15 Pre-College Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
- Lydia Park
- 4 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Why should a high school student think about a pre-college program? The answer is that it lets you see what college learning feels like while you are still in high school. You attend structured classes, follow a syllabus, and complete assignments that challenge you to think more deeply. This helps when you are still figuring out what subjects you enjoy.
Why should you consider a pre-college program in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers a range of pre-college programs through universities and educational institutions. You might study science, writing, business, engineering, or social sciences and see how those subjects are taught at the college level. Admissions officers appreciate it when students take on college-level work early, and a specialized program can help you demonstrate your interest in a subject.
With that in mind, here are 15 pre-college programs for high school students in New Jersey!
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Approximately 60–70 students per cohort, selected from partner high schools
Dates: Three summer institutes, each lasting six and a half weeks, plus year-round programming
Application Deadline: Spring of your freshman year (through partner schools)
Eligibility: Freshmen attending Ewing High School, Lawrence High School, Nottingham High School (Hamilton, NJ), or Trenton Central High School, Princeton High School
The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) is a multi-year, fully funded college preparation program run by Princeton University. Once accepted, you take part in summer institutes on Princeton’s campus that focus on writing, literature, math, science, and critical thinking. During the school year, you attend weekly after-school sessions that help you build strong study habits, practice discussion, and work with peers. You also join cultural trips, research events, and group retreats that support learning outside the classroom. As you move into senior year, the program guides you through college applications and financial aid.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Up to 40 students selected nationwide each year
Dates: Multi-week summer intensive; 10-day campus residential
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from low-income backgrounds
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a year-long, tuition-free college preparation program focused on journalism and current affairs, run by Princeton University. You will begin this hybrid summer intensive with virtual workshops and lectures by Princeton faculty, journalists, and program alumni. The summer ends with a 10-day residential stay on Princeton’s campus, where you live in undergraduate dorms and work with other students to report, write, edit, and publish a full newspaper called The Princeton Summer Journal. Throughout the summer and your senior year, you work one-on-one with a college adviser who helps you build your college list, write essays, complete applications, and make final enrollment decisions.
Location: Rutgers University campuses in Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, Piscataway, and Rahway, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: 215 students selected annually across five host cities
Dates: Multi-year program beginning the summer before 8th grade and continuing through high school graduation
Application Deadline: Applications available through school guidance offices; deadlines vary by district
Eligibility: Academically promising, first-generation middle school students nominated by participating school districts in host cities
Rutgers Future Scholars is a long-term college access and preparation program that supports you from middle school through high school and into college. The program begins the summer before eighth grade and includes Saturday Academies, after-school sessions, weekend programs, and summer institutes. You will take part in academic enrichment across writing, STEM, humanities, and social justice, along with leadership and social-emotional skill building. The program also provides mentoring and ongoing academic support to help you understand college expectations and make informed decisions about your future. If you complete the pre-college program and are admitted to Rutgers University, you may be eligible for a tuition assistance scholarship that helps cover remaining tuition costs after financial aid.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Extremely selective; over 3,000 applicants annually, with a limited number of placements
Dates: Five to six weeks during the summer, full-time on weekdays
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16+ by June 15; currently enrolled in or recent graduate (under 18) of a local NJ high school; must provide own local housing and transportation
The Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program is a full-time, in-person summer research experience that places you directly into active science or engineering laboratories. You will work closely with Princeton faculty and research staff on ongoing projects, gaining exposure to laboratory methods, data collection, and scientific problem-solving. Each placement is project-specific, with schedules determined by the research team, and typically mirrors standard university working hours. There are no classes, social activities, or residential components, making the experience closely aligned with real research environments rather than a traditional summer program. At the conclusion of the program, you are required to submit a two-page research summary that documents your project’s question, methods, and findings.
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Small cohort; final number determined annually by available funding and facilities
Dates: Late June – mid July (three-week residential program)
Application Deadline: Nomination in the fall of junior year; applications submitted mid-November to mid-January
Eligibility: New Jersey residents in their junior year of high school; students must be nominated by their high school
The New Jersey Governor’s School in the Sciences is a selective, residential summer program that immerses you in advanced scientific study beyond the standard high school curriculum. Hosted at Drew University, the program combines a core curriculum in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and anthropology with laboratory courses led by faculty from universities, industry, and research institutions. You also work in small teams on guided research projects, culminating in a formal scientific symposium where you present your findings to peers and faculty. Evening colloquia introduce you to scientists from academic, industrial, and government settings, offering insight into real-world scientific careers.
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Approximately 62–90 students selected annually; about 15–25% of nominees are admitted
Dates: Early July – late July (approximately four weeks, residential)
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: New Jersey residents in their junior year of high school; students must be nominated by their high school
The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology is a highly selective, residential summer program hosted by Rutgers University’s School of Engineering. During the program, you will complete four academic courses in engineering and technology while collaborating on a small-group research and design project under the guidance of faculty and industry mentors. The research project serves as the centerpiece of the experience and culminates in a conference-style paper and formal presentation at a public research symposium. You also participate in workshops, guest lectures, and site visits to local corporations, giving you exposure to real-world engineering applications and career paths.
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Limited cohort; historically ranges from 40–60 students
Dates: June 23 – June 26
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors living in the United States
The Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy is a four-day, non-residential pre-college program that introduces you to the entrepreneurial mindset through hands-on, team-based learning. You are placed into small teams and challenged to design a solution to a real-world problem aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout the program, you will learn core concepts such as design thinking, customer discovery, prototyping, financial analysis, and storytelling, guided by Rowan University faculty and student leaders. The experience culminates in a formal pitch presentation where you present your venture idea to a panel of industry professionals. By completing the academy, you earn three transferable college credits.
Location: Rutgers Business School campuses in Newark and New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Selective cohort; size varies by campus and year
Dates: January – May (spring semester; Saturday classes)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Rutgers Business School Pre-College Enrichment Program is a spring-semester academic experience that places you directly into a college-level business course alongside Rutgers undergraduates. You can earn three academic credits while exploring business majors and careers through sessions that prepare you for college and build professional skills. The program includes guest lectures from Rutgers Business School faculty, staff, and corporate partners, offering exposure to real-world business perspectives. You are placed on the Rutgers campus closest to your high school, allowing you to experience college life in a familiar regional setting. Program alumni receive additional benefits such as admissions application fee waivers and priority access to initiatives offered through the Rutgers Business School Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access.
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Cohort size varies each year
Dates: July 7–July 10
Application Deadline: Applications open in January; deadline varies by year
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Montclair State University Hispanic Student College Institute is a free, four-day residential pre-college program designed to help you prepare for the transition from high school to college. You will participate in workshops focused on college planning, financial aid, choosing a major, and navigating campus life, while staying in on-campus housing. Family engagement is built into the experience, with sessions offered in both English and Spanish to support the college-going process at home. Through structured programming and community-building activities, you gain practical tools and confidence to approach college admissions and future academic decisions.
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Cost: Discounted tuition at $825 per 3-credit course ($275 per credit)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Rolling admission; cohort size varies by term and course availability
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms (aligned with the university academic calendar)
Application Deadline: December 15 for Spring term; July 1 for Summer term; August 3 for Fall term
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
The Montclair State University Early College Scholars Program allows you to take real undergraduate courses while still enrolled in high school. You can enroll in up to two Montclair State courses per term and earn transferable college credits taught by university professors, either on campus or online. You can take courses in nearly every field, from humanities and science to business and the arts, and social sciences, giving you flexibility to explore academic interests connected to potential majors. You learn alongside matriculated college students, which offers direct exposure to college-level expectations, coursework, and classroom discussion. The program also provides academic advising and success coaching to help you balance high school responsibilities with university study and plan future academic pathways.
Location: Rutgers University, Busch Campus, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $4,800; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Limited cohort; the program historically receives more applicants than available spots
Dates: July 6 – July 31
Application Deadline: Applications open in February; priority consideration by the end of February
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest and ability in mathematics
The Rutgers Math Circle Young Scholars Program is a four-week, in-person residential program focused on discrete mathematics and problem solving. You will attend classes taught by faculty at Rutgers University, studying topics such as combinatorics, graph theory, number theory, cryptography, probability, and game theory. Learning is collaborative. You work in small groups led by undergraduate teaching assistants and regularly explain and defend your reasoning in front of peers. The program also includes talks by academic and industry mathematicians, along with structured residential and recreational activities.
Location: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ
Cost: $3,000; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Approximately 50 students per summer cohort
Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application Deadline: Preferred deadline of March 9; rolling admissions while space remains
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.3 GPA
MEDacademy at Rowan University is a four-week, non-residential summer program hosted by the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. The program introduces you to how medical school is structured and what clinical training involves. You will study different medical specialties such as pathology, cardiopulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, and neurology through lectures, demonstrations, and case-based activities. You work with medical school faculty, students, and staff while taking part in clinical simulations connected to hospital care. The program ends with a group research project that you present at a closing ceremony. Students who complete MEDacademy earn three undergraduate credits from Rowan University and receive an official transcript that may be considered for transfer by other colleges.
Location: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ
Cost: Program fee required; includes housing, meals, programming, and field trips
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Limited cohort; size varies annually
Dates: Mid-July (one-week residential program)
Application Deadline: Varies by year; applications reviewed as space allows
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy at Stockton University is a one-week, residential pre-college program focused on business and entrepreneurship. The program is hosted by Stockton’s School of Business and introduces you to core areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, analytics, and hospitality. You work in small teams to develop a business idea and turn it into a complete business plan. Along the way, you practice collaboration, problem-solving, and professional communication. Classes and workshops are led by faculty and business professionals. The program ends with a business plan competition judged by faculty members and local business leaders.
Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
Cost: $75 (Winter) | $350 (Summer)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Limited seats per grade level
Dates: Winter session runs late January – mid March (eight Saturdays); Summer session runs during the summer (dates vary)
Application Deadline: Winter applications due mid-December; Summer deadlines vary, and seats may fill before the deadline
Eligibility: New Jersey residents in grades 6–11 for the Winter program and rising grades 7–12 for the Summer program
The Rutgers Science, Medicine, and Related Topics (SMART) Program is a pre-college enrichment initiative designed to introduce you to health science, medicine, and biomedical research. Hosted by Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, the program combines activities, applied science and math instruction, and collaborative learning focused on problem solving and critical thinking. You participate in a cohort-based exploration of medical and health careers while developing communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Summer participants also take part in educational field trips and college and career fairs that expand exposure to health professions. The program is designed for students with curiosity and motivation in science and medicine, particularly those seeking early insight into health-related academic and career pathways.
Location: Piscataway, New Jersey (Busch Campus)
Cost: $2,200 for in-person WISE; $600 for virtual vWISE
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Limited by laboratory space; typically small cohorts, admitted on a rolling, first-come basis
Dates: June 22–July 2 or July 27–August 7 (in-person); August 10–August 21 (virtual)
Application Window: Applications open in January; rolling admissions until filled
Eligibility: High school students who have completed a high school-level biology course
The Waksman Institute Summer Experience places you directly inside a working research institute where you learn science by doing science. Over two weeks, you will work on an authentic molecular biology and bioinformatics research project centered on analyzing DNA sequences from duckweed and comparing them across species. Your days are structured around faculty-led seminars followed by hands-on laboratory sessions in which you purify DNA, analyze gene sequences, and interpret real biological data. A distinctive feature of this program is that your vetted DNA sequence analyses are submitted to GenBank, the international DNA database, where accepted entries credit you by name. If you prefer a remote format, the virtual vWISE option offers the same research focus through online seminars and bioinformatics analysis without wet-lab work.
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Lydia is an alumna from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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