PREP: Pre-Engineering Program

The Pre-Engineering Program (PREP) begins with a three week summer program offered to incoming Berkeley Engineering students. PREP continues throughout the year with professional development opportunities, community building events, and a PREP seminar you can take for units that will set you up for success. We in Engineering Student Services prioritize the 4 C’s: Community, Collaboration, Capital, and Confidence. Through this program, you will build Community with like-minded peers, learn how to Collaborate with others in your learning and design process, develop the professional and cultural Capital necessary to navigate the engineering world, and gain Confidence in your skills and growth as a Berkeley Engineer!

If you were pre-admitted to PREP in your admission paperwork, visit the pre-admitted page to learn more ad let us know that you’ll be attending the program.

PREP is one of the many support services offered by Engineering Student Services. Through the generous support of our corporate partners, PREP is provided at no cost to participating students.

There are three main thrusts of UC Berkeley’s Pre-Engineering Program:

• Academic component: You will attend classes in subjects like math, chemistry, and computer science in order to build a solid foundation before going into your freshman year. These classes are crafted to teach you critical prerequisite knowledge you’ll need for classes you’ll be taking in the Fall and beyond. During these classes, you’ll engage in a connected and collaborative learning community with your peers, all while setting yourself up for academic success.
• Professional development component: Even if you have never created a resume, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running just in time for UC Berkeley’s fall career fairs. Landing your Dream Job is a journey and it starts at PREP!
• Design component: You will work with engineering Professor Scott Moura in the Jacobs Institute of Design Innovation. Working with a team, you will create a prototype using the SPRINT design process. At the end of the program you’ll showcase your product at the Design Expo to industry representatives (such as Chevron and Micron) and Berkeley Engineering faculty.

What happens after PREP?

The PREP summer experience is just the beginning. In the Fall and Spring semesters, you’ll participate in a 2-unit seminar exclusively for PREP students.

Do I qualify for PREP?

All incoming first-year students are invited to apply for PREP. The program focuses on the academic issues facing students from groups who are:

• First-Generation College students (meaning that neither parent has completed a four year degree in the US)
• Students from Non-Traditional Backgrounds in Engineering
• Pell Eligible students
• Previous participants of UC Academic Preparation programs such as MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement).

When is PREP offered?

This year PREP will take place July 14-August 1, 2025.

What is the cost of PREP?

Through the generous support of our corporate sponsors — Chevron, the Boeing Company and General Motors — and our individual sponsors — Kung Guerra Foundation, RECARE Foundation, Brian & Lisa Davis, the Arjavalingam family, Maria and Dave Kaval, Esther and HonWah Chung, Arista Foundation and the Berkeley Engineering Fund — PREP is free to all participants.

How do I apply?

Apply online. The application deadline is Friday, May 25th at 11:59 p.m. Students will be notified by June 6th if they’ve been accepted.