10 Best Pre-College Summer Programs

Planning early can set you up for success, which is why the fall is the best time to start thinking about your summer activities. You may already know that the college admissions process can be extremely competitive, with the top students maximizing their time during the school year and summer vacations. The summer is a perfect time for you to get involved in summer programs because there is enough free time for a deep dive into a subject of interest. You’ll also get to experience college life, giving you an advantage over other applicants. Our education nonprofit provides an overview of typical pre-college programs, their benefits, and the top-rated university experiences for high school students.

What Is a Pre-College Summer Program?

Pre-college programs are hosted by colleges or universities for high school students. While many of the programs are held in-person on the college campus, some are now offered virtually or in a hybrid model. The programs can last from one week to a month and usually offer an enriching learning experience for high school students, giving you an opportunity to experience living on campus, taking college-level courses, and interacting with other students from around the world.

Top 10 Pre-college Summer Programs for High School Students

When considering different pre-college summer programs, you’ll want to find a balance between a program you’ll enjoy and that leads you toward a possible major or career track and a college that you feel offers a good value. These 10 pre-college programs are top-rated for student experience, faculty involvement, and valuable areas of focus.

Brown University Pre-College Program

Summer@Brown offers over 200 non-credit courses for high school students and several programs for middle schoolers. Located in Providence, Brown offers the small-city experience with an international network as there are more than 70 different countries represented in its student body.

Harvard Summer School

If you’ve ever been curious about what life is like for the typical Harvard student, you can now apply to find out. Summer at Harvard offers intensive, two-week courses intended to give high schoolers a glimpse at life on the iconic Cambridge campus and the typical coursework volume. Harvard summer school is a great opportunity for students considering the university as their top-choice school and wishing to show the admissions office their early interest and commitment as a prospective applicant. The summer program also allows students to develop their own understanding of the famed institution.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

While many believe pre-college programs are only designed for 11th- and 12th-graders, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers programs for students as early as middle school. The Summer Institute at SAIC prides itself on breaking barriers within the creative community, including young artists from all walks of life. The programs’ goal is to expand the students’ breadth of knowledge about art and help them develop a unique style in their formative years.

Emerson College

Many creative professionals, including writers, journalists, and thespians, have their roots at Emerson College. Its Pre-College Program offers a number of courses in art and theater for budding creatives. These intensive three- to four-week programs help students develop skills in an area where they may excel throughout high school and beyond.

Boston Leadership Institute: STEM Programs

The Boston Leadership Institute offers a diverse set of STEM-focused courses for developing scientists. From biotech research to forensics to robotics, there’s an option for everyone interested in deepening their knowledge. The flexible, three-week courses are available on Zoom from the comfort of your home.

Case Western Reserve: Pre-College Health Programs

As a premier research institution, Case Western Reserve has prepared ambitious students for professional success for more than 200 years. The programs are designed for students interested in medicine, psychology, science, and other STEM-related fields. Case Western offers all of its pre-college summer programs online and, in 2022, began offering live sessions during the weekdays.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is an esteemed university known globally for its medical and scientific areas of study. Its summer program offers three two-week courses either online or in-person on its Baltimore campus. Those attending in-person will have access to the entire campus, including the university’s extensive libraries, athletic centers, and student facilities. The school also offers nonacademic activities for team building and relaxation.

EF International Language Campuses

Education First (EF) has a program designed for students passionate about travel and learning new languages. Collaborating with 15 colleges in Europe, Asia, Central America, and the United Arab Emirates, EF provides opportunities for high school students to delve into a new culture while improving their language skills. On weekends, students can travel to nearby cities to practice their language skills and visit historical sites.

UC San Diego: Academic Connections

University of California San Diego is one of the top five ranked public institutions in the United States, which makes its Academic Connections program a high-value option for high school students. Attracting students from around the world, UC San Diego prides itself on being culturally diverse and academically enriching. Students who complete the program can earn up to six Division of Extended Studies pre-college credits.

Yale Young Global Scholars

Yale University’s summer session Yale Young Global Scholars is a two-week enrichment program across four disciplines. The program serves 2,000 students from 150 countries and distributes over $3 million in financial aid to domestic and international students.

What Are the Benefits of Pre-College Summer Programs?

Pre-college summer programs can offer a unique glimpse into the college experience for high school students. For many, this might be their first opportunity to explore a campus and experience daily college life. They will likely be able to access university buildings, including dorms, sports facilities, dining halls, and libraries. Working in an interactive environment with faculty members may offer students valuable networking experience, especially if they decide to apply to that college. The strong student-faculty connections may allow students to ask their teachers for letters of recommendation.

Especially exciting is the connection you’re bound to build with other students. Since many international high schoolers attend pre-college programs, they will have the opportunity to gain a broader perspective of the world and possibly make lifelong friends!

Pre-College Application Deadlines

It is not too early to begin planning for summer pre-college programs as some enrollments open as early as December. For highly selective institutions, you may want to look into the application requirements, any fees associated with the program, available financial aid (and the required aid applications), and any essays that need to be included.