Learn more about the Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Program
Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track
The Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential track offers international and domestic high school students the opportunity to live on campus and enjoy the summer at Berkeley. Pre-College Scholars participants earn college credit while experiencing university life to the fullest with other students from across the United States and around the world. During the summer, students will take two courses offered through Berkeley Summer Sessions and have the option to participate in extracurricular activities, excursions, and an exploratory workshop series delivered by skilled admissions professionals.
- The residential experience begins with move-in, orientation sessions, and opportunities to meet with program staff and other participants.
- Build Community during activities and excursions planned by UC Berkeley undergraduate Resident Assistants and Mentors (RAMS) and the program staff.
- Find courses to meet and challenge your desire to learn, explore a possible college major, or try a course in an area of special interest.
Choose from courses offered in Session C (eight weeks: June 23–August 15) and Session D (six weeks: July 7–August 15).
Program Highlights:
- Learn and engage with UC Berkeley faculty and students, as well as other summer visiting students, in a robust academic environment
- Chaperoned housing in campus residence halls along with a daily meal plan
- The addition of Berkeley Summer Sessions on your college application
- A Berkeley transcript that can be requested from the UC Berkeley's Office of the Registrar
- College credit that may be transferable to another college program*
- A personal letter of commendation from the Dean of Extended Education for passing grades
- Welcome orientation, interactive social activities, local excursions, and more!
- College preparation workshops
- Support from designated program staff throughout the program
- If needed, I-20 issued by International Student Services
*Acceptance of transfer credit is always at the discretion of the accepting institution.
Important Dates:
Application opens - Thursday, February 3, 2025
Application deadline - Monday, March 10, 2025
Cancellation Deadline - Thursday, April 10, 2025
The Pre-College Scholars program offers one media scholarship (valued at $15,950) to cover tuition and room and board for one Session C residential track participant. This scholarship is open to all domestic, out-of-state, and international students from all educational systems and backgrounds. The winner will document their experience in the program under the supervision of program staff and the marketing team. See application for additional details.
Check back for upcoming 2025 scholarship information.
Program dates:
- Session C: June 22–August 15, 2025 and/or
- Session D: July 3–August 15, 2025
Watch our program overview on YouTube
Pre-College Scholars Residential Checklist
Pre-College Scholars Residential Parents & Legal Guardians
Have a question?
Sign up for an Online Information Session
Virtual Advising available by appointment or by dropping in
Connect with a Program Ambassador to get more insights about your future summer experience at UC Berkeley!
The Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Summer Residential track is open to both domestic and international high school students who are in good academic standing in their home institutions. International high school students must meet the Summer Sessions' English Language Requirements.
Domestic students must meet the following requirements to apply to the summer residential track:
- Have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and plan to continue their high school studies in the subsequent fall
- Have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework
- 16 years of age by June 22, 2025
- Live in on-campus housing provided by the program during the entire program duration
International students must meet the following requirements to apply to the summer residential track:
- Have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and plan to continue their high school in the subsequent fall
- Have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework (or comparable qualitative evaluation)
- Meet our minimum English language proficiency requirements, if applicable
- Maintain your own health insurance coverage as outlined in our health insurance requirement*
- 16 years of age by June 22, 2025
- Require a visa**
- Require residential housing
High school graduates who will be 16 or 17 years old during the summer may apply for the Pre-College Scholars Program. Students who have graduated from high school and will be over the age of 18 years old before the start of summer classes are not eligible for the Pre-College Scholars program. High school graduates who will be over the age of 18 years old can attend Berkeley Summer Sessions as a visiting student and must apply using the Summer Sessions Visiting Student application.
Insurance: *All students are required to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of the program. If you do not have health insurance, you should purchase coverage before your arrival to Berkeley. For suggestions regarding health insurance options, please visit the University Health Services website.
The program provides an "Emergency Use Only" insurance plan that can be used locally. When using this plan for doctor's appointments, emergencies, prescriptions, or other health care visits, students might be asked to pay the healthcare provider out of pocket, and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
**All international students are expected to attend the program on the appropriate student visa. Read about visa information here. Attending the program on a non-student visa may result in the violation of your status in the country, and we are unable to provide any advice or support to non-student visa holders.
The Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential track is designed for students who may not be living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Room and board are provided by the UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars program, and all participants are required to live in assigned residential housing. Students will live with other Pre-College Scholars program participants in a residence hall within walking distance of the main campus. They will be under the full-time supervision of residential program staff Resident Assistant Mentors.
Students will be housed in Bowles Hall & Freeborn Hall at Unit 1. Students will likely share rooms (doubles) and will receive their housing assignments upon arrival. Room and roommate assignments are done at random. The assignments are not negotiable. Our residence hall includes study rooms, high speed wifi, game room, washers and dryers, and lounge areas. Rooms will have dressers, desks, mirrors, and closets. As Pre-College Scholars, students will follow a daily curfew from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Meals
Students will receive a meal plan that offers 3 meals per day during weekdays and 2 meals per day on the weekends and on holidays. If you are rushing to class, unable to eat in the dining area, or simply would like to eat later, you can request your meal to be saved.
Pre-College Scholars Residential students are required to enroll in two lower-division courses and meet the full-time unit requirement based on the session. Students may select from a large catalog of Berkeley Summer Sessions courses that are available to high school students.
Pre-College Scholars Residential students are not permitted to enroll in online courses or courses offered outside of Session C and D. (Full-time enrollment in Session C is six units, and full-time enrollment in Session D is five units)
Summer Sessions Courses
Pre-College Scholars students may enroll in Berkeley Summer Session courses that are numbered between 1 and 99 (undergraduate, lower division) offered in Session C (eight weeks: June 23–August 15) and Session D (six weeks: July 7–August 15), as long as the course is available to high school students and students have met all course prerequisites.
View the full list of summer session courses.
To view a sample of courses completed by past Pre-College Scholars participants, see the UC Berkeley Pre-College Previous Student Course List.
Once students submit the Course Enrollment Request Form, they will no longer be able to change the session they plan to attend. All further changes to course schedules must be made by contacting our Pre-College team. Please note, course enrollment may be impacted by class schedule, availability, and academic department's discretion. It is crucial to select alternative course options (just like any college student would) in the event we are unable to process first-choice selections.
- If you applied for Session C you may enroll in two Session C courses, or one Session C course (8 weeks) and one Session D course (6 weeks.) You will NOT be able to enroll in two Session D courses.
- If you applied for Session D (6 weeks) you will enroll in two Session D courses. You will NOT be able to enroll in any Session C courses.
Withdrawing from the program due to not being enrolled in a preferred class will not result in a refund unless the student withdraws prior to the cancellation deadline, April 10, 2025.
Interested in studying Law? We invite you to explore the Legal Studies course options and supplemental events and programming offered by Berkeley Law - Legal Studies: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. (2025 courses coming soon)
Domestic/International visitor fees apply to those who are not currently enrolled in a degree program at a University of California campus.
Program application fee: $25
Eight week - Session C: (June 23–August 15, 2025): $15,950
Six week - Session D (July 7–August 15, 2025): $14,650
Pre-College Scholars Residential track fee includes tuition & fees, housing, meals, orientation, excursions & activities, basic health insurance plan, and on-site support.
Please note that the cost of any necessary flights to and from the Bay Area and all other miscellaneous or personal expenses are the responsibility of the student. Visit our Help Center for more information.
Fees are subject to change.
For information on how to pay the charges on your account, visit the Student Billing Payments and Refunds webpage. Fee Payment Plan and Third Party Contracts are not accepted payment options for Pre-College Scholars students
All fees are non-refundable, and no partial refunds will be issued should a student withdraw from the program or drop a class after this deadline.
Media Scholarship
The Pre-College Scholars program is offering one media scholarship (valued at $15,950) to cover tuition and room and board for one Session C residential track participant. This scholarship is open to all domestic, out-of-state, and international students from all educational systems and backgrounds. The winner will document their experience in the program under the supervision of program staff and the marketing team. See application for additional details.
The Application will open on Monday, February 3, 2025. Please check back on this date for more information and to apply! The deadline to apply for the scholarship is March 3, 2025 by 9am Pacific Time. To learn more and apply, please click here.
Withdrawal Process
To withdraw from the program, you must submit the Withdrawal Request Form via your admissions portal (not CalCentral). This form must be completed by any student admitted to the program who seeks to cancel their participation. Email and phone withdrawal requests will not be accepted.
The deadline to withdraw and receive a full refund (minus the application fee) is April 10th, 2025. If you cancel or are dismissed from the program after April 10, you are still responsible for the full program fee.
In addition to taking Berkeley summer courses, Pre-College Scholars: Residential track students will have the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities, workshops, and excursions. These activities are planned to help you meet other students in your program, make the most of your Berkeley learning experience, and prepare for your university studies. Dates, times, and events are subject to change.
Pre-College Orientation
To ensure your smooth transition to UC Berkeley your orientation will be a three-step process beginning with a video recording, a pre-arrival live webinar, and finally an in-person session. All Pre-College Scholars participants will be required to attend their orientation to the program. Important topics include academic success and integrity, health/safety and wellness, and much more will be discussed in detail.
College Exploration Workshops & Extra-Curricular Activities
Typically, on Tuesdays between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, we will offer academic enrichment and college exploration workshops designed to help students prepare for the college admission process and beyond. Past workshops have included: "College in Perspective," "The Best College for You", and "What Admissions Officers Look For."
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore the exciting attractions the Bay Area has to offer and enjoy various social activities. Past activities and excursions have included a visit to the San Francisco Ferry Building, a walking tour, exploring the Cal Academy of Sciences and De Young Museum, an ice-cream and boba social, a trip to Silicon Valley, board games, movie nights, and bowling.
Applications open: Monday, February 3, 2025, at 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Application deadline: Monday, March 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
Cancellation deadline: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
Your Application: What to Expect
Before starting your application, please be sure to carefully read the Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track Help Center starting with What Important Considerations Should I Keep in Mind when Completing the Program Application?, which contains information to answer your most frequently asked questions. Pay special attention to:
- Admissions and Enrollment
- Eligibility requirements
- Finances, Billing, and Payment
- Academics and Coursework
- Important Dates and Deadlines
- Program Policies
If you need more information or didn't find the answers that you were looking for, please email precollege@berkeley.edu.
Complete the following steps to apply for the Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential track:
Application: Gather the following information before you begin:
- Basic biographical (name, birth date, gender, citizenship, etc.) and contact information
- Emergency contact information**
**The Pre-College application account must be associated with the student's email address. If you do not have an email account, please create your own unique email account before starting the application. Make sure that you will continue to have access to this account after the conclusion of the program for future communication about alums' support and involvement opportunities. Parents/guardians must provide their own unique email address different from the student's email address. If your parent/guardian does not have an email account, please have them create their own unique email account before starting your application.
- The student email address and parent/guardian email address must be different. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a significant processing delay and/or denial of your application. If you have any questions or concerns, visit our Pre-College Help Center.
- Complete the personal insight questions:
- Think about a subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
- The UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Program seeks to create an engaged and inclusive community that is welcoming to students from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for the Pre-College Scholars Program?
- Upload a PDF copy of your most recent high school transcript, showing all high school work through fall 2024 (official or unofficial). The transcript must include the student's full name and cumulative GPA. Report cards are not acceptable.
- Review the Waiver of Liability & Authorization Form
- Review the Release of Authorization for Emergency Treatment Form
- Review the Consent to Release Student Information Form
- Review the Student Code of Conduct Agreement
- Review the Storage and Administration of Medications Form
- Review the Terms and Conditions
- English Proficiency Requirement (if applicable): All students who attend high schools outside of the United States are required to provide documentation of meeting the English Language Proficiency Requirement unless their school country is exempt from the requirement, OR they will enroll only in English as a Second Language course.
Complete applications are reviewed by Program staff on a rolling basis. If your application is complete, you will be notified of your admissions decisions to the program via email. If you are admitted to the program, you will have 48 hours to accept your offer of admission on your student portal before the offer expires.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will delay a student's admission to the Pre-College Scholars Residential track. Please be sure to check your email regularly as staff may email you regarding incomplete application materials. Visit our Pre-College Help Center if you have questions regarding the status of your application
Admission Acceptance, Course Enrollment & Tuition and Fee Payment: What to Expect
To confirm your enrollment in the Pre-College Scholars program, you will need to:
- Accept your offer of admission within 48 hours. You will receive an email about your admissions decision. You must accept your offer of admission in your application portal within 48 hours of receiving your offer. Failure to do so will result in your offer being withdrawn and your spot will be offered to another student.
- Set up your UC Berkeley CalNet account. After 48 hours of accepting your admission, you will receive an email with your student ID number and instructions for setting up your CalNet ID and passphrase.
- Log in to CalCentral & complete your required pre-enrollment tasks within 7 days. Once you create your CalNet ID and passphrase, you will be able to log in to the CalCentral to pay your fees, and access information about UC Berkeley. You will see an active hold "Visiting High School Student" under your Status and Hold section. This is normal.
Under Tasks, you will see several required action items including the Student Financial Agreement Requirement. You must complete these tasks as soon as possible. You will NOT be enrolled in the program until you complete these tasks.
Pay all tuition and fees within 7 days. The program fees will be assessed to your CalCentral account and must be paid in full within seven calendar days of admission to the program. Failure to pay on time will result in the cancellation of your admission. To withdraw from the program without the financial penalty, all applicants must submit a formal withdrawal request via their admissions portal before the April 10th, 2025 cancellation deadline.
CalCentral Account
After you accept your offer of admission, you will receive an email with instructions for setting up your CalNet ID and passphrase. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive the email 48 business hours after accepting your admission offer.
Once you create your CalNet ID and passphrase, you will be able to log in to the CalCentral system to pay your fees and access information about UC Berkeley. In CalCentral, you will also need to sign the Student Financial Agreement checklist item listed as an active hold on your CalCentral dashboard. You will not be able to enroll or be enrolled in summer classes until you have read and signed the agreement.
As detailed above, Pre-College Residential track Scholars do not have access to course registration in the CalCentral system. Please note that when you log in to CalCentral, you will see the following active hold "Visiting High School Student" under your Status and Hold section. All new and revised enrollment will be processed by program staff. Once you are in CalCentral, make sure to keep an eye on any tasks you are required to complete, which include uploading your photo ID, applying for your visa documents to get your I-20 (international students only), confirming your local address after arrival, among others. Failing to complete those tasks on time will interfere with your ability to participate in the program.
Please note, withdrawal from the Pre-College Scholars Residential program does NOT take place in CalCentral. You will need to submit the Withdrawal Form in your Applicant Portal.
Attendance
Class attendance is mandatory.
If a student becomes ill or misses class due to a personal emergency, they should be sure to notify their Resident Assistant and Mentor (RAM) immediately and request their assistance if medical attention is needed. Students should plan to present a note from their hospital or doctor to request an absence be excused due to illness. Students should also notify the instructor and ensure they read the course syllabus regarding the course policy on making up work or an exam. Students are responsible for making up any work missed due to an absence, whether it is excused or unexcused.
Course Syllabus
At the start of each class, students should receive a course syllabus that outlines the course content, objectives, policies, expectations, and any other information deemed important by the course instructor. Students should read through this document carefully and keep it as a reference for the duration of the course.
Textbooks, Supplies, and Course Materials Fee
Students will be responsible for purchasing their textbooks and other required supplies (e.g. scientific calculator). Textbooks are generally available at the UC Berkeley Campus Bookstore located at 2495 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94720. It is up to students to ensure they purchase the correct books, including the required editions, as assigned by the course instructor. Students are not expected to purchase the textbooks before their first class unless specifically instructed to do so.
Some academic departments charge a Course Materials Fee for specific courses, such as those with science or computer labs, photography labs, art supplies, or similar costs. This fee is assessed by the academic department at a later time, directly to each student's account.
Cal 1 Card
The Cal 1 Card is UC Berkeley's official photo ID card and access card to many campus benefits. It functions as a key card to residence halls and campus buildings, as well as a meal card for many Cal Dining locations. It can also be used as a debit card to make purchases at a variety of on and off-campus vendors. For more information and to add funds to your Cal 1 Card debit account, students should visit the Cal 1 Card website. It is critical to upload your photo in CalCentral as soon as possible and prior to your arrival at Berkeley. Failure to do so may result in delaying your ID card being issued, which will impact your ability to access your residence hall and meals upon arrival. In this case, you will be responsible for paying for your meals until your card is ready for use.
Grades and Transcripts
Information regarding the UC Berkeley grading scale can be found on the Office of the Registrar's Grading Policies & Reports page. Information regarding how to obtain your transcript can be found on the website for ordering transcripts.
Visa Information
International students should be aware of all policies and requirements related to their visa for the program. All international students are expected to attend the program on the appropriate student visa. For visa questions, visit our Pre-College Help Center. Attending the program on a non-student visa may result in the violation of your status in the country, and we are unable to provide any advising or support to non-student visa holders.
How to Obtain My Visa?
After you have completed all admissions tasks, you will receive an invitation via email and see a new task in your CalCentral to access the International Student Services (ISS) Portal. Once you login to the ISS Portal and submit all of the necessary information, we will issue you a Form I-20 by email. The Form I-20 is needed for you to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy in your country, which is required for entry to the U.S.
Session C I-20 Request Deadline: May 16, 2025
Session D I-20 Request Deadline: May 30, 2025
To prevent possible visa delays, we recommend that you submit your request for a Form I-20 as soon as possible. Failure to submit your request for a Form I-20 on time will prevent you from participating in the program and no refunds will be issued.
Upon receiving your Form I-20 by email you will need to complete the Form DS-160 and schedule an F-1 Visa interview at your nearest U.S. consulate. If you have questions about the visa application process, please do not hesitate to email visiting-intl@berkeley.edu.
Student Responsibilities
All students are considered "UC Berkeley" students for the duration of the Pre-College Scholars Residential track and are responsible for adhering to the Berkeley Student Code of Conduct. Students are also expected to attend all parts of the program, including enrolled classes and mandatory orientations, excursions, and program-related events.
Overnight Guests – Overnight guests and visitors are not allowed. Only students enrolled in the Pre-College Scholars track and assigned to the residence hall are permitted housing access. Guests and visitors outside the program are only limited to the public spaces, cafeteria, and library on the ground level. No guests and visitors are allowed inside your room.
Drugs & Alcohol – The use of drugs or alcohol while attending the program will not be tolerated. Students in violation of this policy are subject to immediate dismissal from the program.
Smoking & Vaping – UC Berkeley is a smoke-free campus. Students found in violation of this policy are subject to program dismissal.
Program Code of Conduct
Students are responsible for adhering to the Pre-College Scholars Code of Conduct, as well as the general Code of Conduct established for students living on campus.
Classroom Diversity
Studying at UC Berkeley is an opportunity for students to meet new people, be exposed to different cultures, and enjoy a global experience. We hope that when students come to Berkeley, they will spend the summer outside of the comfort of their first language and culture. We strongly advise that students select from the full range of course offerings and take classes that are different from those they would typically take back home. This is the best way to have an authentic Berkeley experience while enhancing their cultural and academic learning opportunities.
Campus Safety Resources
In order to be familiar with the various safety resources available at UC Berkeley, all Pre-College Scholars Program students are highly encouraged to download the UC Berkeley Summer Sessions Safety Brochure, as well as the Safety Resource Contact Card for their smartphones.
Berkeley offers comprehensive free night safety services: BearWalk Escort (trained student employees of UCPD, uniformed and radio-equipped), night shuttle buses, and door-to-door service. BearWalk provides a walking escort to nearby residences, public transportation, or parking facilities during evening hours. All services are free and available to all.
Health Insurance
All Pre-College Scholars Residential Program participants will be automatically enrolled in a secondary/emergency use health insurance plan. The plan provides emergency and non-emergency medical benefits, prescription benefits, and more.
Medical Information Form
After acceptance in the Pre-College Scholars Program, students will need to submit the Medical Information form. While providing information on this form is voluntary, students are encouraged to disclose any accommodations (physical, mental, academic, etc.), health conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions on the form. We will try our best to support any students with accommodation requests and/or health needs.
Existing Medical or Mental Health Conditions and Injuries
If you have an existing medical or mental health condition (short term or chronic) or injury, you must do the following:
- Talk to your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned departure date to:
- Determine whether it is safe for you to travel with your condition.
- Develop a plan that ensures you can get enough required medication for the duration of your program.
- Ask about any changes to taking your medicine once you are in a different time zone.
- Ask how to store your medicine and check if it needs to be refrigerated safely (your residence hall rooms are not equipped with a fridge so an advance notice is required).
- Develop a plan of care that will ensure you remain well for the duration of the program.
- Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full passport name, doctor’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.
- Bring copies of all prescriptions (preferably in English), including the generic names for medicines.
- Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill
- Be prepared to store and administer your own medication safely. All Pre-College Scholars students are required to fill out and sign the Storage and Administration of Medications Form before the start of the program.
Measles and Varicella Vaccines
All Pre-College Scholars Program students are required to get the Measles (MMR) and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines before their arrival. The Varicella vaccine is only recommended if you have never had the chickenpox virus.
If you are unable to obtain the MMR and/or the Varicella vaccines prior to your arrival to Berkley, you can visit UC Berkeley’s University Health Center once you arrive and receive the needed vaccine(s). For more information, please visit the immunizations page on the University Health Services website. View the UHS Fees document for a complete list of services provided at the University Health Center (Tang Center), and associated costs.
Student Learning Center
The Student Learning Center (SLC) is a community of professional staff with disciplinary expertise, trained undergraduate peer tutors, and Graduate Student Instructors. The SLC is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and is driven by the philosophy that students working with students promotes academic and personal success. Summer SLC services include study groups and drop-in tutoring in math, science, and statistics, tutoring and coaching in writing, and a study lounge.
UC Berkeley Libraries
Ranked among the top 10 libraries in the US by the American Library Association, Berkeley's library system includes over 30 libraries on campus, offers more than 11 million volumes (including books, microforms, maps, newspapers), and a wide variety of tools to help students complement their classroom education. Students looking for a quiet place to study will find that the libraries are an ideal environment.
Computer Centers
The general access computer facilities provide convenient and secure on-campus computing facilities for students. Staff provides up-to-date and relevant software and hardware, coupled with outstanding customer service and technical support.
Two microcomputer facilities are available to Summer Session students for general access. The Wheeler Microcomputer Facility, located at 211 Wheeler Hall, has 35 computers, and the Evans Microcomputer Facility, located in the basement of Evans Hall, has 60 computers. Both facilities support standard application software and are connected to the campus network and the internet. Open hours are listed on the Workstation & Microcomputer Facilities website.
Recreational Sports
Cal Recreational Sports is dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, wellness, fitness, personal skills, and quality of life for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Rec Sports provides facilities, programs, activities, and the opportunity for cooperative and competitive play. The Recreational Sports Facility (RSF) on campus is the University's largest, most complete fitness center with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, three weight rooms, seven basketball courts, seven racquetball courts, six squash courts, treadmills, elliptical trainers, stairmasters, rowing machines, and stationary bikes. Pre-College students have free access to RSF throughout the program.