What is a pre-college program?

A pre-college program is an educational opportunity designed and hosted by a college or university to introduce high school students to the college experience. Many pre-college programs are offered over the summer but there are many open year round or during winter and spring breaks. Pre-college programs are an excellent opportunity to find out if college is right for you and explore colleges you’re personally interested in. Pre-college programs are offered in a variety of formats from online to on campus with varying levels of cost.

Navigation: College programs are typically formatted in one of three different ways; Residential, commuter, and online. Each program listed below will tell you what format it is taught in next to the program name to help you focus on programs that fit your needs. Residential and commuter programs are located at the top half of this page. Online programs are located at the bottom.

  • Residential: A residential program is a live in program. This means that students will live on campus, typically in dorms, with their fellow students.
  • Commuter: Some programs do not offer live in options, in which case students will have to find their own housing near the program site for the duration of the program and commute to campus for activities. Some residential programs offer this format along with their residential program for students who live near their campus or who have relatives they can stay with during their time with the program.
  • Online: Many colleges offer online programs that you can do from the comfort of your home. Many of these programs can be done at your own pace at a lower cost to you than a residential or commuter program while still giving you a valuable experience. 

In Person Residential and Commuter Programs

International Opportunity – University College Dublin, Ireland

The UCD High School Summer Program is an enrichment program designed specifically for North American students who are interested in learning more about Irish history and culture and may be considering the possibility of applying to universities in Ireland for their undergraduate degrees. Through a series of taught lectures and interactive workshops at UCD, they will introduce you to the academic culture in Ireland and the variety of subjects you can study. UCD will introduce you to Ireland’s rich history and cultural identity through field trips around Dublin and the Irish countryside too! This is a two week, residential program.

Eligibility:

  • Be current juniors or sophomores (16 or 17 at the time of program)
  • Demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA. 
  • Google application form, including brief essays about their interest in the program and what would make them a good candidate for the program. 
  • Counselor recommendation (Kendall Hook will send counselors direct link to Google recommendation form)

Important Dates:

  • Program Dates: July 3 – July 18 2024
  • Priority Deadline – February 15
  • Final Deadline – April 1
    • DON’T WAIT! If all slots are filled by February 15th then all further applications will be waitlisted!

Visit the University College of Dublin website to apply and for more information.

Summer SAIL University of Oregon – Commuter Only

SAIL is a FREE week long Day and Residential programs for rising high school freshman through rising seniors, hosted on the University of Oregon Eugene campus, where high school students learn about various subjects from distinguished University of Oregon faculty members through fun social and interactive activities. SAIL offers a variety of programs which you can explore here.

Program Dates:

  • Session 1 (Residential Program): July 14 – July 19
  • Session 2 (Day/commuter program only. NOT residential): July 22 – July 26
  • Session 3 (Day/commuter program only. NOT residential): July 29 – August 2

Application Deadlines:

  • Residential Program:
    • Application opens April 1st
    • Applications due May 24th
  • Day/Commuter Programs:
    • Applications open April 1st
    • Applications due June 14th

Check out more information about the Summer SAIL Program and check their eligibility requirements at their website.

Rensselaer PREFACE Program – Residential 

PREFACE PREFACE is a summer experience hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering or technology who are part of groups that have been historically underrepresented or underserved in science, engineering, and other technological fields.  The PREFACE Program is for students who will be entering the 11th or 12th grade in the fall.

Application Deadline:  11:59 p.m. ET on April 19, 2024. Notifications will be made to accepted students in early May.

Program Dates: Sunday, July 28, through Saturday, August 10, 2024

For program specifics and to access the application visit their website.

Pacific Northwest College of Arts – Non-Residential, commuter

Experience in-person classes at PNCA, located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, while leveling up your skills and your portfolio with their summer intensives for high school students. The PNCA pre-college program offers two, two week in person programs where you will gain understanding of both 2D and 3D design principles and well as develop unique portfolio pieces showcasing your range.

2024 Session Dates:

  • Session 1: July 15-July 26
  • Session 2: July 39 – August 9

Click here to apply!

The Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program – Residential Program

This summer, live like a RISD student and work alongside hundreds of other creative, highly motivated students who will inspire you to push your limits and produce your best work. The Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College program is an intensive, five week experience for rising juniors and seniors where you will take college level courses on art and design as well as participate in day-long studio sessions to help build your portfolio.

2024 Session Dates

  • June 29 – August 3

For more information and to apply, click here.

Reynolds Young Writers Workshop at Denison University – Residential Program

The Reynolds Young Writers Workshop at Denison is an energizing 8-day program for motivated high school students (rising juniors and seniors) who love to write. Reynolds classes are designed for students interested in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. The workshop is held each June on the beautiful campus of Denison University, a leading liberal arts college, in the village of Granville, Ohio. This application is completely free!

Students applying will be asked to provide a sample of up to ten pages of creative writing (can include creative nonfiction) when they apply, so gather selections of your work now or get to work on something new before you apply!

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
  • Session Dates: June 22  June 29, 2024

To access the application and find more information on the program, click here.

Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs – Residential and Commuter

For over 100 years, Carnegie Mellon has offered students unique and hands-on educational programs from the fine arts to technology and everything in between. Through Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs, rising juniors and seniors in high school have the opportunity to experience a world-class education on a beautiful, vibrant college campus. The Carnegie mellon programs will  prepare you for your upcoming college experience, help you narrow your career focus, and help you develop your critical knowledge and skills.

Carnegie Mellon offers programs on all of the following:

  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Computational Biology
  • Design
  • Drama
  • Music
  • National High School Game Academy (Various aspects of the video game industry)
  • Summer Session (Offers various summer courses for students to experience what a college course load feels like)
  • Writing and Culture

Fully Funded, Merit-Based Pre-College Programs – Summer of 2024

  • AI Scholars: Provides opportunities for students who have been historically excluded in STEM to study artificial intelligence with full-time faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. (4-week program, rising seniors only).
  • CS Scholars: Provides students who have been historically excluded in the field of computer science an opportunity to explore the subject with full-time faculty, staff and researchers who are leaders in the field.  (4-week program, rising juniors only). 
  • Summer Academy for Math and Science:  Allows students from underrepresented communities to develop a deeper understanding of STEM via traditional classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. (6-week program, rising seniors only).

Important Dates

Early Decision Applications: February 1, 2024
International Applications: February 1, 2024
Scholarship Applications: March 1, 2024
AIS, CSS, and SAMS* Applications: March 1, 2024
Regular Decision Applications: March 1, 2024

Want to Learn More?

Carnegie Mellon encourages students who want to apply to any of their pre-college programs to attend one of their informational Discover Sessions.

Columbia Pre-College Program – Residential, Commuter, and Online

Columbia will be offering three pre-college programs this summer online and on their New York City campus. All students may choose from several extracurricular options and workshops while residential students live in our dorms and experience the vibrancy of New York with its numerous museums, neighborhoods, and other entertainment options.

Important Dates:

Online:

  • Session A: July 1- July 12
  • Session B: July 16 – July 26
  • Session C: August 5 – August 9

Residential and Commuter (Residency options only available for A and B sessions):

  • Session A: June 24 – July 12
  • Session B: July 16 – August 2
  • Session C: August 5 – August 9

Registration Deadlines:

  • Early Registration Deadline: February 1
  • Residential Deadline: March 1
  • Online and Commuter Deadline: April 1

Apply Here!

Smith Pre-College Program – Residential

Smith College offers 1, 2 or 4-week academic and residential programs hosted on their Northampton, MA. The Smith Pre-College program offers classes in STEM, women, gender and representation, creative writing, sustainable futures and college readiness. Although Smith College is a women’s college, their pre-college programs are open to any student starting 9th through 12th grade in the fall of 2024 regardless of gender.

Important Deadlines:

  • December 11, 2023: Applications open
  • February 4, 2024: Priority application deadline
  • March 3: Financial aid application deadline
  • May 15: Last day to apply

See the application requirements and program details at the Smith Pre-College page here.

Lehigh Iacocca Global Entrepreneurship Intensive Pre College Program – Residential

During this immersive experience participants engage in dynamic learning opportunities, workshops and design labs, visits to companies and start-ups and a team-based business consulting project with a real client company. Through experiential learning, Lehigh University challenge participants to become innovative, interactive and culturally adept doers, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond in creative and collaborative ways. Scholarships are available!

2024 Session Dates

  • June 23 to July 20, 2024.

Deadlines:

  • Early bird application deadline: January 15, 2024. This comes with a 10% tuition discount.
  • Standard deadline: March 11, 2024

To learn more about the program and to start your application, click here.

University of Montana Summer Exploration – Residential

The University of Montana Summer Exploration Program is  a two-week residential program hosted on UM’s beautiful Missoula, MT campus. This program offers rising juniors and seniors (current sophomores and juniors) as well as graduating seniors the opportunity to earn two college credits before starting your college journey. Students will enroll in one of four two week courses: Creating Your Narrative, CSI Missoula, Environmental Ethics, and Montana Habitats.

Program Dates:

  • July 13 – 26, 2024

Other Important Dates:

  • Applications open: January 8, 2024
  • Priority applications due: March 31, 2024
  • All applications due: April 15, 2024

For more information on programs, application requirements, and financial aid information visit the UM Summer Exploration webpage.

Brown Pre-College Program – Residential and Online

Brown Pre-College Programs are designed for high school students to explore the challenges and opportunities of the college experience. You’ll enjoy the excitement and responsibility that comes from balancing challenging academics and enriching social activities—without the pressure of formal grades. Brown offers several programs both in person and online varying from 1-6 weeks in length with programs focusing either on the general college experience or specific fields of study.

Age range, location, mode, and dates are all variable depending on your program of interest. Check out their pre-college page here to explore their courses and start your application!

Fordham University Summer Leaders Academy – Residential and Commuter

Fordham’s Summer Leaders Academy is an immersive pre-college program that combines innovative academic courses and college application preparation all on their beautiful New York campus. Students select one course to pursue, which meets daily in the morning and afternoon in one and two-week sessions through July.

Activities will include:

  • Sessions on the college application process given by Fordham’s Undergraduate Team.
  • Career exploration through Fordham’s Career Services office.
  • Making the most of Fordham’s incredible new campus center and athletic facilities.
  • Community-building social activities with Fordham’s Student Engagement team.
  • Chaperoned off-campus excursions around New York City!

Important Dates:
  • April 15: Resident Application Deadline
  • May 15: Commuter Application Deadline for Intensive 1
  • May 31: Commuter Application Deadline for Intensives 2 and 3
  • Session One dates: June 24 – 27
  • Session Two dates: July 8 – 18
  • Session Three dates; July 22 – August 1

To access the application and explore course offering, visit the Fordham University Summer Leaders Academy webpage.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Badger Pre-College Program – Residential

Each summer the University of Wisconsin-Madison hosts the Badger Pre-college Program which offers a variety of opportunities designed to inspire high school students in course subjects ranging from art, law and psychology to forensics, health sciences and computer science.

Whatever you choose, you will enjoy the university’s outstanding facilities, resources, faculty and staff — all while getting to know the UW–Madison campus, pursuing your passions and meeting new friends. Financial assistance is available for most programs.

Registration deadlines fees, and program dates vary by program. See the Badger Pre-College page here for general information and the classes page here for specific information on programs.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Program – Residential, Commuter, Online

The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Program features a wide variety of disciplines—including business, computer science, humanities, math, science, social justice, and more—allowing students to investigate advanced topics beyond the typical high school curriculum. Students engage in discussion-based classes with instructors who are scholars in their fields and passionate about teaching.

Registration deadlines, fees, and program dates vary by program. See the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies program website here for general information and the Academic Enrichment Programs page for details on specific programs.

Boston University Pre-College Programs – Residential, Commuter, Online

Boston University will be offering five distinct summer programs over the Summer of 2024. Each program aims to provide students with a rigorous academic and college life experience to help students gain a strong sense of their personal and academic potential and get a glimpse of what your future could look like.

Programs:

  • High School Honors is a six-week residential, commuter, or online program in which students take Boston University undergraduate courses and earn up to 8 transferable college credits. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2024.
  • RISE Internship/Practicum is a six-week, non-credit residential or commuter program in which domestic students conduct scientific research in a university lab under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students must be entering their senior year of high school in fall 2024.
  • Academic Immersion (AIM) is a three-week, non-credit residential or commuter program for students to focus intensively on a single academic topic while experiencing life on a college campus. This summer BU is offering four AIM tracks: Introduction to Experimental Psychology; Introduction to Medicine; Creative Writing; and Business. Each track combines classroom work in the subject area with hands-on experiential learning activities. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2024.
  • Summer Challenge is a two-week residential program in which students take two non-credit seminars of their choice and experience college life. Students must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in fall 2024.
  • Summer Preview is a one-week, non-credit residential or commuter program in which students explore one subject of interest while previewing the college experience. Students must be entering eighth grade or their freshman or sophomore year of high school in fall 2024.

Registration deadlines, fees, and program dates vary by program. More information for each program and their requirements, as well as information about financial aid, can be found at the program links found above.

Online Programs

William & Mary Online Pre-College Program – Open Year-Round

William & Mary college in West Virginia offers  a Pre-College Online Program designed for high school students ages 13 and up that offers a range of compelling topics, covered in-depth, through online coursework led by William & Mary professors. The William & Marry pre college program is designed to help you explore your interests and discover potential majors in college. The program is available year-round, and the online format allows you to study anywhere, anytime, while working at your own pace. 

Registration and classes are available year-round! Summer courses are now open for registration!

Click here to apply!

Georgetown Online Program – Open Year-Round, Summer Registration Now Open

Build your tomorrow with Georgetown University! Get the experience of a top college before you even apply through online courses designed to develop your skill and interests into a future college degree.  Georgetown offers courses in over a dozen interest areas including biology, government and politics, psychology, law and many more!

Registration for Georgetown’s online pre-college programs is open year-round but if you are interested in completing the program over the summer, registration for those dates is now open.

Click here to explore and register for courses.

Wake Forest University Online Pre-College Program – Registration Open Year Round

Are there subjects you’re thinking about taking in college but would like to know more about? The Online Immersion Program, designed for high school students ages 13 and up, has been created for this purpose. It offers exciting topics, covered in-depth, through online coursework led by Wake Forest University professors. The program is available year-round, and the online format allows you to study anywhere, anytime, while working at your own pace. Wake Forest University offers a number of programs with a focus on specialized medical fields. Below is a brief list of some of the options available with many more available on their website.

  • Business
  • General medicine
  • Women’s medicine
  • Criminal justice
  • Investing
  • and much more!

Click here to explore more options and apply!

Parsons Paris Online Program – Open Year-Round, Summer Registration Now Open

Are you interested in the fashion industry? Parsons Paris offers multiple online courses exploring sustainable fashion, the business of fashion, designing, and branding throughout the year. Online lectures are given my Parsons Paris faculty as well as guest lectures from Paris fashion experts. Programs vary in length and allow you to work at your pace with access to Parsons mentors to help you along your journey.

To explore Parsons programs and apply, click here!

Rice University Online Program – Open Year-Round, Summer Registration Now Open

Summer is a perfect time for motivated high school students to learn from Rice University’s world-class professors and experts in today’s most sought-after industries. The application period for the online pre-college summer program is now open. Rice University offers courses in unique fields of study such as global affairs, aerospace, and genome engineering so you can explore your unique interests.

Registration for Rice University’s online pre-college programs is open year-round but if you are interested in completing the program over the summer, registration for those dates is now open.

Click here to explore and register for courses.

Pratt Institute Online and In Person Pre-College Programs

The Pratt Institute pre-college program is where high school students interested in art, writing, design, and architecture can sharpen their skills as well as develop pieces for their portfolios for admission into colleges and alternative art and design schools. Courses are offered online and in person in varying formats throughout the year.

Registration for the Pratt In Person pre-college program summer session is now open. You will be able to select the courses you want to take to fit your interests and gain hands on experience and guidance to build your portfolio.

The Pratt Summer Session runs from July 8-August 2, 2024 with applications due by May 1. Online course take place from June 3-July 3 with a vide variety of disciplines offered.

The Pratt Institute pre-college programs are open to students between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. To explore your options, click here.