Pre-MBA Business and Leadership Sprint
    In-person Program

    Pre-MBA Business and Leadership Sprint

    by TKS

    A residential business summer program at UCLA focused on consulting projects, leadership training, personal branding, and executive-style pitches.

    Last verified: 10 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school students worldwide

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    Los Angeles, United States

    Cost

    $9,300

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    29 June-18 July 2027

    Save program
    Business & EconomicsEntrepreneurship
    Class size: Up to 50 students
    Accommodation: UCLA residence halls
    Meals: Lunch and dinner daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and recognition letter
    Tutors / faculty: Executives and industry mentors

    Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint summary

    Students tackle consulting-style business challenges, analyze executive decisions, and develop recommendations for organizations including Microsoft, IKEA, and the UN.

    The course combines leadership development, personal branding, networking, and public speaking with a professional project portfolio.

    It suits ambitious students who want practical exposure to business strategy, consulting, entrepreneurship, and executive communication.

    What is Pre-MBA Business and Leadership Sprint?

    The Pre-MBA Business and Leadership Sprint is a project-led TKS summer course built around business strategy, consulting and leadership. Students examine executive decision-making and work on challenges connected to organizations such as Microsoft, IKEA and the UN.

    The practical experience includes developing strategic recommendations, pitching to business executives, strengthening public-speaking skills and creating a personal brand. Students also build a professional network, personal CRM and outreach plan.

    Why Succeed highlights Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint

    • Real company challenges make the business content more applied than a lecture-only course.

    • Students practice both analytical consulting work and executive-level presentation skills.

    • The course produces concrete portfolio evidence, including recommendations and a professional outreach plan.

    • UCLA residence, city activities and industry access create a broader pre-college experience.

    • The 50-student session limit supports an interactive and collaborative environment.

    Who is Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint for?

    Best for

    Motivated students interested in business leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship, networking and presentation-based project work.

    Not ideal if

    You prefer a low-cost, non-residential course or a traditional classroom program focused mainly on business theory.

    Is Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint worth it?

    The program could be worthwhile for a student who wants an intensive combination of business projects, leadership training and residential college life. The portfolio, certificate and recognition letter provide concrete records of participation.

    The main limitation is value for money: the fee is high, and attendance alone will not strengthen future applications without thoughtful reflection on the work completed. Students should be ready to participate actively in projects, presentations and networking.

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    Cost and what is included

    $9,300; includes Tuition and university-level instruction, Housing in UCLA residence halls, Lunch and dinner provided daily, Transportation for program activities, Los Angeles activities and excursions, Certificate of Completion and Letter of Recognition.

    Accommodation

    UCLA residence halls

    Meals

    Lunch and dinner daily

    Provider details

    Review the TKS provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; Los Angeles, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint need?

    Effort level

    High-intensity residential program.

    Best started

    Four to six weeks before submitting the waitlist form.

    Main challenge

    Turning complex company problems into concise strategic recommendations.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the named organizations and practice identifying a company's central challenge.

    • Prepare a short presentation that explains a recommendation and its supporting evidence.

    • Draft a concise introduction describing your interests, strengths and business goals.

    Useful if

    You enjoy teamwork, public speaking and applied problem-solving.

    What do students do on Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint?

    Students move from analyzing business problems to developing and pitching strategic recommendations, while building leadership, networking and personal-branding skills.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Analyze MBA-level business cases and real-world company challenges.

    2. 2

      Study how chief executives make strategic decisions.

    3. 3

      Develop recommendations for Microsoft, IKEA and the UN.

    4. 4

      Pitch a business recommendation to senior business executives.

    5. 5

      Create a personal CRM and an internship outreach plan.

    6. 6

      Build a personal brand and professional project portfolio.

    Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint dates and deadlines

    Session 1

    29 June-18 July 2027

    Three-week UCLA summer session.

    Upcoming

    Session 2

    20 July-8 August 2027

    Three-week UCLA summer session.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students ages 15-18

    • Current high school students

    • Students from around the world

    • No prerequisites required

    How much does Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint cost?

    Program fee

    $9,300 — All-inclusive three-week residential package.

    What's included

    Tuition and university-level instruction, Housing in UCLA residence halls, Lunch and dinner provided daily, Transportation for program activities, Los Angeles activities and excursions, Certificate of Completion and Letter of Recognition

    How to apply to Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint

    1. 1

      Join the official summer waitlist through the published form.

    Next step with Succeed

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    What does Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Business case analysis

    Analyze MBA-level cases and understand executive decision-making.

    Consulting strategy

    Develop recommendations for real organizational challenges.

    Leadership and pitching

    Practice public speaking through executive-style business pitches.

    Personal brand and network

    Build a personal brand, CRM and professional outreach plan.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint?

    A typical day during the program.

    Hands on learning

    Students take part in practical course learning and project work.

    Beyond the classroom

    Industry visits, excursions and Los Angeles exploration extend the experience.

    Who teaches on Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint?

    The business course lists Fortune 500 executives and industry mentors as instructors. The wider summer experience also features founders, scientists and innovators through its speaker series and mentoring.

    Each session is limited to 50 students and includes direct mentorship.

    Where do students stay on Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint?

    Residential plan

    • UCLA residence: Students stay in university residence halls and experience campus life.
    • Campus dining: The package includes lunch and dinner every day.
    • Residential support: Program directors and residential advisors provide 24/7 support.
    • Activities and travel: Program transportation and organized Los Angeles activities are included.

    What happens after Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Add a professional project portfolio to future applications.

    Use the Certificate of Completion as participation evidence.

    Present the Letter of Recognition alongside other achievements.

    Develop a personal CRM and internship outreach plan.

    Build leadership, networking and presentation experience.

    These outputs can support reflection and applications, but they do not guarantee admission or an internship.

    Where does Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint take place?

    The program is based on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, where students live in university residence halls and dine on campus. Afternoons may include industry visits and excursions to locations such as Santa Monica, Malibu, Hollywood, Disneyland and sporting events.

    Transportation for organized program activities is included.

    Pre-MBA Leadership Sprint FAQs

    Students work on business cases, consulting projects, leadership training, personal branding and professional networking. They also develop and pitch strategic recommendations.

    Yes. Students stay in UCLA residence halls, dine on campus and take part in organized activities around Los Angeles.

    The fee includes tuition, housing, transportation for program activities, meals and activities. Lunch and dinner are provided daily.

    The course lists Fortune 500 executives and industry mentors as instructors. The broader speaker series features founders, scientists and innovators.

    Yes. Students receive a Certificate of Completion and a Letter of Recognition, as well as a professional project portfolio.

    Each session is limited to 50 students to support interaction, collaboration and direct mentorship.

    Yes. Students may attend one three-week session or both sessions for a six-week summer experience.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • UCLA Summer Experience – Waitlist Now Open - Airtable
    • TKS | Learn More and FAQs
    • Summer Program at UCLA

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 10 Oct 2026)

    • Program details checked

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Eligibility confirmed

    • Price and inclusions checked

    • Residential support reviewed

    • Waitlist destination verified

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.