Summer Programs for High School

If you’re looking for a productive way to spend your summer and are interested in greater college preparedness, consider attending a pre-college summer program. These programs can be a great opportunity to experience life on a college campus, earn advanced college credit, build relationships, and increase your admission chances. Summer programs are available locally, with commuter or on-campus options, and across the country. They can cover general college readiness and subjects or focus on specific areas of study. Is there a specific college you are interested in attending? Apply to their summer program! Don’t delay! Most programs have application deadlines in March and April and many offer financial aid for those who qualify. Here are a few suggestions, but you can do your own research as well:

General Studies:

• USC Summer Programs

• Blueprint Pre-College Summer Immersion @ UCLA

• UCI Experience University Research

• Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Summer Program

• Pomona College Academy for Youth Success

• Stanford High School Summer College & Horizon Scholars

• St. John’s Summer Academy

Specific Subjects:

• CalArts Summer Intensive

• Otis College of Art and Design Summer of Art

• Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

• Google Computer Science Summer Institute

• Bard College Young Writers Workshop

• Cornell Engineering Experience

• Arizona State University Summer Journalism Institute

• Penn State Honors Music Institute

This list is in no way exhaustive but should get you started in the right direction. If summer programs like these are out of your reach, acquiring a summer job or taking a course at the community college can also add depth to your admissions profile.