Study Abroad Summer Session MyYSS

University Preparation for International High School Students

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The information on this page pertains to Yale Summer Session's 2024 programming. Details for 2025 will be available by mid-January 2025. The information provided below is for historical reference to assist with your planning.

Prepare Yourself for College in the U.S. 

This five-week program is for international high school students with strong English skills who want to prepare for undergraduate study at an American university. You will improve your overall abilities in both spoken and written English, as well as your understanding of U.S. academic culture. Enjoy the opportunity to visit a variety of American university campuses in the northeastern part of the United States. All students in the program will be housed together with other pre-college students attending Yale Summer Session.

Date: Program Dates: July 1 - August 2, 2024

Application Deadline: May 6, 2024

Tip: Pre-College students who wish to apply to Yale Summer Session:

  • Must be entering the senior year of high school (summer after junior year) or freshman year of college (summer after senior year).
  • Must be 16 years of age or older by their program start date.

Our application for Summer 2024 courses and programs is now closed. The 2025 application will open in mid-January 2025.

University Preparation Daily Schedule*

Class Days Times
Academic Reading and Writing MTWTHF 9:00 am - 10:45 am
Academic Listening and Speaking MTWTHF 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Critical and Creative Thinking M/W 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Academic Coaching Workshop T/TH 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Elective Class T/TH 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

*Individual student schedules may vary. This is for reference only.

Summer Courses for High School Students

Academic Reading and Writing

Improve your reading and critical thinking skills to prepare for study in the U.S. This class also polishes your writing skills with daily, intensive practice. Writing exercises will emphasize grammatical accuracy, clarity of content, and fluency, while focusing on well-organized and effectively developed paragraphs and essays. In addition, learn about the research process—including paraphrasing, summary, and proper citation—in the context of writing longer papers.

  • Expand your vocabulary and ability to use new words and word forms
  • Improve your reading comprehension and speed and gain confidence in your ability to master difficult texts
  • Write essays for college applications

Academic Listening and Speaking

Develop the confidence and skills you need to be an active learner in American university classes. This class is designed to be eclectic, broad, interesting, provocative, and interactive. Learn to analyze, synthesize, and produce facts and information, while also improving your critical thinking skills. 

  • Develop listening skills and improve your academic note-taking abilities
  • Enhance your ability to interact, discuss, argue, debate and give oral reports
  • Expand your vocabulary and review grammatical structures
  • Practice interview skills for university admissions

Academic Coaching

Learn about the American university system and admissions process while improving your academic skills. Academic coaching will help you understand how you study and learn best, how you exercise your personal brand of leadership, and how to be more proactive in your life.

  • Explore the different types of academic institutions
  • Learn about the college application process
  • Improve your study skills

Critical and Creative Thinking

Explore the nature and technique of critical thought—a process used to establish a reliable basis for our claims, beliefs, and attitudes about the world. Learn to use strategies, materials, and interventions in your own educational setting. This class also seeks to deepen your understanding of creativity by improving your creative problem-solving skills and enhancing your ability to promote these skills in others.

  • Learn what critical thinking is and how to apply the skills and strategies of critical thinking in a wide variety of settings
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Make connections between critical thinking and practices in life and education

Evening Elective Classes

Choose one evening elective class in an area that interests you. Evening electives meet two evenings per week. Elective class offerings vary, but offerings may include:

  • English Pronunciation
  • TOEFL Practice
  • SAT Practice
  • Art Appreciation
  • American Music

College Visits

During week five of the program, students will visit local colleges. There will be at least four college visits planned during this week. Some college visits in the past have included: Brown University, Quinnipiac University, Wesleyan University, and the University of Connecticut. College visits will be announced as soon as they are reserved.

Tuition and Fees

Item Amount
Tuition - University Preparation for International High School Students $6,035
Application fee (nonrefundable) $75
Visa processing fee $100
Medical insurance fee for 5 weeks (estimated) $135

For other fees and residential costs, please visit our Tuition and Fees page. All tuition and fees, including room and meal charges, must be paid in full by Friday, June 7, 2024.

Financial Assistance

Yale Summer Session only offers financial assistance to Yale College students. Financial assistance is not available for visiting students at this time. Visiting students should contact the financial aid office at their home institutions to discuss their options for financial assistance.

Application Information

To apply, review the application requirements for international students and fill out the Yale Summer Session application. The English Language Institute programs are offered under Yale Summer Session B course listings. Proof of English proficiency is not required for this program.