About

UC Davis Pre-College Programs offer high-school students immersive, hands-on experiences at a premier public research university known for strengths in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and health. Participants may choose between two-week residential and commuter "Pre-College Programs" for non-credit enrichment, or enroll directly in UC Davis Summer Sessions courses for undergraduate credit (typically reserved for rising seniors). Academic tracks for the 2026 cycle include equine science, environmental toxicology, and pre-med. Residential participants live on campus in the residence halls and engage in structured programming, including lab visits and admissions workshops, while commuter options—including the Aggie Square career-exploration tracks—broaden local access. Admission for the pre-college institutes is based on a holistic application review rather than open enrollment, while Summer Sessions enrollment requires meeting specific university eligibility thresholds. For families evaluating STEM and life-science summer options, UC Davis provides a substantive pathway into college-level inquiry within a flagship public-university setting.