University Preparation for International High School Students

This immersive five-week program is tailored for international high school students with strong English skills who are preparing to pursue undergraduate studies at an American university. You’ll refine your spoken and written English, gain valuable insights into U.S. academic culture, and develop skills essential for a successful transition to college life in the U.S.

The program also includes visits to a range of university campuses in the northeastern United States, giving you a firsthand experience of American college environments and helping you envision your future in higher education.

All participants will live with other pre-college students attending Yale Summer Session, creating a vibrant and supportive community.

[cal] Important Dates

Program Dates: 
June 30 - August 1, 2025

Application Deadline: 
May 5, 2025

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.

The 2025 application will open in mid-January 2025.

Summer Courses for High School Students

Academic Reading and Writing

This course is designed to sharpen your reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills in preparation for academic study in the U.S. Through daily, intensive writing exercises, you’ll focus on achieving grammatical accuracy, clear and concise content, and fluency in written expression. Emphasis will be placed on crafting well-organized, fully developed paragraphs and essays, with special attention to essay structures used in U.S. college applications.

In this course, you will:

• Build Vocabulary and Word Usage: Expand your vocabulary and learn to confidently use new words and word forms in both writing and speech.
• Strengthen Reading Skills: Improve reading comprehension, speed, and your ability to tackle challenging texts with confidence.
  Master the Research Process: Learn techniques for paraphrasing, summarizing, and proper citation to support longer academic papers.
• Refine Essay Writing: Practice writing essays for college applications and other academic purposes, focusing on organization, coherence, and impactful content.

By the end of the course, you will be well-prepared to meet the demands of academic reading and writing, with a solid foundation in skills essential for success in U.S. higher education.

Academic Listening and Speaking

Gain the confidence and skills essential for active engagement in American university classes. This course offers an eclectic, broad-ranging, and interactive approach to learning, designed to stimulate your curiosity and critical thinking. You’ll learn to analyze, synthesize, and present information effectively while honing key academic and communication skills.

In this course, you will:

• Strengthen Listening and Note-Taking: Develop strategies for effective listening and academic note-taking to help you succeed in fast-paced classroom settings.
• Enhance Discussion and Debate Skills: Build confidence in interacting, discussing, debating, and presenting your ideas through structured class discussions and oral reports.
• Expand Vocabulary and Grammar: Increase your academic vocabulary and review complex grammatical structures to improve your fluency and accuracy.
• Practice Interview Techniques: Refine interview skills essential for university admissions, learning to present yourself confidently and professionally.

This course prepares you to engage actively in class, contribute thoughtfully to discussions, and thrive in an American academic environment.

Academic Coaching

This course is designed to guide you through the American university system and admissions process while enhancing essential academic skills. Through personalized coaching, you’ll discover your unique learning style, develop effective study strategies, and build your personal approach to leadership, all helping you to become more proactive in your academic journey.

In this course, you will:

• Explore Types of Academic Institutions: Gain insight into the variety of U.S. universities and colleges, learning what distinguishes each type to help you find the right fit.
• Navigate the College Application Process: Understand key steps in the college admissions process, from application requirements to crafting compelling personal statements.
• Strengthen Study Skills: Develop tailored study techniques to improve focus, retention, and productivity, setting you up for academic success.

Academic Coaching empowers you to maximize your potential, make informed choices about your education, and approach the college journey with confidence and clarity.

Critical and Creative Thinking

This course delves into the techniques and foundations of critical thinking—a process that helps us develop a reliable basis for our beliefs, attitudes, and claims about the world. You’ll learn to apply critical thinking strategies across diverse settings, while also enhancing your creativity and problem-solving abilities. This course emphasizes practical applications, equipping you to foster these skills in yourself and others.

In this course, you will:

• Master the Principles of Critical Thinking: Understand what critical thinking entails and apply its skills and strategies across academic, professional, and personal contexts.
• Enhance Creative Problem-Solving: Strengthen your creativity and explore methods to approach complex challenges with innovative solutions.
• Connect Theory to Practice: Discover how critical and creative thinking can positively impact various aspects of life, education, and professional practice.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of both critical and creative thought processes, and be well-prepared to implement these skills in real-world scenarios and inspire them in others.

Evening Elective Classes

Choose an evening elective that aligns with your interests! These electives meet twice weekly, offering a chance to explore new areas and develop specific skills outside of regular coursework. Options vary, but may include:

• English Pronunciation: Refine your accent and pronunciation for clearer communication.
• TOEFL Practice: Prepare for the TOEFL with targeted practice.
• SAT Practice: Build skills for success on the SAT exam.
• Art Appreciation: Explore notable art movements and works from different cultures and eras.
• American Music: Discover the rich history and diversity of American music genres.

College Visits 

During Week 5, students will visit at least four local colleges, with past visits to Brown University, Quinnipiac University, Wesleyan University, and the University of Connecticut. College visits will be announced as soon as reservations are confirmed.

University Preparation Daily Schedule*

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

Tuition and Fees

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 three weeks before the program start date.

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.