Berkeley City College

Berkeley, California

Just two blocks from the University of California, Berkeley, the energetic urban campus of Berkeley City College stands on the cutting edge of community college education. University preparation and occupational training classes form the core of BCC's curriculum, which also features model programs in fields as diverse as American Sign Language, Biotechnology, and Multimedia. Respected academicians and successful entrepreneurs, BCC faculty represents a broad cross-section of the Bay Area's ethnic, cultural, and economic communities. BCC's more than 4,000 students, studying amid the Bay Area's opportunity-rich culture of innovation, are sure to be up to all tomorrow's challenges.

Berkeley City College mission is to promote student success, to provide the diverse community with educational opportunities, and to transform lives. Berkeley City College serves students who seek general education, transfer to four-year universities, degrees in liberal arts and occupational areas, career preparation or precollegiate skills. The student body represents a diverse mix with high school students enrolled in advanced courses, full-time workers, people who wish to transfer to a four-year university, and lifelong learners. This diverse student population adds to the richness of the educational experience at BCC.

Academics

Berkeley City College offers university transfer and occupational training classes, associate degree and certificate programs. The college is an active partner in local economic development and employment training endeavors.

Berkeley City College’s faculty is respected academicians and successful entrepreneurs. The college maintains a strong and unique community college/university collaboration with the University of California at Berkeley. Approximately 30% of Berkeley City College’s freshman and sophomore college transfer classes are offered evenings and Saturdays through Berkeley City College on the U.C. campus. Berkeley City College structures its university transfer courses into guaranteed afternoon, evening and Saturday schedules so that students can complete University of California and California State University transfer requirements, even if they work full time.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

For direct entry into the academic line of study at Berkeley City College students must prove that they have the required English level. This can be done in two different ways:

1. The student takes a TOEFL test and submits the score together with the application to the school. The required score for direct entry to the academic line of study is 157 on the computer based test.

2. The student arrives to the college and takes the placement test provided by the college. If the student passes the test and scores high enough he/she will be admitted directly into the academic line of study.

For students who do not meet either of the requirements above the college offers the possibility to enter ESL-classes in connection with admission to the college. Depending on the level of the student and area of study the ESL-classes can be taken parallel to academic studies if the student’s English is strong enough to follow some classes. The student will then gradually move over to the academic line of study as his/her English improves. ESL-classes are offered at several different levels to best suit the student’s needs.

Transfer Center

Associate Degree graduates from Berkeley City College are guaranteed admission to the following universities and 4-year colleges:

» University of California – Davis

» University of California – Santa Cruz

» University of California – Santa Barbara

» University of California – Los Angeles

» California State University – East Bay

Students at Berkeley City College also enjoy priority admission to a number of universities such as:

» University of California – San Francisco

» University of California – San Diego

» San Francisco State University

» California State University – San José

» University of San Francisco

Every year representatives from top quality universities including schools from the UC and CSU university systems visit Berkeley City College to introduce their schools and give the students information about their transfer possibilities. Berkeley City College is ranked among the top schools for transfers to UC Berkeley.

Students receive transfer support from the International Student Counselors and other college staff in order to have the best possibilities for transfer.

Student Life

All international students at Berkeley City College are required to attend an International Student Orientation organized by the college. This orientation is held before the start of the academic program and includes important information about being a student, safety, school facilities, the local area and of course academics. There are International Student Counselors at the school supporting the international students whenever needed during the year.

Berkeley City College offers a number of extracurricular activities, clubs and sports for students to participate in. For example students can join the fun of the Animee Club, Play soccer for the Berkeley City Tigers, join the Business Club, Film Club, Digital Arts Club or why not the Music Club. International students are encouraged to take part in the sports, clubs and activities offered. Taking a break from the studies can be a good idea as well. Given the location of Berkeley City College there is of course a lot for students to do off campus as well. Berkeley is a vibrant community whit a lot of activities on offer, and also down town San Francisco is near and easy access through public transport.

Campus /Location

Berkeley City College is located in Berkeley, California, is a city on the east shore of San Francisco Bay and home to the University of California, Berkeley, the oldest campus of the University of California system. Berkeley and has an urban campus with easy access to UC Berkeley, San Francisco, BART and bus transportation. Berkeley City College is centrally located in downtown Berkeley, only one-and-a-half blocks from the U.C. campus. The city is noted as one of the most politically liberal in the nation.

Berkeley is located across the bay from one of the most famous and exiting cities in the world San Francisco. There is of course a great deal for an international student to experience in San Francisco. First of all there are a couple of “must-sees” such as the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and of course the inside of one of the famous trams as it dashes down one of the steep hills of the city. But there are many other things to see and do in this fascinating place. Visit the exciting and huge China Town, relax with an organic drink outside the Ferry Terminal and watch the local skateboarders, hang out at one of the cool and alternative restaurants in the famous Castro area or just simply walk the streets fully enjoying your time spent in one of the most exciting places in the world.

Application Deadline

Fall - June 1st, Spring - November 1

TOEFL Required

No

Sports:

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Softball