The Pre-Collegiate program offers you the chance to join the community of more than 250 high school students who spend their time enjoying a summer at Berkeley. Take advantage of Berkeley courses, co-curricular events and workshops planned just for you. Spend time on campus taking advantage of all it has to offer, and earn college credit at the same time.

Summer academic sessions begin with an orientation filled with information, a campus tour, and opportunities to meet your summer classmates. Co-curricular activities offer you a variety of helpful hints on both making the most of your Berkeley learning experience, and planning for academic life beyond high school. Berkeley students and staff will share their "best practices" of using the University Libraries and Student Learning Center, as well as how to choose a college, and write both a successful application and personal statement. Over pizza and soda, currently enrolled Berkeley students will answer your questions about "what it's like" to be here.

You will find courses to match and challenge your desire to learn. Whether you are looking for the next set of courses beyond your high school offerings, ready to try courses in an area of special interest, or exploring a possible college major, it is here at Berkeley in the summer. Learn from and with the best. See what it is like to be a college student, and test the waters of your academic interests and skills. Advisors at Summer Sessions, as well as in the individual academic departments, will work with you every step of the way.

Have a question?
We have online office hours available through Facebook every Tuesday, from 3:00 – 4:00pm (PST). Just add "Summer Advise" to your friends list to ask your question using Facebook chat. Become a fan of our Facebook fan page to receive updates about the Berkeley Summer Sessions Pre-Collegiate Program.

Benefits include:

* The addition of Berkeley Summer Sessions on your college application
* A personal letter of commendation from the Director of Berkeley Summer Sessions, if you earn passing grades
* A UC Berkeley transcript for completed coursework
* College credit that may be transferable to another college program
Note: Acceptance of transfer credit is always at the discretion of the accepting institution.

Additional program features:

* Orientation and campus tour for accepted students and parents
* Seminar on writing a successful college application
* Seminar on preparing an effective personal statement
* Seminar on applying for financial aid
* Designated advisor in Summer Sessions
* Co-curricular activities to introduce you to the campus and services
* Workshop on using the resources of the Teaching Library
* Eligibility for membership in the California Alumni Association (for a fee)

High school students may take most courses that are numbered between 1 and 99 (undergraduate, lower division), provided that all prerequisites have been met. There are some courses numbered between 1 and 99 that are not available for Pre-Collegiate students. 



PLEASE NOTE: Courses are offered for college credit, and may not meet any high school unit or course requirements.

Our 2010 program is currently under development. You can follow the link below and sign up to be notified by email as information becomes available.

I would like more information about this program.

Whether you live in the Bay Area, or come to Berkeley from beyond the nine local counties, you will find that both the city and the University are lively places to be in the summer. As one of the nation’s most exciting college towns, Berkeley offers an array of wonderful experiences – unique shops and stands, restaurants and carts offering food from around the world, museums, movie theatres, and a diverse, active community.

You will share classes with Berkeley students, as well those from the wider academic community. Study with international visitors, as well as those from around the United States and Bay Area. Many summer courses will take you outside the halls of campus and into the “classrooms” of the surrounding cities. You will be challenged at every level to stretch your desire to learn as much as you can!

Residential living is available in the summer. Share a room in one of the secure campus residence halls with another high school student, and dine in the nationally recognized Crossroads Dining Commons. As part of residence life, you will participate in specially planned events, offering you yet another opportunity to meet your fellow students, and experience both the cultural and natural richness of the Bay Area.

If you are ready for an academic challenge in a community of like-minded folks, the Pre-Collegiate Program may be just what you are looking for. Join us in Berkeley this summer!

You are eligible if you have completed the 10th grade by the start of summer classes, have a B average or better, and have a positive letter of recommendation from your high school.

PLEASE NOTE: Because the Pre-Collegiate Program is not a residential program, and there are no special monitors or advisors in the residence halls to support or oversee high school students, we cannot accept international high school students from outside the United States. Berkeley Summer Sessions does not have the infrastructure in place to provide the support that would ensure the academic and individual success of such students.

(International students registering from outside the United States may take Berkeley Summer Sessions courses at UC Berkeley through the residential program offered by Education Unlimited.)

What grade do I have to be in to participate?
You are eligible if you have completed the 10th grade by the start of summer classes, have a B average or better, and have a positive letter of recommendation from your high school.

Although students that have completed the 12th grade are not eligible for the program, they can take Berkeley courses as a visiting student.

Is financial aid available?
No. Financial aid is only available for matriculating UC Berkeley students.

When will I find out if I was accepted to the program?
We start reviewing applications in late February. We will update you with your application status within 2 weeks of your application date.

Can I live in the dorms?
The Pre-Collegiate Program does not have a residential component. Pre-Collegiate students can live in the dorms if they would like, but there is no special supervision or programs.

Can students that live outside the United States participate?
Because the Pre-Collegiate Program is not a residential program, and there are no special monitors or advisors in the residence halls to support or oversee high school students, we cannot accept international high school students from outside the United States. Berkeley Summer Sessions does not have the infrastructure in place to provide the support that would ensure the academic and individual success of such students.

International students registering from outside the United States may take Berkeley Summer Sessions courses at UC Berkeley through the residential program offered by Education Unlimited.

How many courses should I take?
A Summer Sessions course is an accelerated version of a 16-week semester course. We advise that you take no more than 2 courses.

Are there workshops and activities offered?
Yes! The following is a sample list of workshops and activities available to you: How to Choose a College, Writing a Successful College Application, Writing a Successful Personal Statement, Financial Aid Tips, College Life Q & A.

Do the units from Summer Session apply to my high school GPA?
Because these are college courses/units, as a rule these courses do not apply towards your high school requirement or GPA. For the most accurate answer, however, check with your school’s college counselor

You will receive college credit at UC Berkeley, which you can report when you are completing college applications.

How long will it take until I receive my complimentary transcript in the mail?
The Office of the Registrar begins mailing the official Summer Sessions transcripts around the second week of September.

Who can write my letter of recommendation?
Your letter should be written by someone who knows your academic background and progress. That usually means that it is written by a teacher, (preferably someone in the area of your summer course of study) or counselor.

Is there a form or template for the letter?
No. Usually the teacher or counselor will know the type of detail to include.

Is there an application deadline?
Visiting students can begin applying on February 15. The application deadline is two weeks before the respective session starts.

How do I know which books I need for my class?
Go to the student store link (http://calstudentstore.com) and click on “Find Your Textbooks and Course Materials” and follow the prompts at the drop down menus.