Get a head start.
Berkeley Summer Sessions offers two specially designed programs for students admitted to UC Berkeley for fall:
- Freshman Edge - for newly admitted freshmen.
- Transfer Edge - for incoming transfer students.
Both programs give incoming students a chance to get a head start on classes, get to know the campus and facilities, and connect with peers. If accepted for Fall admission, students are eligible to opt into the corresponding Edge program via their CalCentral notifications once they accept their offer of admission. Admitted UC Berkeley students do not need to submit a Summer Sessions application.
Letters & Science 1 - Research, Discovery, and You
Research, Discovery, and You is a 2-unit online course for newly admitted freshmen, particularly those who are excited to be at UC Berkeley but uncertain of where to start their explorations. Taking L&S 1 in the summer provides an introduction to the intellectual landscape of the College of Letters and Science, revealing the underlying assumptions, goals, and structure of a liberal arts education. The ultimate goal of the course is to transform students into informed participants in their own educational experiences, so that you can make the most of your years at Berkeley.
First-Year Connect
All Freshman Edge students are encouraged to enroll in First-Year Connect, a one-unit course that will help you build community and confidence as you begin your time at UC Berkeley. Through First-Year Connect, you will be matched with a Berkeley graduate student who will be your personal mentor for the summer, and join a small group of first-year peers who will meet every week for informal discussions led by your mentor. Through this one-on-one and group mentoring, you can get your questions answered, start to build your support network, and chart your path at Berkeley. Students report that Connect mentoring helps them meet other students and engage with professors; increases their familiarity with the university and the resources available to them on campus; and boosts their sense of belonging at Berkeley.
To sign up for First-Year Connect, first opt-in to Freshmen Edge, then enroll in any section of English 98BC during Summer Session D (be aware that at least one section of First-Year Connect will be conducted remotely). For questions about First-Year Connect email berkeleyconnect@berkeley.edu.