Ready to take the first step toward an unforgettable experience in our nation's capital? The enrollment process is your gateway to an exciting and immersive quarter. From key deadlines to detailed instructions, including helpful tips for international students, you'll find all the information to make your journey seamless.
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Program Eligibility
The Washington Program (UCDC) is available to students in ALL majors. Before you apply, review the requirements carefully.
- Full-time, UC Davis degree-seeking students.
- Class Standing: Students with second year standing and above are potentially eligible.
- Good Standing: Must be in good standing with the University (meeting minimum progress and no current negative Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs actions).
- Experience: A minimum of two work, volunteer, or internship experiences (includes research, club roles, or class projects).
- Transfer Students: All transfer students with second year standing and above are potentially eligible.
- DACA/AB540/Undocumented Students: Eligible to apply.
- Exchange Students: Full-time exchange students with one completed quarter at UCD can apply for academic quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring), but are not eligible for the Summer program.
The Enrollment Process
We operate on a rolling admissions basis. Enrollment submissions are reviewed on the first week of each month. While acceptance is first-come, first-served for eligible students, applying early gives you a significant advantage, especially for the popular Summer quarter.
Step 1: Submit Your Enrollment Form
- Log In: Visit the Enrollment Page and sign in with your UC Davis account.
- Select Term: Choose your quarter. (Please do not submit enrollment forms for more than one term at a time).
- Enter Experience: Provide info for at least two experiences. Don't be dissuaded by a lack of "direct" experience; all roles are valuable.
- Save as You Go! You can save your enrollment form at all stages. We recommend saving often to prevent data loss.
- Agreements: Complete the FERPA, SJA Acknowledgment, and Time Commitment sections.
Step 2: Review & Notification
Enrollment forms are reviewed within 5 working days for academic quarters. You will be notified via your UC Davis email (check your spam folder!).
Waitlists
If a term reaches capacity, eligible students will be waitlisted. Waitlist movement is common! We encourage you to enroll regardless of current availability. While the enrollment system will identify how many spots are still available, the number shown is based upon how many students are currently already admitted. Eligible students will be admitted in the order of when their enrollment forms are submitted. After all availability in a given quarter is gone, remaining eligible students will be notified that they have been waitlisted. Waitlisted students may still participate in workshops.
International Student Information
International students (F-1 or J-1 visa holders) are encouraged to participate! You will need practical training authorization to intern.
F-1 Visa Holders (CPT)
- Requirement: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.
- Eligibility: Valid F-1 status, one full academic year completed at UCD, and an internship offer directly related to your major.
- Process:
- Secure an internship offer letter.
- Submit CPT request with your international advisor at SISS.
- Wait for updated I-20 before working.
J-1 Visa Holders
Requires Academic Training (AT) authorization. Please speak with your campus advisors for information.
We strongly encourage you to meet with a SISS advisor early in the process.
After You Are Accepted
Once accepted, your preparation begins immediately.
- 1-on-1 Advising: You will be invited to a session with the Program Manager covering:
- Internship search direction
- Search process
- Open Q&A.
- Housing Contract: Acceptance is finalized by signing the UCDC housing contract by the specific deadline given in your offer. Signing confirms your enrollment. Students will be provided a housing contract deadline with their admission email.