<p>Someone else posted the stats for # of applicants to COSMOS clusters in 2009. COSMOS posted up the numbers that year, I don’t think they did so last year though, or this year, sadly.</p>
<p>Of course, there have been some changes in clusters offered, and I think last year there were even more people who applied to COSMOS than in 2009. And numbers change from year to year. However, karaokemachine, I don’t think as many people apply for the UCSD clusters as, say, UCD. None of the UCSD clusters had over 100 people apply last year, anyway. Good luck to everyone!</p>
<p>Here the 2009 stats:</p>
<p>UC Davis
July 5 - August 1
Biotechnology ( 160 )
Physics in Electro-optics & Nuclear Technology ( 26 )
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics ( 55 )
Anatomy of Global Climate Change (25)
Computers in Biophysics and Robotics (60)
Mathematics ( 63 )
Biomedical Sciences ( 378 )
The Chemistry of Life ( 34 )
Introduction to Astrophysics ( 21 )</p>
<p>UC Santa Cruz
July 5 - August 1
Logic, Cryptography & Number Theory ( 72 )
Robots & Nanotechnology ( 85 )
Under the Sea ( 97 )
Everyday Chemistry ( 34 )
Video Game Design ( 87 )
Chemistry & Mathematics ( 38 )
Points in Space: Astronomy and Linear Algebra ( 30 )
Marine Mammals & Oceanography (114)
Particle- & Astrophysics ( 62 )</p>
<p>UC Irvine
June 28 - July 25
Robots To Rockets: ( 32 )
Astronomy & Astrophysics ( 60 )
Tissue & Tumor Biology and Mathematical/Computer Modeling ( 63 )
Global Change Chemistry and Biology (32)
Computers & Games: ( 55 )
Mathematics of Music: ( 66 )
Special Topics in Marine Biology (36)
The World of Molecules: ( 26 )</p>
<p>UC San Diego
July 5 - August 1
Computers in Everyday Life ( 41 )
Engineering Design & Control of Kinetic Sculptures ( 97 )
Living Oceans & Global Climate Change ( 74 )
Earthquakes in Action ( 19 )
Bright Ideas: Light at Work ( 15 )
Exploring the Cosmos ( 17 )
Biological Motivations for Tensegrity Structures ( 64 )
Molecular Biology Revolution ( 139 )</p>
<p>I was wondering if it makes a big difference whether you put something as your first versus second choice. If I put something as my second choice, will it significantly decrease my chances of getting into that cluster - that is, will the people reading the mini-essays even consider the 2nd and 3rd choices? Or, since a lot of people apply, will they only read and consider the 1st choices (unless they’re desperate for people, which is unlikely) and disregard people’s 2nd and 3rd choices?</p>
<p>I’m asking because I’m not sure what order I want to put my clusters in. I really want to go to two of them and can’t decide which to put as first!
I’m afraid of putting one of them as first and not getting into COSMOS at all, because my essay wasn’t too good or something.</p>
<p>@archaic Disclaimer: This advice is coming from my intuition and logic, not experience. I’m putting down 3 clusters and choosing Yes for “If not chosen for your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice cluster, would you consider placement in a different cluster if space was available?” simply because I want to guarantee my acceptance. I would put the clusters in order of your honest interest primarily because they will be easier to write on. And remember that you have the statement of interest to prove that you are a worthy candidate regardless of cluster choice.</p>
<p>And don’t worry about being an obsessive worrywart; I had to consult my COSMOS alumni friends to ask their opinion on my “■■■■ what cluster to pick ■■■” dilemma. They both were in the astronomy cluster at UCSD last year and recount experiences of casual do-nothing fun. Still, I guess it’s what you make out of it.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind my asking, what campus are you applying to?</p>
<p>@karaokemachine Yes, that’s true. I really should have written my paragraphs earlier, instead of rushing to write everything during the last weekend… I’m afraid I spent most of February and the beginning of March also worrying about which campus and clusters to choose. I kept changing my decision every few days, trying to weigh interest with how likely I would be accepted, and then questioning how much I was really interested in so-and-so cluster versus another.</p>
<p>I’m so glad it’s over now. Whew. Now to wait for the acceptance/denial…</p>
<p>And I hope we actually learn a lot of stuff in the classes. I’ve heard from some people that they basically had lots of fun and didn’t learn much at COSMOS; but I guess it depends on the cluster (last year two people I know both went to UCD’s Biomed cluster, and it seems like they had a lot of fun AND educational experiences) and how serious you are.</p>
<p>I’m applying to UCSC: Marine Science & Statistics, Everyday Chemistry, and Chemistry and Mathematics.</p>
<p>@archaic I really procrastinated on this application - I finished at 1a.m. this morning, but not as much as my friend who turned in his application today at 5p.m. May 1st needs to come a little faster.</p>
<p>Several people at my school are applying for COSMOS this year: 2 (including me) to UCSD, 2 to UC Irvine, and 2 others (not sure about their campus choices). I chose Bioengineering/Mechanical Engineering, Molecular Bio, and Computers in that order.</p>
<p>That makes sense since the biomed cluster is the most competitive cluster at all four campuses. But yeah, even if the classes/discussions aren’t that educational, I suppose you can befriend the professor/instructor and ask them more about your topic, which would make your summer more worthwhile and give you a contact at the university. But in all honesty, the recreational activities sound just as exciting as the curriculum.</p>
<p>I think a lot of people at my school are applying this year. My school’s a bit crazy when it comes to academics, summer programs, and things that may look good on college applications. I’m guessing at least 20 people in my grade level applied for COSMOS.</p>
<p>I agree; I’m looking forward to the weekend activities as much as the classes themselves! UCSD seems like it has a lot of fun activities too, since it’s located near so many amusement parks and such.</p>
<p>Thanks, battle. I put those as my two choices. I procrastinated on my app and didn’t finish the online part until 4. I tried to get my transcript from the registrar, but the office was closed. So I called the COSMOS office to ask if they would extend the deadline. The lady said that they did (by one day) and that if I got the app postmarked by the 16th, they’d accept it, but I don’t know.</p>
<p>By the way, do any of you want to share your stats and what cluster(s) you applied for? I’m kind of worried I won’t get in, but seeing other stats might reassure me(?). Thanks.</p>
<p>SAT 2320
PSAT 219
GPA 4.0 UW, 4.781 W
APs: Bio 5, French 4, Euro 5
SAT IIs: Bio M 750, French 730
ECs - alright
Recs: should be okay
Essays: Good enough for 1a.m. in the morning haha :)</p>
<p>COSMOS was an amazing experience. You guys will get in for sure. =) It’s not as competitive as the other crazy summer programs. I got into the Robotics and Biophysics one at UCD with a 169 PSAT =) but then I also had 4.0 uwgpa at the time.</p>
<p>Hey people, I applied to UC Davis in Computer Security, Privacy, & Cybervillany, do you guys think it will be super hard to get into this cluster? Also did you guys application status go away? Mines used to say applied now its just gone! lol</p>