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Best Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students

Hoya Summer High School Sessions. Photo courtesy of Georgetown University
Hoya Summer High School Sessions. Photo courtesy of Georgetown University
2/15/24 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

Pre-college summer programs have become an increasingly popular way for high school students to get an idea about what they might like to study and decide whether the culture, location, and curriculum of a school are a match before applying to schools. Colleges in every part of the country offer summer programs ranging from four-day seminars to six-week academic intensives in all subjects, from arts to STEM.

Ivy League and other big name university summer programs may be expensive, but some offer free or low-cost summer program options for local or lower income students. There are also online programs. 

Read on for our picks of the best pre-college summer programs for high school students. Find more summer camp recommendations for teens in our Summer Camp Guide.

Do Summer Programs Help with College Admissions?

Attending a school’s pre-college program is no guarantee of later admission, but colleges may like to see that a student was able to complete a rigorous or college-level course. If a student falls in love with a school and decides to apply early, that can also improve the odds of getting in. 

Residential summer sessions provide insight into the real college experience, with students staying in dorms, eating in the cafeteria, and getting to try out college life. Most on-campus programs divide their days between academics and college prep, walking students through applying to and paying for college as well as preparing for it emotionally and socially.

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Best Pre-College Summer Programs

Rustic Pathways

Since 1983, Rustic Pathways has been empowering teens to create positive energy, great friendships, and meaningful impact through inspired summer student travel programs. Choose from enriching destinations across the globe designed for animal lovers, environmental activists, and explorers of all kinds between the ages of 12 and 22. All program dates, ages, costs, and locations can be found on the Rustic Pathways website. READ MORE

Hoya Summer High School Sessions

The Hoya Summer High School Sessions offer the opportunity to explore academic interests, meet classmates from around the world, and earn college credit—all while experiencing the excitement of college life on the Georgetown campus in Washington, DC. Students live in dorms and attend a combination of lectures and field trips. READ MORE

Harvard University Pre-College Program

Harvard University's pre-college program is an academically rich and rigorous two-week, on-campus session. Students can select from over 100 courses and can expect a challenging, in-depth exploration of their chosen subject. No letter grade or college credit is given, and it's not inexpensive, but this summer experience is an opportunity for high-achieving high schoolers to sample the Ivy League before they commit to applying. Upon completion students receive a written evaluation and a Harvard transcript with a grade of "AR" (requirements met) or "NM" (requirements not met). READ MORE

University of Wisconsin - Madison Pre-College Program

For kids who dream of the Big 10 college football experience, the University of Wisconsin's Badger pre-college program at the Madison campus provides a glimpse of the All-American College experience.  Non-credit college-level academic courses are taught in two-week sessions by university instructors and cover a wide variety of topics from STEM to Social Justice. Class sizes are small, allowing for maximum student engagement. Afternoons are focused on preparing for, applying to, and paying for college as well as residence hall activities.    READ MORE

Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program

While "preparing for college" may evoke thoughts of scholarly pursuits, there is such a thing as art school. The Rhode Island School of Design, or RISD ("RIZ-dee"), has a five-week pre-college program with an intensity that rivals the most serious academic institutions. Students don't get credit, and there are no guarantees of admission to RISD, but kids finish with something substantive to add to their portfolios. The rigorous program is divided between foundational studies in drawing, design, critical theory, and more. READ MORE

Emory University Pre-College Program

An urban, southern university, Emory offers residential, not-for-credit, pre-college courses in a variety of disciplines. The focus of the program is college prep. Students get the experience of university life. Sessions are not inexpensive but are significantly more affordable than those offered by the Ivy League schools. Two and six-week options are offered. College credits are available for the six-week option, and both are available online or in person. READ MORE

Columbia University's Summer Immersion New York City

If your college applicant dreams of moving to the Big Apple, Columbia's three-week residential Summer Immersion: New York City is a perfect way to dip a toe into the waters of big city living. That said, at this price, the first lesson learned will be that life in NYC is very expensive. For those who can afford it, this is an unforgettable summer experience. Courses are designed to make use of the city in which they are taught. The academics are substantive, but no college credit is given. Students receive an evaluation from their instructor and a certificate of completion. READ MORE

Northwestern University Pre-College Program

Northwestern University in Chicago offers several in-person pre-college programs, including expensive and intensive three- to eight-week residential college credit courses, or shorter more affordable two-week seminars, either in person or online. READ MORE

Colorado State University Pre-College Program

At Colorado State University, the Black Issues Forum and Native Education Forum are free, five-day pre-college programs that offer one completed credit. The Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session is an eight-day program for student leaders; tuition is charged but this is a less expensive option than similar programs offered by private universities. All three sessions provide assistance navigating the process of applying to college and are affordable ways for high school students to experience campus life before leaving home. READ MORE
Columbia University's Summer Immersion New York City, photo courtesy of the university
Columbia University's Summer Immersion New York City, photo courtesy of the university

Online Pre-College Summer Programs

Wake Forest University Pre-College Programs

The Wake Forest Online Immersion Program for high school students provides the opportunity to explore academic interests before college. The program offers on-demand engaging courses in the fields of medicine, business, finance, and more, for students ages 13 and older. Classes are available year-round, and allow students to learn at their own pace. READ MORE

Rochester Pre-College Online Program for High School Students

The University of Rochester’s Pre-College Online Program offers courses that include medicine, biomedical engineering, video game design, and more. Courses are developed for students ages 13 and older by Rochester faculty and with supporting mentors. The program is available year-round in two- and four-week sessions that allow students to learn at their own pace. The final project leads to a Certificate of Completion appropriate for college applications. READ MORE

Parsons Paris Online Courses

Parsons Paris offers online courses designed for those curious about a future in fashion. Students explore subjects like fashion business, fashion design, sustainable fashion, and building a fashion brand. All of the online courses are designed by fashion experts and include guidance from a mentor. A final project paves the way to a Certificate of Completion to add to college applications. READ MORE

Columbia Business School’s Enrichment Program

Columbia Business School is a great place for kids who aspire to a career in business. The Enrichment Program is designed for students looking to build their skills, learning from Ivy League faculty and notable experts in their respective fields. A certificate of participation is provided. All courses are 100% online and offer support from mentors; scholarships are available for students who can't pay the tuition fees. READ MORE

Case Western Reserve Pre-College Online Program

Case Western Reserve University offers a pre-college program featuring online courses ranging from computer science and engineering to neuroscience, astrophysics, and social entrepreneurship. Courses are developed for students ages 13 and older, designed by CWRU instructors, and available year-round. A final project yields a Certificate of Completion, which can be added to college applications. READ MORE

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