15 Pre-College Enrichment Programs
- Stephen Turban
- 45 minutes ago
- 10 min read
Pre-college enrichment programs are a strong option if you want to explore academic interests beyond your school curriculum while gaining exposure to college-level learning. These programs allow you to learn about new subjects, build practical skills, experiment with fresh ideas, and understand how academic disciplines translate into practical applications. You will also get a glimpse into college life through lectures, projects, and interactions with faculty, without necessarily committing to a full academic program.
Why should I do a pre-college enrichment program in high school?
Participating in a pre-college enrichment program helps you develop skills that go beyond standard classroom learning. You will strengthen your critical thinking, research, communication, and time management skills by working on structured academic or creative projects. These programs also allow you to explore potential career paths early, helping you make more informed decisions about your college major and future goals. Many programs also offer opportunities to connect with mentors, professors, and peers who share your interests, helping you build a strong academic network. The experience you gain, whether through research, coursework, or collaborative projects, can add depth to your profile and can set you apart in competitive admissions processes.
To simplify your search, we have put together a list of 15 pre-college enrichment programs.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas for high schoolers to explore. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose topics from subjects such as data science, psychology, physics, economics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Spring (January), Fall (September), Summer (May), and Winter (November). You can check details and apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase accepts previous AI Scholars participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of online programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will learn about the fundamentals of AI and data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another track for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. During this program, you will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A key feature of this program is that it offers you access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $7,000 + $95 application fee (or $80 if applying before the early deadline); need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer sessions (June–August; multiple 2-week sessions)
Application deadline: Early: October 15; Regular: January 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 16 – 18
YYGS is a rigorous academic enrichment experience focused on interdisciplinary learning and global issues. You can choose from tracks such as international affairs, applied science, literature, or global challenges. The program emphasizes seminar-style discussions, collaborative projects, and exposure to diverse perspectives from students worldwide. You will engage with Yale faculty and participate in lectures, simulations, and case studies that mirror college-level academics. The experience also includes networking opportunities and collaboration with a global peer community.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,200; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; small class sizes
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 11; additional prerequisites may apply based on the course.
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offer you the opportunity to take virtual advanced, single-subject courses in areas such as artificial intelligence, medicine, business, and the humanities. You will join rigorous, discussion-based classes led by Stanford-affiliated instructors, gaining exposure to college-level coursework. The program emphasizes critical thinking, independent learning, and in-depth exploration of subjects. You will also collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, finding an opportunity to build a strong academic network. Courses are intensive and often involve projects, presentations, or written work.
Location: Online or University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500 – $15,200, depending on the length and format (check details here); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One- to eight-week summer sessions; dates vary by course and program
Application deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students
The University of Chicago Pre-College Programs offer a range of academically rigorous courses designed to mirror the university’s discussion-based learning style. You can choose from subjects such as economics, law, politics, STEM, and the humanities, depending on your interests. The program emphasizes critical thinking, debate, and analytical writing, helping you engage deeply with complex ideas. You will interact with experienced instructors and peers who share strong academic interests. Some formats also provide a residential experience, giving you firsthand insight into college life.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 2 | Session II: July 5 – 17 | Session III: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: Early: January 7; Regular: February 11; Late: April 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 11 and 12
The Harvard Pre-College Program offers you a two-week non-credit academic enrichment experience where you can explore college-level subjects without the pressure of grades. You can choose from a wide range of courses, including neuroscience, business, international relations, and creative writing. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, discussions, and project-based exploration rather than exams. You will also experience campus life by living in dorms, participating in extracurricular activities, and engaging with peers from around the world. This program can help you build academic confidence and explore potential fields of study.
Location: Online or University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $2,631 – $3,572 (check fees here); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple summer sessions typically running for three weeks each; dates vary by track
Application deadline: Varies by program and session (priority deadlines in spring)
Eligibility: High school students
The UCLA Summer Pre-College Focus Program allows you to explore specific academic subjects through intensive, short-term courses. You can choose from a wide range of topics, including medicine, business, engineering, psychology, and media studies. The program emphasizes interactive learning through lectures, projects, and group discussions led by UCLA instructors. You will gain exposure to real-world applications of academic concepts while building foundational knowledge in your chosen field. In-person participants also experience campus life, including housing and extracurricular activities.
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: ~$6,050 (residential) | ~$3,950 (commuter option for middle schoolers); scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 13 – 24 | June 28 – July 9 | July 13 – 24
Application deadline: Rolling (until spots fill)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 12; recommended GPA ≥ 3.0
The Duke Pre-College Summer Programs offer middle and high schoolers two-week academic experiences across disciplines, from medicine to law, on a top-tier university campus. You will study advanced topics through interactive classes, collaborate with peers, and learn from graduate students, Ph.D. mentors, and industry experts. The program includes hands-on activities, guest lectures, and leadership sessions designed to build independence and critical thinking. You will also present a final project and receive structured feedback to strengthen your communication skills. As a high school student, you will live on campus and experience campus life, including housing, dining, and engaging in extracurricular activities with peers.
Location: Online and in-person at multiple locations (U.S. and international)
Cost: Varies by course, duration, and format; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; admission requires qualifying scores
Dates: Year-round opportunities; dates vary by track
Application deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12; applicants must meet CTY eligibility criteria and course-specific requirements.
The Johns Hopkins CTY Programs are designed for academically advanced students seeking rigorous, accelerated learning experiences across disciplines, from robotics to chemistry. You can enroll in courses across STEM, the humanities, writing, and more to learn at a pace and depth not available in standard school curricula. Admission typically requires qualifying test scores, ensuring that you join a highly motivated peer group. The courses emphasize deep subject mastery, critical thinking, and independent learning. Residential options also offer a college-like environment with structured activities and opportunities for collaboration.
Location: Online or New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $700 – $16,016, depending on the number of credits; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 12; Fall and Spring options also available
Application deadline: June 15 (summer)
Eligibility: Rising 11th – 12th graders with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
The NYU Precollege Program allows you to take undergraduate-level courses while still in high school and earn college credit. You will study alongside NYU students and gain exposure to rigorous academic coursework across STEM, business, the arts, and the social sciences. The program also includes college-readiness workshops on admissions, study skills, and financial planning. You will have access to campus resources, including libraries, tutoring, and student services, that together create an authentic college experience. Residential students get to live on campus and participate in social activities and city-based excursions.
Location: Cornell University, NY (in-person and online options)
Cost: $1,940/credit + $75 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer and winter courses available; multiple sessions
Application deadline: Varies by year and session
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least their sophomore year; age requirements vary by format.
The Cornell Precollege Studies Program allows you to enroll in Cornell undergraduate courses and earn college credit. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including engineering, business, architecture, and the humanities. The program emphasizes independent learning, critical thinking, and academic rigor, closely mirroring the expectations of college coursework. You will interact with Cornell faculty and students, gaining exposure to an advanced post-secondary academic environment. Residential courses provide a full campus experience, including access to university facilities and extracurricular activities.
Location: Online or Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Varies by program type and duration (check details here); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer sessions of varying lengths; dates vary by program
Application deadline: Early bird deadline: January 31; Final deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students; highly motivated 8th graders may also be eligible.
Georgetown’s Pre-College Summer Programs offer you the opportunity to explore academic subjects in a policy-focused environment and a global context. You can choose from tracks such as international relations, business, law, medicine, and politics, many of which leverage Georgetown’s location in Washington, DC. The program combines lectures, case studies, and project-based learning to help you understand real-world applications of your chosen field. You will also engage with faculty and professionals, gaining insight into careers and academic pathways. Residential options offer exposure to college life and opportunities to network with peers from around the world.
Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA (in-person and/or hybrid, depending on session)
Cost: $2,500 (two weeks) | $3,750 (three weeks) + $65 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple two- and three-week sessions in the summer; dates vary by track
Application deadline: May 18
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14 – 17
The UC Santa Cruz Pre-College Summer Enrichment Program offers high schoolers a short-term academic experience focused on college readiness and skill development. You will spend two or three weeks exploring advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, pre-med studies, entrepreneurship, and game design through project-based learning. The program emphasizes collaboration, with small teams working under the guidance of UC instructors and student mentors. You will develop research, communication, and critical thinking skills while completing a final project presentation. Guest lectures from industry and academic professionals will add real-world context to your learning.
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: Varies by program; typically $1,900 – $2,300; limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple one-week programs in June; dates vary by track
Application deadline: Rolling (until spots fill)
Eligibility: High school students; grade-level requirements may apply based on track.
Eckerd College’s Pre-College Programs offer short-term, hands-on courses focused on experiential learning in areas like marine science, environmental studies, creative writing, and leadership. You will engage in fieldwork, lab activities, and interactive sessions that emphasize real-world applications of academic concepts. The program leverages Eckerd’s coastal location, allowing you to explore marine biology through direct observation and research. You will also collaborate with peers in small cohorts, refining your skills in discussion and teamwork. You will additionally experience campus life and engage in community activities.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available for select programs)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer + school-year options (dates vary by program)
Application deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students
Northwestern’s Pre-College Programs offer a range of academic experiences, including intensive summer courses, online enrichment classes, and specialized institutes. You can explore subjects such as journalism, business, engineering, creative writing, and leadership through structured, college-level coursework. The programs emphasize critical thinking, project-based learning, and collaboration with peers. Some offerings provide access to Northwestern faculty and industry professionals, helping you understand real-world applications of your studies. In-person options also let you experience campus life and access university resources.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.