UCLA Summer Programs for Middle School Students - Are They Worth It?
If you are a middle school student planning your high school trajectory, you could benefit from participating in a program offered by a popular university like UCLA! You can dive into practical applications of concepts learned in school, explore subjects further, sample high school curriculum, and connect with like-minded peers.
UCLA offers several summer programs specifically designed for middle school students. These programs will prepare you for high school and beyond, exposing you to various academic disciplines, and helping you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, gaining practical experience as early as middle school can boost your profile for later college applications, set you apart from your peers, and provide opportunities for further programs with the university.
In this blog, we’ll review UCLA’s summer programs for middle school students and weigh the pros and cons to help you decide whether to apply!
Location: UCLA Lab School, Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
Morning classes: $1,500
Sports Camp: $1,500
Extended Day Program Option 1: $1,000
Extended Day Program Option 2: $1,500
Note: Enrollment in Sports Camp or the Extended Day Program is an option only for those who enroll in a morning class.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March. TBA for 2025.
Dates: June 24–July 19, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students aged 4–12 years from inside and outside UCLA Lab School who will be entering PreK–6 in the fall can apply.
The UCLA Lab Summer School offers a dynamic, inquiry-based learning experience designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on exploration. The UCLA Lab Summer School offers opportunities for students to get actively involved in the learning process. During the program, you will get to participate in engaging activities like concocting a magic potion, going on a bear hunt through a redwood forest, composing and producing a musical masterpiece, or exploring the engineering design process. This program will be taught by UCLA Lab School faculty and staff.
Participating in this program will give you a boost in science, math, reading, writing, social studies, and art, all in the context of an interactive and collaborative environment. The campus also offers a natural setting, with play yards and even a Redwood Forest. Classes available for middle schoolers in 2024 included Art & Architecture Around the World, Making the Band, Unusual Engineering and Construction, Sports Camp, and Extended Day Program.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Overnight Camp – $2,874 | Day Camp – $1,374
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: July 28–August 3, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 11–13 years can apply.
The Middle School MUN Institute at UCLA offers students opportunities to enhance their debate & leadership skills. The program blends engaging lessons, 3 interactive MUN simulations on different global topics, public speaking labs, games, and socializing with peers. The interactive lessons include topics such as public speaking structure and style, debating global issues, building and leading alliances, understanding the UN, how to write a MUN resolution, and more!
You will also get to participate in a final simulation on Climate Change where you will represent a country, make an opening speech, debate with other students on how to take action, & write a resolution together that outlines how you want to solve the issue. Parents will get to attend and observe the simulation! This program will help you understand complex global issues, collaborate with peers, and learn how to be an articulate speaker.
Location: Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Camp fees are organized in a three-tier payment system that includes different fee rates for current UCLA students, UCLA staff and faculty, and the rest of the participants.
Session 1: $595 / $845 / $1025
Session 2: $695 / $995 / $1195
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the slots are filled.
Dates: June 24–July 3, 2024 (Session 1) | July 8–July 19, 2024 (Session 2); TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising 6th–8th graders at least 11 years old by September 1, 2024, can apply.
The Teen Leadership Summer Camp at UCLA offers a learning experience designed to empower middle school students with essential leadership skills. Through a combination of team-building activities, interactive workshops, and real-world challenges, you’ll learn to develop confidence, communication abilities, and problem-solving strategies. If you want to spend your summer developing new skills, mingling with peers, and learning teamwork and leadership skills, you should consider participating in the Teen Leadership Camp.
In this program, John Wooden’s pyramid of success will be used as a lens for honing your leadership skills. You will get to improve your confidence, diversity awareness, and social networking skills through team-driven activities and community-building projects. This program also includes recreational swimming and outdoor leisure time as well as a weekly walking field trip around the UCLA Campus. This 2-week program runs Monday–Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Location: Varies depending on the camp selected. Multiple locations in Los Angeles, FL including the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, Marina Aquatic Center, John Wooden Center, and Venice Beach.
Cost: The costs range from $225 to $2,995 depending on the camp selected. Camp fees are organized in a three-tier payment system that includes different fee rates for current UCLA students, UCLA staff and faculty, and the rest of the participants.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the slots are filled.
Dates: Vary depending on the camp selected. In 2024, all the camps were conducted between June 17 and August 23. Dates TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: All middle school students are eligible but the specific requirements vary depending on the camp selected.
UCLA offers diverse summer camps for middle school students spanning various fields from adventure sports and arts to science, theatre, leadership programs, and esports. If you want to spend your summer developing new skills, mingling with peers, learning teamwork and leadership skills, exploring LA's natural wonders, and participating in fun activities, you should consider participating in one or more of these camps. These camps stand out for their emphasis on both physical activity and personal growth, providing you with opportunities to explore sports, arts, outdoor adventures, and more.
With a focus on fostering a healthy and active lifestyle, the camps encourage skill development, teamwork, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. The camps offered for middle schoolers during the year 2024 include Bruins on Broadway, Voyager, MAC Water Sports Sampler, Teen Leadership, Sailing Camp, Beach Breakers, Learn to Row, and Aquatic Youth Classes & Programs. Every camp has distinct prerequisites for participants, so make sure to check them carefully before applying.
NOTE: UCLA also offers two academic year programs for middle school students—the Early Academic Outreach Program to help middle school students become competitively eligible applicants for college admission, going beyond minimum eligibility, and the UCLA MESA College Prep Program to help economically disadvantaged students to prepare for and pursue a math-based degree in STEM.
Are UCLA Summer Programs prestigious?
UCLA Summer Programs are indeed prestigious, known for their rigorous academic standards and comprehensive curriculum. As of 2024, the University of California, Los Angeles is ranked 15th out of 439 National Universities in the United States, boasting an acceptance rate of 9% for its undergraduate courses. This by itself gives the summer programs a relatively higher value in the academic sphere.
The programs are often selective, with limited spots available to ensure small class sizes and personalized attention from instructors. This selective admission process enhances the prestige of the programs, as students who are accepted have demonstrated exceptional academic ability and a keen interest in their chosen fields. The reputation of UCLA as a top-tier university further adds to its prestige, making participation in these summer programs a noteworthy accomplishment on any student's academic record. However, statistics on acceptance rates are not publicly available.
What are the pros and cons of these programs?
Now that we understand more about the programs, let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of the UCLA summer programs for middle school students:
Pros:
1. You can choose from a wide variety of subjects.
UCLA Summer Programs offer a broad range of subjects, including public speaking, creative writing, science, engineering, and business. This variety will allow you to explore your interests deeply and find your passion. Each program is designed to provide specialized knowledge and hands-on experience, making learning both engaging and practical. This diversity in subject matter helps cater to different academic interests and career aspirations, ensuring that every student finds a program that aligns with their goals.
2. You will experience life on a prestigious college campus.
Participating in a UCLA Summer Program will allow you to live and learn on the UCLA campus, one of the top universities in the world. This experience will help you get a glimpse of college life, including staying in dorms, attending classes in university facilities, and using campus resources. This exposure can be incredibly motivating and provide a clearer picture of what to expect in college, helping you prepare for your future academic endeavors.
3. You will learn from expert instructors.
The programs at UCLA are taught by highly qualified and experienced instructors, including college professors, industry professionals, and skilled educators. This high level of instruction ensures that you receive top-notch education and mentorship. The instructors will not only teach academic content but will also guide you with their expertise, helping you develop intellectual curiosity and passion for learning.
4. You will develop critical skills beyond academics.
In addition to academic learning, UCLA Summer Programs emphasize the development of essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving. Through interactive activities, group projects, and presentations, you’ll get to enhance your soft skills, which are crucial for personal and professional success. These programs also provide networking opportunities with peers and professionals, further enriching your educational experience.
5. You can enhance your college application.
Participating in a prestigious program at UCLA can significantly boost your college application. It demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and a commitment to academic excellence, which are qualities highly valued by college admissions committees. Additionally, the specialized knowledge and skills gained from these programs can set you apart from your peers, giving you a competitive edge in the college admissions process.
Cons:
1. You might find the programs expensive.
UCLA Summer Programs can be quite costly, with fees ranging from approximately $1,500 to $3,000 per session, depending on the specific program and options like day camp or overnight stay. These expenses might be restrictive for some families, especially when considering additional costs such as travel and personal expenses. While financial assistance and scholarships are available, not all families may qualify, making it difficult for some students to participate.
2. You may face a competitive admission process.
Admission to UCLA Summer Programs can be highly competitive, as they attract students from across the country who are eager to benefit from UCLA’s prestigious offerings. This competitiveness means that not all applicants will be accepted, which can be discouraging for students who are eager to participate but do not meet the selection criteria. The application process itself may also be time-consuming and require substantial effort.
3. You might find limited interaction opportunities with regular college students.
While the programs are held on the UCLA campus, participants often have limited interaction with current UCLA students, as the camps are primarily designed for middle and high school students. This separation can limit the opportunity to gain firsthand insights and advice from college students about university life and academics. The structured nature of the programs also means that free time to explore the campus independently is often restricted.
Our Thoughts—Should You Apply?
UCLA’s summer programs offer an enriching experience for middle school students, providing a diverse range of subjects and hands-on learning opportunities on a renowned university campus. These programs can help you develop both academic and life skills, significantly enhancing your profile for college applications. However, the high cost, significant time commitment, and competitive admission process can be challenging. Additionally, you may struggle with homesickness and limited interaction with regular college students. Despite these drawbacks, for those who can afford it and are ready to commit, UCLA Summer Programs represent a valuable investment in future academic and personal success.
One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website. Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!
Lydia is a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.