Are Pre-College Programs Worth It? Exploring the Benefits and Considerations

For high school students, the prospect of college looms large. Pre-college summer programs offer a unique opportunity to experience higher education before officially enrolling. These programs, typically lasting from one to seven weeks, aim to provide a taste of college life. But are they worth the investment of time and money? This article delves into the pros and cons of pre-college summer programs, helping students and their families make informed decisions.

What are Pre-College Summer Programs?

Pre-college summer programs allow high school students to immerse themselves in a college environment for a few weeks. Participants attend college classes, engage in campus activities, explore campus housing, and envision themselves as students at that institution. These programs vary in duration, lasting anywhere from 1-7 weeks, to support individual scheduling needs.

Not every college or university offers summer programs, so it's crucial to research options based on location, cost, and class availability early in the process. While some schools offer these programs free of charge, most cost thousands of dollars, and not all qualify for financial aid. Students may hear about pre-summer college programs from friends, teachers, or college advertisements. They likely have questions about what these opportunities entail and how they influence the college planning process.

The Pros and Cons of Pre-College Summer Programs

Before committing to a college summer program for high school students, learners and their families should carefully consider both the upsides and the downsides.

Pro: Gaining Experience and Earning College Credit

By living on campus for a few weeks in the summer, students have the opportunity to gain both social and academic experiences. They can get a better sense of what to expect when they officially start college. Some programs even allow learners to earn college credits, potentially reducing the number they need to complete once fully enrolled. Successfully completing a for-credit course means you get college credits before starting college. Experiencing a realistic college workload is another benefit. These classes are fast and intense, giving a real, authentic taste of college classes - fast-paced lectures, more independent study, and bigger projects with firm deadlines. When admissions officers see an “A” in a college-level course, especially one where you earned college credit, it sends a strong signal.

Con: The High Cost of Attendance

Costs can vary substantially based on where you attend. While a five-week program offered by Kentucky State University that includes housing, meals, event and activity access, and tuition costs $1,886, others may cost significantly more. The pre-college program at Harvard University, for instance, lasts just 12 days and costs $4,950 as a baseline, along with a $75 application fee and $100 health insurance fee. This can be prohibitive, especially considering lost earnings while not working. Most of the time, you’ll pay more for a credit-awarding course than its non-credit counterpart. In-person residential programs also cost more than commuter or online programs because you’re paying for room, board, and campus amenities.

Pro: Meeting New People and Building Connections

Attending one of the many pre-college summer programs allows prospective students to meet and connect with their peers, potentially even getting to know people who plan to attend the same school. You can also meet professors and administrative staff. These can be valuable connections to have during the admissions process and once you arrive on campus. Building these connections can lead to lasting friendships and mentorship opportunities, which can be beneficial in college and future careers. Establishing relationships with instructors and fellow students can create a support system that lasts beyond the program, offering guidance as students navigate the next steps in their academic journeys.

Con: No Guarantee of Admission

While attending a summer college program at a particular school can indicate your interest in that institution, most universities make clear that attending these types of programs does not provide guaranteed admission or even preference in the admissions process. Students and their families should keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to apply. Pre-college programs aren’t a golden ticket. Attending one of these programs at a specific college or university doesn’t guarantee automatic acceptance if you apply there as a high school senior. Students should think of pre-college summer programs as a resume builder - not an automatic acceptance to their school of choice.

Pro: Assessing School Fit and Exploring Interests

Many students make the decision of where to attend college on relatively little information. Pre-college programs allow students to dive deep into subjects they’re passionate about. Whether it's science, the arts or technology, these programs offer specialized courses taught by engaging instructors. This exposure not only helps students refine their academic interests but also allows them to explore areas of study that may not be available at their high school. Engaging with college-level material can ignite a passion for learning and help students make informed decisions about their future majors. Taking a break from the high school grind doesn’t require hitting pause on your education, especially if you’ve got goals for your future. Maybe you want to figure out your post-high school plans or try a major on for size. A summer intensive gives you that opportunity. You might find, as one of my high school son’s friends did after taking a pre-college architecture class, that he didn’t want a career as an architect after all.

Con: Forgoing Summer Employment Opportunities

Especially in the case of longer pre-college summer programs, you must decide whether you want to give up the opportunity to get a summer job and save money before heading to college.

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Skills Development and Academic Enrichment

Part of advancing one’s learning involves developing a variety of skills, from critical thinking and writing to working on a team. Pre-college summer programs also exist to enhance a student’s knowledge of a specific subject area. In addition to academic knowledge, pre-college programs often focus on developing important life skills. Students learn time management, effective communication and critical thinking-skills that are invaluable in college and beyond. Balancing classes, homework and social activities helps with time management. Engaging with professors and peers in a collaborative environment improves communication. Tackling complex problems and thinking creatively enhances critical thinking.

Resume Building and College Applications

A strong resume helps complement good grades and a convincing application essay. Participating in a pre-college program can strengthen a student’s college application. Admissions officers appreciate candidates who take the initiative to pursue additional learning opportunities. A pre-college program demonstrates a commitment to education and a desire to engage in the academic community. It’s important to note that participation in a pre-college summer program is not a guarantee for college admission. However, having such an experience can demonstrate that students make effective use of their free time, showing admissions counselors their dedication to their studies. Admissions personnel carefully consider every aspect of a high school student’s extracurricular activities, whether they participate in student council, sports, music, or academic enhancement opportunities.

Networking and Building Connections

Qualified, experienced educators teach pre-college programs and are also a great resource for students yearning to know more about working in the field. The relationships that students develop with their instructors can lead to mentorship, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities for forming other connections.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities

Select scholarships and other forms of financial assistance may require that candidates participate in pre-college programs. This is truly dependent on the values and expectations of the individual college or university.

Experiencing College Life

Attending a pre-college program gives students a taste of what college life is really like. From navigating a campus to managing a schedule, students learn what it means to balance academics and social activities. This experience can alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with the transition to college. Students who choose to study in person, will attend lectures, participate in group projects and even have opportunities for socializing, giving them a holistic view of college life. Living away from home (if you opt for a residential pre-college program) for a few weeks is a huge step. You’ll meet other like-minded, ambitious students who may come from all over the world and all walks of life.

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Credit vs. Non-Credit Programs

Perhaps you’re already juggling a few accelerated classes now, like honors, AP, or dual enrollment. Pre-college courses fit into that same category. But when you compare different summer programs, you have to decide whether to pursue college credit, too. Base your decision on your own goals. Are you trying to get an academic edge and explore a subject or get a head start on earning transferable credits?

Earning College Credit

This is the big pro. Credit transfer isn’t guaranteed. The credit you earn is guaranteed only by the school that offers it. Each college and university has its own unique (and admittedly, sometimes frustrating) rules about credit transfer. If you attend an Ivy League pre-college program but opt to go to your state university, those credits might not count. The workload is heavy. Pre-college programs and summer intensives compress college-level material into a few short weeks. Assignments are longer. The pace is rapid. Expectations are high.

Non-Credit Programs

The benefits of attending a pre-college program extend beyond getting a few college credits, so don’t knock those non-credit options. A non-credit pre-college program is the perfect, low-stakes way to explore a major or field of study. Thinking about becoming an attorney? Take an introductory, non-credit course in law to see if the reality matches your expectations. With less pressure from final grades determining credit, you can focus on learning, asking questions, networking with professors and peers, and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Online Pre-College Programs

Online pre-college programs - whether for-credit or not - give you tons of freedom. But tackling difficult, college-level courses online requires a little extra mental muscle and attention to stay engaged, especially when the beach, pool, or video games are calling your name. It’s easy to get distracted when your bedroom is your classroom.

Tips for Success in Online Programs

Create a Dedicated Workspace: Don’t just flop on the couch (or your bed) with your laptop. You need a space that your brain recognizes as “work mode.” Set up a quiet, comfortable spot, like a desk in your room or the corner of the dining room table, and keep it organized. Your sanctuary should be free from the distractions of the rest of the house.
Stay on Schedule: Log in on time (if it’s synchronous). Plan dedicated study sessions and homework time that fit your schedule.
Actively Participate: It’s easy to hide behind a muted mic or turned-off camera. Resist the temptation to ghost your professor and classmates. Active participation enhances your learning, especially online. Ask thoughtful questions, join discussion forums, and engage with classmates during breakout sessions.
Utilize Office Hours: Every college professor or teaching assistant (TA) holds office hours: dedicated times for students to drop in virtually. Use them! Reach out for extra help, clarification on a complex topic, or guidance on a project.
Minimize Distractions: Your phone is your nemesis during class time. Silence it. Put it in a drawer or another room. Close all unrelated tabs and social media windows on your computer. When you’re attending a virtual lecture or working on a project or paper, commit to focusing fully for a set block of time (and set a timer if it helps).
Reflect on Your Learning: At the end of each week, take 15 minutes to journal or think about what clicked and what tripped you up. Tracking your progress increases the value of your study sessions. Even more importantly, reflecting on what you enjoyed most (or least) about the class can give you gigantic insight into your future. Did you love the lab portion of your biology class? Maybe a research career is a good fit. Did you despise the essay-writing component but love the group presentations? Perhaps a career in communications or public speaking is a better fit than journalism.

Examples of Pre-College Summer Programs

Several universities offer pre-college summer programs, each with unique features and costs. Here are a few examples:

Harvard University: The pre-college program offered by the Harvard Summer School includes 100 noncredit courses students can choose from during one of three summer sessions. Each session lasts 12 days and costs $4,950. Applicants must also pay a $75 application fee and $100 health insurance fee.
University of Pennsylvania: Penn’s pre-college program lasts eight days with both residential and fully online options. Current high school sophomores and juniors can participate and earn undergraduate credit. Financial aid is not available, but international students are welcome to apply.
University of Chicago: Students interested in UChicago can choose from among several pre-college programs, including programs focused on biological sciences and language. The school also offers programs of various lengths and online options. The department provides informational sessions so you can learn more.
Cornell University: Cornell offers pre-college summer programs that last three, six, or nine weeks, with both campus-based and online options. High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors may apply. Nearly 2,500 students participated in 2021, and 95% of all courses are taught by Cornell faculty members. The school awards a limited number of partial scholarships.
Duke University: Middle school and high school students can participate in 12-day pre-college programs at Duke. Middle schoolers pay $3,000 for the experience, while high schoolers pay $3,200. In addition to residential options, students can choose from fully online and hybrid options. Sessions are offered throughout June and July to accommodate scheduling.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA offers residential and nonresidential pre-college programming ranging from 1-3 weeks. Interested applicants can choose from 11 different areas of study. Pricing and timelines vary based on what students choose, so make contact early to find the program and dates that work best for you.

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