LA Pre-College Program: Discover Your Passion

Course Description: LA Pre-College Program: Discover Your Passion

Pre-College Program at UCLA 🎓🌴

An immersive academic, social, and cultural experience for high school students at one of America’s most iconic universities.

Program Overview 🌟

This 14-day pre-college experience allows high school students to live on the UCLA campus, explore academic interests through a wide selection of courses, and enjoy some of Los Angeles’ most famous attractions. The program blends academic preparation, group excursions, and structured independence, giving students an authentic preview of college life.

Students study and reside at UCLA, have access to world-class athletic facilities, and explore the vibrant Westwood Village neighborhood right beside campus.

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Program Highlights ✨

• Pursue your interests with a variety of enriching academic courses

• Experience life at the #1 public university in the United States

• Visit iconic Manhattan Beach and Venice Beach 🏖️

• Stay active using UCLA’s exceptional recreational facilities 💪

• Explore Los Angeles and enjoy a full day at Universal Studios 🎢

• Cheer on the Dodgers during an evening MLB game ⚾

• Prepare for college through an application process workshop 🎒

• Discover the UCLA campus and Westwood Village

• Make new friends while enjoying residence life on campus 💬

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Typical Weekday Schedule 📅

Students select one morning and one afternoon course. Lunch time varies based on course choices.

8:00 AM – Wake Up

8:30 AM – Breakfast

9:30 AM – Morning Course

11:30 AM – Lunch

1:30 PM – Afternoon Course

3:30 PM – Free Time (sports, fitness center, downtime, or special activities)

6:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Evening Activities

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Courses 📘

Morning Courses

Sports Management (UCLA)

Overview of the business of professional sports, covering finance, marketing, broadcasting, sponsorship, live events, and sports law.

U.S. Law ⚖️

Exploration of the U.S. legal system, public policy, case studies, and simulations to understand how laws develop and influence society.

Psychology of Human Behavior (UCLA)

Covers emotional intelligence, perception, memory, cognitive distortions, mental illness, stereotyping, and prejudice through discussion and activities.

Independent Workout 🏋️

Students design a personal fitness plan using UCLA’s facilities.

Stock Market & Investment Analysis (UCLA)

Introduction to finance, investment portfolios, market mechanics, and strategic investing, including a simulated stock market competition.

Mastering Communication & Debating Skills (UCLA) 🎤

Workshop-based training in public speaking, presentation delivery, argument building, and critical thinking.

English Language Learning (ELL)

Improves vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and writing through real-world practice and guided field trips.

Supplementary fee: $220

Community Service: L.A. 🤝

Students participate in service projects, including working with youth organizations. A letter documenting service hours is provided.

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Afternoon Courses

International Business & World Financial Markets 🌍

Study globalization, trade agreements, currency markets, regulation, and international business strategies using current world events.

Social Media Marketing (UCLA) 📱

Explore how businesses use social media platforms for branding, content, advertising, and communication.

Business Entrepreneurship (UCLA) 💡

A hands-on program in business plan development, leading to a team “shark tank”-style presentation.

Independent Workout

Students follow their own fitness routine.

Surfing 🏄

Surf lessons at Santa Monica Beach for all skill levels.

Supplementary fee: $220

Crime Scene Investigation: CSI Los Angeles 🔬

Hands-on training in forensic science, including anthropology, biology, bloodstain analysis, and mock-court testimony.

Digital Photography: L.A. 📸

A practical course covering camera controls, composition, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and post-production. Includes field trips to The Getty and a darkroom session.

A DSLR or bridge camera (12MP+, manual controls) is required.

Community Service: L.A.

Same service option as the morning session.

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Life on Campus 🏫

UCLA Campus

Students experience life at a world-renowned university located in a vibrant area surrounded by Beverly Hills, Westwood, and Bel Air.

On-Campus Residence – Delta Terrace, Sunset Village 🛏️

• Suite-style rooms

• Private bathrooms

• Workspace and storage

• Air conditioning and Wi-Fi

• Close to dining halls, classrooms, pools, recreation centers, and the student union

Athletic Facilities 🏀🏊

Students receive unlimited access to UCLA’s facilities, including:

• Weight training & cardio zones

• Stretching areas

• Pools

• Basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, racquetball & squash courts

• Climbing wall

• Games lounge

Organized Sports & Games

Evening and free-time activities include ultimate Frisbee, group sports, and recreational games.

Positive Social Environment 😊

Students live in a warm, supportive residential community that encourages independence while creating lasting friendships.

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What It’s Like

• A balanced mix of learning, excursions, and free time

• Certificate of completion provided 📄

• Letters of recommendation available

• Courses taught by experienced university-level instructors

• Classes are exclusive to enrolled students

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Meals 🍽️

Breakfast and dinner are included daily.

Options include UCLA dining halls, Café 1919 grab-and-go choices, and local Westwood restaurants.

Lunch is not included and varies by schedule.

Most dietary needs can be accommodated, including vegetarian, allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac, and kosher-style preferences.

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Excursions & Los Angeles Highlights 🌆🌴

Students enjoy many of LA’s most iconic attractions:

• Universal Studios & CityWalk 🎢

• Venice Beach

• Hollywood Walk of Fame ⭐

• Santa Monica Pier 🎡

• Manhattan Beach

• Dodgers MLB game ⚾

• Abbot Kinney Boulevard

• Century City

• Third Street Promenade

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flights & Arrival

Students may:

• Join a chaperoned flight from the New York area

• Fly independently with greeting and transfers during designated times

• Be dropped off directly at the UCLA residence

Departure

Airport transfers provided during designated times, with staff support until flights depart. Families may also pick up students at the residence.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are available in the residence.

One week of clothing is generally sufficient. 🧺

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What’s Included

• Accommodation

• Breakfast & dinner daily

• All scheduled excursions and activities

• Use of UCLA athletic facilities

• Wi-Fi in residence

• Campus ID fee

• All courses (supplementary fees apply for select options)

• Airport transfers during designated times

• Taxes and standard gratuities

Not Included

• Lunches

• Snacks

• Personal spending money

• Laundry costs

• Transportation to/from the program

• Optional travel insurance

• Application fee

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College Admissions Workshop 🎓

Choosing the Right School & College Application Process

A workshop covering:

• College research

• Common Application structure

• Profile building

• Planning essays, supplements, and timelines