Pre-College Academy

Pre-College Academy application for Summer 2025 will be live January 2025!

The Pre-College Academy (PCA) is a six-week college preparatory summer program hosted by EAOP at the University of California, Berkeley.  For over 35 years PCA has provided intensive preparation for EAOP students enrolled in partner schools throughout the Bay Area.  PCA prepares students for their academic and professional futures by providing them with the opportunity to share in the University of California's tradition of educational excellence and diversity.  PCA prepares students for success in the following academic year, including preparation for classes that meet the University of California's and California State University's A-G subject requirements.

Course Information

PCA offers students rigorous coursework, college-level expectations, and a chance to join a community of college-bound scholars. Participants in the program take two classes, one in a theme-based writing course and the second course in math (Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Pre-Calculus). Recent writing course titles include: Environmental Justice: Expanding the Nature-Writing Canon; Your Critical and Scholarly Voice: An Exploration of Stories; Writing Across Genres: The Art of Storytelling and the Intersection of Expression; and Exploring Literacy & Writing through Ethnic Studies, Multimedia Pop Culture, & Identity. Students are enrolled in the math level that will be taking in their schools the following fall.

PCA Recruitment Video

Pre-College Academy FAQ

1. When is Pre-College Academy?

Pre-College Acaemy 2025 program dates are coming soon.

PCA takes place in-person at UC Berkeley campus for six weeks in June through July.

Days: Monday - Thursday

Time: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (with occasional programming outside of these given hours)

2. What is the application process?

What do I need for the application?

Students will need to complete the online application linked above and upload a copy of their high school transcript.

Students must provide an email address that they will have regular access to, in order to receive the most up to date information about enrollment, orientation, and program communication.

How and when will I know I have been accepted into PCA?

The program will email students of their status by April. Students can receive 1 of 3 emails...

3. What classes do students take?

What classes do students take?

PCA students enroll in two courses: a theme-based college writing and a math course. The math course will be the level that they will enroll in during the subsequent academic year.

Can I choose my classes?

Students will select the appropriate math course based on the progression. For the theme-based college writing course, students will be placed into the course by the program.

Can I switch my classes if I do not like them?

Class...

4. Do students receive high school credit?

Students participating in Pre-College Academy DO NOT receive high school credit. PCA courses are enrichment and preparatory courses offered to our students to help them prepare for the following academic year. Students cannot use PCA courses to skip particular courses at their respective schools.

5. How much does PCA cost?

Pre-College Academy is free for students. There are some associated costs that are part of the program that is not covered such as transportation and food. Financial assistance is available for qualified students based on the information provided in their application.

Transportation: qualified students will receive subsidies in the form of BART or AC transit tickets to and from the campus.

Lunch: TBD

Materials & Books: the program covers all books and class materials for all students. We request...

Pre-College Academy 2024

For more information about Pre-College Academy, contact Emerald Young, Associate Director of Academics at emeraldy@berkeley.edu