Graduate School Preparation Academy

Classes:

• Research Paper Writing and the Application of Grammar (40 hours)

This class will prepare students for the research-paper-writing tasks that will be required of them in an American university. It focuses on structure and organization of academic prose and the principles of rhetorical development and elements of grammar and style. Students will spend time analyzing, discussing, and applying advanced grammar forms into their writing assignments. Students will also note tone and vocabulary usage in their own writing. In addition, they will read various types of writings to analyze the form and structure of other writers.

Students take two of the following 20-hour courses:

• Listening and Note-taking and Discussion (20 hours)

This course, which uses various talks and authentic university lectures, will prepare students for university lectures. There is a focus on learning the skills for listening comprehension and clear, organized note-taking, which will enable students to write a thorough summary of a lecture. In addition, students will complete both individual and group projects on lecture topics, going beyond taking notes, and requiring them to critically analyze information from the lectures.

• Critical Reading, Thinking, and Response (20 hours)

This course teaches how to comprehend complex academic texts and respond to these texts critically. Students will practice how to deeply analyze journals and articles by using reflective thinking skills and recognizing flawed reasoning. Students will practice responding clearly and concisely to arguments, both orally and in writing, by foregoing personal beliefs and focusing on objectivity. Students will learn to use details and supporting ideas to back their responses.

• Public Speaking (20 hours)

Students will practice how to solve specific speech problems, such as speaking too quickly, too softly, or too indecisively, and learn practical methods to present clearly. Students will focus on improving their skills to become more articulate and effective speakers. Students will also learn how to increase their comfort and confidence when speaking and how to deal with stage fright. 

• Advanced Vocabulary (20 hours)

This class teaches useful new words and skills essential to understanding difficult words (context, dictionary, word parts, and word origin). Activities may include sentence writing, fill-in-the-blank, and multiple choice exercises.

• Discussion and Fluency (20 hours)

Curriculum:

The Graduate School Preparation Academy (GSPA) focuses on preparing students to enter a master’s degree program at a highly selective American university. GSPA students have a rigorous course load focused on writing, research, and speaking excellence. You will develop the skills to meet the high expectations of faculty and peers at America's top universities. You may also receive assistance in choosing a degree program, as well as guidance in the application porcess to ensure timely and complete submission of university application materials. This program may be taken back to back for a total of eight weeks, with all new content every other four weeks.

Duration: 4 weeks

Levels: 7-8

Delivery Method: In-person

Visa:  F-1 student visa (20 hours per week) 

Program Schedule:

• Monday - Friday

• 20 hours per week

Sample Schedule:

Schedules may vary by English language level.
 

Age: 18+ 

Language Proficiency: Advanced (levels 7-8)

Placement Test: For the best learning experience, every student must take an online placement test to determine their English level before starting the Graduate School Preparation Academy program. This test helps us understand your current English level, ensuring you start the program at just the right spot for your study abroad journey. Additionally, all enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before the beginning of the program. This orientation, which includes the online placement test, is a crucial step in preparing for the Graduate School Preparation Academy program.

2025 Dates:

• July 7 - August 1
• August 4 - 29

2025 Prices:

• Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
• Tuition: $2,790 
• International Student Service Fee: $250
• UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $240
• Books/Materials: Approximately $250 – $400 (Payment CANNOT be made in advance. Books and materials must be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)