10 Residential Pre-College Programs
Residential pre-college programs offer high school students a unique opportunity to not only strengthen their academic profile but also immerse themselves in a collegiate environment. These programs allow students to explore their interests more deeply, experience the rhythm of campus life, and build crucial skills for college. Whether you're passionate about STEM, the humanities, or social sciences, these programs provide hands-on, intensive learning that mirrors the demands of university-level education.
Living on campus fosters independence, time management, and problem-solving—skills that are critical for the transition to college life. Beyond academics, students form meaningful relationships with like-minded peers, engage in collaborative projects, and participate in enriching extracurricular activities.
In this blog, we have compiled a list of 10 Residential Pre-College Programs that you can apply to as a high school student! Each program is designed to cultivate academic growth, personal development, and lifelong connections, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for the next chapter of your educational journey.
1. Harvard Pre-College Program
The Harvard Pre-College Program is an intensive on-campus program for high school juniors and seniors designed to give students a glimpse of college life. Over the two-week session, students will live on campus and take part in college-level courses in subjects like history, astronomy, biology, and more—without the pressure of grades. These non-credit classes offer the chance to explore your passions purely for the joy of learning, which demonstrates to admissions officers your intellectual curiosity and initiative.
Students will be challenged and inspired by Ivy League faculty in small, interactive classes with an average of 15 students, providing ample opportunities for meaningful discussions and in-depth exploration of their chosen subject. Students participate in creative workshops, social events, and team-building activities, creating a well-rounded pre-college experience.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee (Financial aid is available)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline:
Early Application & Priority Financial Aid Deadline: January 8, 2025
Regular Application & Financial Aid Deadline: February 12, 2025
Late Application Deadline: April 9, 2025 (or earlier if all course waitlists are full)
Program Dates:
Session I: June 22–July 3, 2025
Session II: July 6–18, 2025
Session III: July 20–August 1, 2025
2. Pratt Institute Pre-College Program
The Pratt Institute Pre-College Program offers high school students an immersive four-week experience at one of the world's leading institutions. Students will live and study on Pratt's dynamic Brooklyn campus, engaging in college-level courses in areas like intensive art, design, architecture, creative writing and more using state-of-the-art equipment and working closely with Pratt faculty. By the end of the program, you'll have developed your creative skills while building a college-ready portfolio.
Throughout the program, participants take two intensive studio courses taught by Pratt faculty and earn elective college credits that are recognized by many universities. The program culminates in a final exhibition where students have an opportunity to showcase their talents to friends, family, and the Pratt community. Students will have access to studio hours led by current Pratt degree students, portfolio development workshops, and one-on-one evaluations with Pratt admissions counselors.
Location: Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $4,613 for tuition, with additional fees for housing ($1,390) and meals ($693). Scholarships are available for eligible students.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school and at least 16 years old and no older than 18 years old.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2024
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024
3. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Widely considered the most prestigious summer program in STEM, MIT’s Research Science Institute allows high school students to work on advanced research projects in STEM fields, such as mathematics, biology, engineering, and computer science. An intensive, six-week summer residential pre-college program geared towards honing potential leaders in STEM, the Research Science Institute is co-sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE). RSI is fully funded and, thus, highly selective, with only around 80 students admitted each year from across the U.S. and around the world, participants often secure admission to top Ivies after the program.
As part of the program, you will experience the complete research cycle and learn to execute your research plan, presenting final findings via oral presentations and written reports. Participants are paired with MIT researchers or faculty members, providing mentorship and guidance throughout their research projects. To better understand the academic output facilitated by RSI alumni, you can read through some of their written papers here.
An application fee of $65 for U.S. students and $30 for international students is waived for students with need-based assistance. You can find out more about RSI here!
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: No cost
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with strong academic performance and standardized test scores (recommended PSAT scores: 740+ in Math, 700+ in Reading/Writing). Letters of recommendation and prior research experience are also key components of the application.
Application Deadline: December 13, 2024 (tentative, based on 2024 dates)
Program Dates: June 23 – August 3, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 dates)
4. UCLA Pre-College Summer Institutes
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Pre-College Summer Scholars Program offers high school students an opportunity to earn college credit while exploring academic areas of interest. Over one to three weeks, participants engage in a variety of subjects through hands-on projects, field visits, and guest lectures, all designed to provide a deeper understanding of their chosen field. Students also have the opportunity to earn UCLA college credit, which can give them an academic edge when applying to universities.
As the only official academic pre-college program at UCLA, this experience goes beyond traditional classroom instruction, immersing students in real-world applications of their studies. Whether you're exploring arts, sciences, or humanities, the program allows you to build a strong academic foundation that can support your future college applications.
Location: UCLA Campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Varies by program, ranging from $2,209 to $8,312 (scholarships are available).
Eligibility: Open to high school students from around the world
Application Deadline: Applications and enrollment will open in early 2025
Program Dates: Vary by program; typically from June through August.
5. STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders at Brown University
Aiming to ignite the passion of future STEM leaders, Brown University’s STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders is an intensive two-week summer program that invites students to delve into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math. Designed to challenge young learners, the program allows students to engage in hands-on research projects, laboratory work, and design challenges that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Participants will tackle real-world STEM problems through rigorous academic content combined with practical lab or fieldwork.
As part of the program, you will learn how to develop research plans and execute your findings. You’ll also have the chance to present your work in a final showcase to your peers and instructors, refining your skills in scientific communication. The program culminates with a final presentation to your peers and instructors on the projects undertaken by you, further refining your skills in scientific communication.
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9 and 10
Cost: $5,498 (Scholarships are available)
Application Deadline: May 10, 2024
Program Dates: July 14 - July 26, 2024)
6. Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track
The Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track is a premier program designed for high school students seeking a comprehensive introduction to university life and academic rigor at UC Berkeley. This intensive, six-week residential program allows students to live on campus, take college-level courses, and earn transferable college credits, all while immersing themselves in the dynamic academic environment of one of the world’s top universities.
Participants can choose courses across STEM, humanities, and social sciences, while also engaging in community-building activities and college prep workshops. You can find a list of all the courses offered here! Resident Assistants and Mentors (RAMs) organize excursions and events to ensure a well-rounded experience both academically and personally.
Location: UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $15,800 for Session C (8 weeks), and $14,500 for Session D (6 weeks). The fee includes tuition, housing, meals, and activities.
Eligibility:
Domestic students:
Have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and plan to continue their high school studies in the subsequent fall
Have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework
International students:
Have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and plan to continue their high school in the subsequent fall
Have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework
Application Deadline: March 11, 2024
Program Dates:
Session C (8 weeks): June 17–August 9, 2024
Session D (6 weeks): July 1–August 9, 2024
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a two-week academic summer program that allows students to explore a STEM, social sciences, humanities, or cross-disciplinary track. It is one of the few pre-college programs open to high school students from all over the world!
Three sessions are offered every summer, consisting of four tracks - Innovations in Science & Technology, Literature, Philosophy & Culture, Politics, Law & Economics, and Solving Global Challenges. You can only apply for one session. YYGS also hosts very useful webinars on college admissions, tuition, academics, and more! You can either attend these sessions live or watch recordings. Check them out here.
The application fee is reduced to $0 for students with demonstrated financial need who must submit the Fee Waiver Form separately.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $6,500 + $85 application fee. Need-based financial aid is available for both domestic and international students, covering up to the full cost of tuition.
Eligibility: Open to all high school sophomores or juniors, including international students, between the ages of 16-18 years old by the first day of the last session (Typically July).
Application Deadline:
Early Action: December 20, 2024
Regular Decision: January 10, 2025
Program Dates:
Session I: June 22 – July 4, 2025
Session II: July 6 – July 18, 2025
Session III: July 20 – August 1, 2025
8. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a three-week program held on the Stanford campus where students explore various humanities topics. Courses, led by Stanford professors, cover areas such as ancient philosophy, global history, and the repatriation of cultural artifacts. The program consists of two three-week sessions, with classes meeting Monday through Friday. Participants are admitted to one course per session.
Living on campus, students experience the academic and social life of Stanford, while enjoying organized field trips to cultural sites in the San Francisco Bay Area. This program is ideal for students passionate about the humanities and eager to gain insights into college-level coursework. It also provides a unique opportunity for students to produce an original research project, making it an excellent addition to their college applications.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $8,250 (Financial aid is available)
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 10 and 11 from all around the world
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
Program Dates:
Session I: June 23 - July 12, 2024
Session II: July 14 - August 2, 2024
9. University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Residential Program
The University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Program is a 2-week program designed to help students have a residential experience where students live on campus and take courses alongside Penn undergraduates. Participants are given the chance to earn academic credit from the University of Pennsylvania Participants choose one of four challenging curricula:
One college-credit course unit (1 c.u.)
Biology 101 with lab (1.5 c.u.)
Two college-credit courses (2 c.u.)
Biology 101 with lab and a second college credit course (2.5 c.u.)
Living in university residence halls, students gain exposure to college routines and engage in social activities designed to foster community building. International students requiring visa sponsorship must enroll in at least 1.5 c.u. Pre-college program students at the University of Pennsylvania are evaluated using the same academic standards as Penn undergraduates. Each course taken earns one course unit (1 c.u.), equivalent to 4 college credit hours. Due to the intensive lab component, Biology 101 is worth 1.5 c.u. After completing the program and coursework, students can request official transcripts from Penn’s Registrar (note: transcript requests require a fee).
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Exact costs for 2025 will be announced, but tuition and fees for the 2024 program were approximately $13,500 (including housing and meals).
Eligibility: Open to all current 10th and 11th-grade students and international students.
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. The applications for summer 2025 will open in late fall 2024.
Program Dates: July 2 – August 10, 2025 (Tentative, based on the 2024 program).
10. Columbia University State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Columbia University’s State Pre-College Enrichment Program is an intensive academic enhancement program designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine or related STEM fields. The program focuses on increasing college preparedness and provides courses in subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, physics, algebra, and calculus, along with SAT preparation and college counseling.
The program is held in two sessions:
Summer Session: Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM during July.
Academic Year: Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM, running from October through May.
S-PREP also offers participants the chance to engage in research programs through the BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia) and YES in the Heights programs, which provide summer research opportunities in neuroscience and cancer research labs. The program also offers college field trips and college tours. SAT preparation courses are also offered during the academic year session.
If you are interested in medical research, you should also consider signing up for the Scientific Enrichment Month Program. It is a free virtual program conducted in July by the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Centre (HICCC). Find out more about it here!
Location: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
Cost: No cost
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students residing in the New York State area, Manhattan-based students will be given preference. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or belonging to Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native, or American Indian communities are given preference.
Application Deadline:
Summer Session: April 15, 2025
Academic Year: September 15, 2025
Program Dates:
Summer 2025: July 8 – August 2, 2025
Academic Year 2024–2025: November 2, 2024 – May 17, 2025
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