As an incoming UCI student, you are invited to join Freshman Edge, an early start program that will provide you with a rich academic, social, and personal foundation for your time at UCI and beyond.
One Program – Three PathwaysFreshman EdgeFreshman Edge is available to all incoming freshmen from all majors. Students who identify as a member of our international community or receive a Summer Bridge Program Scholarship participate in Freshman Edge with additional catered support.
Freshman Edge InternationalIncoming international students participate in Freshman Edge through additional and tailored program requirements that promote a successful transition to UCI.
Summer Bridge ScholarshipUCI Student Success Initiatives (SSI) offers a limited number of Summer Bridge Scholarships to First Generation and/or income-eligible students that covers the cost of Freshman Edge, provides additional benefits (such as priority registration) and requires academic year program participation.
Why Attend?Earn UCI Units – Take a maximum of two courses and earn up to 8 units of UCI credit. Start this summer and get ahead to finish your degree in four years!Get Access to Exclusive Opportunities – As a Freshman Edge student, you will receive exclusive support from Student Success Initiatives staff and student mentors in the form of workshops, social events, and one on one counseling throughout Summer Session II and your first academic year.Gain Confidence & Make New Friends – Imagine making friends before the school year even begins! With a smaller starting group, Freshman Edge students are able to form cohesive friendships that will last a lifetime!Student ExperienceStudents participating in Freshman Edge get the opportunity to embrace UCI and everything it has to offer at a time when the campus is more relaxed from the peak occupancy of the academic year. The student experience at Freshman Edge is designed to build your confidence in entering college level coursework, the pace of the quarter system (remember, summer is 5 weeks of instruction per session – even more accelerated than a traditional quarter) and to ultimately ensure that you have found an Institution where you know you belong.
Unique PathwaysStudents participating in Freshman Edge may notice several similarities and differences in their experience from their peers. For example – ALL Freshman Edge students regardless of pathway will participate in a section of the UNI STU 83/84 course. However, International Students, and Summer Bridge Scholarship recipients will be assigned to a second course required by their enrollment in Freshman Edge while their peers will participate in an elective of their choosing.
Freshman Edge and Summer BridgeAll Freshman Edge participants will receive access to support services, workshops, and more throughout the summer (minimum participation requirements exist within each pathway – Edge, Edge International, and Summer Bridge). Once the summer has concluded services are also offered throughout the academic year from our program team.For Summer Bridge Scholarship recipients, participating in meetings, workshops, etc. during their first academic year (fall, winter, and spring) is required as a condition of accepting the Bridge scholarship. Freshman Edge and Freshman Edge International students will receive access to services on an optional basis.
