Early Start: Program Description & Choices

UC Santa Barbara allows students to choose from two similar curricula that are designed for different kinds of students: the Early Start Program (ESP) and 1+1 Academic & Enrichment Program. Both programs are six-week, residential programs that give high school students the unique opportunity to take regular UC Santa Barbara courses. We offer over 100 courses to choose from in 40 academic departments. Although the programs are fairly similar, there are a few differences that are tailored to students who have different goals for the summer. You will find the differences listed below.

The Early Start Program

ESP students enroll in two UC Santa Barbara courses during the six-weeks. High school students who are looking to increase their competitiveness when applying to UC’s or other top universities in the nation should enroll in this program. By taking two academic courses, ESP provides students the opportunity to explore some of the university’s different disciplines and gain valuable college experience that many admissions offices, including UC Santa Barbara’s, take into account when considering a student’s entire application. Many students choose to enroll in Writing and Math classes to help them prepare for other university level work. Other students choose to enroll in introductory courses in a discipline they are thinking about majoring in or are interested in learning more about. Regardless of what courses a student takes, ESP gives students a wide range of options and opportunities while studying at UC Santa Barbara. A minimum GPA of 3.3* is required for students wishing to enroll in the ESP.

1+1 Academic & Enrichment Program

The 1+1 Academic & Enrichment Program allows students to enroll in one UC Santa Barbara academic course and one non-credit, skills based enrichment course. This program is ideal for students who would like to experience the rigor of a university curriculum while being able to focus solely on one course, the opportunity to apply practical skills to theoretical frameworks of university disciplines, or to supplement their one academic course with non-credit courses that teach practical skills not normally taught at UC Santa Barbara for university credit. A minimum GPA of 3.15* is required for enrollment in the 1+1 Academic & Enrichment Program.

Why do high school students want to spend their summer at UCSB? Because students can:

  • Increase their competitiveness as they begin to apply to UC’s and other top universities in the nation,
  • Get started on taking courses that transfer to most universities nationwide,
  • Find out if UCSB is the right college for you,
  • Meet friends from around the country,
  • Visit some of the best Southern California attractions [link to “Extracurricular Activities], including Disneyland, Magic Mountain, and miles of beaches, and
Spend the summer in amazing Santa Barbara!