Think like an economist by analyzing economic data and policies

Working in small teams led by UCLA Economics undergraduates, students have the chance to apply their knowledge and skills while preparing case study presentations relevant to their coursework.

During the program, participants will engage in:

• Lectures on economics by UCLA faculty followed by workshops and discussion sessions led by UCLA Economics Peer Learning Facilitators.
• Team-based projects involving various economics topics and issues.
• Weekly PowerPoint presentations to demonstrate topic comprehension.

Planned topics will include:

• Analyzing empirical data
• Case studies
• Justifying various positions based on data
• Price ceilings and floors
• Discussing the pros and cons of rent control
• Costs of taxation
• International trade
• The Power of Trade

The program has application requirements for admission. Eligible applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within 3 weeks. See Application Requirements below for details. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:

• Copy of most recent unofficial academic/grade transcript
• A personal statement that is ready to be submitted answering the following:
  • In 250 words or less, tell us what distinguishes you from your classmates and peers. What do you expect to gain from participating in the Economics Summer Institute, and what do you hope to accomplish during the program?
• Proof of English proficiency – Citizens from non-English speaking countries ONLY (Citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, and Canada are exempt from English Proficiency requirements):
  • TOEFL – Minimum score of 80 (iBT) or 550 (PBT); IELTS – 6.5 or higher;
  • iTEP – 5 or higher;
  • DUOLINGO (DET): 105
  • CEFR/CAE/CPE – Level C1- Grades A, B, and C;
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) or students attending a high school taught in English: students may submit a transcript or verification of enrollment from their school; OR
  • Proof of completion in English as a language course

UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support

Qualified students attending grades 8th – 11th in Spring 2023 in the state of California may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.

Summer 2023 deadline to apply: March 15.

Students will receive a letter grade upon completion. However, if you would like to change your grade type to Pass/No Pass (P/NP), please contact your instructor. To receive a “Pass” notation, students must earn a letter grade of C or better. See University Credit, Grades and Transcripts for more information about academic credit. 

The Economics Summer Institute (Virtual) – Session A will be conducted virtually (online). All meeting times will take place in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), unless otherwise noted on program schedule and syllabus. Participants must log-in to virtual sessions at the times indicated on the program schedule.

Students in the virtual program will not be offered housing.

Due to the intense nature of the Economics Summer Institute (In-Person) – Session B and the time commitment involved, living in on-campus housing is mandatory.

For more information on UCLA housing precollege programs, please see the Housing for Minors page.

Many of our precollege programs with mandatory housing (only) also feature non-curricular evening and weekend activities, the availability of which is at the sole discretion of the academic department offering the program, and are not operated by UCLA Summer Sessions. To learn more about whether (and when) your selected program will host such activities, please consult the schedules for each program or contact the department in question directly: stephanie@econ.ucla.edu

Most of our precollege programs with mandatory housing will hold check-in on the Sunday before the start of the program between 4-6pm, and hold check-out the Saturday after the final day of class at 11am. Please contact the department in question directly to confirm check-in and check-out times: stephanie@econ.ucla.edu