'Modern Family' Star Ariel Winter Prepares For Pre-Law In UCLA Following A Gap Year

Ariel Winter, who plays the intellectual Alex Dunphy on "Modern Family," is preparing for college. The 19-year-old is set to pursue political science or pre-law at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) following a gap year.

Winter shared a photo of the UCLA school mascot on her Instagram to signify her preparation. "It's lit my friends," the actress posted.

The UCLA Instagram account also acknowledged she is indeed attending the school in the fall. "It's lit indeed. So excited to have you here in the fall! #UCLAbound," UCLA's social media strategist commented on her post, as per Daily Mail.

Winter was supposed to start college last year. She announced in April 2016 that she got accepted at the university. In September, however, the "Modern Family" star decided to have a gap year instead. "Unfortunately this year, due to my production schedule, I have to start next year," Winter said, per E! Online.

It's lit my friends #bruinpride

A post shared by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Mar 17, 2017 at 5:52pm PDT

Winter, however, will not be completely out of "Modern Family" even as she begins college this fall. She will still be working on the set, which fortunately is still in the LA area.

"The entertainment industry for actors is never guaranteed," the actress said in her decision to pursue college, via Daily Bruin. "I could be on a show today, and then - once the show ends - never work again. For me, it was very important to have knowledge in a different field."

Winter's older sister Shanelle Gray said the actress has always loved books growing up. She took interest in studying law following her own experience in court. Winter was embroiled in a custody and emancipation case with her mother in 2012.

The actress says she would like to eventually become a defender of victims of child abuse. For now, however, her plan is to be active in other college activities as well and have a completely different experience having worked in showbiz since she was a toddler.