If you’re a high school student interested in psychology, pre-college programs can help you explore the field in a more structured and practical way before committing to it as a college major. Many of these programs introduce topics such as cognitive psychology, neuroscience, behavioral science, and mental health through lectures, discussions, research activities, and project-based work. Some also include lab components or guided research projects, giving students exposure to how psychological studies are designed and conducted.

Why should I do a pre-college psychology program in high school?

Participating in a pre-college psychology program can also help you understand whether the subject aligns with your long-term academic interests. Alongside psychology concepts, students often develop transferable skills such as collaboration, written and verbal communication, time management, and analytical thinking through assignments, presentations, and group projects.

In this blog, we’ve put together 15 pre-college psychology programs for high school students. 

If you’re looking for free virtual research opportunities, check out our blog here.

1. University of Pennsylvania's PREHSS – Psychology Track

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Cost/Stipend: Free with transportation and lunch provided; $1,500 stipend on completing the program

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Typically June – July (5 weeks)

Application Deadline: March 16

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (current 10th and 11th graders) from the Philadelphia School District, charter schools, and other schools by invitation

Philadelphia high school students interested in pursuing research in psychology could consider the Penn Research Experience for High School Students (PREHSS). You may get an opportunity to work in Joseph Kable's research lab, which focuses on behavioral and cognitive neuroscience and the decision-making process. Through an interdisciplinary approach, you will examine the psychological and neural mechanisms underlying decision-making. You will investigate whether neural value signals affect deviations from rational decision-making. You will present your research work at the concluding symposium at the end of the program.

2. Princeton University's LLP Psychology Track – How Social Isolation Shapes Social Thought

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend offered

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective with up to 2 interns per project

Program Dates: June 1 – August 21

Application Deadline: March 15

Eligibility: Students enrolled in a local NJ high school (high school graduates who have not yet turned 18 by June 15 are also eligible); must be 16 years old or more by June 15; must be U.S. citizens currently in the U.S. (check all criteria here)

This Psychology track is part of Princeton University's Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) for high school students. In this role, you'll support lab members by collecting and analyzing data on how social isolation, compared to social integration, influences an author's writings. You'll explore research methods using linguistic analytical tools to test this hypothesis. Additionally, you'll gain insight into how the psychology research lab employs techniques like machine learning, functional neuroimaging, and behavioral experiments to explore questions related to the self and social interaction. At the program's conclusion, you'll prepare and submit a 2-page research summary of your project.

3. Princeton University's LLP Psychology Track – Young Children's Language Development

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend offered

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective with up to 2 interns per project

Program Dates: June 22 – August 21

Application Deadline: March 15

Eligibility: Students enrolled in a local NJ high school (high school graduates who have not yet turned 18 by June 15 are also eligible); must be 16 years old or more by June 15; must be U.S. citizens currently in the U.S. (check all criteria here)

Princeton University's Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) is a free summer initiative for high school students to explore fields like engineering, natural sciences, and psychology, where research opportunities are available. Throughout the course, you'll learn how early childhood learning is influenced by language and social experiences. As a research assistant, you'll assist researchers and lab staff by collecting data from visiting children, analyzing videos of parent-child interactions, and completing other tasks. Additionally, you'll attend weekly lab meetings, read journal articles on relevant topics, and present your research findings at the program's conclusion.

4. NYU SPS High School Academy Weekend Workshop - Exploring Psychology: Building an Understanding of Human Behavior

Location: NYU, Washington Square, New York, NY

Cost: $850; $50 non-refundable application fee

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: February 28 – March 21

Application Deadline: February 13, with rolling admissions until spots fill

Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 12; typically, admitted students have a B grade point average or higher

During this weekend workshop, participants will attend lectures and engage in activities comparable to college-level coursework. They will examine different aspects of socio-emotional development and learn how fundamental psychology principles relate to real-world situations. The program will focus on developing leadership skills essential for success in the workplace. Participants will improve their social and emotional abilities through collaborative problem-solving exercises with peers. Additionally, they will explore potential career paths within the psychology field.

5. NYU School of Professional Studies - Psychology and the Workplace: Social Functions of Emotions

Location: NYU, New York, NY

Cost: $2,579; $50 non-refundable application fee; $684 (optional housing and dining fee)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Varies (check upcoming sessions here)

Application Deadline: April 29 (residential students); June 12 (commuter students); March 14 (international students)

Eligibility: High school students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11 (students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in Fall)

This course, offered by the NYU School of Professional Studies (SPS), provides an understanding of the biological foundations of behavior. You will explore how emotions influence actions, learn strategies to stay motivated, and develop resilience in facing challenges. The program includes guest lectures and practical activities that apply psychological concepts to achieve career objectives and enhance personal well-being. You will also participate in campus tours, explore the city, and attend evening events with peers. Upon completing the course, you will receive a NYU transcript displaying your grades.

6. Northwestern University Pre-College Program - Psychology: Inside Diagnosis and Treatment

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: $1,895; need-based scholarships available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Varies, with two-week and four-week options (check upcoming dates here)

Application Deadline: A week before the session begins

Eligibility: High school or U.S.-high-school-equivalent students; should not yet be enrolled in college, and no more than one-year post-high school graduation (“gap year”); should be ages 13 – 19

This Northwestern University Pre-College asynchronous program offers an introduction to clinical psychology through video modules led by experts in various psychological fields, with ongoing mentorship. Participants will explore the roles of professionals in different mental health specialties and the techniques used to identify various disorders. The program covers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatment approaches. Learners will then apply their knowledge in a capstone project involving a patient case study, from referral and diagnosis to developing a treatment plan. A certificate of completion from Northwestern University will be awarded at the program's conclusion.

7. Northwestern University College Preparation Program - Introduction to Psychology

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: $5,781; $60 non-refundable application fee; application fee waiver and tuition scholarships available (check details here)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: June 22 – July 26

Application Deadline: April 1

Eligibility: High school students who have completed sophomore or junior year of high school, and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0

Northwestern University's College Preparation Program (CPP) offers the Introduction to Psychology course in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Students explore the fundamentals of psychology, including key concepts and their real-world applications to personal and social topics. The course covers areas such as memory, motivation, emotion, and more through assigned readings, assignments, podcasts, and participatory discussions. Students also learn research methods and how to apply scientific techniques to understand psychological phenomena.

8. Brown University Pre-College Program - Behavior Change Counseling: Learning the Skills of Communication and Connection

Location: Brown University, Providence, RI

Cost/Stipend: $3,748 (residential); $3,096 (commuter); $80 application fee (application fee waiver and scholarships available)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: July 6 – 10

Application Deadline: May 8

Eligibility: High school students completing grades 9 to 12; ages 14 to 18 by June 14

This Brown University Pre-College program offers an opportunity to explore behavior change counseling. Participants will attend training sessions to develop counseling skills tailored to specific health behavior outcomes, such as addiction or diet. Practical experience will be gained through role-play exercises, and there will be sessions on college and career options in behavior change counseling, including rehab, social work, and other fields. Upon completion, students will work on an independent behavior change counseling session, complete a written debrief, and conduct a self-assessment. A Digital Certificate of Completion will be awarded at the end of the program.

9. UMass Amherst Pre-College Program - The Psychology of Well-Being

Location: UMass Amherst, Charles River Campus, Newton, MA with residential/commuter options

Cost/Stipend: $2,337 (commuter); $4,119 (residential); $45 application fee; partial, need-based scholarships are available; discount for children of UMass Amherst alumni

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: June 28 – July 11

Application Deadline: May 1

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

The Psychology of Well-Being is a two-credit pre-college program designed for high school students to explore the science of happiness and emotional health. Participants will delve into research by renowned psychologists and learn about positive psychology topics like habits, resilience, values, and character strengths. The program helps students develop stress-reduction and resilience strategies that they can incorporate into a personalized well-being plan. Students will engage in activities with peers, including a community project and field trips to see psychological concepts in real-world settings. At the end, participants will work together to create a poster presentation showcasing the course's features and benefits and pitch it to a local school district.

10. Vanderbilt Summer Academy's Programs for Talented Youth (PTY) - Psychology Tracks

Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Cost: $2,600 (Grades 9 – 10); $2,750 (Grades 11 – 12); $50 application fee ($100 for international applicants); need-based financial aid and scholarships are available (check details here)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Vary based on course (check program dates here)

Application Deadline: March 14 (rolling admissions continue if spots are available)

Eligibility: Grades 7 – 12

High school students interested in psychology can explore Vanderbilt Summer Academy's Programs for Talented Youth (PTY), which provide intensive, accelerated courses in a psychology topic of your choice. Participants engage in discussions and hands-on activities related to the course and interact with peers during extracurricular activities on or off campus. For rising 9th and 10th-graders, the course 'Inside Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice, and Ethics' uses case studies to illustrate the role of clinical psychologists in mental health treatment. Rising 11th- and 12th-graders can take 'Clinical Psychology: Cognitive-Behavioral Theory in Research and Application,' which focuses on the clinical application of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. Another option is 'Exploring the Human Mind: An Introduction to Psychological Research,' which emphasizes understanding behavior scientifically rather than based on opinions.

11. Syracuse University Summer College - Social Psychology Track

Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

Cost: $4,995 (residential); $4,024 (commuter); $65 non-refundable application fee; merit-based scholarships and partial need-based financial aid available (check details here)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: July 5 – 17 (Session I) | July 19 – 31 (Session II)

Application Deadline: May 1

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a 3.0 GPA; should be 15 years or older by their move-in date; high school students graduating in the current year are also eligible if they are not matriculating into Syracuse University in the fall

Syracuse University's course 'Social Psychology: What Every Student Should Know' examines human behavior in detail, emphasizing interactions between individuals through self-concepts. You will become aware of how stereotyping, conformity, preconceptions, societal pressures, and other factors can influence your behavior towards others. You will undertake a self-designed research project to test a hypothesis related to human behavior. Additionally, you'll engage in group discussions and campus activities to interact with fellow students. A certificate of completion will be provided, and you can request a non-credit transcript from Syracuse University.

12. Clark University's Discover Psychology: Summer Pre-College Programs

Location: Clark University, Worcester, MA

Cost: $1,600 (one-week program); $3,000 (two-week residential program); fees are less for early registration, with group discounts available for 3+ students (check details here)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small cohort; typically 10 for the residential program

Program Dates: July 6 – 10 (one-week program) | July 5 – 17 (two-week residential program)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders

Clark University's Discover Psychology Summer Pre-College Programs offer high school students hands-on learning experiences, available as either a one-week day program or a two-week residential program. The one-week option allows students to explore various subfields of psychology, including cognitive, social, clinical, and developmental psychology. Participants will collaborate on a research project to showcase at the Clark Research Festival. The two-week program provides an in-depth experience, focusing on research methods, hypothesis development, data collection, and the creation of a professional presentation. Students will also have the chance to present their work at the New England Psychology Association (NEPA) conference.

13. Wake Forest University's Pre-College Program - The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: $1,595 with need-based scholarships available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Multiple sessions (check the upcoming schedule here)

Application Deadline: A week before the program starts

Eligibility: High school/U.S.-high-school equivalent students; should be age 13 and up, not yet enrolled in college, and no more than one-year post-high school graduation (“gap year”)

High school students interested in understanding human behavior might explore Wake Forest University's asynchronous online course, 'The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider's Guide to Psychology.' This course offers 30 hours of instruction through pre-recorded videos and multimedia simulations. Students will learn how emotions and biases influence behavior, how the brain processes information and forms perceptions, and about various mental disorders. Support is provided via discussion boards and feedback on assignments. At the course's conclusion, students will submit a capstone project on a psychological concept they have studied, in any media format.

14. Wake Forest Summer Immersion Psychology Institute

Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

Cost: $3,500 with need-based scholarships available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: July 12 – 17/July 19 – 24 (check the summer schedule here)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9 – 12

The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Psychology Institute covers topics such as psychology and common sense, how emotions influence our experiences and interactions, and the concepts of sensation and perception, among others. Lab activities include dissecting a sheep's brain under faculty supervision to understand its structure and exploring illusions in the perception lab. Participants might also go on outdoor trips, such as to a mall, for observational research. Additionally, there will be sessions on potential careers in psychology. The program concludes with students presenting their research findings.

15. Johns Hopkins University's Pre-College Summer Program – Psychology Tracks

Location: Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD, with virtual options available for some courses

Cost/Stipend: $85 application fee; program cost varies for campus and online programs (check tuition fees here)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Vary based on program and  type (residential/commuter/online) (check schedules here)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: High school students who have successfully completed grade 9; should have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher; prerequisite knowledge may be required for some programs

Johns Hopkins University's Pre-College Programs offer high school students the chance to take college-level courses either on campus or online across various fields, including psychology. Courses are taught by university instructors and cover topics such as an introduction to psychology, biopsychology (behavioral neuroscience), psychological profiling methods, and more. Participants will complete assignments, join interactive workshops, and have opportunities to engage with peers both on campus and online. By the end of the program, students will have gained practical skills useful for personal growth and professional development.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.