UC Berkeley – Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP)
Established in 1868, UC Berkeley is the oldest and most renowned campus in the University of California system with over 72 Nobel laureates among its faculty, alumni, and researchers. Located in the San Francisco Bay / Silicon Valley innovation corridor, it is frequently ranked the top public university in the world.
Administered by the Graduate School of Education since 1982, ATDP offers challenging summer classes to motivated young scholars and acts as a college-preparation programme. Attendance records are recognised on the UC application platform, giving students an additional academic credential.
ATDP’s Global Program (residential) wraps the Secondary Division curriculum with community service, outreach projects, college counselling, enrichment experiences, weekday/weekend activities, and full residential services (managed by CFM Educational Services).
Important Dates – 2025 Cohort
- Arrival / Departure: 13 Jul – 10 Aug 2025
- Admissions released: 31 Jan · 28 Feb · 31 Mar 2025
- Application → Admission cycle: ≈ 2 weeks after completing requirements
Eligibility
- Students entering Grades 7-10
- ≥ 80th percentile — Qualified with Priority Acceptance
- 50-79th percentile — Provisionally Qualified (portfolio review)
Provisionally Qualified? Submit an Admission Portfolio containing Ei ATS percentile scores, transcript, and résumé of extracurriculars / honours.
Application Routes
- Online Program – Apply independently as “Non-Affiliated” via atdp.berkeley.edu
- Campus Residential Program – Email BerkeleyATDP@cfmedu.com (CFM Educational Services) for eligibility confirmation and application packet.
Academic Tracks (choose 1)
- Social Studies: Social Psychology · American Culture & Society
- Business: Business & US Economy · The Practice of Law
- Science: Advanced Biotechnology · Advanced Chemistry
- Technology: Advanced Robotics Engineering · Exploring Data Science
Beyond the Classroom
Afternoons focus on social development: community-service placements at Bay-Area NGOs and counsellor-led outreach / environmental projects.
Evenings & weekends feature college counselling, Silicon Valley tech-company visits, ATDP Prom & Talent Show, white-water rafting, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, San Francisco & Santa Cruz excursions, and more.
Programme Fees & Scholarship
Comprehensive fee covers 29 days (SFO arrival → departure) excluding textbooks/materials. Merit-based scholarships are available for qualified Ei ATS students.