UC Davis Summer Academy

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 90 hours of instruction and 30 hours of academic activities outside of class for a total of 120 program hours. While attending this program, students will live in residence halls on campus, experiencing college life firsthand.

• Welcome and Check-In: July 6, 2025
• Class Begins: July 7, 2025
• Closing/Certificate Ceremony: July 25, 2025
• Departure/Check-out: July 26, 2025
• Academic Skills (2 hours daily) - Includes writing skills, listening skills, critical thinking skills and reading skills.
• Application Essay Writing (2 hours each daily) - Personal insight responses
• Academic Success (1 hour daily) - Time management skills and discussion and leadership skills

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 60 on the TOEFL IBT, 500 on the TOEFL PBT, 5 on the IELTS, 45 on the Michigan English Placement Test, 90 on Duolingo or higher.

To learn more about the program or to apply, please contact us at cpeinternational@ucdavis.edu.