10 College Prep Programs for High School Students
Preparing for college can be a daunting task, but enrolling in a college prep program can make all the difference. These programs are designed to help high school students navigate the complexities of college applications, build academic skills, and get a taste of college life.
Whether you're looking to boost your SAT scores, gain college credits, or simply want to explore potential majors before stepping onto campus, these college prep programs offer valuable experiences to help you succeed in your academic journey. To help you get started, here are 10 great college prep programs for high school students!
1. Yale University Preparation for International High School Students
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Cost: $6,035
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 will open mid-January
Program Dates: July - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility:
International high school students entering their senior year or first year of college.
Must be 16 years of age or older by the program start date.
The University Preparation for International High School Students is a five-week residential program at Yale University designed for international students looking to prepare for undergraduate study in the U.S. This immersive experience focuses on enhancing English proficiency in both written and spoken communication, while also familiarizing students with U.S. academic culture.
Participants will engage in a range of academic courses and workshops, including sessions on academic reading and writing, listening and speaking, critical and creative thinking, and college preparation. Additionally, the program includes visits to nearby colleges, providing a comprehensive introduction to American higher education.
Location: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA (On-campus, Hybrid, and Online options available)
Cost:
On Campus:
1 week: $3,406 (Residential), $2,816 (Commuter)
2 weeks: $5,256 (Residential), $4,076 (Commuter)
3 weeks: $7,452 (Residential), $5,682 (Commuter)
Hybrid 5 weeks: $9,870 (Residential), $8,100 (Commuter)
Online:
2 weeks: $3,094
3 weeks: $4,282
4 weeks: $5,108
6 weeks: $5,998
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 will open mid-January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Summer@Brown (On Campus):
1 week: June 23 to June 28; July 7 to July 12; July 14 to July 19
2 weeks: June 23 to July 5; June 30 to July 12; July 14 to July 26
3 weeks: June 23 to July 12; July 7 to July 26
Note that these are tentative dates, based on previous years.
Summer@Brown (Hybrid): June 24 to July 26 (5 weeks)
Summer@Brown (Online):
2 weeks: June 24 to July 5; July 1 to July 12; July 15 to July 26
3 weeks: June 24 to July 12; July 8 to July 26
4 weeks: June 24 to July 19
6 weeks: June 17 to July 26
Note that these are tentative dates, based on previous years.
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9 through 12.
Brown Pre-College offers a robust program designed for high school students to experience college-level academics and explore personal interests. Launched in 1982 with just 99 students, it has since grown to enroll nearly 7,000 students annually from all 50 U.S. states and over 70 countries. With over 300 courses to choose from, ranging from environmental studies and medicine to creative writing and psychology, Brown Pre-College provides a diverse range of academic opportunities.
Students can participate in various program formats—on-campus, hybrid, or online—offering flexibility to suit different learning styles and schedules. These programs allow students to challenge themselves academically, collaborate with peers from across the globe, and gain invaluable experience navigating the college environment. Though the programs are rigorous, the pressure of grades is removed, creating a more enriching learning experience.
3. Harvard Summer College Programs
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Secondary School Program - 4-Week: Residential Only; 7-Week: Residential, Online, or Commuting
Pre-College Program - Residential Only
Cost:
Secondary School Program - $3,900–$14,250 + $75 application fee (Financial aid available)
Pre-College Program - $5,550 + $75 application fee (Need-based financial aid available)
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Secondary School Program
4-Week: July 14 - August 9
7-Week: June 22 - August 10
Pre-College Program
Session I: June 23-July 5
Session II: July 7-19
Session III: July 21-August 2
Note that these are tentative dates, based on previous years.
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Harvard’s Summer College Programs are designed to give high school students a taste of college life and an opportunity to engage in college-level coursework. These programs allow students to connect with peers from around the world and develop essential life skills, such as time management, career planning, and independence, which can bolster their college applications. Harvard currently offers two programs:
Secondary School Program (SSP): This program allows high school students to earn college credits by taking courses alongside a diverse group of students and adults. SSP offers both 4-week and 7-week sessions, with the ability to earn up to 4 credits in the shorter session and up to 8 credits in the longer session. Through this program, participants can explore potential college majors and careers while gaining the confidence and responsibility needed for future academic success.
Pre-College Program: A two-week, non-credit residential experience designed to immerse high school students in college life. With a class size limited to 15 students, this program focuses on providing an authentic college experience. Upon completion, participants receive a written evaluation and a Harvard transcript, which can enhance their college applications.
4. Georgetown University College Prep Program
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost: $10,882 (Includes housing and all program fees)
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 will open in the fall
Program Dates: July - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Be a current or rising high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or a rising senior during the academic year prior to your summer program. Good academic standing with at least a 3.0 GPA.
In this immersive five-week residential program, high school students have the chance to enroll in a university course alongside current undergraduates, gaining insights from Georgetown's distinguished faculty while earning college credit.
In addition to their academic coursework, participants will engage in College Prep Seminars aimed at improving SAT and ACT performance through diagnostic testing, refining their college application strategies, and honing essential skills for academic and career success. Upon completing the program, students will be awarded a Certificate of Participation.
5. Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep Summer Programs
Location: Residential (Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL), Online, or Commuter
Cost: Ranges between $325 to $1,500 + $100 deposit due at the time of registration
Application Deadline: To be announced for 2025
Program Dates: Dates vary depending on the program, between June and August
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 through 12 for residential or commuter options. Online programs are open to students from around the world, participants must be high school students and at least 14 years old.
The Elevate College Prep program offers high school students an enriching opportunity to deepen their knowledge and refine their skills through a variety of engaging summer activities in Chicago and its surrounding areas.
Participants can explore diverse fields such as STEM, business, law, and the arts, while also gaining valuable experience and, in some programs, earning college credit at Illinois Tech. Upon completing the program, students are awarded an official certificate of completion, providing them with recognition for their achievements.
6. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Online
Cost: $3,050 (Need-based financial aid available)
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates:
Session One: June 17 - June 28
Session Two: July 8 - July 19
Note that these are tentative dates, based on previous years.
Eligibility: Grades 8 - 11
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is an online summer program that offers high school students an opportunity to engage in focused, single-subject study within small, interactive classes of around 16 students.
Participants can choose from a variety of subjects, including business, bioscience, computer science, creative writing, engineering, math, philosophy, and more. Each course is carefully crafted by instructors to provide an in-depth and hands-on educational experience. The program blends rigorous academics with social activities, creating a well-rounded learning environment for academically motivated students.
Location: On-campus (New York University, NY) and Commuter
Cost: Ranges between $700 to $14,000. Tuition is charged by credit, and the cost of a student's courses would depend on their total credit worth.
Application Deadline: Applications for spring 2025 open on November 1, 2024
Program Dates: To be announced for the spring sessions
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th grade high school students in summer. Students must have strong academic records (minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale).
NYU Precollege offers high school students a chance to experience university life at NYU, earn college credits, and immerse themselves in the dynamic global environment of the university. Students can choose from a variety of courses, allowing them to explore new academic areas and develop valuable skills.
As part of the program, participants have access to numerous university resources, including the expansive NYU Library system, peer tutoring, and the Student Health Center. Beyond academic classes, pre college students can attend free workshops focused on college preparation and enjoy a full schedule of social events and organized trips, such as visits to Broadway shows, baseball games, and museums.
8. Cornell SCE Pre-College Studies
Location: Online
Cost: $1,750 per credit (Need-based financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Applications for winter 2024 open on October 15
Program Dates: Year-round. Check the academic calendar here!
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors & seniors, age 15+
Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) offers online summer courses tailored for high school students globally, providing an excellent opportunity to get a jumpstart on college. Participants can earn 3 to 12 credits, which are often transferable to Cornell or other universities, and receive an official Cornell transcript upon completing the program. This experience not only introduces students to college-level academics but also allows them to explore potential majors and refine their future plans.
During the program, students can choose from over 100 undergraduate courses across various disciplines, such as architecture, business, health, humanities, international relations, science, and veterinary medicine. These courses are delivered through Cornell’s web-based learning platform, Canvas, where students can interact with instructors and peers through emails, discussion boards, chat rooms, and video conferences. The program also includes rigorous classes to enhance college study skills, personalized admissions counseling, and the chance to connect with a diverse group of motivated students from around the world.
9. Columbia University College Edge: Summer
Location: Commuter program held at Columbia University’s Morningside Campus, New York, NY
Cost: $2,474 per point (3 points is typically equal to 1 course)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Program Dates: Depends on the cohort selected
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 11 or 12. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.
In this pre-college program, students have the opportunity to take university-level courses for credit alongside undergraduates. The program is structured to equip students with the skills needed for college success and future careers through academic coursework and college prep workshops.
Participants can select from a wide range of subjects, including math, computer science, economics, and psychology. Additionally, Columbia University offers other pre-college programs that focus on academic enrichment without the pressure of grades or credits, providing diverse learning experiences.
10. Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Residential (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA) or Commuter (To be a commuter, the student and parent/guardian must have a permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of the Pittsburgh campus or within Allegheny County)
Cost: Residential: $13,326 for two courses | Commuter: $6,722 for one course and $10,259 for two courses
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Program Dates: June - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors at least 16 years of age (at the start of the program)
Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Summer Session offers high school students the opportunity to take college courses for credit, providing a taste of the rigorous academic environment of a first-year college experience.
The program features around thirty courses each summer across a range of disciplines such as science, humanities, engineering, computer science, and arts technology. Students not only earn college credits but also gain valuable experience that can be highlighted in college applications, with the option to transfer earned credits to other institutions.
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Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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