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Outstanding summer programs for teens since 1982
Accelerate Your College Admissions
Join Collegewise – the #1 undergraduate college counseling firm – in collaboration with Westcoast Connection for a comprehensive enrichment program that gives you the tools to succeed in college and beyond. This Admissions Accelerator Program for high school students is guided by Collegewise’s seasoned experts in college counseling and test preparation. The immersive experience is designed to help you approach the college process with clarity. In the first week, you’ll master test-taking strategies through expert SAT/ACT prep, before delving into every aspect of the college application process in week two. From building a strategic college list to understanding what makes each part of an application stand out, you’ll leave with a clear plan, practical tools, and the confidence to take your next steps toward college.
Curriculum Topics
College Admissions Overview
Conducting College Research
The Five Elements of an Application
College Essays Strategy
Interviews Preparation
Extracurricular Activities and Résumé Building
Introduction to the SAT and ACT
Foundational Grammar Rules
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Math Strategies: Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability
Advanced Math Concepts: Precalculus and Test Readiness
Communication Skills Development
Leadership Styles and Strengths
Passion Project Development
Collaborative Problem-Solving Exercises
Curriculum Overview
Two weeks, one transformative experience. Get a head start on college admissions. Led by Collegewise’s expert counselors and test prep instructors, this 2-week intensive program is designed to help students build both the academic and personal skills needed for a successful college journey.
Week 1 centers on SAT/ACT preparation, covering essential reading, writing, and math strategies. Week 2 students participate in the Application Accelerator, focusing on crafting strong college essays, building effective extracurricular profiles, preparing for interviews, refining their admissions strategy, developing leadership skills, and building their own passion project.
By the end of the program, students will have a comprehensive toolkit and a clear roadmap to confidently navigate the college application process.
Weekly Topics
Typical Weekday Schedule
Prestigious Academic Partner
Collegewise
With more than 26 years of college counseling & tutoring experience, Collegewise has been at the forefront of providing families with up-to-date, honest admissions advice. Applying to university should be an exciting time, not a stressful, anxiety-ridden rite of passage. Collegewise knows that providing expert-written, researched information is one way to do so! Since 1999, expert advisors and tutors have guided more than 30,000 students to successful admissions and testing outcomes and is the nation’s largest college admissions organization.
Instructors
Sessions are led by Collegewise’s expert counselors and test prep instructors. Specific instructors will be confirmed in the spring.
San Diego Highlights
Iconic Sights & Activities
San Diego Zoo • Seaport Village • Mission Beach • Belmont Amusement Park • La Jolla Beach • MLB Padres Baseball Game • Birch Aquarium at Scripps. See More Details for the full list of highlights.
College Life
UC San Diego Campus
Enjoy UC San Diego’s stunning campus, situated in the heart of sunny South California. Surrounded by the scenic beaches of La Jolla Shores and just a short drive away from downtown San Diego, UCSD offers the perfect blend of nature, culture and life on campus.
UC San Diego Residence
Spend your summer on campus at one of UC San Diego’s newest residences. You will be staying in spacious resident hall suites, complete with private bathrooms, closet space, WI-FI, lounges and personal work stations. This premium campus location offers easy access to the dining hall, classrooms and the student union, as well as countless sports facilities and outdoor spaces to socialise and unwind after class.
Positive Social Experience
This program offers the perfect balance of campus excitement and camp-style community. From the moment students arrive, they’re surrounded by caring leaders who create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment. Living together in the residence halls, students quickly form friendships, share experiences, and enjoy the fun, connection, and spirit that make this program feel like summer camp on a college campus.
Organized Sports & Games
Our sports coordinator organizes games of all kinds outside of class time. Play a game of ultimate Frisbee or maybe cross paths with a Triton or two on the courts.
About This Program
What It's Like
Experience college life with the balance of engaging college prep, group excursions, and free time.
Certificate of Completion
Receive a letter certifying the completion of the program. Letters of recommendation are also available.
Engaging Instructors
Sessions led by Collegewise instructors.
Accommodations
Stay on-campus in a UCSD residence.
Meals
Includes three meals daily. Enjoy a variety of options at the dining hall and local restaurants.
Excursions
Explore the San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, La Jolla, and SoCal's fabulous beaches.
Transportation
Travel by campus shuttle or bus around San Diego.
Group Size
Up to 45 Students.
Commuter Option
Available for students who don't require accommodations. See details.
Dietary Options
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
Will attending one of your programs help me get into college?
Attending a summer program is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow into a more well-rounded, mature individual. No matter what type of program you choose, the personal development and experience gained over the course of the summer are valuable resources that could help you with your college essays and applications. If your goal for the summer is to get a head start on college prep, a Career Experience or Pre-College Enrichment program could be just what you need. So while attending any particular summer program will not necessarily get you into your choice school, what you get from it can make a difference!