A Path to the University of California
Destination Davis Community College Pathway is an intensive pathway program designed for international students who wish to improve their academic and/or language skills before transferring to a California community college to complete credits for transfer to the University of California or another four-year university. Students enter through a rigorous academic preparatory program, complete a series of courses at our partner colleges and, upon successful completion of program requirements, transfer to a University of California campus. This program offers international students the opportunity to graduate from top universities, like University of California schools, in the most cost effective and promising way without high school GPAs, English requirements and standardized test scores, such as SAT or ACT.
Program Benefits
- Transfer to a UC as a 3rd-year student
- A more affordable way to complete your bachelor’s degree
- Benefit from enhanced college-prep skills
- Improve language skills for an academic setting
Program Details
- One-on-one academic counseling from a qualified academic advisor
- SAT or statement of purpose not required
- Easy and convenient admissions process
- TOEFL or IELTS scores waived for community college admissions
- Customized seminar focused on university strategies for academic excellence
- Focus on language development in an academic setting
- Enrichment activities to enhance students’ leadership and life skills
Academic Requirements
To community colleges:
- High school diploma or at least 18 years of age
To a designated UC campus:
- Complete four to five semesters at a partner college (minimum GPA of 3.4)
Successful admission to a community college and a UC requires following a path of prescribed course work and successful academic progress. Learn more about the California community college pathway.
Minimum English Eligibility Requirement
The Community College Pathway is a one-quarter program in spring and fall, designed for students whose English level is high-intermediate (i.e., iBT 55, iELTS 6, TOEIC 580, CEFR B2) or higher. If you are not sure of your English level, please contact us at cpeinternational@ucdavis.edu. We will provide you with a short online diagnostic test to identify your level. If your level is not sufficient, we recommend that you enroll in the Academic Engagement Track until you reach the level required for the Community College Pathway. Please note that the Community College Pathway does not require any official test score for admission.
Access to Academic and Cultural Support
Students receive academic advising, including help acclimating to U.S. academic culture. Lectures, workshops and individual meetings are offered quarterly to ensure successful adaptation to living abroad at UC Davis. Topics have included university academic skills for success, time management, preparing for exams, making friends in the U.S., leadership skills and increasing comprehension, pronunciation tips and more.