Master Academic Skills for College Success
Learn essential skills to succeed in the U.S. undergraduate environment. This two-week course is intended for international high school students (ages 14-17) interested in pursuing an undergraduate education in the United States. The course is designed to provide tools and strategies needed to focus, think critically and become an independent lifelong learner to achieve greater success in college and beyond. Experience campus life at a world-class, tier 1 research university known for its rigorous academics and safe college-town atmosphere. Upon completion of the course, students will earn two units of UC Davis academic credit, gain a newfound confidence in their academic performance and have a better understanding of the U.S. college admissions process—particularly the UC Davis admissions process.
Program Benefits
Students will improve their academic study skills by learning:
- College-level writing skills
- Strategies for active reading and listening
- Note taking and test preparation
- Organizational and time management skills
- Discussion and leadership skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- How to focus and stay on task
For a more intensive overview of the U.S. college application process, we also offer our three-week, residential UC Davis Summer Academy.
Program Details
This two-week program consists of 22.5 instruction hours. It also includes various social and cultural activities, and tours around the UC Davis campus.
- 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
- Winter Session 2027: January 25-February 5, 2027
- Summer Session I 2027: July 5-16, 2027
- Summer Session II 2027: July 19-30, 2027
- Winter Session 2028: January 10-21, 2028
- Summer Session I 2028: July 3-14, 2028
- Summer Session II 2028: July 17-28, 2028
- Program Fee: $1,400 (does not include housing)
- Application Fee: $100 (nonrefundable)
All fees are subject to change
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
