UC Davis Pre-College Programs Offer Exploration on Multiple Levels
“I arrived here hopeful that I could discover my passion and career path. I left with the clear objective of pursuing an animal science degree at UC Davis,” said Manuela Vernazza, a high school student from Spain.
Manuela is one of nearly 200 students who attended this year's UC Davis Summer Pre-College Programs—an experience that draws high schoolers from across the country and around the world to explore academic interests, experience college life and build lasting connections.
“This is by far the best program— or anything— that I've ever done,” said Riley, a former student from California. “This has made me fall in love with the professors and the campus. It's perfect.”
A College Experience Tailored for High-School Students
From sunny beaches to snowy mountains, Davis is just a day trip from some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Its central location in Northern California means easy access to San Francisco, Sacramento, Yosemite, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe—giving high school students plenty to explore. But what makes it unforgettable is doing it all alongside new friends from around the world.
“I absolutely loved this program,” said a former student who participated in the Pre-Med Pre-College Program. “I learned so much and met so many people that I will never forget.”
“It's definitely the best summer I've had so far,” said Shefali from California. “You learn so much and you're really immersed in the college environment.”
The city of Davis offers security and charm with a small-town feel—the perfect atmosphere for high school students to experience college life. The campus is known for its open space and connection to nature with a walkable, bike-friendly lifestyle, supporting a mixture of community involvement and relaxed ambiance that allows students to personalize their experience while maintaining their studies.
As a big fan of coffee, Canadian Wenyu Chen applied to the Chemical Engineering with Coffee Pre-College Program to learn more about UC Davis and its Coffee Research Center. “The food, dorms and campus environment were all excellent! The entire schedule for the two weeks was very fulfilling and entertaining,” she said.
Classic Campus Setting, One-of-a-Kind Experiences
UC Davis allows high-school students to pursue meaningful personal and academic interests amid a variety of classic collegiate experiences, all while supported by a strong sense of on-campus community.
“UC Davis offered the perfect opportunity to explore my passion for veterinary medicine in a hands-on and meaningful way,” said Mia Jaramillo, a rising junior from Panama who participated in the Equine Science Pre-College Program. “I got a taste of college life and met wonderful people who made the experience even better.”
Mateo Vernazza of Spain also gained deep experience in his area of interest, even getting the opportunity to bring his business ideas to life in the Startup Entrepreneurship Pre-College Program.
“I stepped into the program looking for knowledge in entrepreneurship, seeking new tools and good mentors,” he said. “I finished with way more than that. I left with friends and diverse perspectives, countless emotions, exciting memories and wanting to learn more about the business world.”
“It really felt like college—and it was incredible,” said Palavi, a former Pre-College student from California.
Where Academic Curiosity Meets Real-World Experience
A tier-one research university that’s highly ranked in the U.S. and the world, UC Davis offers high school students a unique opportunity to work hands-on with world-class professors and researchers before their college career even begins—sparking new interests and helping students find their path.
“Getting hands-on lab experience that I wouldn’t receive otherwise was the most valuable part of the program,” said Sigourney of Reno, Nevada, who participated in the Environmental Toxicology Pre-College Program. “The program helped me narrow what I am interested in studying.”
Exploring subject areas in which UC Davis is an international powerhouse, such as equine science, pre-med, coffee and more, is a unique draw of the program. Students attend classes taught by UC Davis professors, work in cutting-edge university labs and bunk with roommates in campus residence halls—all while learning more about a potential career.
As a high schooler from Washington, Taylor found these experiences waiting for her at UC Davis, where she got a glimpse of what it feels like to study animal science.
“The Pre-College Equine Science Program gave me the opportunity to experience lectures and labs similar to those in the Animal Science degree, which allowed me to get a sneak peek into what my time at college could include,” she said. “I felt like a college student surrounded by a community of young scientists with similar passions.”
Ready to explore your future?
Apply now to UC Davis Summer Pre-College Programs and take the first step toward your college journey. Sign up for a free info session to learn more.
Lyra Cai, a rising senior from China who participated in the Pre-Med Program, was able to get a firsthand look at what a career in medicine could look like. “What impressed me most was the field trip to the medical school, which was my first real introduction to the field of medicine,” she said. “It served as a ‘job experience’ for me, helping me clarify my plan.”
More Than a Summer—A Defining Experience
At UC Davis, high-school students discover the university’s ongoing commitment to connecting students of all backgrounds with exceptional opportunities and welcoming campus experiences. In an environment tailored to personal and academic growth, students find that their expectations are met and exceeded while new passions are discovered and refined.
We’re looking forward to welcoming high-school students who are eager to explore their interests, connect to a campus community and grow beyond their expectations.