Hi, I’m looking to do COSMOS in 2018, application opens on 1/4/18. I’ve never done this sort of application, so should I gather my rec letter and transcript before school ends this Friday, or wait until after break? I heard somewhere that the earlier you apply, the better chances you have… Also, what are my chances of getting in with 3.8 GPA weighted?
3.8 unweighted is the average gpa
Hi, does anyone who attended COSMOS in the previous years know what kind of essay questions they ask for UCI? Also, which clusters are the hardest/most competitive to get into? Thanks!!:]
1 Like
@theangrybuddha i attended cosmos last year and i don’t think applying earlier will increase your chances of getting in. and yes, you can totally get in with a 3.8 gpa! the essays are mainly what determine acceptance as far as i know.
@percussionist88 usually, the medical clusters are the most competitive to get into.
@bubbles6 have you gone in the past? I’m applying this year and I want to do the genes and biocontrol cluster at UCI. Any idea of what they’re looking for in the essays? I’m concerned because even though I’m really passionate about biology I haven’t had many opportunities to show that in my extracurriculars besides tutoring.
Oh okay thanks @bubbles6! I’m thinking of doing the chemistry one with the antibiotics at UCI.
1 Like
Does anyone know if you should add points to your GPA for an honors course even if your school does not give extra points toward your GPA for honors classes?
@itwixster yes, i was a part of cluster 4 (chemical biology) at UCI last year. that’s fine, you don’t need to have many ecs related to biology in order to get in - just write about your passion for it in your essay, what you want to learn, and why you love the subject. try to be original and make sure to write from the heart. i think what they are really looking for is proof that you are truly interested in the subject. i don’t think i had any ecs related to chemistry or biology, but i was still able to get in.
Hi! I’m applying to the Biomedical and Chemistry of Life Clusters at UCD. I was wondering what my chances are of getting in:
Current 9th grader at extremely competitive Bay Area school
Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Classes: 2 Honors classes, double accelerated math
EC: Science Olympiad for 4 years (numerous awards), Science Bowl for 2 years, HOSA-JUMP 4th place, National History Bowl 3rd place, Quiz Bowl for 1 year
Rec Letters: My teachers like me.
@lihj4598tvcie
If I recall, the vast majority of students at COSMOS last summer were either rising junior or seniors. As such, I’d say your chances are very slim regardless of your stats.
@vhsdad do you think I can do anything else to enhance my app? I know I’m a freshman, but would writing about more clubs I’m in, debate awards, or anything help? I also have experience in epidemiology from science olympiad, what cluster 7 is about.
@lihj4598tvcie I just looked up some stats, and in 2015, 10 percent or so of the kids were rising sophomores. To be honest, I’m not sure what they’re looking for beyond what they state on the COSMOS site.
Hey guys, I’m a freshman wanting to apply for COSMOS. My GPA is 4.0 UW, previously I participated in a science competition twice. Does anyone have some advice for writing my personal statements? I have some ideas in mind but just have no idea how to start it. How did you guys write yours? Thanks!
@aim9823 I attended COSMOS at UCSD this past summer and my biggest piece of advice would be to show what makes you different from other applicants and why the things you do are important. Also, don’t be discouraged by your grade level because last summer, we had tons of underclassmen and even a few incoming freshmen! Wishing you all luck!
Hi everyone! I went to COSMOS at UC Davis as a freshman (if you couldn’t tell from my username). I’d be happy to answer questions that come my way.
@aim9823 First of all, the personal statement has to be unique. To be completely honest, most of the people applying to COSMOS already have a strong academic background, so the essays are really what set you apart from other applicants. They’re the only part of the application where you can express your beliefs, worldview, and personality, so put a lot of work into them and have multiple rounds of revision. For me, I always tried to make a connection back to the world or my community. Yes, demonstrating an active interest in STEM is amazing and congrats you’re applying to the right program, but that’s true for 99.999% of all the other applicants. You have to make connections beyond just your personal aptitude/investment in science.
Hope this helps.
@tothecosmos Thank you for replying! One question - do you think including a personal story to build upon my interest in the subject is a good idea for the personal statement?
@aim9823 No problem. Yes, I think a personal story is a great way to make you more unique
Do you have to have many STEM related activities to be considered a legit candidate at COSMOS?
@cy2019 STEM-related activities will certainly make you stand out more among all the other applicants, but from what I’ve heard, your essay is the deciding factor. It’s good if you have some activities to share, but if not, try to show your interest in the topic through a strong essay.
1 Like