Bentley University Pre-College Program
When: Summer (dates vary depending on course choice, but take place between June 9 and July 18th)
Who: Students must be 16 years old by September 1 of the program year to live in residence, but younger students can register as commuter students or take online sessions.
Where: Bentley University, Waltham, MA or Online
What: A taste of college academics and offers a chance to experience residential life and explore a university community. By immersing themselves in a rigorous yet supportive learning environment, students can gain valuable insights into their academic interests and career aspirations.
How: Apply here. You will be asked about your high school curriculum (overall GPA and grades in relevant courses) and activities, and you will respond to an essay question. Please upload a copy of your unofficial transcript (required) and SAT or ACT scores (optional). If you are requesting financial aid, you will need to work with the parent or guardian who claims you as a dependent to provide tax documents.
Boston University Pre-College Programs
When: Summer (dates vary)
Who: High school students (grades 9-12) interested in earning college credits and experiencing university-level coursework.
Where: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
What: Pre-college programs in subjects such as STEM, business, humanities, and arts, where students can earn college credit while exploring their academic interests.
How: Apply via Boston University’s website]. The application requires transcripts, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
When: Summer
Who: Students must be 16 years of age by June 21, 2025 to participate in Pre-College Programs.
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
What: Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs mirrors the undergraduate experience, giving rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore their interests and passions while receiving instruction from acclaimed Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff. They provide a holistic and robust student experience that includes academic and personal development both inside and outside of the classroom in order to prepare students for the future. Live and learn in a college setting that will challenge you to discover your best self.
How: Students can view details of the courses here
When: Summer (specific dates vary by program).
Who: High school students (grades 9–12).
Where: Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
What: Programs in areas like leadership, STEM, and humanities.
How: Apply online through Duke's website. Requires transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
When: June and July
Who: Students ages 13 to 18
Where: Yale, UC Berkeley, or UCLA.
What: Advanced Pre-College is designed for talented and motivated students, that have true interest and passion for learning. It appeals to students who are interested in deepening their knowledge in a specific field. Students choose one academic track among STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Medicine-Bioscience, Humanities, and Social Science to focus on for the 2 weeks and take 2 - 4 courses related to the track selected.
How: Students can view details of the courses here
When: 4 to 8 weeks for the Intro Program
Who: Open to all high school and gap year students
What: Learn the fundamentals of research: Question identification and literature review. Choose your own subject/research question. Develop critical thinking and writing skills through a comprehensive literature review project. Create an academic presentation for your findings. Gain broad exposure to the scientific process, regardless of your background.
How: Students can view all details of the course here or access the 2025 brocure here
When: Summer (typically June-July)
Who: High school students (ages 14-18) interested in leadership and social change.
Where: Online
What: A leadership development program that helps students gain skills to lead in their communities and beyond.
How: Apply online via the Learn with Leaders website. The application includes a personal statement and references.
When: Year-round (flexible start dates).
Who: High school students (grades 9–12) interested in research.
Where: Online (global access).
What: One-on-one research mentorship programs with PhD scholars.
How: Apply online by submitting an application form, academic records, and a statement of interest. Check out their brochure with further details.
When: Dates, deadlines, and locations vary according to individual program
Who: Students of All Ages
Where: Raleigh, North Carolina
What: NC State University's Pre-College Programs offer high school students immersive academic experiences in STEM, humanities, and more. Through hands-on courses, summer camps, and residential programs, participants explore college-level topics, work with faculty, and gain skills for future success—all while experiencing life as a Wolfpack student. Programs include credit-bearing options, career exploration, and networking opportunities. Two courses in particular of mention: Summer Textiles Exploration Program (STEP), and Summer Engineering Residential Camps
When: Programs will be held for eight weeks this summer — consecutively beginning June 3, skipping the week of July 1.
Who: The Academies' programs are catered toward high school students, grades 9 through 12
Where: Virtual or In-Person at the Harvard Campus in Cambridge, MA.
What: The mission of The Academies by Harvard Student Agencies is to provide opportunities for high school students that transcend traditional classroom topics; to be the connection between students from all backgrounds and Harvard-quality exploratory courses. Through collaborative work with peers across the globe and access to trained Harvard undergraduate instructors, helping all students feel confident in navigating their futures.
How: Students can view details of the courses here. EARJ students are eligible for a special offer, please fill the application form here
University of British Columbia Pre-College Program
When: Summer (dates vary)
Who: High school students (ages 15-18) with an interest in business, science, or the arts.
Where: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
What: A pre-college program offering academic courses and preparation for university-level education, focusing on areas like business, science, and the arts.
How: Apply through the UBC Pre-College website. Required documents include academic records, a personal statement, and references.