How to apply
Applications are OPEN!
We are now reviewing applications for Fall 2025. New freshmen and transfers AND continuing students are welcome to apply.
Priority deadline is JUNE 1. We will continue accepting applications after this date - apply soon before spots fill up!
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be one or more of the following:
- First Generation (parents/guardians do not have a bachelor's degree)
- Low Income (no more than 150% above the federal poverty level)
- Student with a documented disability
How to Apply
Select an application based on your major. Applications must be submitted online, and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Scroll to the bottom of this page for application/admission FAQs.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Students whose applications demonstrate greatest need for support and commitment to be an active, engaged participant will be granted a phone interview.
Please Note: We cannot accept:
- Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) participants, Guardian Scholars (GS) participants, or College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) first-year participants
- Graduate students, or anyone who already has a BA or higher degree
Student Support Services
Apply to TRIO SSS if your major is:
- Business
- Cinematic Arts & Technology
- Collaborative Health & Human Services (Social Work and Public Administration concentrations)
- Ethnic & Gender Studies
- Global Studies
- Humanities & Communication
- Human Development & Family Science
- Japanese
- Liberal Studies
- Music
- Psychology
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Sustainable Hospitality Management
- Visual & Public Art
- Undeclared
Student Support Services STEM Health-Sciences
Apply to TRIO SSS STEM-HS if your major is:
- Agricultural Plant & Soil Sciences
- Biology
- Collaborative Health & Human Services (Public Health concentration)
- Communication Design
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science, Technology & Policy
- Environmental Studies
- Kinesiology
- Marine Science
- Mathematics
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Nursing
- Psychology (clinical focus)
- Statistics
- Undeclared but planning on a STEM major!
When is the deadline to apply for TRIO?
TRIO applications are ALWAYS open! Priority deadlines (to ensure your application is reviewed before a new semester starts) are in early January for spring and early June for fall. These are posted on the TRIO website and social media, and advertised at orientation events. We encourage timely communication to ensure your application is considered before spots fill up.
What can I expect after I submit my TRIO application?
Staff aim to review applications within 2 weeks, but review may take longer during busy periods.
- If an application is INCOMPLETE (e.g. missing income verification or not meeting word requirements), we’ll contact you via email for edits/updates. Note that a chance to edit your application is not guaranteed!
- If you’re eligible and have a complete application, staff will send an invitation for a Zoom interview to the email provided on the application. Up to 3 invitations will be sent - if we don’t hear back, your application will be denied.
- This invite (as well as the application itself!) will offer space to request accommodations. These don’t have to be formal - if you want to discuss ideas to make the process more comfortable for you, please ask!
- Interviews are NOT formal - staff will have questions prepared, but we welcome open discussion about your experiences, needs, and goals. This is also a space for you to ask questions!
- Staff make every effort to make admissions decisions within 2-3 weeks - however, decisions may take longer during busy periods or as spots fill up. Follow-up messages to check on the status of your application are welcomed!
- IF ACCEPTED: We will contact you via email and include instructions on how to sign your program contract. Your spot in the program is not secured until this is signed! Further info about TRIO will also come via email (unless you request a different format).
- IF DENIED: Denials will come via email and include referrals to other resources. This email will also include contact info to discuss the decision with staff, if desired.
While TRIO strives to make our applications accessible and welcoming, please note that it IS still a competitive application process! It is the responsibility of the student to follow up, ask questions, and inform staff about needs or concerns. We are happy to make accommodations and adjustments if they are communicated openly to us.
For more info about TRIO Summer Academy, please check out this page.
If you have any questions, please contact us at sss@csumb.edu or 831-582-4451.