STEM Application Process

---

If you want to stay updated, please click the button below to access and complete the 8th Grade Interest Form. By filling out this form, you will receive important information about the application timeline, STEM Marin campus tours, events, and key application dates and deadlines.

We’re excited you’re interested in STEM Marin! While the application process for the fall 2025 application cycle has not yet been finalized, here is a general overview of what families and students can likely expect. This process is subject to change so please check back regularly for updated details and official timelines.

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 in early January 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 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:

• Students will have 1 hour to complete the written application unless they have a special accommodation that allows them to do work untimed.
• Students will have to complete the application on an NUSD Chromebook. If you do not attend an NUSD school, we will provide you with a device during your appointment.
• Students applying to the Art in Science Pathway will also be required to submit a piece of artwork. This artwork piece can be submitted after you complete the written application.

All NUSD specialized programs require that students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher, regular attendance, and a favorable disciplinary record. While all applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirement, past grades in science and math are primarily reviewed and factored into the selection process. 

Students should show a pattern of either consistent proficiency or consistent growth in math and science classes. Students must be earning a C or higher by the end of the 8th grade fall semester in order to be considered a viable candidate.

Members of the admission panel will assess all portions of the application independently. At least 4 panel members will review each application. Scores are submitted to the STEM Coordinator for entry in the spreadsheet to determine an overall assessment.

Students who are offered placement in the STEM Program will be expected to adhere to our CODE OF CONDUCT