With hundreds of precollege programs out there, how do you pick one that’s actually worth your time and money?
Whether you’re looking to get a taste of college life, earn credit, or explore a passion, this step-by-step guide will help you narrow your choices and find the best fit.
Step 1: Define Your Goal
Before you start comparing programs, ask yourself what you want to get out of the experience.
- Academic experience: Do you want to explore a college-level subject or test your interest in a potential major?
- College credit: Some programs let you earn transferrable college credits, which is great for jump-starting your college transcript.
- Fun and exploration: Others focus more on creative discovery, campus life, and making connections with like-minded peers.
- Resume boost: If you’re preparing for college admissions, a precollege program can show initiative and commitment to learning beyond school.
- Early decision: Some colleges, like Sarah Lawrence College, allow you to apply for a special Early Decision outside the regular Early Decision process.
Clarifying your goal first will make it easier to filter programs that align with your priorities.
Step 2: Choose a Focus Area
Precollege programs come in nearly every subject imaginable. So choose one that excites you!
- Writing: Great for young writers looking to develop a portfolio or refine your storytelling voice.
- Arts: Perfect for students interested in visual arts, film, theater, or music who want studio time and critique.
- STEM: Ideal for students who want lab experience, coding skills, or exposure to research methods. Many programs specialize in areas such as environmental science, river ecology, robotics, or coding.
- General studies: For those who want to explore multiple subjects before committing to a major.
Think about the subjects you love most in school — or the ones you’ve never had the chance to explore — and start there.
Step 3: Consider the College Type
Not all colleges offer the same kind of learning environment. Understanding the difference can help you find a program that fits your personality and learning style.
- Liberal Arts Colleges: Colleges like Sarah Lawrence emphasize small classes, close faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary thinking. You’ll learn through discussion, writing, and creative projects.
Colleges such as Sarah Lawrence that have a strong presence in the arts may provide hands-on studio work, critiques, and exposure to professional artists, ideal for portfolio development.
- Research Universities: Offer access to labs, specialized equipment, and a faster-paced academic setting. Ideal for future scientists or scholars.
- Business Schools: Offer business focused courses in entrepreneurship, economics, and leadership. Great for aspiring business students.
Each environment fosters different strengths - so consider where you’ll thrive most.
Step 4: Decide on Residential vs. Commuter vs. Online
Your lifestyle and comfort level matter, too.
- Residential Programs: Let you live on campus, experience dorm life, and meet students from around the country. They’re immersive and provide a real taste of college independence.
- Commuter Options: Ideal if you live nearby or prefer staying at home. You’ll still get the classroom experience without the overnight commitment.
- Online Programs: Offer flexibility and accessibility for students balancing other commitments or living far away from campus.
Ask yourself how ready you are for the independence of living away from home, and how that experience fits into your goals.
Step 5: Evaluate Cost and Aid
Tuition for precollege programs varies widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Be sure to:
- Understand what’s included: Does the fee cover housing, meals, and supplies, or only tuition? Many programs have additional fees. Some programs, like those at Sarah Lawrence, have everything included.
- Look for financial aid: Many colleges offer scholarships, discounts, or need-based assistance for summer students.
- Consider the value: A program with strong mentorship, college credit, and small classes may justify a higher cost than a larger, less personalized option.
Step 6: Check Application Competitiveness
Some precollege programs are open enrollment, while others require essays, transcripts, or recommendations.
- Open enrollment programs are great for exploration and enrichment.
- Selective programs can boost your college applications but require earlier preparation.
Make sure you understand the application requirements, deadlines, and how competitive each program is before you apply.