Los Angeles Pre-College: Empower Your Future

Course Description: Los Angeles Pre-College: Empower Your Future

Overview

This pre-college program gives high school students the opportunity to live and study on the campus of UCLA while exploring academic interests, discovering Los Angeles, and experiencing structured independence. Students take enriching morning and afternoon courses, enjoy access to UCLA’s remarkable athletic facilities, and explore many of the city’s top attractions. The program is designed to support personal growth, academic preparation, and social connection, mirroring the energy and independence of college life in a supportive residential environment.

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Location

UCLA Campus – Los Angeles, California

Students live and learn at UCLA, located in one of the world’s most vibrant cities and surrounded by iconic neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills, Westwood, and Bel Air. The campus offers outstanding academic buildings, dining halls, recreation centers, and access to Westwood Village, giving students an authentic collegiate experience.

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Accommodation 🛏️

Delta Terrace, Sunset Village (UCLA Residence)

Students stay in suite-style accommodation at Delta Terrace on the UCLA campus, featuring:

• Private bathrooms

• Personal workspace and closet space

• Air conditioning and Wi-Fi

• Easy access to dining halls, classrooms, athletic facilities, pools, and the student union

The residence provides a warm, community-focused atmosphere, encouraging friendships, collaboration, and independence within a structured setting.

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Academics & Courses 📘

Students select one morning course and one afternoon course. All courses are exclusive to Westcoast Connection students and taught by university-level faculty, instructors, and local professionals.

Morning Course Options

Sports Management (UCLA)

Overview of the business behind professional sports, including finance, marketing, technology, broadcasting rights, sponsorship, the fan experience, sports law, and event production. Includes lectures, case studies, and guest speakers.

Psychology of Human Behavior (UCLA)

Introduction to behavioral, cognitive, and clinical psychology. Topics include emotional intelligence, perception, cognitive distortions, memory, mental illness, stereotyping, and prejudice.

Cooking: L.A. Gourmet Experience (supplementary fee: $220)

Hands-on culinary instruction covering knife skills, gourmet entrées, desserts, and themed sessions. Students take home a recipe book of dishes prepared in class.

Independent Workout

Students design a personal fitness regimen including weight training and cardio, using UCLA’s athletic facilities.

Stock Market & Investment Analysis (UCLA)

Detailed introduction to finance, investment portfolios, market mechanics, and investment strategy. Includes a simulated stock market competition.

Mastering Communication & Debating Skills (UCLA)

Workshop-based training in public speaking, presentations, argument building, critical thinking, and debate techniques.

English Language Learning (ELL) (supplementary fee: $220)

Focus on vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, writing, and real-world English practice through guided field trips. Designed for students who want to strengthen English fluency.

U.S. Law

Exploration of the U.S. legal system, public policy, case studies, and simulations to understand how laws are created, interpreted, and debated.

Community Service: L.A.

Students engage in meaningful service projects, including working with youth organizations. A service letter documenting hours and contributions is provided. The program is a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

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Afternoon Course Options

Business Entrepreneurship (UCLA)

Intensive program covering all stages of business plan development. Students work in teams to create a venture and present it in a friendly “shark tank”-style competition.

International Business & World Financial Markets

Introduction to globalization, international trade, investment, regulation, currency, and problem-solving using current world events.

Social Media Marketing (UCLA)

Exploration of how companies use social media for branding, advertising, and communication. Includes real-world examples from small and large businesses.

Cooking: L.A. Gourmet Experience (supplementary fee: $220)

Same hands-on course as the morning session.

Independent Workout

Students follow a personal training plan using UCLA facilities.

SAT Prep (supplementary fee: $595)

Small-group SAT preparation including strategies, diagnostics, test reviews, course materials, and skill-building in math, critical reading, and writing.

Crime Scene Investigation: CSI Los Angeles

Hands-on introduction to forensic science, including anthropology, biology, bloodstain analysis, and investigative teamwork. Includes a mock trial experience.

Surfing (supplementary fee: $220)

Surf lessons at Santa Monica Beach led by professional instructors. All skill levels welcome.

Digital Photography: L.A.

Hands-on photography course covering camera operations, composition, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, and post-production. Includes field trips to The Getty and a darkroom session.

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

Community Service: L.A.

Same service option as the morning course.

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Activities & Social Life 🎉

The program blends structured and free-time activities to mirror the feel of college life.

Daily Evening & Free-Time Activities

• Fitness center, swimming, and recreational sports

• Games and activities

• Improv Comedy Club

• Social time in the residence

• Organized sports such as ultimate Frisbee

Positive Social Experience

Students are part of a large and welcoming community. Living together, taking classes, and joining excursions creates strong connections and a sense of independence supported by nurturing supervision.

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Excursions & Travel Highlights 🌆🌴

Students explore many of Los Angeles’ most iconic attractions, including:

City Highlights

• Universal Studios & Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• CityWalk

• Hollywood Walk of Fame

• Venice Beach & Boardwalk

• Santa Monica Pier & Ferris Wheel

• Manhattan Beach

• Original Farmers Market

• Disneyland & Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

• Dodgers MLB game

• Rodeo Drive

• IMPROV Comedy Club

• Abbot Kinney Boulevard

• Century City

• Third Street Promenade

• Griffith Observatory

• Hollywood Sign hike

Day Trip

Santa Monica Beach – Surf Lessons

A full day at Santa Monica Beach with surf lessons led by professional instructors.

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Meals 🍽️

Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Students enjoy:

• UCLA dining halls

• Grab-and-go options at Café 1919

• Local restaurants in Westwood Village

• A wide variety of meals, with rotating menus and staples like salads, grilled items, pizza, and more

Lunch is not included. Students have the freedom to choose dining options depending on their schedule.

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

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Athletic Facilities 🏀🏊

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

• Strength & conditioning zones

• Cardio machines

• Stretching and training areas

• Pools

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

• Climbing wall

• Games lounge

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Supervision & Welfare

Students live in a structured, supportive environment that encourages independence while providing guidance and safety. Residential staff are present throughout the program, and campus access is controlled through an identification fee included in tuition.

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Certificate of Completion

Students receive a certificate verifying course completion. Letters of recommendation are also available.

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Transportation

Local travel for excursions and activities is by passenger van or school bus.

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Program Specifics (Flights & Transfers) ✈️

Students may:

• Join a chaperoned flight from the New York area to Los Angeles (optional).

• Fly independently to Los Angeles and be greeted by staff at the airport, with complimentary transfers available within designated times.

• Be dropped off directly at the UCLA residence.

Return options include a chaperoned flight back to the New York area, independent flights home, or pick-up from the residence.

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Laundry

Laundry facilities are available in the residence. Students generally need only one week’s worth of clothing.

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What’s Included

• Accommodation

• Breakfast & dinner daily

• All scheduled recreation and entertainment

• Day and weekend excursions

• Use of UCLA athletic facilities

• Wi-Fi in residence

• Campus ID fee

• Courses (supplementary fees may apply)

• Airport transfers during designated times

• Taxes and standard gratuities

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Not Included

• Transportation to and from the program

• Lunches

• Snacks

• Laundry costs

• Personal spending money

• Optional travel insurance

• Application fee

Typical Weekday Schedule

Schedule varies based on course selections.

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, free time, special activities)

6:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Evening Activities

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College Admissions Workshops 🎓

Students may attend workshops covering:

Workshop 1: Choosing the Right School & Application Process

College research, criteria development, Common Application overview, academic/cocurricular profile building, and application planning.

Workshop 2: College Essay Writing

Topic selection, writing strategies, structure, finding a personal voice, brainstorming, editing, and reviewing real essay examples.