UCLA Programs for Middle School Students – Is It Worth It?
As a middle school student, participating in specialized programs in a field of your choice can significantly enhance your profile when applying to college. These programs provide opportunities for you to dive deeper into your interests, develop relevant skills, and gain hands-on experience, setting you apart from other applicants.
By demonstrating a commitment to your chosen field, you can showcase your passion, initiative, and readiness for academic challenges, making your profile more appealing to admissions committees. Additionally, such experiences often lead to valuable connections with professionals and peers, further enriching your educational journey and providing insights that can guide future career choices.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of UCLA programs for middle schoolers that you can consider participating in and outlined the pros and cons of joining a UCLA program. Keep reading to figure out if this could be your next step!
UCLA programs for middle schoolers
1. UCLA’s Middle School MUN Institute
Location: In-person | Virtual
Cost: Overnight Camp: $2,874 | Day Camp: $1,374 | Virtual: $549
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 open on Dec 1 | Rolling
Program Dates: 5 days in the summer (July-August tentatively)
Eligibility: Open to students aged 11-13
This program is designed for middle school students who are new to Model United Nations (MUN) and eager to become award-winning delegates. The curriculum enhances debate and leadership skills through engaging lessons, public speaking labs, and three interactive MUN simulations on various global topics.
Students will learn how to debate global issues, develop solutions, build alliances, and write MUN resolutions, all while having fun and socializing with peers. By the end of the week, they will participate in a final simulation on Climate Change, representing a country, delivering speeches, debating solutions, and drafting a resolution to address the issue. Parents are welcome to observe this final event.
This immersive experience aims to inspire students to become confident, articulate speakers who are passionate about global issues and prepared for future MUN participation at their schools. The program also focuses on fostering a sense of belonging, collaboration, and leadership among participants as they engage with peers in a supportive environment. With interactive lessons on public speaking and understanding the UN, students will leave the camp ready to take on new challenges and make a positive impact in their communities.
Cost: Morning classes: $1,500 | Sports Camp: $1,500 | Extended Day Program Option 1: $1,000 | Extended Day Program Option 2: $1,500
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in Feb and close in Mar.
Program Dates: Four weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Open to children 4-12 who will be entering PreK-6th grade in the fall.
The UCLA Lab Summer School provides an engaging, inquiry-driven learning environment aimed at sparking creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on discovery. This program is led by experienced UCLA Lab School faculty and staff, ensuring a high-quality educational experience that encourages active participation in the learning journey. Students will dive into a variety of interactive activities, such as crafting a musical masterpiece or exploring the engineering design process.
By joining this program, students can enhance their skills in subjects like science, math, reading, writing, social studies, and art within a collaborative and dynamic setting. The campus boasts a natural environment, including play areas and a Redwood Forest, which adds to the immersive learning experience.
For middle schoolers in 2024, course offerings included Art & Architecture Around the World, Making the Band, and Unusual Engineering and Construction. Check the website on Feb 2025 for updates on the new courses offered.
3. Teen Leadership Summer Camp at UCLA
Location: Student Canyon Recreation Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
UCLA students: $595 (Session 1) / $695 (Session 2)
UCLA staff and faculty: $845 (Session 1) / $995 (Session 2)
All others: $1025 (Session 1) / $1195 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: This is a 2-week program that runs from June to July (tentatively)
Eligibility: Open to rising 6th to 8th graders aged 11+ by September.
UCLA’s Teen Leadership Summer Camp leverages John Wooden’s pyramid of success to develop leadership skills in teens.
During the program, participants engage in enjoyable activities that enhance confidence, foster diversity awareness, and improve social networking abilities through team-based challenges and community projects. In addition to these enriching experiences, the program features recreational swimming, outdoor leisure time, and a weekly walking field trip around the UCLA campus.
Spanning two weeks, the program operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center.
4. UCLA Recreation Summer Camps
Location: Sunset Canyon Recreation Center | Marina Aquatic Center | John Wooden Center | Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $225-$2,995, depending on the camp. Fees change based on status as a UCLA student, staff and faculty, or any other participant.
Application Deadline: Rolling | Dates for 2025 yet to be announced
Program Dates: Tentatively June to August; Various dates depending on the camp selected.
Eligibility: Open to middle school students, but each camp may have restrictive requirements.
UCLA offers a variety of summer camps for middle school students, covering a range of interests from adventure sports and the arts to science, theatre, leadership, and esports.
If you're looking to enhance your summer with new skills, connect with peers, and engage in activities that promote teamwork and leadership, these camps are a great choice. They are notable for their combination of physical activity and personal development, allowing participants to explore areas like sports, arts, and outdoor adventures. UCLA’s recreation summer programs are designed to offer enriching experiences that encourage both growth and fun.
The pros of UCLA’s middle school programs
1. Various subjects up for exploration
UCLA’s middle school programs offer an impressive selection of subjects, ranging from science and engineering to creative writing, public speaking, and business. This variety enables students to explore their areas of interest and uncover new passions.
With programs designed to deliver both specialized knowledge and practical, hands-on experience, learning becomes engaging and relevant. The broad range of topics caters to diverse academic interests and career ambitions, ensuring that participants have the chance to find a program that aligns with their personal goals.
2. Gain a competitive edge during college admissions
Engaging in a UCLA Program can significantly enhance your college application. It showcases a commitment to academic growth and a proactive approach to learning—traits that are highly attractive to college admissions committees.
The unique skills and experiences gained through these programs not only distinguish you from other applicants but also highlight your dedication to excelling in your chosen field.
3. Experience prestigious campus life
By attending a UCLA Summer Program, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world’s leading universities.
This opportunity allows you to experience campus life firsthand, including staying in dorms, using campus facilities, and attending classes led by esteemed educators. Such exposure offers invaluable insights into what college life entails, helping you to better prepare for your future academic journey.
4. Learn from expert instructors
UCLA Summer Programs are taught by a team of skilled educators, including university professors, industry experts, and accomplished professionals. This ensures you receive a high-quality education guided by experienced mentors who are dedicated to fostering your academic and personal growth.
The expertise and guidance of these instructors not only enhance your learning experience but also nurture a deeper passion for your field of interest.
5. Develop Essential Life Skills
Beyond academics, attending a UCLA program emphasizes the importance of building critical life skills like teamwork, leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving. Through collaborative projects, interactive activities, and presentations, you'll have the chance to refine these skills, which are vital for both personal and professional success.
Additionally, the opportunity to form connections with peers and professionals further enriches your educational experience, providing connections that can support your future endeavors.
The cons of UCLA’s middle school programs
1. Limited interaction with current college students
Although UCLA Summer Programs take place on the university's campus, interaction with regular UCLA students can be minimal. Since these programs are geared towards middle and high school students, they are often kept separate from the daily life of the college student body.
As a result, participants may miss out on valuable opportunities to receive firsthand advice and insights about university life directly from current students. Additionally, the structured schedule of the programs leaves little room for independent exploration of the campus.
2. High program costs
UCLA Summer Programs can be quite expensive, with costs typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per session, depending on the chosen program and whether students opt for day camp or overnight stay.
These fees, along with additional costs like travel and personal expenses, can be a significant barrier for some families. While financial aid and scholarships are available, they are not guaranteed for all applicants, which may limit participation for those unable to secure assistance.
3. Competitive admission process
Getting into a UCLA program can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the admissions process. These programs attract a large pool of applicants from around the country, all eager to take advantage of UCLA’s esteemed offerings.
This high demand means that not everyone who applies will be accepted, which can be discouraging for students who are eager to attend but do not meet the selection criteria. Additionally, the application process itself can be time-consuming and require considerable effort to complete.
Our review: Is it worth applying?
UCLA’s programs provide middle school students with a valuable opportunity to explore a wide array of subjects through hands-on learning on a prestigious university campus. These programs can help students develop essential academic and life skills, giving their college applications a significant boost.
However, the high costs, intense time commitment, and competitive nature of the admissions process may pose challenges. Participants might also face homesickness and have limited interactions with current college students, which can limit their overall experience.
Nevertheless, for students who can meet these demands and afford the fees, UCLA Summer Programs offer a rewarding investment that can greatly contribute to both academic growth and personal development.
Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers and founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to allow students to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!
Image Source - UCLA Logo