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    Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series
    Hybrid Program

    Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series

    by UCLA Summer Sessions

    Study financial markets, investment decisions, and personal finance through UCLA lectures, case studies, and small-group discussions, with college credit in Economics 4.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Introduction to Investments 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

    UCLA campus, Los Angeles, United States; Online

    Cost

    $2,330; $2,695

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    Hybrid

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    FinanceBusiness & Economics
    Accommodation: Independent housing for eligible commuters
    Campus experience: UCLA classroom lectures
    College credit: Economics 4; 4 UCLA units
    Instructor: Dr. Patrick Convery
    Assessment: 6 assignments; midterm; final; participation
    Sessions / cadence: Daily: 2-hour lectures; 0.5-1-hour homework
    Time-zone model: Pacific Daylight Time

    Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series summary

    UCLA's Introduction to Investments builds financial literacy through an academic introduction to markets, investment decisions, and personal finance.

    Faculty lectures, case studies, and small-group discussions connect financial concepts with practical examples. Economics 4 provides college credit for successful completion.

    It suits students who want to explore finance before specializing and are comfortable with regular reading, participation, homework, and exams.

    What is Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    Introduction to Investments is a UCLA Summer Sessions academic program focused on financial literacy and the investing landscape. It introduces financial markets, valuation, risk and return, personal investments, and career paths in finance.

    Students attend UCLA faculty lectures, discuss ideas in smaller groups led by Economics majors, and analyze case studies. Separate commuter and live virtual options follow Economics 4, with homework, participation, and exams contributing to the course grade.

    Why Succeed highlights Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series

    • The curriculum connects market theory with personal financial decisions rather than treating investing as stock picking alone.

    • Faculty lectures and Economics-major discussion sessions give students two ways to engage with the material.

    • Published assessment weights make the academic expectations clear before committing.

    • The course welcomes beginners while covering valuation, diversification, compounding, and finance careers.

    Who is Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series for?

    Best for

    Students curious about finance who want a structured introduction to investing, personal financial planning, and college-level academic work.

    Not ideal if

    You want flexible self-paced study or a supervised residential camp, since attendance is scheduled and housing is independently arranged.

    Is Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series worth it?

    The program can be worthwhile if you want to test an interest in finance through taught academic work. Its combination of case studies, discussions, and assessed coursework gives you a concrete basis for reflecting on what you learned.

    The commitment is substantial for an introductory course, particularly when administrative fees and independent housing are relevant. Choose it for the learning experience rather than an assumed admissions advantage, and verify credit transfer before treating the units as progress toward a degree.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $2,330; $2,695; includes UCLA coursework unit fees are included in the program fee., Faculty lectures and Economics-major discussion sessions., Coursework-related case studies..

    Accommodation

    Independent housing for eligible commuters

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; UCLA campus, Los Angeles, United States; Online.

    What to check before committing

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

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    How much preparation does Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high for an introductory summer course.

    Best started

    Begin four to six weeks before the next published application deadline, allowing up to three weeks for review.

    Main challenge

    Preparing readings consistently while keeping up with scheduled classes and assessments.

    Typical preparation

    • Gather your transcript and any applicable English proficiency documents before starting the application.

    • Draft an original value statement and a concise essay explaining your learning goals.

    • Arrange the required laptop software and access to John Bogle's textbook before classes begin.

    • For commuter study, plan daily travel and any independent housing well ahead of the session start.

    Useful if

    You want to explore finance through formal academic study.

    What do students do on Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    You develop an investing framework through lectures, reading, discussion, and case studies. You then demonstrate your understanding through participation, homework, a midterm, and a final exam.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend lectures introducing financial markets, valuation, compounding, and investment risk.

    2. 2

      Complete assigned readings before the following day's discussions.

    3. 3

      Discuss ideas and work through six homework assignments with PLFs.

    4. 4

      Analyze case studies about market bubbles, historical returns, and investment approaches.

    5. 5

      Complete the midterm and final exams.

    6. 6

      Explore finance career paths and educational routes into investing.

    Introduction to Investments 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

    Program-wide application deadline for the 2026 cycle.

    Reference date

    Introduction to Investments – Session A: Commuter

    13-31 July 2026

    UCLA campus option.

    Reference date

    Introduction to Investments – Session B: Virtual

    13-31 July 2026

    Live online option using Pacific Daylight Time.

    Reference date

    Scholarship decisions

    20 April 2026

    Summer Scholars Support announcements by email, 5:00 PM PDT.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Grades 9-12 in Spring 2026.

    • At least 15 years old by June 22, 2026.

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher from grade 9 onward.

    • Applicable applicants must document English proficiency.

    • No previous financial, economic, or math background required.

    How much does Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series cost?

    Commuter program fee

    $2,695 — High school student rate; includes coursework unit fees.

    Funding or discounts

    • Virtual program fee: $2,330 — High school student rate.
    • Registration fee: $350 — Non-refundable fee for non-UC students.
    • IEI fee: $61 — Instructional Enhancement Initiative fee.
    • Document fee: $50 — Applies to first-time Summer Sessions students.
    • Commuter estimated fees: $3,156 — Published high school estimate including the listed administrative fees.
    • Optional housing contract: $1,362.87 — Three-week deluxe triple room with 14 meals weekly; separate eligibility applies.
    • Summer Scholars Support: Full or partial scholarships — Need- and merit-based support for qualifying California students in grades 9-11.
    • Registration-fee deferral: $350 — Eligible scholarship applicants can request deferral; the fee is not waived.

    What's included

    UCLA coursework unit fees are included in the program fee., Faculty lectures and Economics-major discussion sessions., Coursework-related case studies.

    How to apply to Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series

    1. 1

      Prepare your unofficial transcript, original value statement, essay, and applicable English proficiency documentation.

    2. 2

      Use the official registration form and select Summer Precollege Focus Series followed by Introduction to Investments.

    3. 3

      Complete the required questions and upload all application materials.

    4. 4

      Allow up to three weeks for the admission decision sent by email.

    5. 5

      If admitted, follow the acceptance instructions to make the required payment and complete the waiver and Participant Agreement.

    6. 6

      Create your MyUCLA account as directed and pay remaining charges through BruinBill.

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    What does Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Investing Frameworks I

    Study market functions, time value of money, and net present value.

    Investing Frameworks II

    Explore economic cycles, bubbles, and compounding through historical case studies.

    Investing Frameworks III

    Compare risk and return, diversification, passive and active investing, and value and growth approaches.

    Investing Implementation

    Examine financial statements, alpha, and personal finance through investment case studies.

    Careers in Investing

    Consider finance career paths, relevant college majors, big data, and investing experience before graduation.

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

    What is a typical day on Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    A typical day during the program.

    Commuter lectures

    Daily, 8:30-10:30 AM PDT, at Fowler A103B on the UCLA campus.

    Virtual lectures

    Daily live Zoom lectures, 7:00-9:00 PM PDT.

    Independent preparation

    Approximately 0.5-1 hour of homework, mostly reading for the following day's discussion.

    Who teaches on Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    Dr. Patrick Convery teaches the course and brings UCLA teaching experience in econometrics, corporate finance, mathematical finance, and applied big data. UCLA Economics majors lead smaller discussion sessions where students share ideas and work through course material.

    Published commuter office hours are Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 AM.

    Where do students stay on Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    Non-residential plan

    • Daily commuting: Session A students travel to the UCLA campus each program day.
    • Independent housing: Eligible students can arrange a separate UCLA Housing contract; housing is not included in the program.
    • Optional room and dining: The separate 2026 housing offering uses Olympic Hall deluxe triple rooms with a required 14-meal weekly plan.

    Independent UCLA Housing does not provide a high school residential program, curfew, or supervision beyond general housing staff.

    What happens after Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn 4 UCLA units in Economics 4 after successful completion.

    Receive a course grade recorded on a UCLA transcript.

    Build financial literacy and tools for personal financial planning.

    Explore finance careers and relevant college majors.

    Economics 4 does not count toward a major; any transfer credit is decided by the receiving institution.

    Where does Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series take place?

    The commuter option takes place on UCLA's Los Angeles campus, with published lectures in Fowler A103B. Students arrange daily travel, and summer parking permits can be purchased separately.

    Learning format

    The virtual option uses scheduled live Zoom lectures, published as daily two-hour meetings from 7:00-9:00 PM PDT. Students also complete PLF activities on most days and approximately 0.5-1 hour of daily homework, mostly reading.

    Virtual participation requires attendance at scheduled meeting times.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • Dr. Patrick Convery leads instruction.

    • UCLA Economics majors lead smaller discussion sessions.

    • Six homework assignments are completed with PLFs.

    • Virtual instructor office hours run Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM.

    Time-zone considerations

    • Virtual meetings use Pacific Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
    • Published virtual lectures run daily, 7:00-9:00 PM PDT.
    • Students must join live sessions at the scheduled times.
    • Published exam arrangements include separate afternoon meeting times.

    Tech requirements

    • Bring a laptop computer.

    • Have access to Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.

    • Use a computer with a USB port.

    • Join virtual lectures through Zoom.

    • A basic or graphing calculator is recommended.

    Assessment style

    Assessment combines class participation, homework, a midterm, and a final exam.

    • Class participation contributes 10% of the grade.
    • Six homework assignments contribute 30%, with 5% per assignment.
    • The midterm contributes 30%.
    • The final exam contributes 30%.
    • Letter grading is standard; Pass/No Pass can be requested.

    Portfolio / outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    The principal academic outcome is 4 UCLA units in Economics 4.

    • Complete six homework assignments with PLFs.

    • Earn a course grade through assessed coursework.

    • Record successful completion on a UCLA transcript.

    Introduction to Investments Summer Precollege Focus Series FAQs

    No previous financial, economic, or math background is required. The course introduces the frameworks needed to understand investing and financial markets.

    Expect approximately 0.5-1 hour per day, mostly reading. Preparing the assigned readings is important for active participation in the following day's discussions.

    The program offers Economics 4 for 4 UCLA units. Credit is recorded on a UCLA transcript, but transfer decisions belong to the receiving institution and the syllabus says this class does not count toward a major.

    Class participation counts for 10%, six homework assignments for 30%, the midterm for 30%, and the final exam for 30%. Letter grading is standard, with a Pass/No Pass option available by request.

    You need a laptop with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and a USB port. John Bogle's The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is required, and a basic or graphing calculator is recommended.

    Housing is not included. Students meeting the published age requirement may independently apply to UCLA Housing, whose contracts do not provide a supervised high school residential program.

    Yes. Students must join scheduled virtual sessions, and meeting times use Pacific Daylight Time unless otherwise noted. The published syllabus uses Zoom.

    Summer Scholars Support offers limited full or partial need- and merit-based scholarships for qualifying California high school students. It covers program and course fees, with separate eligibility and application requirements.

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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.

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    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • 2026 Summer Sessions Housing Rates | Housing
    • Summer Sessions Housing | Housing
    • Application Management
    • Scholarships - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • International Student Information - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Housing for Minors - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Enrollment and Academics - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Calendar and Deadlines - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Registration - 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
    • Econ 4 (Summer, 2026) - Syllabus (in person)
    • 2026 PreCollege Schedule - Updated 1.21.xlsx
    • Introduction to Investments - 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)

    • Official program page reviewed

    • Application requirements checked

    • Session dates verified

    • Assessment weights checked

    • Program fees reviewed

    • Housing conditions reviewed

    • Scholarship criteria 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.