Date
May 17, 2024
Why You Should Consider a Pre-College Program: A Guide for Students and Parents
As summer approaches and you wrap up another school year, you might be wondering how to make the most of your summer. Whether you're thinking ahead to college applications, want to explore subjects not offered at your high school or curious about the independence and responsibilities of college life, pre-college can offer incredible opportunities. Here’s why enrolling in a pre-college program can be a valuable experience.
1. Get a Jumpstart on College Life
Transitioning to college can be a significant and sometimes challenging shift. You’ll need to manage your own schedule, balance academics with extracurricular activities and handle daily responsibilities like laundry and meal planning. A pre-college program serves as a low-stakes way to practice these skills. You’ll learn how to navigate office hours, schedule study time and communicate with professors—essential skills to be successful in college. Plus, if you choose to study on campus, you might enjoy perks like a dining hall with a soft-serve ice cream machine!
2. Adapt to Academic Expectations
College courses typically demand more than high school classes, even Aadvanced Pplacements (APs). By taking a college course during a pre-college program, you’ll gain insight into the workload and academic rigor you can expect as an undergraduate. This experience can help you adjust without the pressure of affecting your permanent GPA, allowing you to learn from any challenges along the way.
3. Engage with Like-Minded Peers
In high school, you may find yourself in classes with students who aren’t particularly motivated. In contrast, pre-college programs attract individuals who are genuinely interested in their subjects. Everyone in these courses is there because they want to be, fostering engaging discussions and debates that can enrich your learning experience.
4. Explore a Variety of Options
There are countless pre-college programs available, each offering different locations, academic subjects, activities and price points. Whether you’re interested in science, the arts or humanities, you can find a program that aligns with your interests and goals. Research various options to discover the best fit for you!