Application Process
General Overview
We’re excited you’re interested in STEM Marin!
Students interested in joining the Engineering, Biotechnology or Art in Science (STEAM) Pathway at San Marin High School must complete the STEM Program application to be considered. Applications will open November 1, 2025 and will close January 9, 2026. Decisions will be emailed out to students after 4pm on Friday, February 6, 2026.
If San Marin is your neighborhood school and you plan to participate in the Comprehensive (General Ed) Science pathway, no application is needed.
The Written Application
The written application includes an opportunity for each student to share their interest and commitment to the STEM Marin Program. Students currently attending NUSD middle schools will have the opportunity to complete the application during school hours on their middle school campus. Students who are at private schools, charter schools, or attend school outside of NUSD will be asked to come to the San Marin Campus to complete their application in person.
The application includes 4 writing prompts for each student to respond to. These are short answer responses and will be scored based on content not conventions of writing. The questions will be designed to assess the student’s interest in STEM and how they might contribute to the program if selected.
The following 4-point rubric will be utilized:
SCORE OF 3 = Answers questions with depth and examples make sense and are concise
SCORE OF 2 = Answers questions with depth, but supporting evidence is minimal
SCORE OF 1 = Brief answers without providing examples or depth
SCORE OF 0 = Didn’t answer the question at all
Application Guidelines
TIME LIMIT:
Students will have approximately 1 hour to complete the written application unless they have an accommodation that allows for untimed work.
CHROMEBOOKS ONLY:
The application must be completed on an NUSD Chromebook. If you do not attend an NUSD school, a device will be provided for you during your appointment.
OPTIONAL VIDEO:
After completing the written application, students will receive instructions for an optional video component that can be completed at home on their own time. Videos are only seen by the evaluation team and will remain confidential.
ART IN SCIENCE APPLICANTS:
Students applying to the Art in Science Pathway must also submit a piece of artwork. Artwork can be submitted after the written application is completed.
Application Tips
KNOW YOUR PATHWAY:
Students should know which pathway(s) they are applying to before their application date. You will be placed in a pathway once decisions are made and will not be able to switch. Only apply to the pathway(s) you are genuinely interested in and willing to accept placement in.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT MISTAKES:
We do not take off points for grammar or spelling errors. We care about the quality and thoughtfulness of your responses.
ASK FOR HELP:
We want you to feel comfortable during the process! If you need clarification, please don’t hesitate to ask questions.
BE AUTHENTIC:
It’s easy to tell when students write what they think we want to hear. Be honest and authentic—your genuine voice makes the strongest impression.
KEEP QUESTIONS CONFIDENTIAL:
Other students may complete the application after you. Please do not share the questions, as it could give others an unfair advantage.
Criteria for Acceptance
APPLICATION SCORE:
Each application includes four written responses, which are scored and combined for a total application score. Students who submit an optional video will have that score included in their overall total as well.
GRADES:
Grades from 6th through 8th grade will be reviewed. While all subjects are considered, particular emphasis is placed on performance in science, math, and art (for Art in Science applicants). We look for a pattern of consistent proficiency or steady growth over time.
ATTENDANCE:
NUSD requires 90% attendance or higher to qualify for special program placement. Because STEM Marin emphasizes collaborative, hands-on learning, consistent attendance is essential for both individual and team success.
BEHAVIOR:
Behavior records, including assertive discipline and intervention reports, will be reviewed. When needed, the admissions team may also consult with middle school staff or administration. A positive behavior history is an important factor in STEM Marin placement decisions.
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS:
Each application is evaluated independently by at least six panel members. All scores are submitted to the STEM Coordinator, who compiles results to determine an applicant’s overall assessment.
CODE OF CONDUCT:
Students who are offered placement in the STEM Program will be expected to adhere to our CODE OF CONDUCT, which reflects our program’s values of responsibility, respect, and integrity.