A pre-college program is a structured academic experience that lets high school students take college-level courses, explore future majors, and build real college readiness before graduation.
If you've ever wondered what college will actually feel like—the courses, the campus life, the independence—a pre-college program is the most direct way to find out. These summer programs bring high schoolers onto university campuses to study alongside college-level instructors, meet peers from around the world, and discover what they're truly passionate about.
What Does a Pre-College Program Include?
Pre-college programs vary by school, but most offer a combination of academics, campus life, and enrichment activities. At Tulane Pre-College Programs, for example, students can choose between enrichment courses and credit-bearing courses depending on their grade level and goals.
Enrichment courses are low-pressure, exploration-focused classes for rising 9th–12th graders. There are no grades or exams—just hands-on learning in subjects from architecture to public health.
Credit-bearing courses are designed for rising 11th and 12th graders and mirror the intensity of a first-year college course. Successful completion earns three college credits and an official university transcript.
Residential and commuter options allow students to either live on campus for the full immersive experience or commute daily from home.
Beyond the classroom, students attend college workshops, participate in field excursions, and access campus facilities like libraries, recreation centers, and dining halls.
Types of Pre-College Program Experiences
Most pre-college programs offer more than one format. The right choice depends on where you live, your academic goals, and how much independence you're ready for. Here's how the main formats at Tulane compare:
| Format | Who It's For | Key Features | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrichment Course | Rising 9th–12th graders | No grades or exams; hands-on, exploration-focused learning | Culminating project and certificate of completion |
| Credit-Bearing Course | Rising 11th–12th graders | Mirrors first-year college intensity; assignments and assessments | Three college credits and official Tulane transcript |
| Residential Experience | Students seeking full immersion | Live on campus; access to dining, recreation, and residential staff | Independence and full college-life experience |
| Commuter Experience | Local students | Attend daily from home; same coursework and activities | College academics with the comfort of home |
You can explore all program formats and session dates on the Tulane Pre-College Student Experience page.
Why Do High School Students Attend Pre-College Programs?
Students choose pre-college programs for a wide range of reasons—academic, personal, and practical. Some of the most common motivations include:
- Getting a taste of college coursework before freshman year
- Strengthening a college application with demonstrable academic initiative
- Exploring a potential major or career field before having to declare it in college
- Building independence and confidence in a supervised residential setting
- Making meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds
According to U.S. News & World Report, pre-college programs can help students clarify their academic interests, develop study habits for college, and demonstrate motivation to admissions officers.
At Tulane, students are guided by instructors from the Tulane community and supported by residential staff, some of which are Tulane undergraduates themselves—so the mentorship feels real, not manufactured.
What Subjects Can You Study?
Pre-college programs cover a broad range of academic disciplines. At Tulane, students can explore fields including architecture and design, public health, STEM, gender studies, social justice, and more. You can browse all available options on the Tulane Pre-College courses page.
For students interested in specialized tracks, Tulane also offers focused programs like the Tulane Science Scholars Program and Explorations in Architecture and Design—each designed to go deep into a specific field over two intensive weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend a pre-college program?
Most pre-college programs are open to current high school students. At Tulane, enrichment courses welcome rising 9th–12th graders, while credit-bearing courses are designed for rising 11th and 12th graders.
How do pre-college programs help with college admissions?
Participating in a rigorous pre-college program shows admissions officers academic initiative and intellectual curiosity—both of which are valued in the application process. Completing a credit-bearing course also adds an official college transcript to your record. Pre-college programs do not guarantee admission into those undergraduate institutions, however.
Can you earn college credit in a pre-college program?
Yes, though not all programs offer credit. At Tulane Pre-College, credit-bearing courses grant three college credits upon successful completion, along with an official Tulane University transcript. These courses fit accreditation standards, but you should always verify the credit acceptance policies of the colleges you are most interested in attending.
Is there financial aid available for pre-college programs?
Many programs, including Tulane Pre-College, offer financial aid. There is no fee to apply, and students can request needs-based aid within the application.
What's the difference between enrichment and credit-bearing courses?
Enrichment courses are exploration-focused with no grades or exams—students complete a culminating project and receive a certificate of completion. Credit-bearing courses mirror undergraduate coursework, involve assignments and assessments, and result in actual college credit upon completion.