The University of Michigan represents the very best the Big Ten has to offer, excelling in academics, research, innovation, and athletics. Its world-class facilities, spirited traditions, and engaging campus environment create an ideal setting for students seeking the full experience of top-tier college life.
ACA @
University of Michigan
Join ACA for the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!
Welcome to ACA @ University of Michigan
Get ready for an unforgettable summer at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities!
Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town with a welcoming, energetic atmosphere. It combines the cultural offerings of a big city with the walkability and charm of a smaller community. Surrounded by scenic parks, rivers, and trails, it’s an ideal spot for biking, kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Summer brings endless opportunities to paddle down the Huron River, explore the Nichols Arboretum, or relax in one of the many green spaces — all while soaking up Ann Arbor’s lively summer festivals and events.
- 2 Enrichment Electives Daily
- Exciting Afternoon & Evening Activities
- Weekend Adventures Are Always Included!
- Big 10 College Tour
- Iconic College Town
- Upscale Residence Halls complete with A/C
- 10:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio
- Local Private Transportation for ACA Students and Staff Only
2026 Dates & Tuition
Combo Program
Transportation is not included in tuition.
Weekday Schedule
-
8:30 am - 9:15 am
Breakfast -
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Elective 1 -
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Elective 2 -
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch -
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Chill -
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Afternoon Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Shower, Change, Relax -
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dinner -
8:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Evening Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
11:00 pm - 12:00 am
Residence Hall (Social Time) -
12:00 am
Goodnight (Individual Suites)
Classes run Monday through Friday.
Safety
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation. Parents will be reassured to know that Ann Arbor is a friendly college town.
Travel to Michigan*
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). There they will be met by ACA staff members, who will escort them to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the short drive to Ann Arbor. We will provide designated times that you should fly into DTW where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
ACA Electives
ACA’s signature Michigan program offers the kind of personal enrichment electives that build confidence for college while also giving you the chance to grow academically and intellectually.
The ACA experience gives you a welcome preview of college life, and still delivers plenty of opportunities to enhance your knowledge and pursue your interests. Pursue a new passion, explore your inner creativity, practice a sport. Do it all in an amazing summer setting, surrounded by new friends and without the pressure of grades!
The academic portion of ACA’s Michigan program consists of college-style courses.
ACA classes are graded on a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” basis, and all students receive an ACA “Certificate of Achievement” upon successful completion of each course.
Classes are held Monday through Friday, and are taught by distinguished members of the university faculty, graduate students, secondary school instructors or Ann Arbor-area professionals. Instructors teach in an interactive, seminar style, creating a supportive environment that encourages you to actively participate in each class.
ACA fills courses on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly recommend enrolling in the program early to better ensure the availability of your desired courses.
Elective Options:
You will be able to choose two of the following options for your stay:
Elective Selection (Choose 2 Electives running from 9:30-11:00 and 11:15-12:45):
From sports stars selling SUVs to pop singers selling soda, advertising and marketing is a huge part of our culture. Sure, it is essential to business, but it also reflects our society. How do advertisers and marketers determine the best way to influence consumers? What campaigns are the most effective? What new trends is technology creating? If you’re planning on influencing others through advertising, public relations or marketing, understanding these concepts will be essential. Get a head start!
An introduction to the fields of mass communication and group and interpersonal communication. Everyone knows that we live in a fast-paced, information-dependent culture – and we need skilled, entertaining personalities to provide us with what we need to know. Whether it’s serious news served up CNN style or a lighthearted late-night talk show, anchors, hosts and reporters have worked hard to ask compelling questions and create engaging interview styles and stories. You’ll study classic ways to cover a story, interview a celebrity and interact with an audience. In addition we will focus on media including newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film and advertising. Stick with it and you could become one of the trusted faces we see on TV every night or the one who goes behind the scenes to get the next big scoop!
These days everything — and everyone — is online. This course explains how social media has not only revolutionized the social fabric, but also how to create a one-of-a-kind social media experience. Explore how individuals and companies use social media to increase their fame, following and value. Examine the business plans of the major social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Tik Tok. This class will also explore how individuals and companies build successful brands across various platforms and the big question – what makes a post go viral?
The mind is a limitless frontier. What do we know about its inner workings? You will get insight into what makes people tick in this popular introductory course. You’ll study personality and psychological development, attitudes, cognition and intelligence. And you will learn a bit about how you think and feel yourself.
Looking to be accepted at your dream school and then survive there? This class gives you intensive work on the college entrance application and tips to survive freshman year while keeping your sanity. This course focuses on writing effective admissions essays, getting noticed during interviews, mastering study success in a college environment, library research and winning test strategies. Teachers will keep you on your toes as you navigate this comprehensive course.
Mock Trial: Order in the Court is an exciting, hands-on course that introduces students to the world of law, courtroom procedures, and legal arguments. Through immersive role-playing, ACA students will take on the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors, working together to prepare and present a mock trial. Students will learn how to build a case, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and deliver persuasive and powerful arguments in a courtroom setting.
The elective focuses on developing critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills while providing a deeper understanding of the justice system. Students will gain practical experience in legal research, persuasive communication, and the ethics of law, all while engaging in a fun and competitive environment.
Perfect for students interested in law, debate, or leadership, this course will prepare students to think critically and speak with conviction—skills that are valuable for any future endeavor.
World of Current Politics is a dynamic course that introduces ACA students to the key political issues shaping the world today. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and analysis of global events, students will gain a deeper understanding of how politics, government policies, and international relations impact societies and individuals globally..
Students will explore topics such as democracy, human rights, climate policy, global conflicts, and economic inequality, while learning to critically assess news sources and understand different political ideologies.
By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage in informed political debates, make thoughtful decisions, and actively participate in the political processes that shape their futures.
World of Current Politics is a dynamic course that introduces ACA students to the key political issues shaping the world today. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and analysis of global events, students will gain a deeper understanding of how politics, government policies, and international relations impact societies and individuals The past decade witnessed one of history’s most successful stock market runs – followed by one of its most devastating declines. What caused this incredible rise and major fall? What do mortgage defaults and taxpayer bailouts mean to your future investment opportunities? Are banks really too big to fail, or should they take their hits in the free market like any business? You’ll examine these tough questions, plus get the chance to create and manage your own investment portfolio! See you on Wall Street!
“Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.” ACA’s Service Learning course embodies this Albert Einstein quote providing, rewarding opportunities to spend time helping to make Ann Arbor an even better place for its citizens and visitors. Our goal is to encourage our students to realize the power they have to grow as individuals while contributing to an environment of cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Earn up to 45 hours of community service! Upon completion, every participant receives a certificate highlighting the total number of hours volunteered and projects completed.
Past ACA Service Partners & Projects Include:
- Food Pantry
- River Clean Ups
- Gardening
- Habitat for Humanity
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Support Our Troops
Successful CSI requires hands-on training and a step-by-step process in the discovery, preservation, and collection of physical evidence. In this course, you will examine the techniques CSI’s collect and preserve evidence from delicate crime scenes. Learn about crime scene management; diagramming and sketching; photography; fingerprint, bloodstain pattern analysis. The instructor will create a mock crime scene and you will collect and interpret the evidence. Prepare to experience what you see on CSI!
Ready to showcase your entrepreneurial skills on Shark Tank? Launching your own company isn’t for everyone. Only the most daring, determined types need apply, but if you have what it takes, you’ll be in the same league as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, or Google guys Larry Page and Sergey Brin. If you’re ready to develop your own startup, this course could be your first step on the road to success! You’ll create a business plan, hoping to cash in on your innovation and creativity. Research your market, work up a template to put your plan into action, and let your inner entrepreneur take command.
From professional teams packing stadiums to global brands sponsoring athletes, sports are big business. Behind every game, there’s strategy, leadership, and organization that keep it all running smoothly. How do managers build winning teams on and off the field? What role does media, sponsorship, and fan engagement play? And how is technology changing the way we experience sports? If you’re interested in the fast-paced world where athletics meets business, understanding sports management is essential. Get in the game early!
Students will learn key marketing strategies, digital media tools, and event promotion techniques used by college sports programs to boost visibility and drive fan engagement. They’ll also explore the business side of college athletics, including fundraising, licensing, and creating partnerships with local and national companies.
By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in sports marketing and a practical understanding of how to build and promote sports brands, making them well-equipped for future careers in sports management, marketing, and communications.
You and your peers are divided into groups each holding a different role representing your tech start up from the CEO to CFO, COO to customer service and consumers. Each team is responsible for designing a new product, taking into account its user-friendly features and breakthrough potential. Teams are required to develop marketing strategies including doing research about competitive products, determining the sale price and advertising campaigns along with the profitability of your products. This program will help you think like an innovator, test your ability to work with a team, and push you to develop your leadership capabilities.
ACA’s Global Leadership elective is an interactive, dynamic course designed to help young individuals develop the essential skills and mindset to become effective, confident leaders. Through a combination of discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, students will explore key leadership concepts such as communication, teamwork, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
ACA students will engage in activities that challenge them to think critically, collaborate with peers, and lead with empathy and integrity. The forum will also delve into the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience in leadership roles. By the completion of the program, students will have developed a personalized leadership style and the confidence to take on leadership opportunities in school, extracurricular activities, communities and beyond.
ACA’s Debate & Public Speaking elective is an engaging seminar-style course designed to help students build confidence and master the art of persuasive communication. Through structured debates, speech practice, and interactive exercises, students will develop the skills to speak clearly, argue effectively, and present their ideas with impact and conviction.
ACA students will learn key debate strategies, speechwriting techniques, and how to engage an audience, all while refining their critical thinking, listening, and teamwork abilities. Whether preparing for a debate competition or delivering a speech in front of a crowd, this course equips students with the tools they need to communicate persuasively and confidently.
From surgeons in the operating room to researchers developing life-saving treatments, the medical field offers endless possibilities. But what does it really take to work in healthcare? How do doctors, nurses, and specialists train for their roles, and what new frontiers are being shaped by technology and innovation? This elective will explore current hot topics including medical ethics, health care costs, health disparities, biomedical research, and the importance of maintaining personal wellness and mental health. If you’re curious about helping people, solving complex problems, and making an impact on the future of health, this elective will give you a firsthand look into the wide world of medicine. Start exploring your path today!
Everyone knows that a good diet and plenty of exercise are the keys to good health, but what’s going to work best for you? Are you a vegetarian yogi or a protein-pounding weight lifter? Whatever your well-being interest, this course will help you balance mind, body and spirit, discussing progressive fitness techniques and intelligent approaches to nutrition.
Or Elective Selection (Choose 1 running from 9:30am - 12:45pm):
Get ready for an action-packed course full of adventure, exploration, and staying active! Set against the scenic backdrop of Ann Arbor’s historic waterfront, parks, and nearby trails, this course gives students the chance to dive into thrilling outdoor activities while building leadership and teamwork skills. Whether you’re paddling a canoe, kayaking down the river, or testing your rock-climbing skills, this course is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast ready to take on new challenges and make the most of the great outdoors.
These intensive course builds the skills you need to improve your college admissions test scores. Offering complete diagnostic evaluations each week, students will get the practice they need to prepare for either of these challenging exams. Intensive classroom instruction will help students prepare for all test sections, which can be the key to decreasing test anxiety, increasing test preparedness and maximizing test performance. The full ACT review includes all books, diagnostic exams and classroom materials.
This course focuses on the skills you need to improve your SAT score. Offering three complete SAT diagnostic exams, students will receive the practice they need to prepare for this challenging exam. In addition to practice tests, intensive classroom instruction will focus on helping students tackle all three sections of the test (math, reading and writing). This complete SAT review includes all books, diagnostic exams and classroom materials. It can be the key to your best SAT performance! Supplemental fee: $795
* A supplemental supply or lab fee will apply.
Your Home in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor – home of the University of Michigan – combines the energy of a proud Big Ten school, the charm of a vibrant college town, and the warmth of a welcoming local community. With ACA, you stay in style, enjoying the finest residence accommodations of any pre-college summer program. ACA’s residence hall features deluxe rooms complete with wifi, linen service and, of course, air conditioning! You’ll also like the state-of-the- art workout facility. Plus, their lounge areas and study rooms make it easy and fun to hang out with friends. And rest easy, because the front-desk staff and ACA office is on-site to ensure your safety 24 hours a day.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
Around Town & Beyond
- Shop along Main Street and State Street, home to trendy boutiques, unique local shops, and national brands. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky independent stores.
- Stroll along the Huron River, enjoy the scenic views, or kayak or paddleboard for a summer adventure.
- End the day with a sweet treat from Blank Slate Creamery, famous for their cookies and pastries.
- Grab lunch at Zingerman’s, one of Ann Arbor’s most iconic spots famous for its freshly baked bread and gourmet sandwiches.
- Experience the creativity and energy of the Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the largest and most celebrated art fairs in the country.
- Catch the excitement of a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park!
- Play a game of Ultimate Frisbee or relax in the sun at Nichols Arboretum (“The Arb”) or one of Ann Arbor’s many parks.
- For science-lovers, explore the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History or the Museum of Natural History planetarium for hands-on exhibits.
- Take in the campus atmosphere by walking through Central Campus, visiting landmarks like The Diag, or enjoying the vibrant student life and outdoor art installations around town.
- Try your hand at adventure with laser tag, bowling, mini golf, or escape rooms around Ann Arbor.
- Sunset hikes, karaoke nights, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, ultimate Frisbee, bonfires and more exciting activities and events are all part of your summer with ACA!
Staying in Shape
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities including the fitness center, weight rooms, running tracks, basketball courts, outdoor playing fields, and more.
If you’d prefer some fresh air, the campus is surrounded by scenic running and cycling paths. Outdoor tennis courts, volleyball courts and plenty of other options are sure to keep you busy. Of course, a game of touch football or a little Frisbee is always a campus classic. Just make sure to pack your workout gear!
Weekend Adventures
Complete your experience with exciting weekend adventures with ACA!
July 4 & 5 Weekend:
Michigan State University
MSU is one of the nation’s leading research universities and home to a vibrant student community. Stroll through the scenic Red Cedar River trails, see the iconic Beaumont Tower, and explore world-class facilities in everything from the arts to the sciences. With its Big Ten spirit, rich traditions, and welcoming atmosphere, a visit to MSU offers a true taste of Spartan life.
Frankenmuth
Take a summer day trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan’s German-themed “Little Bavaria”! Kick back on a Cass River boat cruise for awesome views of this Bavarian-style town. Stroll the colorful shops for sweet treats and souvenirs.
July 11 & 12 Weekend: Big 10 College Tour
Indiana University
Get an extended taste of Big 10 campus life, spending one night IU! You’ll get a great sense of what daily life is like on this powerhouse campus, from academic aspects and athletic pride to student diversions and social events.
Ohio State University
Discover the spirit of Buckeye Nation with a tour of The Ohio State University in Columbus, which boasts a first-class business school and legendary football program.
Cedar Point Amusement Park
Check out The Roller-Coaster Capital of the World! We’re not kidding – this is the world’s largest amusement ride park. And when it comes to satisfying roller-coaster fans, this place is the best – featuring 15 serious scream machines! Got a queasy stomach? Don’t worry, there are plenty of rides designed for people who prefer to go slower.
Weekend Adventures are weather and schedule permitting.
Program Specifics
Program start: Fly to Michigan
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). There they will be met by ACA staff members, who will escort them to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the short drive to Ann Arbor. We will provide designated times that you should fly into DTW where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly.
Please contact the ACA office for further information on any of these travel options.
Return Home (On the 2 & 3 Week Programs)
Students will return home on July 17 from DTW. We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and select dinners at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
With many options each day, we are able to accommodate most special dietary requests along with picky eaters. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you prior to program departure.
Roommates & Accommodations
Your home in Michigan is on-campus in the residence halls featuring en suite bathrooms. There are two students to a room and four or six students to a suite. All students fill out a detailed roommate questionnaire. Roommates are matched based on age and common interests. Of course, if you are traveling with a friend, you are able to room with each other.
Laundry
Each week, you will have the option to do self-service laundry at the residence hall or to utilize our laundry service.
What's Included
Your program tuition is all inclusive of lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, breakfast and dinner on the weekend, 2 electives, and activities as listed. Not included is lunches on the weekend, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the program.
We also offer travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
We allow students to bring their cell phones. Please contact your cell carrier to set up an international plan which will enable calling and data plans when not on WiFi. The use of cellphones and other messaging devices are not allowed during classes.
Students will choose their electives as part of their pre-program kit in the spring.
ACA students are always within minutes of world-class medical services should an emergency occur. In the case of any accident or illness, ACA staff members accompany students to appropriate medical facilities and immediately notify parents or guardians. For non-emergencies, local doctors make house-calls to the hotels we stay at. The program director has each student’s medical history on file. We will contact parents when a doctor’s visit is necessary. Staff collect all prescription medication and will administer it to the students as prescribed.
All of our directors and counselors are at least 21 years of age. Having worked extensively with high school and middle school students in the past, they genuinely look forward to their summers with ACA. All staff go through in-depth training on ACA’s philosophy, policies, safety protocols, and procedures.
Each member of our team works tirelessly throughout the program, serving as a mentor, advisor and friend to all of our students. We work hard to create a warm, supportive family atmosphere, one in which ACA students are treated as young adults whose opinions and concerns truly matter.
Highlights
Photos
TestimonialS
What Alumni are Saying
"I had an awesome time on the program. The counselors were unbelievable, and the activities were amazing. The dorms were like hotel rooms. I met so many new people and had an excellent time. I couldn't have asked for a better summer!"
Ethan U.
New York
"The program far exceeded our son's expectations. He made wonderful friends, experienced living on a college campus, and had the time of his life. He can't wait to join ACA again next summer! Thank you!”
Beth and Richard S.
New York
"The best summer of my life was hands down ACA! I made friends of a lifetime and learned more than I could of imagined. I am not worried about my transition to college one bit, and I have ACA to thank for that.”
Alex G.
Florida
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