Online Experience

Student on Video Chat

Tulane Pre-College Programs features two-week online, enrichment summer courses for academically talented and intellectually curious rising 9th - 12th grade students. We invite high school students from around the world to discover, study, and explore through our engaging online learning platform.

Online pre-college program courses give you the flexibility to learn using a hybrid model of coursework that is both synchronous (class time spent online with other students and instructors) and asynchronous (self-paced assignments done individually). This structure gives you ample time to complete your coursework and connect with your instructor between synchronous sessions.

As an online pre-college student, you will enjoy a one-of-a-kind learning experience that offers a myriad of opportunities to engage, grow, and succeed. Best of all, you will benefit from our support, resources, and the relationships you forge — not only this summer but far into your educational future.

What to Expect

  • • Online access to a proven curriculum and distinguished instructors
  • • Live, synchronous class sessions with a mix of group work, discussion, and lectures
  • • Asynchronous, independent work for students to complete on their own
  • Scheduled time slots for both live group sessions and individual work sessions
  • • Participation and collaboration tools that allow asynchronous video, audio, and text commenting

2023 Dates and Tuition

Sessions run for two weeks, with courses meeting on weekdays. Please note that students may only attend one course during each session. See our courses for Summer 2023 here.

Virtual Co-Curricular Programming

Tulane Pre-College offers online co-curricular programming to complement our academic courses. While students are simultaneously learning the subject matter in their courses, the co-curricular programming provides an experience centered in learning more about Tulane University, such as details of campus life, Tulane culture, and the values that our university lives by. Our asynchronous co-curricular workshops are designed and led by current Tulane undergraduates and recent alumni. Students can also sign up for co-curricular office hours for a chance to chat with current Tulane undergraduates. Engaging in co-curricular activities is optional but highly encouraged.

Online Course FAQ

What does a typical day look like for an online course?

The typical day varies from course to course, but all courses have a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous content. Students will usually have asynchronous work that they complete in the morning and then attend a synchronous session to discuss what they have been learning about and working on in their course. Instructors also provide office hours to check in with students and to answer any questions that they may have. Tulane Pre-College offers virtual co-curricular programming outside of the academic course to provide a well-rounded pre-collegiate experience. 

When do synchronous sessions meet?

Students must be available to sign into and virtually attend the course online sometime between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm CDT (noted as the course meeting times - all times listed are local to New Orleans). Depending on the course, synchronous sessions may be daily or 2-3 times a week. Synchronous sessions are usually 60-90 minutes long. The exact schedule of synchronous sessions will be available closer to the start of courses. 

What asynchronous work is planned?

Asynchronous work varies by content area and course. Students can anticipate spending their asynchronous time engaging in discussion boards, watching videos, reading articles, completing design and lab assignments, writing papers, and more. 

How should students use asynchronous time?

Developing study habits is very helpful for online course work. It’s also a great way to practice for future college courses.  

We suggest that students structure their time to make sure they complete any assignments prior to synchronous sessions (work done with other students and instructors). We also suggest that students schedule breaks for themselves - even if it's just five minutes at a time. 

Are all online courses the same length of time and the same cost?

All of our online courses are noncredit, run two weeks, and cost $695. 

Will there be social activities available?

Tulane Pre-College offers online co-curricular (non-academic) programming to complement our academic courses. Students are invited to the “Krewe of TU” (a nod to New Orleans Mardi Gras culture) Canvas course. The co-curricular programming provides students with opportunities t learn more about Tulane, explore the college admissions process, and more. 

 

Online Classroom Technology Requirements

Computer

Participants will need to have daily access to a computer that has Windows or Apple as the operating system and is capable of running the latest versions of internet browsers, plug-ins, and software.

Internet Connection

Participants will need to be connected to high-speed internet that will support interactive audio and video.

Webcam

Participants should have a webcam to support daily participation in class.

Microphone

If you are using a laptop with a built-in microphone, we recommend that you use headphones during live class sessions to avoid echo or feedback. If possible, we suggest that you use a USB-based headset with a microphone for clear audio when participating in class.

Quiet Learning Environment

Do your best to choose a comfortable, distraction-free learning space for the live class meeting times. Keep in mind that the setting should be appropriate for interacting with instructors and fellow students on camera.