COSMOS offers a unique opportunity for California high school students to engage in college-level STEM research and coursework, mentored by UC faculty in a residential setting, with a direct pipeline to the UC system.
The UCLA COSMOS PRE-COLLEGE Program is an intensive four-week residential program designed for talented and motivated California high school students with an aptitude for STEM subjects. Students are admitted into one of several specialized "clusters," each focusing on advanced topics in engineering, mathematics, or science, with curriculum developed by UCLA faculty. The program emphasizes hands-on and lab-intensive learning, going beyond typical high school offerings. Participants engage in lectures, laboratory work, and field trips, culminating in a scientific/engineering research project presented in a poster session. This project-based learning fosters skills in technical writing, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students gain exposure to university-level academics, state-of-the-art facilities, and mentorship from UCLA faculty, researchers, and graduate students, preparing them for future STEM careers and higher education.
A typical weekday includes morning lectures and class time (2.5-3 hours), followed by lunch, and then afternoon lab work (4 hours) with teaching assistants and faculty to reinforce lecture material through hands-on exercises, programming assignments, and course project modules.
The program is best for talented and motivated California high school students (grades 8-12) who have demonstrated an aptitude for academic and professional careers in STEM subjects and are looking for a rigorous, immersive pre-college experience.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
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