Preparing for college can be an intimidating experience, and pre-college programs are perfect opportunities for high schoolers to explore their interests and get a taste of life at the university of their dreams. These programs often offer a wide variety of courses ranging from Business and STEAM to Psychology and Medicine, which will not only help you grow academically but also equip you with teamwork and leadership.
This article will introduce you to the various pre-college programs offered by top universities around the world as well as a detailed description of their requirements and offerings. Be sure to choose one that aligns best with your interest.
1. Harvard Summer School
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is a two-week program where high school students live on the Harvard campus, attend classes, and participate in activities. The program helps students develop academic skills, experience college life, and receive a written evaluation and transcript. While the program does not offer college credits, it can enhance college admissions by demonstrating academic success and providing tools for the admissions process. Alumni have gone on to attend prestigious institutions, and the program offers college readiness activities and panels with admissions officers.
- Tuition: $5,800
- Financial aid available
- Format: onsite
- Last deadline for 2025: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (or earlier if all course waitlists are full)
- Program dates for 2025:
| Summer 2025 Session I | Summer 2025 Session II | Summer 2025 Session III |
| June 22–July 3, 2025 | July 6–July 18, 2025 | July 20–August 1, 2025 |
- Eligibility:
- Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2026 or 2027.
- Are at least 16 years old by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025.
2. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers students a chance to immerse themselves in advanced academic content through over 70 online courses in subjects like art, computer science, mathematics, and social justice. The program provides a global experience, allowing students to connect with peers from around the world. The live online classes are designed for interactive discussions with small class sizes, and students learn from passionate instructors who are experts in their fields. The courses are ungraded and do not offer credit.
- Tuition: $3,080 + Course-Specific Costs
- Financial aid available
- Format: online
- Application deadline for 2025: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time
- Program dates for 2025:
| Session One | Session Two |
| Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 27, 2025 | Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18, 2025 |
3. Brown Pre-College Program
The Brown Pre-College Program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students aged 14 to 18 to explore college-level academics in a dynamic and supportive environment at Brown University. Running from June 16 to July 25, 2025, this program offers over 230 non-credit courses across various disciplines, allowing students to engage deeply with subjects of their choice. Participants will not only experience Brown’s renowned Open Curriculum but also develop essential skills such as independence and time management while forming lasting connections with peers from around the globe. This immersive experience prepares students for the challenges of higher education in a vibrant Ivy League setting.
- Tuition fee:
| Format | Length | Program Cost – Residential | Program Cost – Commuter | Program Cost – Online |
| On Campus | 1 week | $3,584 | $2,960 | N/A |
| On Campus | 2 weeks | $5,534 | $4,286 | N/A |
| On Campus | 3 weeks | $8,006 | $6,134 | N/A |
| Hybrid | 5 weeks | $10,386 | $8,514 | N/A |
| Online | 2 weeks | N/A | N/A | $3,218 |
| Online | 3 weeks | N/A | N/A | $4,454 |
| Online | 4 weeks | N/A | N/A | $5,314 |
| Online | 6 weeks | N/A | N/A | $6,238 |
- Scholarships available
- Application deadline for 2025: Friday, May 9, 2025
- Program dates:
| Program | Format | Length | Date |
| Summer@Brown | On Campus | 1 week | June 22 to June 27July 6 to July 11July 13 to July 18 |
| Summer@Brown | On Campus | 2 weeks | June 22 to July 3June 29 to July 11July 13 to July 25 |
| Summer@Brown | On Campus | 3 weeks | June 22 to July 11July 6 to July 25 |
| Summer@Brown | Hybrid | 5 weeks | June 23 to July 25 |
| Summer@Brown | Online | 2 weeks | June 23 to July 3June 30 to July 11July 14 to July 25 |
| Summer@Brown | Online | 3 weeks | June 23 to July 11July 7 to July 25 |
| Summer@Brown | Online | 4 weeks | June 23 to July 18 |
| Summer@Brown | Online | 6 weeks | June 23 to July 18 |
- Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15, 2025
4. Columbia University Pre-College Program
The Columbia University Pre-College Program offers high school students aged 16 and older an immersive summer experience on the Morningside Campus in New York City. Running in two three-week sessions from June 30 to July 18 and July 22 to August 8, 2025, students can choose from over 70 courses, engaging in about four hours of class each weekday. Led by expert instructors, the program fosters independent and critical thinking while providing a Columbia University Certification of Participation upon completion. With the vibrant backdrop of NYC and a supportive residential life, students gain valuable academic insights and build lasting connections with peers from around the globe.
- Tuition per session: $12,750 (program cost) + $65 (activities fee) + $195 (health service fee) + $35 (technology fee)
- Financial Aid: Only available to residents of New York City
- Format: onsite
- Application deadline: March 2, 2025
- Program dates for 2025:
- Session A – 3 Weeks: June 30–July 18, 2025 (June 29 move-in)
- Session B – 3 Weeks: July 22–August 8, 2025 (July 21 move-in)
- Session AB – 6 Weeks: June 30–August 8, 2025 (June 29 move-in)
- Eligibility: domestic or international students entering, or currently enrolled in grades 11 or 12
5. Cornell Precollege Studies: Online Courses for High School Students
The Cornell Precollege Studies program offers high school students aged 15 and older the opportunity to take online courses alongside undergraduates, earning 3 to 12 credits and an official Cornell transcript. This Ivy League program allows students to immerse themselves in a variety of subjects, including architecture, business, health, and science, all while enhancing their college study skills. Courses are available during the summer and winter sessions, with options for both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning. Students benefit from personalized admissions counseling and the chance to connect with a diverse group of peers from around the world. This program provides an excellent pathway to experience college academics, explore potential majors, and prepare for future educational endeavors—all from the comfort of home.
- Tuition: $1,840 per credit
- Financial aid available
- Format: online
- Application deadline for 2025:
- 2025 Winter Session: December 2, 2024
- 2025 Summer Session: TBD
- Program dates:
- 2025 Winter Session: January 2 to 18
- 2025 Summer Session:
- Three-week session 1: Class Dates: June 2–20, 2025
- Three-week session 2: Class Dates: June 23–July 11, 2025
- Three-week session 3: Class Dates: July 14–August 1, 2025
- Six-week session: Class Dates: June 23–August 5, 2025
- Eligibility: students must have completed their sophomore year before attending Precollege Studies.
6. Dartmouth Precollege Online Program
The Dartmouth Precollege Online Program invites motivated students aged 13 and older to explore college-level courses from home, reflecting Dartmouth’s liberal arts philosophy. Offering flexible, engaging lessons designed by top instructors, students can choose subjects like Finance and Psychology, with additional courses in Regenerative Medicine and Biology coming soon. Each course involves approximately 20 to 30 hours of instruction, culminating in a capstone project for the practical application of knowledge. Participants benefit from mentorship, gaining insights into college academics while earning a Dartmouth Certificate of Completion to enhance their college applications.
- Individual course fee: $1,795
- Scholarships available
- Format: online
- Application deadline for 2025: one week before the course start date
- Program dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
- Eligibility: For students ages 13 and up
7. Rice University Precollege Program
The Rice University Precollege Program offers high school students aged 13 and older the chance to explore a variety of subjects, including genome engineering, physiology, and entrepreneurship, through dynamic online courses. Designed for flexibility, students can learn at their own pace from anywhere, engaging with renowned faculty and receiving mentorship throughout the process. Each course culminates in a capstone project, and participants earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University, enriching their college applications and academic experience.
- Individual course fee: $1495
- Scholarships available
- Format: online
- Application deadline for 2025: one week before the course start date
- Program dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
- Eligibility: For students ages 13 and up
8. The University of Chicago’s Summer Session
The University of Chicago’s Summer Session offers high school students an opportunity to explore diverse subjects in a vibrant campus setting in Hyde Park, Chicago. Students can participate in various formats, including 1-week enrichment courses, 2-week career insight programs, 3-week immersion courses with faculty, and 4-week practicums focused on hands-on research. Remote options are also available, including 3-5 week online courses and a 6-8 week Summer Language Institute for language learning. These programs foster intellectual exploration and provide a supportive community for students eager to deepen their academic experience.
- Tuition:
| Residential Programs | Cost |
| 1 Week Enrichment | $2,500 |
| 2 Week Career Insight | $5,625 |
| 3 Week Immersion | $8,900 |
| 4 Week Practicum | $14,490 |
- Financial aid available
- Format: onsite
- Deadlines, start dates, and eligibility vary by program.
9. UPenn Pre-College Residential Program
The University of Pennsylvania’s Pre-College Residential Program offers academically curious high school students the chance to earn undergraduate credit while engaging in Ivy League-level coursework on campus from July 1 to August 9, 2025. Participants, who must be current 10th or 11th graders, will live in residence halls and attend classes alongside Penn undergraduates, choosing from various credit-bearing courses taught by Penn faculty. Students can enroll in one or two college-credit courses, with options including subjects like Biology, Microeconomics, and Psychology. The program emphasizes a rigorous academic environment, and upon completion, students can request official transcripts. Early application is encouraged due to limited course availability.
- Tuition (2024):
| Course units* | Program fee | Tuition | General fee | Total cost |
| 1 | $8,000 | $5,200 | $448 | $13,648 |
| 1.5 | $8,000 | $7,800 | $448 | $16,248 |
| 2 | $8,000 | $10,400 | $448 | $18,848 |
| 2.5 | $8,000 | $13,000 | $448 | $21,448 |
- Scholarships are limited to Philadelphia residents attending a School District of Philadelphia public high school or charter high school.
- Format: onsite
- Deadline for 2025: April 27
- Program date: July 1 – August 9, 2025
- Eligibility: Current 10th-11th grade students
10. Boston University Summer Term: High School Honors
The Boston University High School Honors Program is a six-week pre-college experience for rising juniors and seniors, allowing students to earn up to 8 college credits by selecting two undergraduate courses from over 80 offerings. Participants enjoy an authentic college experience alongside BU undergraduates in Boston, benefiting from world-class faculty, academic resources, and opportunities to build lasting connections. The program runs from June 29 to August 8, 2025, with online course options available for those unable to attend in person. Applications are currently open for this enriching academic opportunity.
- Tuition: $6,520
- Financial aid available
- Format: onsite (some courses are also offered online)
- Application deadline for 2025: May 23, 2025 at 5pm EDT (March 14, 2025 at 5pm EDT, for financial aid applicants and international students)
- Program dates for 2025: June 29–August 8
- Eligibility: You need to be entering your junior or senior year of high school in fall 2025. Qualified juniors need to be in Honors and/or AP courses.