Everything You Need to Know About UCLA's Computer Science Summer Programs

Summer programs in computer science are becoming an increasingly popular, almost mandatory, choice for high schoolers who wish to sharpen their coding skills and learn more about the field itself. These programs offer plenty of opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience that you are unlikely to get in a regular high school setting, and therefore boost your profile when the time comes for college applications. 

UCLA's Computer Science Summer Institute is one such strong program that provides you with a taste of university-level education while preparing you for future academic and professional endeavors. This blog covers the multiple options available through this program, and why you should be considering it if you haven’t already applied!

What are UCLA’s computer science summer programs all about?

The UCLA Computer Science Summer Institute is designed to introduce you to the fundamental concepts and applications of computer science. UCLA runs a whole host of academic pre-college programs under its Summer Institutes arm, all intended for academically motivated high school students to advance their knowledge and careers in a chosen area of study. The Summer Institute programs in computer science are intended for students passionate about technology and eager to explore the possibilities that computer science offers. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on projects, and collaborative activities, you'll learn about programming, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and more. The program also highlights the unique resources and academic environment of UCLA, a renowned institution known for its cutting-edge research and distinguished faculty.

How are the programs structured?

UCLA offers three different computer science summer institute tracks, though they have over 40 tracks overall:

• Introductory Track - If you're new to computer science, the Introductory Track is perfect for you. This course covers the basics of programming, problem-solving, and computational thinking. You'll learn languages like Python and gain an understanding of how to apply these skills to real-world problems. This track is designed to be engaging and accessible, with no prior experience required. You can expect daily lectures, hands-on coding sessions, and collaborative projects. The mentorship from UCLA faculty and experienced teaching assistants ensures a supportive learning environment.

• Intermediate Track - The Intermediate Track is tailored for you if you have some background in computer science. This course takes a deeper look at topics such as data structures, algorithms, and software development. You'll work on more complex projects, enhancing your problem-solving skills and preparing you for advanced studies. The program includes comprehensive lectures, coding labs, and group projects. You'll benefit from personalized feedback and guidance from UCLA's expert faculty. This track is ideal for you if you want to solidify your knowledge and tackle more challenging concepts.

• Generative AI Track - The Generative AI Track focuses on the exciting field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. You'll explore topics like neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing. This track is designed for those with a keen interest in AI and some prior coding experience. The curriculum includes lectures, hands-on projects, and opportunities to work with cutting-edge AI tools. You'll also have the chance to learn from UCLA's leading AI researchers. This track provides a glimpse into the future of technology and prepares you for careers in AI and data science.

Is it prestigious?

Though UCLA does not publish its acceptance rates, that doesn’t detract from the prestige of its Summer Institutes. For one thing, you need to have a GPA of 3.5 just to be able to apply, which automatically makes it a selective program. The instructors in each of the courses are well-established experts with deep research experience as well as practical expertise, and they will teach you in UCLA’s state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories. Networking opportunities abound, allowing you to connect with peers who share your passion and of course with the faculty themselves. Alumni of the program often go on to attend UCLA themselves, though the program does not guarantee that itself. While we rate this program as moderately prestigious due to its association with UCLA, its main benefit is the learning you can derive from it.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for UCLA’s Summer Institutes, you must be a 10th-12th grade high school student (9th-12th for the Introductory track), and be at least 15 years old at the start of the program. Note that all three of these tracks are commuter only, so you must be able to physically attend classes at the UCLA campus for the course duration.

How does the application process work?

An application to any of these three Summer Institute tracks requires the following:

1. Submission of your unofficial academic transcripts from grade 9 till present reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

2. All applications will also need a value statement - a few short sentences talking about why you want to pursue a UCLA Pre College Summer Institute.

3. You will also need to provide short essays answering each of the following prompts:

1. Do you have any experience related to data science/computer science?

2. What has motivated you to apply to the CSSI introductory/intermediate track?

3. What do you expect to learn from the CSSI introductory/intermediate track?

4. This is a college-level course and thus very intense and challenging. Our instructor and learning assistants will help you through the whole process. Do you consent to (1) actively participate in classes, discussion sessions, and seminars, (2) communicate timely with our instructor and learning assistants for any questions and difficulties, and (3) befriend and learn from your peers?

For the Intermediary track, there are two additional essay requirements:

1. Are you comfortable with programming in Python?

2. Please list any advanced math courses you have taken. Are you comfortable with math concepts such as function, gradient/derivative, vector and matrix, probability, mean, and variance?

For the Generative AI track, instead of the essays, you will need to instead:

1. Submit recommendation letter(s) from teachers or mentors who can speak to your academic abilities and interest in computer science.

2. Take a Python quiz.

For each of these tracks, the applications open in early January, and admissions are granted on a rolling basis starting February 15 till the deadline of June 1. The program durations are as follows:

• Introductory and Intermediate tracks: June 24, 2024 - July 12, 2024

• Generative AI track: July 1-19, 2024

How much do UCLA’s computer science programs cost?

The costs of the three program tracks are as follows:

• Introductory track - $3,197

• Intermediate track - $3,087

• Generative AI track - $3,020

UCLA also offers the Summer Scholars Support scholarship for high schoolers in the state of California. These are a limited number of both need- and merit-based scholarships available only for California residents, though their application closes on March 15.

7 reasons to apply

1. Hands-on experience: You'll gain practical skills through coding projects and labs, which will help you understand real-world applications of computer science.

2. Expert mentorship: Learning from UCLA faculty and experienced teaching assistants will provide you with guidance and insight that you can't get from textbooks alone.

3. Networking opportunities: You’ll get to connect with equally motivated peers as well as the UCLA faculty, building relationships that can last a lifetime and help in your future career.

4. Cutting-edge curriculum: You'll explore advanced topics in computer science and AI, giving you a head start in these rapidly evolving fields.

5. Personal growth: Beyond just academic learning, you’ll also develop problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work collaboratively on challenging projects.

6. Career exploration: These programs are particularly useful to help you discover various career paths in computer science and AI, and gain clarity on what you might want to pursue in the future.

7. Competitive edge: Being part of a selective and prestigious program sets you apart from other applicants in college admissions and future job markets.

If you’re interested in building a unique, personal project in AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI gives you the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of computer science and AI. You get a chance to work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, and more to write research papers or build unique projects. Last year, we had over 1000 students apply to do AI work with us, and our alums went on to study computer science and AI at top universities. You can find the application form here.

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