest that may fall outside your major or lead to a new major or minor.
Introduction to Research is a 4-unit course that introduces students to the character, opportunities and expectations of a major research university. What is research? Who does it? How do students become involved? Students will learn basics of how to design, conduct and report on a research project. Student who elect to participate in research with faculty and graduate researchers often say it is the highlight of their UCI experience. Getting an early introduction to research is a great advantage for transfer students.
I hear that classes are large at UCI, how big will my Bridge classes be?
Bridges to University Success is a large lecture class (200+ students) with small discussion and writing sections (20-25 students). The other required Bridge classes (The Making of Modern Science and Introduction to Research) are limited to Bridge participants and, as a result, are much smaller. Transfer Bridge elective courses vary in size by topic, but are generally smaller in summer than they would be during the Fall, Winter, or Spring Quarters.
How many students will be admitted to Bridge?
Freshman Bridge will be limited to 64 students and Transfer Bridge to 24. Space is limited and eligible applicants will be admitted first-come, first-served, so apply early!
Where will I live during Summer Bridge?
All Summer Bridge students will live on Campus in the Arroyo Vista group housing area. Most houses will have between 24-32 students living in shared double rooms with one Resident Advisor per house. Freshmen and Transfers will live in separate houses and have activities in the residential area programmed by the Summer Start program and their Resident Advisors.
How much will it cost for me to attend Summer Bridge?
Most students eligible for Summer Bridge will have all of their expenses covered by the Summer Bridge Scholarship. Some students who do not meet Financial Aid requirements for full aid may be offered partial scholarships. To determine financial eligibility, a 2011-12 FAFSA must be received by the appropriate Bridge deadline (June 1 for freshmen and June 15 for transfers). Note: this is last year's FAFSA and is NOT the one you need for Fall 2012 Financial Aid. If you already have already filed a 2011-12 FAFSA, please be sure that UCI is authorized to view it by adding the school code=001314.
What if I'm not accepted into Bridge or want a more flexible Early Start experience?
The Summer Start websites discuss a program open to all students (Early Start) that does not require living on campus and has more course flexibility for freshmen applicants. Students eligible for financial aid can also get financial assistance for Early Start.
Why should I attend Bridge instead of Early Start?
While not for everyone, the small cohort experience you get with Bridge can be particularly helpful for some students.
You will be living and learning with a small group of students from similar backgrounds to your own and have student mentors who will work with you to make the most of your experience. Students who have participated in past Bridge programs formed friendships and support systems that lasted throughout their time at UCI and beyond. It is also the gateway to continuing services through UCI's Student Support Services (SSS) with year-round advising, mentoring, tutoring, workshops, study space, and more. Browse this site to learn more about SSS.
Want to learn more and/or apply now?
Visit the Summer Session website and click on the Tranfer Students or Freshmen tab at the top of the page.
How do I apply for Summer Bridge?
Be sure to apply by the deadline (June 1 for freshmen and June 15 for transfers.) You must also submit a 2011-12 FAFSA by the financial aid deadlines indicated above and on the Summer Start websites.
