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    Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series
    Online Program

    Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series

    by UCLA Summer Sessions

    UCLA’s Critical Thinking program connects logic and argument analysis with media literacy, responsible AI use, and research writing through lectures, discussions, and practical coursework.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Grades 9–12; GPA 3.2+

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    $2,740

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    Online

    Latest deadline

    3 July 2026 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PhilosophyMedia StudiesPsychology
    Sessions / cadence: Weekdays 10–11, 12–2; Tuesday–Thursday 3–4
    Assessment style: Problem sets, article, final exam
    Main deliverable / output: Final research article
    Academic credit: Philosophy 9; 5 UCLA units
    Latest verified cycle: 2026
    Teaching model: UCLA faculty and teaching assistants
    Time-zone model: Pacific Daylight Time

    Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series summary

    Critical Thinking combines philosophical reasoning with practical media analysis. UCLA teaching and a University of Queensland workshop connect argument evaluation with journalism and research writing.

    Students test ideas through discussions, short problem sets, and a final research article. The program suits learners who want to understand why arguments work and apply that understanding to what they read and write.

    What is Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    Critical Thinking is a UCLA Summer Sessions academic program connecting philosophy and reasoning with contemporary media. Students study logic, probability theory, the psychology of reasoning, and responsible and creative use of AI through live online lectures and discussions.

    A media literacy and journalism workshop led by University of Queensland experts adds a practical writing dimension. Students work with program staff and peers on short problem sets and a final research article, applying argument analysis to a focused question.

    Why Succeed highlights Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series

    • The curriculum connects formal logic with media literacy, giving students a practical setting for testing arguments.

    • A final research article turns abstract reasoning into a concrete piece of writing.

    • UCLA faculty and teaching assistants contribute academic depth alongside University of Queensland workshop expertise.

    • Philosophy 9 offers assessed university coursework rather than participation alone.

    Who is Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy questioning claims and want to connect philosophy, media analysis, and research writing.

    Not ideal if

    You need self-paced study or want a campus experience, because the program requires live online attendance and assessed coursework.

    Is Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series worth it?

    The strongest reason to choose this program is its combination of reasoning practice and substantive writing. Problem sets, a research article, and an exam give students several ways to test their understanding rather than simply listen to lectures.

    The live timetable is a substantial commitment, so fit depends on whether those sessions work with family plans and other responsibilities. UCLA credit adds academic value, but transfer is determined by the receiving institution, and attendance does not confer an admissions advantage at UCLA or another UC campus.

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    A practical overview of cost, time commitment, provider details, student outcomes and online support to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $2,740; includes Philosophy 9 coursework and its unit fees., Lectures and informal discussion sections., Media literacy and publishing workshop., Required readings available free on Bruin Learn..

    Dates and time commitment

    3 weeks; Weekdays 10–11, 12–2; Tuesday–Thursday 3–4.

    Provider details

    Review the UCLA Summer Sessions provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    What the student gains

    Potential output: The main written output is a final research article, developed through reasoning and media-literacy work.. Check whether feedback, certificate, recommendation or application evidence is included.

    Online support and safeguarding

    Eligible California students may qualify for full or partial Summer Scholars Support or a Department of Philosophy scholarship. These have separate eligibility requirements, and funding does not cover every potential expense.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, session schedule, payment terms, cancellation rules, support expectations and what output or certificate is included with the provider.

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

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    How much preparation does Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series need?

    Effort level

    High for a short summer course.

    Best started

    Allow at least four to six weeks before a future application deadline for documents, review, and payment planning.

    Main challenge

    Balancing live attendance with research writing and exam preparation.

    Typical preparation

    • Gather your transcript and any available grading-equivalency guide before starting the application.

    • Draft a short, original explanation of why the subject interests you.

    • Convert the Pacific-time timetable to your local time and compare it with other commitments.

    • If seeking funding, prepare scholarship documents early enough to accommodate the program’s three-week admission review.

    Useful if

    You want structured practice evaluating claims and developing a written argument.

    What do students do on Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    You move between lectures, UCLA-team sessions, and media literacy workshops, applying reasoning concepts through discussion and written work. Short problem sets and a final research article provide practical assignments, with a final exam scheduled in the last week.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend lectures on reasoning, logic, probability, and argument evaluation.

    2. 2

      Join UCLA-team sessions and informal discussions.

    3. 3

      Practice assessing media and developing a focused research question.

    4. 4

      Complete short problem sets with support from staff and peers.

    5. 5

      Prepare a final research article and complete the final exam.

    Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    3 July 2026

    5 p.m. Pacific time; program dates 13–31 July 2026.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    13-31 July 2026

    Reference date

    Enrollment completion

    10 July 2026

    Noon Pacific time.

    Reference date

    Final exam

    31 July 2026

    Noon–2 p.m. Pacific time.

    Reference date

    Course event

    31 July 2026

    3–4 p.m. Pacific time.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Grades 9–12 in Spring 2026.

    • At least 15 years old by 22 June 2026.

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

    • Unofficial transcript from grade 9 to present.

    • Short, original value statement explaining interest.

    • Transcript translation or equivalency guide, if available.

    How much does Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series cost?

    Program fee

    $2,740 — High school student option; includes coursework unit fees.

    Funding or discounts

    • Registration fee: $350 — Required and non-refundable.
    • IEI fee: $61 — Instructional Enhancement Initiative fee.
    • Document fee: $50 — Applies to first-time Summer Sessions students.
    • Total estimated fees: $3,201 — First-time high school student estimate.
    • Summer Scholars Support: Full or partial — Need- and merit-based support for qualifying California students.
    • Philosophy scholarship: Full or partial — Need-based support; requires Summer Scholars eligibility and Critical Thinking enrollment.
    • Deferred registration payment: $350 — Qualifying scholarship applicants may defer payment; this does not waive the fee.

    What's included

    Philosophy 9 coursework and its unit fees., Lectures and informal discussion sections., Media literacy and publishing workshop., Required readings available free on Bruin Learn.

    How to apply to Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series

    1. 1

      Prepare your unofficial transcript and short, original value statement.

    2. 2

      Use the official registration form and select Summer Precollege Focus Series, then Critical Thinking.

    3. 3

      Complete the questions and upload all required application materials.

    4. 4

      Allow up to three weeks for an admission decision by email.

    5. 5

      After admission, follow the acceptance instructions to make required payments and complete the waiver and participant agreement.

    6. 6

      Verify your remaining balance through MyUCLA and BruinBill.

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    Learning format

    Classes meet live on Zoom: UCLA-team PLF sessions run Monday–Friday from 10–11 a.m., with lecture slots from noon–2 p.m. and media literacy workshops Tuesday–Thursday from 3–4 p.m., in Pacific time. The reference timetable totals 55 scheduled hours across three weeks, including the final exam and end-of-course event; problem sets and research writing also form part of the coursework.

    The timetable is tentative, and enrolled students receive updated materials closer to the start.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • UCLA faculty and teaching assistants lead lectures and informal discussions.

    • Program staff and peers support work on problem sets and the final article.

    • Program director John Kardosh researches logic and reasoning and has received UCLA teaching awards.

    • Professor Calvin Normore contributes philosophy expertise, including logic and the history of philosophy.

    • University of Queensland lecturer Yael Leibovitch specializes in critical thinking, writing, and dialogue.

    • Students can seek help from instructors and teaching assistants during office hours.

    Time-zone considerations

    • Program meeting times use Pacific Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
    • Students must log in at the scheduled session times.
    • Weekday PLF sessions run 10–11 a.m.; lecture slots run noon–2 p.m.
    • Tuesday–Thursday workshops run 3–4 p.m.
    • The final Friday adds a 3–4 p.m. end-of-course event.

    Tech requirements

    • Join live sessions through Zoom using links from the program coordinator.

    • Access required readings through the Bruin Learn course page.

    • Use a computer or tablet for optional web-application practice outside class.

    Assessment style

    Assessment combines short problem sets, a final research article, and a final exam, with a letter grade awarded by default.

    • Apply reasoning concepts through short problem sets.
    • Develop a final research article with staff and peer support.
    • Complete the scheduled final exam.
    • Request Pass/No Pass grading through the instructor; a Pass requires C or better.
    • Keep total excused and unexcused absences to three or fewer.

    Portfolio and outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    The main written output is a final research article, developed through reasoning and media-literacy work.

    • Completed short problem sets.

    • 5 UCLA units in Philosophy 9 upon successful completion.

    • Course grade recorded on a UCLA transcript.

    Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series FAQs

    The coursework is Philosophy 9, worth 5 units. Successfully completed UCLA coursework is recorded on an official transcript; transfer credit is determined by the receiving institution.

    Topics include the psychology of reasoning, deductive and inductive logic, constructing and evaluating arguments, and focused research questions. Media literacy and journalism workshops also address news stories and preparing an article for publication.

    Students work on short problem sets and a final research article. The weekly schedule also includes a final exam, and students receive a letter grade by default.

    Students may contact their instructor to request Pass/No Pass grading. A letter grade of C or better is required for a Pass notation.

    Required readings are available free on Bruin Learn. A personal computer or tablet is helpful for practicing an argument-evaluation web application outside class, but is not required for that practice.

    Students must attend virtual sessions at the scheduled times. Successful completion permits no more than three absences, including excused and unexcused absences.

    Eligible California students may qualify for full or partial Summer Scholars Support or a Department of Philosophy scholarship. These have separate eligibility requirements, and funding does not cover every potential expense.

    Students can authorize third-party access through MyUCLA. Parents do not automatically have access to grades; consent is required to view protected student records.

    Alternatives to Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series

    Compare these related programs if your interests lean toward broader philosophy, journalism, or political discussion.

    Alternatives to Critical Thinking Summer Precollege Focus Series

    Journalism Summer Program

    Journalism summer study in Cambridge

    Media Studies
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £7400
    14-18
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Students especially interested in the journalism dimension.

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Application Management
    • Scholarships - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Enrollment and Academics - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Calendar and Deadlines - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Registration - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Summer Precollege Focus Series - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Fees, Payment and Financial Aid - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Registration - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Payment Information - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Fees, Payment and Financial Aid - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Enrollment and Academics - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • FAQ - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Critical Thinking Summer 2026 Weekly Schedule
    • Critical Thinking - UCLA Summer Sessions

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

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Program requirements reviewed

    • Application deadline verified

    • Weekly timetable reviewed

    • Fee components distinguished

    • Scholarship criteria reviewed

    • Credit conditions reviewed

    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.