Strengthen your writing and discussion skills in preparation for university

Demystify the differences between college and high school writing.
The Writing Summer Institute is designed for ambitious high school students who seek to strengthen their writing and discussion skills to get a step ahead in preparing for university. For over twenty years, UCLA Writing Programs has helped undergraduates successfully meet the challenges of a university education. Through this three-week program, UCLA’s highly regarded writing specialists will help college-bound students prepare for academic challenges at the college level. All activities will demystify the unstated differences between college and high school writing. Students will learn how to successfully approach the college application process, including the application essay.
Writing Summer Institute – Introduction to College Writing Program
The Writing Summer Institute: Introduction to College Writing serves as a basic introduction to critical reading and academic writing. More broadly still, the Writing Summer Institute will help orient you to all matters of language and communication at a university.
In addition to class-related communication, students will gain greater written skills in exams and formal essay assignments. By the end of the program, you should find that the Writing Summer Institute: Introduction to College Writing has prepared you to speak, write, and learn more effectively in all of your college courses.
Each year, Writing Programs offers scholarships to high school students, which cover all tuition fees for the Writing Summer Institute. We offer scholarships to students based on a scholarship application essay. The essay should demonstrate interest in improving academic writing skills for college, desire to attend college, and life circumstances that make attendance at the institute difficult without financial assistance.
Please note that the Writing Program scholarships do not cover the cost of housing.
Writing Programs SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS are now OPEN and will CLOSE on APRIL 14, 2023. To apply for a scholarship, please click here.
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.
As a commuter program, there is NO on-campus housing available for the Writing Summer Institute – Introduction to College Writing (In-Person).
Participants of the Writing Summer Institute – Introduction to College Writing (In-Person) must commute to the UCLA campus each day of the program. Specific location information (e.g. classroom) will be provided to enrolled students closer to the start of the program.
Parking:
Summer Sessions parking permits will be available beginning May 30 on a first-come, first-served basis. Students have the option to purchase a summer term permit or a daily permit.
Please review the Transportation and Parking Services web page and read the “Summer Quarter Parking (All Students)” section for more information on all permit types, including cost.
The Writing Summer Institute – Introduction to College Writing (Virtual) 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.
Program Dates: July 6, 2023 – July 27, 2023
Program Type: Open Enrollment / In-person and Virtual
Program Eligibility: 10th-11th grade in Spring 2023
UCLA Coursework: ENGL COMP 50; 2 units
Enrollment deadlines:
In-person – June 15, 2023
Virtual – July 1, 2023
The schedule and syllabus are subject to change.
Fees and Payment Info
The program fee includes the unit fees for the UCLA coursework offered as part of the program and thus varies by UC student status. In addition to the program fee, students are assessed other campus and administrative fees during the summer. This is a summary of fees that commonly apply to the selected student type.
Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California. Visit the fees, payment, and financial aid section for important disclaimer, as well as more details on fees, payment instructions, and information on delinquency, refunds, and financial aid.
Writing Summer Institute – Introduction to College Writing FAQ
No, this Summer Institute does not replace AP English courses. Students will receive 2.0 units of UC credit upon completion of and receipt of a passing grade, which is transferrable to any UC campus.
Instruction in this course may help students with the essay portion of the SAT exams, however, this program should not be considered an SAT preparatory course.
No specific background is required to succeed in this course, but consistent attendance and a strong commitment to academic effort are essential to succeed in this course.
Writing help is available through the UCLA Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC). Students can schedule online appointments, or attend virtual drop-in hours. For more information on their hours and services, please visit the UWC website.
Yes. The program will be online this summer, therefore, students must have access to a laptop or desktop computer in order to participate. If you need assistance accessing technology, please contact
Still have questions? Check out the general Summer Institutes FAQ.