Empowering Students for University Readiness
UC Davis Summer Academy is a rigorous residential college preparatory program that prepares students for the university application process. Designed for international high school seniors who plan to apply for admission to universities in the United States, the program develops students’ critical thinking to help them become more analytical learners who are able to apply their writing and presentation skills across the college curriculum.
With a focus on improving overall academic performance, students learn to plan their activities, organize their time and develop strong study habits. They conduct research, do presentations, meet with Undergraduate Education and Admissions representatives, as well as discuss university experiences with UC Davis students. Students earn two UC Davis academic credits for successful completion of the program.
Program Benefits
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Develop critical thinking skills to be applied to future classes in any field
- Learn how analysis leads to comprehension
- Strengthen writing skills and response to personal insight questions as part of the application process
- Improve reading and research skills in English
- Gain the confidence to think and speak logically in English
- Become familiar with the UC Davis Admissions process
- Understand the academic and cultural expectations in US higher education
- Experience campus life at an American Tier 1 research institution
- Understand how to ethically use AI tools for academic success in college
Program Details
This three-week program consists of 30 hours of instruction per week plus academic and extracurricular activities outside of class. While attending this program, students will live in residence halls on campus, experiencing college life firsthand.
- Small classes (about 15-20 students in most cases)
- Highly qualified and experienced instructors
- Technology-driven classrooms, including educational technology and AI
- Daily recreational, cultural and social activities with UC Davis student leaders
- Optional weekend trips may include Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco and Los Angeles
Dates and Fees
- Summer Session 2027: July 12-30, 2027
- Summer Session 2028: July 10-28, 2028
English Language Requirement
Students will be required to take an English Placement Test to determine eligibility. To optimize learning, we require a minimum English level of CEFR level B1+/B2-. This is equivalent to:
- TOEFL IBT: 3.5 (as of January 2026, previously 60/120)
- TOEFL PBT: 500
- IELTS: 5
- Duolingo: 90
- Michigan English Placement Test: 45
