UC Berkeley Academic Talent Development Program
Expect More of Your Summer
City, Country
Berkeley, USA
Dates
July 11 – August 8 2020
Age
13 - 17 years old

Payment
$ 8250 per 4 weeks
What is ATDP?
UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education established ATDP (Academic Talent Development Program) in 1982. Every year, ATDP selects academically talented students from elementary school to high school to participate in an academically challenging program.

ATDP distinguishes itself from other summer programs as one that is rigorous and motivates students to develop their academic talent. Over the years, ATDP has nurtured and shaped numerous talented youth. According to statistics in 2006, more than 70,000 students have attended ATDP and of these students, 95% of them successfully entered college.

What is ATDP Final Evaluation?

Upon completing an ATDP course, students will receive an official ATDP certificate and a final evaluation from their instructor. Printed on official UC
bond paper, the final evaluation can be sent to schools as proof of course completion. It includes the instructor's narrative evaluation of student
performance and final letter grade.

Note: ATDP is an academic program but bears no college or high school credit units. ATDP final evaluation is NOT a UC transcript; ATDP cannot
provide a transcript for any of its courses.

How can ATDP help you when you apply for college?

When applying for UCs, there is a column on the UC application called "Educational Preparation Programs". ATDP is one of the few programs that
can be considered as a "Educational Preparation Program". Furthermore, college admissions officers often like to see how students spend their
summers. Therefore, writing about your ATDP experience in your college personal statements can also be very meaningful and unique.
What will you do during 4 weeks
Academic study program developed by UC Berkeley
Volonteering
Extracurricular projects (Fundraising, reasearch)
Excursions and company visits
ATDP Program Tracks
CHOOSE ONE
ARCHITECTURE TRACK
For high school students who are interested in the arts, this course provides an opportunity for a priceless experience and challenge. Ever hoped to become an artist or designer but have no clue about how to blend your interests with academia and how to extend your interests into a profession? Students will get the opportunity in this course to delve into the world of architecture through the exploration of architectural concepts and working individually and collaboratively on projects. Students will be required to complete a project, which can be a significant part of their portfolio and become a solid foundation for applying to college in the arts in the future.
- Architectural Design
(5 classes/week, 3 hours each, assignments 3‐8 hours/class)

Architectural Design
This course explores the built environment and introduces students to the architectural profession. The class focuses primarily on the formal principles of architectural design by examining examples from lectures and by visiting buildings on and off campus.
Students will also develop an understanding of concepts in two-dimensional composition, furniture design, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Students will express their ideas in scaled models and drawings. The course consists of several weeklong projects, including architectural drawings of existing buildings, abstract sculptural design, furniture design, and designing new landscape and architectural structures. While working individually and in teams, students will be able to explore their creative potential and develop their ability to work effectively in groups.
Knowing how to draw or build models is not a prerequisite.

Note: Additional fee-based class materials are needed
BUSINESS TRACK
The best way to gain further understanding about the American society, the culture of the business and professional world, or even the values and reasoning logics is to directly explore the subject of American business, finance, and economy and examine American law and relevant practices. This program provides the perfect pathway for those who will come to the US for undergraduate or graduate studies. It will be a productive time of going abroad to experience the world away from home and create new memories, ultimately reaping long-term benefits in the learning process.
- Business, Finance and the US Economy
(3 classes/week, 3.5 hours each, assignments 2‐4 hours/class)
- The Practice of Law(2 classes/week, 3.5 hours each, assignments 3‐5 hours/class)

Business, Finance and the US Economy
This course is a concentrated, practical and exciting introduction to business for high school students. Students will explore fundamental principles of finance and economics, including the basics of valuation, risk and return, and demand and supply. The course will emphasize real-world application through applied problems and projects, and guest speakers, including financial industry professionals and entrepreneurs. We will study how firms make decisions, the role of banks and markets, and we will explore timely macroeconomic topics such as government debt and deficits, currency fluctuation, recession, and financial and currency crises. Throughout, students will increase their financial literacy and gain tools for personal financial planning for college and beyond, including how interest accumulates, the pitfalls of credit, and understanding residential mortgage terms and risks. Students will find that the connections between these topics and the mathematical concepts they have learned in school will make their math classes more interesting and relevant.

The Practice of Law
This course will provide an overview of social institutions and functions addressed in the practice of law. Students will participate in each of the lawyer's roles: investigation, research, advocacy, negotiation, trial preparation, and dispute resolution. In the process, students will examine the nature and history of law, interrogate parties, argue hypothetical cases, arbitrate conflicts, and draft legal documents. This class will require active participation in lively classroom activities and projects, which will include simulated trials, oral argument, and case briefing. Students will be encouraged to participate freely in robust classroom discussions and debates, with a premium placed on the open exchange of ideas and opinions. The course will culminate in a mock trial conducted in a local courtroom before a judge. College-level texts will be used.
ENGINEERING TRACK
Don't assume you learn programming only if you want to major in computer or software. The modern mindset is you simply need programming to help solve problems whichever engineering subject you are in. Are you brand new to coding? Want to see how fun and easy it can be? This course provides an introduction to programming with Python. Students will get the opportunity to learn from a basic idea to translating that idea into code, and everything in between. Gain a new skill or complete a task by the end of the program, and you will be programming in Python! The class is appropriate for high school students who do not have computer programming experience and have completed at least Algebra I. Come and learn using Python to define a practical problem, construct the elements of problem solving, and eventually derive solutions to the problem.
- Introduction to Programming: Solving Problems with Python
(3 lectures/week, 2 labs/week, 3 hours each; assignments 3‐8 hours/class)

Introduction to Programming: Solving Problems with Python
This beginning programming course will introduce students to the central ideas of computer science using the language Python. No programming experience is necessary. This course touches on many of the main ideas in AP Computer Science Principles, such as abstraction, algorithms, and the societal impact of computing. We will learn about common control structures, including logic statements and loops, as well as simple data structures. The course presents students with common programming problems, includes computational and critical thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field.

Note:
• Students are required to bring and use their own computers for Python programming.
• No special computer system requirements. Students will need to be able to go to the Python website to download and install Python - there are both Windows and Mac versions, so any modern laptop will be able to do this.
SCIENCE TRACK
Are you eager to get hands-on experience in exploring the sciences? Are you also feeling anxious about being lost in the numerous English scientific vocabulary and terminology when later you start college in the U.S.? The combination of the Advanced Biotechnology and Advanced Chemistry courses will feed your curiosity and bring you a summer filled with exploration, experimentation, and learning. This is your perfect opportunity to use your creativity in research, experimental design, and discover exciting new scientific knowledge through various lab activities.
- Advanced Biotechnology
(3 classes/week, 3.5 hours each, assignments 4‐6 hours/class)
- Advanced Chemistry
(2 times/week, 3.5 hours/class, assignments 4‐6 hours/class)

Advanced Biotechnology
In this course, students will conduct advanced biotechnology experiments, including DNA extraction, PCR, bacterial transformation, and protein gel electrophoresis. Students will also research and design their own inquiry-driven experiments, which they can then continue during the school year in preparation for the science fair. Additionally, we will explore ethical and political implications of biotechnology; topics include genetically modified organisms, cloning, reproductive biotechnology, and stem cell research. Students who have already taken "Introduction to Biotechnology" are
welcome to apply.

Advanced ChemistryThis course provides an opportunity for students who have already taken high school chemistry to deepen their knowledge. Laboratory activities and discussions focus on how chemists can control the types of reactions that occur-everything from color changes to explosions. Topics include bonding, chemical reactions, moles, elementary thermodynamics, and quantum chemistry. This class is ideal for students who want either to review their knowledge or to learn more chemistry in preparation for an AP Chemistry course.
SOCIAL STUDIES TRACK
The American Culture & Society course brings together topics of history, politics and culture to guide students in the exploration of American way of thinking and the values, cultural differences, and ultimately gaining the understanding to communicate effectively. On the other hand, the Social Psychology course aims to discover the different ways in which people interact with others and helps you understand yourself, others and society at large by examining scientific studies of various areas. Engaging classroom discussions, collaborative work, and stimulating writing activities will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone to think critically and formulate your own opinions and arguments.
- American Culture & Society
(3 classes/week, 3.5 hours each, assignments 3‐6 hours/class)
- Social Psychology
(2 classes/week, 3.5 hours each, assignments 2‐4 hours/class)

American Culture & Society
Students in this course will use tools from the social sciences and humanities to pursue a rich understanding of American culture. We will consider a variety of source material, including key events in American history and politics, themes in American literature and popular culture, and rituals and symbols that represent and permeate daily life in America. Through ongoing discussion and a variety of reading and writing exercises, students will identify the ways in which American habits, beliefs, and values are communicated and maintained. This language-heavy course will also give students an opportunity to strengthen their English fluency. Topics include education, family, diversity, business, and government.

Social Psychology
Social psychology is the scientific study of the way people think about, feel, and behave in social situations. It involves understanding how people influence, and are influenced by, others around them. A primary goal of this course is to introduce you to the perspectives, research methods, and
empirical findings of social psychology. We will use a college-level textbook along with supplementary readings to cover topics including: impression formation, conformity, pro-social behavior, interpersonal attraction, persuasion, stereotyping and prejudice. Equally important is the goal of cultivating your skills for analyzing the social situations and events that you encounter in your everyday lives. Finally, throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on developing critical and integrative ways of thinking about theory and research in social psychology.
Extracurricular projects
Community Service*
Examples of Community Service locations may include the following:
BUILD (Berkeley Youth with Disabilities)
• About BUILD: The BUILD house opened in 2001 and exists to serve and provide a living community for children and teenagers with severe disabilities.
• Opportunity: Students will have the opportunity to interact and work with youth with disabilities. Activities may range from taking the youth to the park to participating in indoor activities with them.
• Outcome: Certificate from BUILD & Service Learning hours

BHFP (Berkeley Food and Housing Project)
• About BFHP: To ease and end the crisis of homelessness in our community, Berkeley Food & Housing Project provides emergency food and shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing, and housing placement with support services to homeless individuals and families..
• Opportunity: At the free drop-in community meal at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, students will be helping with setting up, preparing food, and serving food to individuals who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness. In addition, they would be expected to help with the take down and clean up after the guests leave our Community Meal.
• Outcome: Certificate from BFHP & Service Learning hours

BCG (Bancroft Community Garden):
• About BCG: The Bancroft Community Garden is committed to working as a community and nourishing the soil solely with organic growing methods, providing the neighborhood with a beautiful place to enjoy nature. Their mission is to steward an organic, natural oasis in the middle of an urban environment.
• Opportunity: The scope of activities that students will help with will include various urban farm and orchard summer care and maintenance tasks needed: ranging from clearing weeds, adding tree mulch to pathways in orchard and garden spaces, etc. Students will have the opportunity to interact with other local volunteers.
• Outcome: Certificate from BCG & Service Learning hours

∗ Service organizations are subject to change.
Including ATDP courses on your college application
Weekend Activities
• Activity #1: Whitewater Rafting on the American River

• Activity #2: San Francisco Symphony or Performing Arts

• Activity #3: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Theme Park

• Activity #4: Stanford University / Apply Park and Great Mall Outlet Shopping

• Activity #5: Berkeley or SF Excursion

• Activity #6: Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk

• Activity #7: Day in San Francisco and Pier 39

• Activity #8: Technology Industry Visit

• Activity #9: Dance Party

• Activity #10: Karaoke/Movie
Experience
Berkeley Campus Living
Housing

- Standard Berkeley university dormitory
- Double or triple occupancy
- Shared floor bathrooms
- Shared building kitchen appliances
- Wi-Fi throughout campus & dorms
Safety

- Safety-first policy
- 24/7 guardianship from arrival to
departure
- Frequent communication with
parents
- Family-like environment fostering
friendship building
Meal Plan

- Daily breakfasts and weekday dinners at
Crossroads Student Canteen
- Weekday picnic lunches on campus with different menu
- Weekend lunches & dinners: at off-campus
restaurants of diverse cultures
Payment
US$8,250
Pay program fee and return the enrollment confirmation form 10 days after admissions

Including:
Tuition, Room & board, Linens, Insurance, Service learning opportunities, Residential counselors & tutoring, Weekend activities, Airport transportation, Group transportation, Miscellaneous fees.

Not including:
Airfare, Textbooks & class materials, Personal expenses.
Application checklist
- Prepare application materials:

- English resume (include extracurricular activities, honors & awards)
- 500-800 words English essay (choose one):
* If I could change one thing about myself
* If I were my teacher
* If I am admitted by UC Berkeley for college
- Current English transcript of the recent 2 years
- Teacher recommendation form (x 1)
- Passport copy
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (optional)


- Complete online application and pay application fee US$100 through the red button below

- Schedule a video interview after completing online application/

- Admissions will be released in stages: Jan 31, Feb 28, March 31 or until all spots are filled
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