Relevant Track(s): Commuter
Before Applying
Carefully read the Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Commuter track page. Pay special attention to the Eligibility, Deadlines, Fees, Refund Policy, and Academic Policies sections as well as all the dates and deadlines governing the program.
- Talk to your parents about participating in the program.
- Request an official or unofficial transcript from your high school.
- Review the courses that are numbered between 1 and 99 (undergraduate, lower division) for Sessions C or D on the Course Schedule. You may also visit the Pre-College Scholars Suggested Course list, curated by our advisors. Please refer to the Course Schedule to confirm open seats in courses.
- Note the Course Number (the 5-digit number associated with each course) and the number of units for the courses you would like to take
- Pick back-up classes in case the ones you want are full
- Prepare your answers for the personal insight questions (100 word limit for each):
- Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
- The UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Program seeks to create an engaged and inclusive community that is welcoming to students from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for the Pre-College Scholars program?
- If you are an international student attending high schools outside of the United States, you are required to provide documentation of meeting the English Language Proficiency Requirement unless your school country is exempt from the requirement, OR you will enroll only in English as a Second Language courses. Keep in mind that under this track, we do NOT issue an I-20 to apply for a student visa or provide any visa/immigration support.
- Now you are ready to apply!
Application:
Application opens February 17, 2026, and closes on June 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time).
- To apply to the program, please visit http://precollege.berkeley.edu/commuter and click on the Application tab.
- Gather all of the following information before you begin:
- Basic biographical (name, birth date, sex, citizenship, etc.) and contact information
- Emergency contact information
- When you create your application account, you must use your own personal (the student's) email address. Parents/guardians will also be required to provide their own unique email address different from the student’s email address in the application.
- Upload a PDF copy of your most recent high school transcript, showing all high school work through this past Fall semester (official or unofficial). The transcript must include the student's full name and cumulative GPA. Report cards are not acceptable.
- Prepare to review with your parents all the following documents which will be included in the application:
- Commuter Track Terms and Conditions
- Commuter Track Code of Conduct and Agreement Form.
- Waiver of Liability & Authorization Form
- Release of Authorization for Emergency Treatment Form (link to come soon)
- Consent to Release Student Information Form
- Program Participants Staying with Relatives in the Bay Area Form (if applicable)
After You Apply:
Once you have completed your application, it will be reviewed by Program staff on a rolling basis. Typically, it will take 5-7 business days for your application to be reviewed. If your application is complete, you will be notified of your admissions decisions to the program via email. It is very important that students and parents monitor the email accounts associated with the application.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will delay the student's admission decision. Please be sure to check your email regularly as staff may email you regarding incomplete application materials. Contact us if you have questions regarding the status of your application.