When my daughter turned 15, she had outgrown summer camps but wasn’t yet old enough to work at most places, which required a minimum age of 16. Since she loves learning and is highly independent, we started researching college summer programs for high school students. As far as I know, these programs didn’t exist when I was growing up, so I had to start from scratch – researching their offerings and determining which one would be the best fit. She was eager to enroll in a program about 45 minutes from where we live. Even though she didn’t go due to the pandemic, I can share what I learned to help you find the right program for your teen.
What Is a Summer College Program for High School Students?
“College summer programs offer high school students an incredible opportunity to explore academic interests, experience campus life and build essential skills, like independence,” says Marc Zawel, the cofounder and CEO of AcceptU.
A summer college program for high school students, typically referred to as a precollege program, is when a high school student enrolls in classes at a college or a university. Programs can range from one week to seven weeks. Students can either live on campus, commute or take classes online.
“These programs essentially allow students to ‘test-drive’ college. Beyond academics, they help teens prepare for the challenges of higher education in a supportive environment,” says Zawel.
Where Are Precollege Programs Offered?
You’ll find precollege programs are available at most colleges across the U.S., including both private and public schools. If you opt to be a resident you will live in the same college dorm rooms that college students typically live in.
How Do You Select a Precollege Program?
Choosing a precollege summer program is like selecting a college. Students should consider their interests, location and cost to determine which program is the best fit.
What Do You Do in Precollege Programs?
In addition to enrolling in a college course, most programs also offer social activities. This may include field trips to explore the local area or classic camp-style activities like talent shows and arts and crafts.
When Do You Sign Up for Precollege Programs?
Most precollege programs have March deadlines, so you should have your selection finalized by then. Applications may also have age requirements, GPA minimums, fees, transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays. The process is similar to applying to college as a high school senior, though it’s generally easier to be accepted. Some programs are open enrollment, meaning anyone that applies is accepted.
How Much Do Summer College Programs for High School Students Cost?
It’s not cheap! The cost varies depending on the length of enrollment, which ranges from one to seven weeks, and whether you choose to live on campus. Most residential programs are between $4,000 and $15,000. But there are some federally funded programs that are free or inexpensive, such as the U.S. Department of Education’s Upward Bound Program and The National Conference of Governor’s Schools. Some programs, like those offered at the University of Delaware, provide options to commute or attend online, with costs around $1,000-$2,000.
Will You Receive College Credit at Precollege Programs?
It depends on the program. Some offer college credit and typically last four to seven weeks, while noncredit programs are usually around two weeks long. For example, The The George Washington University offers a two-week noncredit class referred to as “Summer Immersion.” They also offer a six-week program where students can earn college credits; this is referred to as “College Intensive.”
Will Enrolling in A Precollege Summer Program Help You Get into That College?
Attending a precollege summer program is unlikely to significantly increase a high school student’s chance of being accepted there. However, it can help the student determine if the school is a good fit and provide valuable experiences to craft a more targeted personal essay when they apply.
“Participating in a summer program can strengthen a student’s college application by supporting their academic area of interest and demonstrating intellectual curiosity,” says Zawel. “Attending a program at a specific college can help a student show admissions officers why that school is a particularly good fit, given their previous experience on campus.”
What Are Some Benefits of a Precollege Program?
In addition to experiencing college life, students will have the opportunity to meet professors, explore their academic interests for a potential major and develop independence – especially if they choose to live on campus. They can also enhance their social skills by connecting with other teens and learning how to live with others. These experiences will help ease their transition to college when the time comes.
Cheryl Maguire holds a master of counseling psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Success Magazine and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA and an active member of SATW. You can find her at Bluesky @CherylMaguire
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. You can find her on X @CherylMaguire05.
