FAQs

Students are required to submit: 

1. Student application form 

2. A copy of their high school transcripts 

3. Short essay responses

4. One academic recommendation 

5. One personal recommendation (optional) 

 Applications missing one or more components will not be considered for review. 

Not yet! You must complete all application components listed above. The interest form just means you will get periodic updates from us as well as the application link in your email. 

SCA considers applications from students whose current birth certificate identifies sex as female AND/OR who identifies as female. 

Only current 10th grade students are eligible to apply for the 2026 application cycle. 

SCA considers a first-generation student as someone who does not have a parent with a 4-year college degree. Students with one or more parents who have a 4-year college degree are not considered first generation. Students with one or more siblings with a 4-year college degree or currently in college, may still be considered first generation as long as they do not have a parent with a 4-year degree.

While there is no “perfect” SCA application, we generally look for students who are motivated in school, seek fun and challenging environments, and who may not get all the resources they need to get into the top colleges in the US. 

Your academic recommendation must come from one of your 10th grade core subject teachers. Your personal recommendation is optional and can be from an adult (non-family member) who knows you well. We suggest you give your recommender at least 2 weeks notice to complete their form and letter. 

Yes! Any eligible student is able to apply, regardless of how you heard about the program. 

Yes, paper applications are available for download at scrippscollege.edu/academy/apply. Paper applications must be emailed or mailed on or before the application deadline on March 2, 2026. You will receive an email notification once we have received your application. 

Applicants are not currently able to start and save their applications. We recommend you view the PDF Application ahead of time to preview the application and gather your materials in advance. 

Nothing! SCA is a completely free program for scholars and families.  

SCA Scholars commit to attending the entirety of our 2-week summer residential program as well as 1-2 Saturday workshops per month on the Scripps College campus during their junior and senior years. Applicants who can consistently commit to program expectations are encouraged to apply. 

While many students and families choose to get to Scripps on their own or to carpool, SCA covers the cost of train passes and coordinates student pick up by SCA staff in several locations based on student need. 

While the summer program is one of the most exciting parts of our program, we understand this might be the first time you are away from home for an extended overnight stay. SCA will offer a range of activities throughout the day to keep you busy and having fun. Our schedule incorporates time for family phone calls as well as a full day and a half where students return home halfway through the program. Throughout the program, female staff members, including college mentors, residential counselors, and full time SCA staff will be available 24/7 for students as resources. Students and families are encouraged to reach out to SCA if the residential program remains a concern for applying. 

Our summer program is 2 weeks long.  

Every day looks a little bit different at, SCA but some program components include: 

• College lectures 
• Elective courses (ex. STEAM, arts and crafts, career skills development, etc.) 
• Recreation time (ex. Gym, crafts, break time, pool time, etc.) 
• Film screenings and discussions 
• Field trips 
• College tours 

Additionally, students spend their days will college student staff who mentor and support students through the entire summer program. 

Students live on campus in Scripps College dorms. Only female college mentors and residential advisors live in the dorms with students. Full time SCA staff live on campus the entirety of the program. 

Scholars commit to attending 1-2 workshops per month at Scripps college. Occasionally, field trips and remote workshops will be offered in addition to/in place of in person workshops.  

Additionally, student can choose to join our optional STEAM programming during the Fall semester. 

11th Grade: 

• College readiness workshops 
• Mentorship from college students 

12th Grade: 

• College application workshops 
• Financial aid application workshops 
• Individual college application support and coaching 
• Senior Celebration 

Throughout the two years, scholars will also have the option to engage in SCA’s STEAM research program, book clubs, field trips, college tours, and more!