UCLA Competitive Edge: Summer Transition Program to the Doctorate

The Competitive Edge program is an intensive, six-week, full-time bridge program for newly admitted, entering doctoral students from underrepresented backgrounds with a strong interest in pursuing a faculty or research position. Each Competitive Edge Fellow will work on a summer research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Additionally, Competitive Edge Fellows participate in social and professional development activities to enhance their success in UCLA doctoral programs.

To enhance, focus and advance upon the Competitive Edge Fellow’s research, the faculty-mentored research projects allows the Fellow to focus on or explore their specific research interest area. The social and professional development activities provide an opportunity for the Competitive Edge Fellows to build community and be exposed to resources that will allow for each Fellow to succeed in their PhD programs regardless of discipline. Previous examples of professional development topics and social activities during the Competitive Edge program included: Imposter Syndrome & How to Overcome It; Writing Successful Grant & Fellowship Applications; Financing Your Graduate Education; Journal Club; Ice Cream Mixer.

For more information, please visit the Competitive Edge website.

Last updated
January 18, 2024