15 Pre-College Programs for High School Students
If you’re an ambitious high school student looking to explore advanced academics and strengthen your college applications, you should consider participating in a pre-college program for high schoolers. Pre-college programs can be a great way to explore academic and future career paths. These experiences offer opportunities to gain practical skills and industry exposure before you graduate high school. Many universities and organizations across America host these programs, helping you prepare for university-level academics.
Pre-college programs can also help you explore potential college majors by taking classes in different subjects. You might work on research and collaborative projects. The networking opportunities these programs offer can significantly enhance your college applications since you’ll meet professors who could write your letters of recommendation for college. To help you get started, we've put together 15 pre-college programs for students in the U.S.
15 Pre-College Programs for High School Students
1. MIT Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~1.5 - 3%; 60 – 80 students
Dates: Late June through early August (six weeks)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This program targets academically talented students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds who demonstrate a passion for science and engineering. You’ll live on campus while taking college-level courses in mathematics and science alongside specialized electives. You’ll engage with machine learning, architecture, genomics, and other advanced topics not typically covered in high school curricula. The program includes laboratory tours, visits to companies employing MITES alumni, and seminars with STEM professionals. You will receive comprehensive college application guidance tailored to your strengths and participate in a college fair with admissions counselors from prestigious institutions.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual (you can work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; financial assistance is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: 8 – 12 week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year; Winter Cohort starts on December 8
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Winter Cohort: November 16
Eligibility: This program is open to all high school students who can work 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks; it is also open to undergraduates and gap year students.
Ladder Internships connects you with real startup internships across various industries, providing you with hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial world. Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program offers virtual internship experiences with top startups and nonprofits worldwide. You’ll work on authentic projects in fields ranging from machine learning and computer programming to business development and marketing strategy. The curriculum is specifically designed for high school students, balancing academic enrichment with practical skill development in real-world applications. You’ll receive direct mentorship from industry leaders, university professors, and startup founders who guide you throughout the program. You will engage with cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, and neural networks, while building tangible products and solutions.
3. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 70 – 120 students
Dates: Virtual Jumpstart: June 16 and 17 | In-person (Residential): June 21 – August 2 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | At least 16 years old
SAMS provides opportunities for you to explore STEM fields through a rigorous curriculum taught by committed faculty and staff. The program consists of a required virtual Jumpstart followed by an intensive 6-week residential experience focused on developing deeper STEM understanding. You’ll engage in traditional classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. You’ll develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country while building essential STEM knowledge and skills. The program concludes with a symposium where you will present your work and demonstrate your learning.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically small cohorts
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Winter Cohort: November 16
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, this program connects ambitious high school students with PhD mentors from world-class universities for personalized research experiences. You’ll work one-on-one with doctoral mentors to learn cutting-edge research methods and produce independent research projects in your field of interest. You’ll gain expertise in specific topics while developing research skills that significantly enhance your college applications. You can expect to work on extending human knowledge in your chosen area, contributing original research to your field of study. The program offers credit partnerships with the University of California, San Diego, Extended Studies for students who complete their projects.
5. Yale Young Global Scholars
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: $7,000; need-based financial aid is available that covers 100% of the tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; large cohort
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 3; Session II: July 5 – 17; Session III: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: Typically early January
Eligibility: Current high school sophomore or junior, aged 16-18 by program start | First-time applicant
In this program, you’ll choose from four specialized tracks: Innovations in Science & Technology, Literature, Philosophy & Culture, Politics, Law & Economics, or Solving Global Challenges. The program features small class sizes with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, facilitating meaningful discussions and collaborative learning experiences. You can expect to attend lectures by Yale faculty and leading experts, participate in breakout discussions, and work on collaborative capstone projects. The curriculum emphasizes open exploration and critical thinking without grades or course credits, focusing purely on your intellectual growth. Evening activities include identity reflection sessions called "Family Time," social activities, and opportunities to build lasting international friendships.
6. Harvard Pre-College Program
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; about 15 students
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 2; Session II: July 5 – July 16; Session III: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising junior or seniors who are between the ages of 16 and 19 | Graduating in the next or subsequent years
In this program, you’ll live in Harvard dormitories while taking rigorous, college-level courses alongside peers from around the globe in small class sizes averaging 15 students. You’ll engage in creative and social activities outside of class, including workshops on college admissions essays and financial aid processes. You can expect to develop critical thinking skills through healthy academic debate and learn to communicate diplomatically on complex topics. The program includes co-curricular activities such as talent shows, campus exploration, and visits to the greater Boston area. Upon completion, you will receive written evaluations from instructors and Harvard transcripts, valuable supplements for your college applications.
7. Duke Pre-College Summer Programs
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC, and Duke Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC
Cost: One-week programs – Commuter: $1,830; Residential: $2,580 | Two-week programs – Commuter: $3,660; Residential: $5,640; scholarships and financial aid are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: One-week programs: July 20 – 25 | Two-week programs: June 22 – July 4; July 6 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically January
Eligibility: High school students in grades 6-11 for on-campus programs, or rising 9th-11th grades for online courses
At Duke pre-college, you can choose from on-campus experiences at Duke's East and West campuses, marine research at the Beaufort lab, or dynamic online courses. You will engage in challenging and inspiring subjects while connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds and gaining insights that enhance your college readiness. Course offerings span multiple disciplines, with some programs requiring specific prerequisites listed in course descriptions. The program provides you with tools, experiences, and community support to help you thrive both academically and personally. You will benefit from small class sizes, expert instruction, and access to Duke's extensive academic resources and facilities.
8. Northwestern Pre-College Summer Programs
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: Varies by program format and duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies as per individual programs
Dates: 2 – 10 week sessions between June and August
Application Deadline: Varies by program, generally during early April
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year | Ages 15 – 17 | 3.0 GPA
Northwestern's College Preparation Program provides you with authentic university experiences while preparing you for college-level academics. You can choose between courses that offer college credit and specialized two-week seminars, available both on campus and online. The program covers a diverse range of topics, allowing you to explore potential majors and career interests. You will experience Northwestern's campus culture while developing essential academic skills and gaining insight into university life. You will work alongside Northwestern faculty and staff who provide mentorship and academic guidance. The program emphasizes practical college preparation, helping you build the confidence and independence necessary for your future academic success.
9. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
Location: Multiple campus locations and Virtual
Cost: On campus: $3,149 – $7,501 | Virtual: Varies by session; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies as per individual programs
Dates: On campus: Session 1: June 28 – July 17; Session 2: July 19 – August 7 / Virtual: Year-round
Application Deadline: On campus: Typically early May | Virtual: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Students in grades 2-12
Johns Hopkins CTY brings together advanced learners from around the world to explore arts, sciences, bioethics, engineering, public health, and more through intensive summer programs. You can choose from over 70 in-person summer courses taught by expert instructors in a supportive community of academically gifted peers. The program offers both day programs for younger students and residential experiences for older participants. You will engage in discussions, projects, social events, and activities while building lasting friendships with like-minded learners. The three-week programs allow you to dive deep into subjects you're passionate about while developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
10. Yale Summer Session for Pre-College Students
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Varies by course selection and housing options; details here; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies as per individual programs
Dates: Session A: May 26 – June 27; Session B: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors | Minimum age 16 by program start
Yale Summer Session offers motivated high school students the opportunity to take undergraduate courses alongside Yale students in a challenging academic environment. The program offers rigorous college courses across a wide range of subjects, allowing students to earn Yale credits and gain exposure to the academic environment of an Ivy League university. As a pre-college participant, you can enroll in up to two courses per session, with at least one required to be in-person. The program provides comprehensive college preparation, including admissions workshops and essay writing support. You will receive official Yale transcripts and college credit that can potentially transfer to other institutions.
11. Brown Pre-College Programs - Summer@Brown
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $2,960 - $10,386 + $65-$100 application fee; application fee waivers and scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies as per individual programs
Dates: Multiple sessions between June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in high school | Age 14 to 18 years old by the program start date | Should be completing grades 9 to 12 by the time of participation
Summer@Brown, Brown University's flagship pre-college program for high school students, offers an immersive, college-level academic experience without the pressure of formal grades or credit. Featuring over 230 non-credit courses, it allows students to engage in active, student-centered learning on topics across Brown’s diverse curriculum. For example, the Artificial Intelligence course introduces foundational principles of AI, including machine learning, decision-making, and computational models used in robotics and automation, combined with hands-on programming exercises. The course also explores the ethical considerations and challenges of applying AI responsibly. This program fosters intellectual curiosity, independent research, and collaboration in a supportive Ivy League campus environment, blending rigorous academics with personal growth and enrichment.
12. Columbia Pre-College Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: 1-week: $2,815; 2-week: $3,965; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies as per individual programs
Dates: 1-and 2-week programs between June 22 and July 31
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: Domestic and international students in grades 9 – 12
The Columbia University School of Professional Studies High School Programs offer interactive online courses that introduce students to college-level study across subjects like literature analysis, statistics, environmental science, economics, and political theory. Through structured discussions, research projects, and assignments, you develop skills in textual analysis, experimental design, quantitative reasoning, and evidence-based argumentation. Instructors provide guidance on research methods and analytics, encouraging collaborative learning with peers from diverse backgrounds to explore multiple perspectives within each discipline, fostering critical thinking and academic growth in a supportive virtual classroom environment.
13. Cornell Precollege Studies – Summer Residential Programs
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $1,840 per credit + Residential charge of $2,879 for three weeks and $5,714 for six weeks + $75 application fee; financial assistance is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies as per individual programs
Dates: Three-week sessions: June 22 – July 12 or July 13 – August 2; Six-week session: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors aged 16-18
Cornell Precollege Studies allows you to explore future majors and investigate potential careers while experiencing college-level study with Cornell faculty. You’ll enroll in Cornell University courses alongside undergraduates, receive official Cornell transcripts, and earn credits generally transferable to Cornell or other institutions. The program provides opportunities to work with accomplished Ivy League instructors who are experts in their fields and passionate about teaching. The program helps prepare you for college by providing real university-level academic challenges and expectations. The program strengthens college admissions by demonstrating your ability to succeed in rigorous coursework. You’ll develop both intellectual skills and personal confidence while learning about yourself and your academic interests.
14. UVA Advance Pre-College Program
Location: University of Virginia campus
Cost: Virginia residents: $7,097; Non-Virginians: $14,975 + additional course materials; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; cohort size varies as per individual programs
Dates: July 11 - August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years of age by the program’s start date | Minimum GPA of 3.5
The UVA Advance Pre-College Program at the University of Virginia allows highly motivated rising high school juniors and seniors to spend four weeks on campus. You take two undergraduate courses - one core seminar designed for program participants and one elective from UVA’s Summer Session offerings. You live in UVA residence halls, participate in social and recreational activities such as team-building exercises and excursions around Charlottesville, and access university resources like libraries, sports facilities, and dining halls, similar to full-time students. The program offers a rigorous academic environment with faculty-led instruction and provides an opportunity to earn six transferable college credits.
15. Rice University Pre-College Program
Location: Online program accessible worldwide
Cost: $1,795 per individual course; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size varies as per individual programs
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions with year-round availability
Eligibility: You must be aged 13 and up
In this program, you can explore topics such as genome engineering, physiology, aerospace, law, economics, and entrepreneurship. Each course features video lessons and access to mentors who guide your learning experience. The online format enables you to study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace, allowing you to take multiple courses and explore various subjects. You’ll complete capstone projects that demonstrate your learning and receive Certificates of Completion from Rice University. The program helps you narrow your focus on interests and better determine subjects you might study in college. The low-pressure format means broader accessibility, despite being less structured than a full summer program.
Image Source - Carnegie Mellon University Logo