15 Pre-College Programs for High School Students
Curious what it actually feels like to study a subject at the college level before you apply? Pre-college programs give you a structured way to explore that, placing you in real academic environments where you engage with advanced material. You get to learn about subjects of your interest through projects, discussions, and guided instruction from university faculty and professionals. You’ll interact with equally motivated peers, which can push you to approach problems more seriously and thoughtfully. Since many of these programs are hosted by established universities and organizations, you gain a clearer understanding of how college-level courses are structured and how students are expected to think, learn, and approach problems.
What are the benefits of attending a pre-college program?
Pre-college programs enable you to explore subjects in a more applied way, whether that means working on research projects, building technical or creative skills, or engaging in field-specific problem-solving. Some programs place you in labs or research groups, while others mirror college-style classes with structured assignments and evaluations. Collaborative work and capstone-style projects help you develop critical thinking while producing tangible outcomes you can reference later. Many experiences also include presentations, showcases, or final assessments, giving you practice in communicating your ideas clearly. Exposure to faculty, mentors, and guest speakers adds context by showing how academic interests connect to real careers.
To simplify your decision-making, we’ve curated 15 pre-college programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span STEM research, AI and machine learning, biomedical science, engineering, data science, art history, design, and digital media, so students with a wide range of academic interests can find a relevant pre-college experience.
Several programs are free or offer substantial stipends, including RSI (free), CMU AI Scholars (free), JHU ASPIRE (free), MD Anderson King Foundation ($7,200 stipend), UChicago DSI Summer Lab ($5,600 stipend), UChicago EYES on Cancer ($5,000 stipend), and NYU ARISE ($2,000 stipend), while MIT Beaver Works is free for families earning under $200,000.
Many programs are highly selective with small cohorts, including RSI (approximately 2.5 to 3% acceptance, 100 students), Clark Scholars (approximately 2%, 12 students), EYES on Cancer (approximately 4%, 10 to 12 students), and JHU ASPIRE (approximately 7%), so students should apply early and prepare strong applications.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from two-week university courses, such as Harvard Pre-College and Parsons Summer Intensive, to two-year sustained research commitments, such as UChicago EYES on Cancer (two consecutive summers plus year-round activities), so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including RSI (December 10), MD Anderson King Foundation (January 14), UChicago DSI Summer Lab (January 12), and Stony Brook Simons Summer Research (February 5), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~2.5–3% acceptance; 100 students per cohort
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old by July 1
Research Science Institute gives you an unusually rigorous introduction to advanced STEM research, with strong relevance for students interested in science, engineering, computing, and applied technology. You begin with intensive coursework in scientific theory before moving into an independent research project guided by experienced mentors. Depending on your placement, your work may involve computational modeling, data analysis, experimental design, engineering systems, or theoretical investigation. The pre-college program for high school students asks you to read current academic literature, shape a research question, and carry out a comprehensive plan. You also develop technical communication skills by organizing your findings into a formal paper and oral presentation.
2. University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Location: John Crerar Library at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park campus, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 20–40 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Current high school seniors starting college in the fall and residing in Chicago
The University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab is a good fit if you want to see how data science is used beyond the classroom to solve real research problems. You are placed in a lab or research group where computational methods may be applied to areas such as public health, climate policy, social science, materials science, or biomedical research. Your work can involve learning research workflows, cleaning or analyzing data, using programming tools, and contributing to a mentor-led project. Speaker sessions and professional development activities add context to careers in computing and research. The experience concludes with a symposium-style presentation in which you communicate your project outcomes in a professional format.
3. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee / $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~2% acceptance; 12 students/year
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents and at least 17 by the start date
This pre-college program for high school students gives you a highly individualized research experience across STEM and related academic fields. It matches you with a faculty mentor to work on an original project that may involve engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, computational modeling, or another research area aligned with your interests. The cohort is small, allowing for close mentorship and sustained guidance as you learn how academic research is developed. Your day-to-day work may include data analysis, lab investigation, literature review, technical writing, or problem-solving within a specific discipline. Seminars, discussions, and field trips broaden your exposure beyond your assigned project.
4. New York University – ARISE Program
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 60 students
Dates: Remote Workshops: June 1 – July 6 | In-Person Lab Work Start: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; full-time NYC residents attending NYC schools in the upcoming school year
NYU’s ARISE Program introduces you to university-level STEM research through a mix of skills training and lab-based project work. The early phase builds your foundation in research methods, lab safety, writing, communication, and data analysis before you join a research team. Once placed in a lab, you may contribute to work in robotics, machine learning, biomedical engineering, materials science, or other technical fields. You interact with faculty, graduate students, and researchers, which helps you see how technical projects are organized and refined over time. The program also strengthens your ability to explain research clearly through workshops and presentation practice, and ends with formal research presentations.
5. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center – Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $7,200 (10 weeks); $6,480 (9 weeks)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort sizes
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Current Texas public, private, or charter high school seniors; at least 18 years old by the program start; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; accepted into college for the fall
MD Anderson’s King Foundation High School Summer Program places you in a biomedical research environment where technology and scientific investigation are closely connected. You work under a faculty mentor on a research project, gaining experience with lab techniques, data collection, and the discipline required in professional biomedical settings. Faculty seminars broaden your exposure to cancer science, allied health careers, and clinical research. You also practice scientific communication through activities such as abstract writing, poster preparation, and short presentations. The final presentation allows you to explain your research experience and connect your work to larger questions in cancer science.
6. University of Chicago: Chicago EYES on Cancer
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~4% acceptance; 10–12 new students per year
Dates: Two consecutive 8-week summer sessions (June – August) + monthly enrichment activities during the academic year
Application Deadline: Mid-January
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or college freshmen/sophomores ages 16+; residents of Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties in Illinois or Lake County in Indiana
Chicago EYES on Cancer gives you sustained exposure to cancer research, including areas where technology, data, and biomedical science intersect. You work in university research settings across basic science, translational research, clinical studies, or population health. Depending on your placement, you may learn lab techniques, analyze research data, observe how scientific tools are used, or contribute to a larger mentor-led investigation. The cancer-focused lecture series helps you connect technical research methods to medicine, public health, and patient outcomes. Year-round workshops support your growth in academic planning, communication, and research readiness. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your work and reflect on your development as a young researcher.
7. JHU ASPIRE Program
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~7%; limited cohort size
Dates: June 23 – August 21; Academic Year Session: Mid-September – May (available as a continuation for students who successfully complete the summer session)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (15+) with a minimum 2.8 GPA; U.S. citizens; permanent residents of Washington, D.C., or select counties in Maryland (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's) or Virginia counties/cities (Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax)
The ASPIRE Program at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory gives you direct exposure to applied STEM work in a professional research environment. You are paired with an APL staff mentor and matched to a project based on your interests, skills, and available research needs. Your work may involve coding, hardware development, simulations, lab tasks, data analysis, cybersecurity concepts, aerospace systems, or technical communication. Because the program is project-based, you are expected to work independently while staying in regular contact with your mentor. You document your progress and present your work through a digital research poster at the end.
8. Carnegie Mellon University’s AI Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; ~40–50 students
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 16 or older by June 20; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or registered with DACA
Carnegie Mellon’s AI Scholars program is designed for students who want a structured introduction to artificial intelligence, computing, and tech careers. You begin with a virtual Python course that prepares you for the programming and problem-solving required during the main program. On campus, you study foundational AI and computer science concepts through faculty-led instruction, group projects, and research exposure. The program also includes mentorship from faculty and graduate students, helping you understand both the technical and academic pathways into AI. A final capstone symposium gives you the chance to present a group project that applies AI concepts to a practical challenge.
9. Early College Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies @ Spelman College
Location: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA + other sites in Atlanta like the Atlanta University Center and the High Museum of Art
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 15–20 students
Dates: June 20 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Spelman’s Early College Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies is not a traditional tech program, but it includes useful exposure to digital communication, museum technology, and visual culture analysis. You study how art is interpreted, preserved, displayed, and communicated across museums, archives, libraries, and public-facing spaces. Coursework asks you to analyze collections, work with primary sources, and understand how curators shape audience experience. The program also builds skills in public speaking, critical writing, and the use of technology and social media within museum and curatorial contexts. Site visits and exhibition-focused projects help you connect classroom learning to professional cultural institutions.
10. Cornell’s Art Summer Program for High School Students
Location: Online or Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Residential: $5,820 – $22,282 (depending on the session length and format) | Online: $1,940 per credit; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10–18 students per section
Dates: Varies by course and format (typically, June to August); check details here
Application Deadline: Varies as per course and format
Eligibility: Online: Students, ages 15–19 | Residential: Students, ages 16–18 years | Commuter: Students, ages 16–19; applicants must have completed their sophomore year of high school
Cornell’s art pre-college program for high school students is especially relevant for those interested in the intersection of creative practice, digital tools, and design-based technology. Depending on the course you choose, you may explore media such as digital photography, video installation, print media, transmedia, or interactive work. The TransMedia option, in particular, introduces tools like cameras, audio recorders, software platforms, and physical computing boards, helping you understand how technology can support creative production. Studio projects are paired with critiques, readings, and faculty feedback, so you learn to develop both your technical skills and your artistic reasoning. The program also pushes you to revise your work and communicate your process clearly.
11. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Residential housing/meal fees (approx. $2,360+) / Stipend paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5%; approximately 40 students
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Students in their junior year of high school (11th grade) who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program places you in an active research environment across science, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or artificial intelligence. You are matched with a faculty mentor and take responsibility for a defined project within a lab or research group. Depending on your placement, your work may involve coding, data analysis, mathematical modeling, experimental techniques, or applied engineering methods. Weekly faculty talks and workshops help you understand how research is conducted across technical disciplines. The closing symposium allows you to present your findings and explain your process in a written abstract and poster to others in the research community.
12. MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute
Location: Virtual and in-person at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free pre-requisite course | Summer program fee is $2,400 for students with family income $200,000 or greater, or free otherwise
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited seats per course
Dates: Online Courses: Starts February 2 | In-person Summer Program: July 6 – August 1 or 2
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school students living in the U.S. and physically attending a U.S. high school, generally in grades 9–11
MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute is built for students who want a project-based experience in engineering, computer science, and emerging technology. Before the main program begins, you complete online coursework that prepares you for the technical pace of the summer session. Once in your chosen track, you may work on topics such as robotics, autonomous systems, machine learning, cybersecurity, game design, satellites, or radar. Much of the learning happens through team-based design, testing, debugging, and iteration, which mirrors real engineering workflows. You may use tools such as Python, Git, simulations, sensors, or hardware platforms, depending on the course. Each track typically concludes with a capstone project or challenge where you apply your skills to a concrete technical problem.
13. SCAD Rising Star
Location: Savannah College of Art and Design campuses in Savannah, GA, and Atlanta, GA
Cost: $6,620; limited scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small class sizes
Dates: June 28 – July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
SCAD Rising Star is useful if your interest in tech leans toward digital design, interactive media, visual effects, game aesthetics, or creative production. You enroll in college-level courses and complete assignments using university studios, labs, production spaces, and digital tools. Depending on your course choices, your work may involve game design principles, graphic design, visual effects, motion media, advertising, digital storytelling, or entertainment design. Projects are developed through critique and revision, helping you understand how professional creative work improves through feedback. The program also gives you exposure to portfolio-building expectations in the design and media fields. By the end, you leave with a clearer sense of how technology supports modern creative industries.
14. Parsons’ Summer Intensive Studies
Location: Parsons School of Design’s NYC Greenwich Village campus, New York City, NY
Cost: $5,610 + $265 university fees + $2,180 housing for three weeks; scholarships are available for U.S. students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small class sizes
Dates: Session 1: June 8–26; Session 2: July 6–24
Application Deadline: Session 1: May 8 for domestic students and April 1 for international students | Session 2: June 1 for domestic students, April 1 for international students, and May 8 for students applying for university housing
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18
Parsons’ pre-college program for high school students is a good option if you’re interested in design, digital media, fashion technology, visual communication, or creative tech pathways. You take a college-level studio course taught by Parsons faculty, with full-day learning centered on projects, critique, and revision. Depending on your chosen area, you may work on design concepts, visual systems, portfolio pieces, or field-specific creative production. The program connects classroom assignments to New York City’s design and art industries through field trips, guest speakers, and exposure to professional spaces. Small classes allow for more direct feedback, which helps you refine both your technical choices and creative process.
15. Harvard Summer School / Harvard Division of Continuing Education – Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Harvard University campus, Cambridge, Massachusetts (residential)
Cost: $6,100 + $75 nonrefundable application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12–18 students per class
Dates: Session I June 21 – July 2; Session II July 5–17; Session III July 19–31
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students graduating and entering college in program year + ⅔ years; at least 16 years old by June 20 and not turning 19 before July 31
In this program, you enroll in one college-level course per two-week session, attending class on weekdays for roughly three hours daily and completing two to four hours of homework each evening under the guidance of Harvard-affiliated instructors. You select from courses spanning multiple academic disciplines, joining small seminars where you tackle problem sets, analyze complex readings, practice healthy debate, and deliver presentations on your own research. You also complete a required Passport program, signing up for academic exploration sessions, college-readiness workshops, and weekend social events and trips around Boston. You finish with a written instructor evaluation and a Harvard transcript noting whether requirements were met.
Frequently asked questions
1. What pre-college programs are available for high school students?
Options include STEM and engineering research programs, such as RSI, Clark Scholars, NYU ARISE, JHU ASPIRE, and MIT Beaver Works, biomedical and cancer research programs, such as MD Anderson King Foundation, UChicago EYES on Cancer, and ASPIRE, AI and data science programs, such as CMU AI Scholars, Veritas AI, and UChicago DSI Summer Lab, and arts and design programs, such as SCAD Rising Star, Parsons Summer Intensive, Cornell Art Summer Program, and Spelman Early College.
2. Are there free pre-college programs for high school students?
Yes, RSI, CMU AI Scholars, JHU ASPIRE, and MIT Beaver Works (for families earning under $200,000) are all free, while MD Anderson King Foundation, UChicago DSI Summer Lab, UChicago EYES on Cancer, and NYU ARISE all provide substantial stipends on top of being free to attend.
3. Which pre-college programs are best for students interested in research and science?
RSI, Clark Scholars, Stony Brook Simons Summer Research, JHU ASPIRE, MD Anderson King Foundation, and UChicago EYES on Cancer all place students in active research environments with faculty mentors, while Veritas AI supports independent AI research with publication support.
4. Do any pre-college programs offer college credit or formal academic credentials?
Harvard Pre-College Program provides a Harvard transcript and instructor evaluation, Cornell Art Summer Program offers transferable Cornell credits, and MIT Beaver Works concludes with a capstone project and formal technical evaluation that can be referenced in college applications.
5. Which programs are open to students regardless of location?
MIT Beaver Works offers virtual options alongside in-person, Veritas AI is fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world, and Cornell Art Summer Program offers online sections accessible to students nationally, while most residential programs accept applicants from across the U.S.
6. When should I apply to pre-college programs for high school students?
RSI closes December 10, MD Anderson King Foundation closes January 14, UChicago DSI Summer Lab closes January 12, CMU AI Scholars closes February 1, JHU ASPIRE closes February 15, and Stony Brook Simons closes February 5, so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing materials over winter break.
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