Brain Camp @ UCSF is a free, immersive, week-long experience for underserved and underrepresented high school students in the Bay Area, led by UCSF medical students and faculty. Join UCSF in exploring the fascinating anatomy of the brain, learning about mind-blowing advances in neurosurgery, and understanding the complex interplay between mind and behavior. You’ll learn how to suture, dissect a brain, use a reflex hammer and much more! Additionally, there will be workshops and panels on college prep as well as extensive opportunities to interact with neurology faculty and medical students.
Brain Camp @ UCSF is a free 1 week summer program hosted at the UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus Heights.
During the week, the program covers a number of different topics across the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, pathology, and more.
The program also provides a comprehensive overview of the UC application process through their very popular college prep workshop.
Current high-school sophomore or junior
Completion of a high school science class
Orientation (mandatory, dinner included) - End of July
Camp dates: July 31st - August 5th 2023
Applications open December 1st
Applications deadline March 15th
Acceptance decisions sent April 15th
Deadline to accept offer May 15th
Application contents:
Student information
Short paragraph statement #1: Why Brain Camp?
Short paragraph statement #2: Significant challenge/adversity
Student + parental signatures
Tips for a successful application:
Submit your application by the application deadline
Make sure your application is written clearly (if you are submitting the paper version and not online)
Take some time to think about your short answer responses - UCSF will pay the most attention to these!
Contact UCSF with questions if you are confused about any part of this process
SAMPLE SCHEDULE - PLEASE REFER TO PROGRAM WEBSITE FOR ACCURACY
Introductions and Icebreakers
Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain and Nerves
Epilepsy and Seizures (EEG demo)
Taking a Patient History...
8:30a-4p N-417/423
Tuesday
Stroke and Vascular Interventions
How to know what you want? - Choosing Your Future
Meet a Neurologist...
8:30a-4p N-417/423
Wednesday
Fun Science Experiment
Neurodegeneration and Dementia
Meet a Patient
College workshop hosted by EAOP...
8:30a - 4p N-417/423
Thursday
Case of the Day!
Neuropathological Specimens
Advances in Neurosurgery
Neural Networking Lunch...
8:30a - 4p CL-220/223
Friday
UC Berkeley campus tour
Admissions panel w/ UC Berkeley Admissions Office
Tour and Introduction to the Berkeley Free clinic
8:30a - 4p Meet at UCSF Parnassus
Saturday
CPR Training and Certification
Aldea hiking
Brain Jeopardy (with prizes!)
Graduation
8:30a - 4p N-417/423
*This is a tentative schedule. Please refer to official schedule provided at orientation for accurate schedule*