University of California’s COSMOS Pre-College Program

130% growth in applicants in the 10 years Cosmos has been using Orchestrate

About Cosmos

COSMOS is the University of California’s initiative to connect high school students to STEM fields. This project is a multi-campus effort that works with parents, students and educators to inspire prospective scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

The Challenge

With the challenge of multiple campuses working on multiple systems, COSMOS knew they needed to move to a digital application system to replace their existing system. Inconsistent application processes were causing delays in reviewing. It was also lowering the completion rate of the application process.

Having multiple programs and campuses was exacerbating the issue. In addition to having multiple steps and processes, there was an added complexity built into centralizing the reporting process to track success and impact.

Rather than a stand-alone website, they needed a comprehensive web platform that integrated with their application system and portal.

The Solution

Tectonic worked with the University of California to create intercampus coordination. The stored data system, created by Tectonic, tracks and monitors students as they go through the application. Along with internal accountability measures, parents can also easily log on and track their students progress through the application process.

This application system also consolidated the application review process. The COSMOS project now has uniform reporting and communication across multiple campuses and programs.

The Results

Per their website, COSMOS received over 10,000 applications for their program through the Orchestrate Application System in 2025. Selected applications were collected and assigned, based on the program, across their six campuses: UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego, UC Merced, and UCLA.