If you're an ambitious high school student considering a trajectory in business, consider pre-college programs before applying to college. A pre-college program showcases your passion and determination to go beyond your classroom curriculum and learn and engage with the subject! 

In this blog, we have compiled a comprehensive list of 7 business pre-college programs for high school students.

1. Wharton Pre-Baccalaureate Program at the University of Pennsylvania

Location: Online

Cost: $4,308/course

Application Deadline: Upcoming deadlines:Fall 1:July 17, 2024 | Fall 2:September 11, 2024 | Spring 1:November 27, 2024

Program Dates: Upcoming sessions: Fall 1:August 27 – October 8 | Fall 2:October 21 – December 4 | Spring 1, 2025:January 21 – March 3

Eligibility: 

• Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA or equivalent.

• Not be graduating high school in advance of the intended entry term. (Graduated seniors are not eligible.)

• Not be matriculating into the University of Pennsylvania as a freshman.

•  English language proficiency verification for international students.

The Wharton Pre-Baccalaureate Program is a rigorous, online, college-level program designed for exceptional high school students eager to delve into business education. Structured over the summer, it provides access to Wharton's renowned faculty and curriculum through interactive two-for-credit courses, real-world business challenges, and comprehensive projects.

Apart from lectures, you will have coursework and even group projects that simulate real-world business scenarios! The program culminates in a final project that integrates the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the courses. 

2. Harvard Pre-College Program: Business

Location: Cambridge, MA

Cost: $5,550 and an additional $75 application fee

Application Deadline: The deadline usually closes in February

Program Dates: Multiple two-week-long sessions between June to August

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old

The Harvard Pre-College Program offers a range of business courses designed to introduce high school students to key concepts in economics, finance, entrepreneurship, and management. The courses are structured as intensive two-week sessions that include lectures, interactive seminars, group projects, and case studies. Students are expected to participate actively in discussions, collaborate with peers on assignments, and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Each course requires students to complete readings, engage in group activities, and develop a final project that demonstrates their understanding of the course material.. Upon completion, students receive a certificate from Harvard, showcasing their academic achievement and readiness for future business studies.

3. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies: Business 

Location: Online

Cost: $3,050

Application Deadline: March 29, 2024

Program Dates: June 17 – 28, 2024 | July 8 – July 19, 2024

Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11

The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Business courses offer an immersive experience for high school students passionate about understanding business fundamentals and entrepreneurial thinking. Structured as a two-week program, it combines interactive lectures, case studies, and hands-on projects led by Stanford faculty and industry experts. Students explore topics such as marketing, finance, business strategy, and innovation through a blend of academic instruction and real-world application.

Participants are required to engage in daily coursework, collaborate on group projects, and develop a comprehensive business plan. By the end of the program, students present their business plans to a panel of experts, receiving valuable feedback and insights!

4. Tufts University Marketing Essentials Program

Location: Tufts campus or Medford / Somerville Campus

Cost: $4,000 (Commuter) | $5,500 (Residential) with limited need based financial aid available 

Application Deadline: Applications typically close around May the first week

Program Dates: Two week-long sessions between July and August

Eligibility: Entering grades 10-12 or a Spring 2024 high school graduate

The Tufts University Marketing Essentials Program is a comprehensive, pre-college summer program designed for high school students interested in learning the fundamentals of marketing. Structured over two weeks, the program includes a mix of lectures, interactive workshops, and hands-on projects led by Tufts faculty and marketing professionals. Students explore key marketing concepts such as market research, branding, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies.

Participants are required to actively engage in class discussions, collaborate on group assignments, and develop a marketing campaign for a real or simulated product. The program culminates with a final presentation where students pitch their marketing plans to a panel of experts!

5. Georgetown University Business Academy

Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Cost: $5,499 (Commuter) | $7,299 (Residential)

Application Deadline: Summer 2025 applications will open in late Fall

Program Dates: Three weeks in the months of July and August 

Eligibility: 

• Be a current or rising high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior during the academic year prior to your summer program

• Show evidence of good academic standing, with at least a 2.0 GPA

The Georgetown University Business Academy offers a three-week intensive summer program designed to immerse high school students in the world of business. Throughout the program, students engage in rigorous coursework, case studies, and interactive workshops led by Georgetown faculty and business professionals. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of business topics, including finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management, which is well-suited for students with an interest in business without much prior experience or exposure.

Participants are required to participate in lectures, collaborate on team projects, and develop a business plan that addresses a real-world challenge. An added bonus is that will engage with Washington, D.C., business experts and lead a hands-on business simulation where you'll collaborate with classmates to run a startup.

6. Drexel University Camp Business

Location: Drexel University campus

Cost: $950 (Commuter) | $2,000 (Residential)

Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 will be released in late 2024

Program Dates: Multiple one-week sessions for commuter and residential students in July and August. 

Eligibility: Exceptional high school students currently in their freshman, sophomore, and junior years are encouraged to apply.

Drexel University's Camp Business is a dynamic summer program designed for high school students who are eager to explore the world of business. Over a one-week period, the program offers an intensive curriculum that includes lectures, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities led by Drexel faculty and industry professionals. Students delve into key business disciplines such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and management through a combination of academic instruction and real-world applications.

Participants are required to engage in discussions actively, collaborate on group projects, and complete a comprehensive business simulation that mimics real-life business challenges.

7. Wharton Global Youth On-Campus Program

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Cost: $7,599 - $10,999

Application Deadline: Applications usually close in early April

Program Dates: Various dates throughout June - August, according to the course of your choice

Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA or equivalent. Check specific requirements for each course here.

The Wharton Global Youth On-Campus Program offers high school students an immersive experience in business education at the University of Pennsylvania. Structured over several weeks, this program includes a blend of lectures, workshops, and hands-on projects led by Wharton faculty and business experts. 

Through this program, students explore various aspects of business, such as finance, entrepreneurship, leadership, and global markets! As a participant, you are required to engage actively in class discussions, complete assigned coursework, and participate in group projects that simulate real-world business scenarios. 

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

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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