Below are some common questions we receive about the UCDGAP program. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact Lynne Arcangel, Director of Graduate Preparatory Programs at laarcangel@ucdavis.edu. 

What does the application process look like?

Students will submit an application online. Once you begin your application, you cannot save it and return to it later. Please be prepared to complete your application in one sitting. 

To prepare for the application, we suggest you have all of your application materials ready, including:

• A completed personal statement
• An electronic copy of your unofficial transcripts
• Name and email of the individual who will submit your letter of recommendation

Students are recommended to ask for letters of recommendation prior to filling out an application in order to be prepared for the submission deadline. Once the application is submitted, it can no longer be edited. 

How is the letter of recommendation process handled?

When you fill out your application, you must provide the name and email address of the individual(s) who will write your letter of recommendation(s). Once your application is submitted, we will reach out to these individuals and ask them to provide a letter directly to us.

One letter of recommendation is required from a professor, faculty advisor or course instructor. Letter recommenders should be able to describe the following: how long they have known you and in what capacity, observations of your motivation for graduate study and/or commitment to the academic and professional goals of attaining a Ph.D., candid appraisal of your intellectual ability, aptitude in research, potential for doctoral study, and the quality of previous work.

What is the decision timeline?

Once all applications are received, the application is reviewed and applicants are recommended for acceptance into the program. Keep an eye out for an email from the program to update you on the status of your application. We expect to take a minimum of one month to review applications before sending any updates. Decisions will be made in mid- to late-April.

I have not conducted any research at my CSU, can I still apply?

Absolutely! Students are encouraged to contact faculty at their institution to familiarize themselves with graduate school and research, but formal research experience is not required.

My major is not a STEM field, can I still apply?

We encourage it, though please note that typically, most UC Davis faculty in the STEM and Social Science disciplines are on 12-month appointments and are available during the summer. Whereas, most Arts and Humanities faculty are on 9-month appointments and, therefore, are unavailable during the summer program dates.