The USC SC-ACE program is a highly selective program that introduces high school students to the gold standard of scientific research experience, preparing future leaders for advanced degrees and careers in health, pharmacy, education, and scientific fields.
SC-ACE is a year-round program that provides a comprehensive research experience through two primary components. During the summer, students spend eight weeks working in USC’s state-of-the-art research labs under the mentorship of graduate students, post-docs and faculty. During the academic year, students engage in structured assignments designed to build foundational knowledge in science and research principles.
SC-ACE equips students with practical skills and research-informed knowledge, cultivating competent, confident, and innovative researchers from diverse backgrounds and preparing them for the rigor of top-tier academic and professional environments.
The SC-ACE program is supported by funding from the Cai Foundation.
Admissions Requirements
SC-ACE seeks highly motivated students with a strong academic record and a genuine passion for scientific exploration. This program demands a significant time commitment and should be the student’s sole focus over the summer. Due to the program’s rigorous nature, participants will not be able to balance SC-ACE with other extracurricular activities, such as sports or summer camps. Interested applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a high school for the upcoming academic year
- Maintain a highly competitive GPA
- Commit to eight weeks (approximately 32 hours per week) of on-site participation during the summer
- Engage in biweekly assignments throughout the academic year
Application Timeline
Deadline: March 15, 2025
Applications for this program will open on January 15, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be notified in early April. Final acceptance notifications will be sent out by May 1, 2025.
Students interested in applying are strongly encouraged to review the SC-ACE handbook to gain a deeper understanding of the program.
