It’s likely that you’ve heard about pre-college summer programs, whether highly academic programs at premier institutions or programs that specialize in providing students with critical skills and experience. The most enriching summer programs are not just about academics - they're gateways to future success, offering high school students a glimpse into college life and helping them explore future career options.
Interested in what this kind of program can do for you? Keep reading to learn about the value of pre-college summer programs, and how to choose the one that aligns best with your personal interests and academic goals.
What Does a Pre-College Summer Program Offer?
A Smooth Transition into College Life
Participating in a pre-college program will help you gain an understanding of the college experience as you become familiar with the pace and rigor of university study and life. This will help you build a foundation for your actual college experience, easing the transition once you graduate high school.
Academic Exploration and Specialization
Through a pre-college program, you’ll have the chance to explore subjects not typically offered in high school. This provides a clearer vision for your major and, ultimately, your career path. These explorations can ignite a passion for a specific field of study or help you confirm an existing interest.
Building Lifelong Networks
Early connections with professors, industry experts, and peers can form the foundation of a professional network. This network will be an invaluable resource once you start applying for internships, mentorships, and career opportunities.
Standing Out in College Admissions
Participation in a reputable pre-college program can help you stand out in your college application. Admissions officers often view these experiences as indicators of a student's commitment to education, ability to manage college-level work, and eagerness to engage in learning opportunities beyond the standard curriculum.
Skill Development and Confidence Building
Beyond academic learning, pre-college summer programs cultivate important life skills like independence, time management, and self-advocacy which will benefit you through and beyond college.
Discover your potential at the center of the art world: New York City, with the Summer Institute at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
How Do I Choose the Right Pre-College Program?
To choose the right program for you, you'll need an understanding of your academic goals. You can start by researching the offerings that are available for your interests.
Matching Interests and Goals
Grab a pencil and paper and reflect on your academic interests and career aspirations. What subjects are you interested in exploring? Do your skills and strengths cater toward a specific career or careers? Once you've done a quick brainstorm, research programs that resonate with your ambitions and specialize in subjects that interest you.
Program Curriculum and Faculty
Once you’ve found a few programs that match your interests, it’s important to consider the program curriculum and faculty. Does the program's curriculum seem like it will challenge and expand your knowledge? Are the faculty specialists in the fields you’re interested in? For example, if you have an interest in experiential learning, confirm if site visits and hands-on projects are emphasized in the course curriculum.
If art business is your area of interest, look for programs with faculty who have experience working at premier art institutions. This ensures that you’ll garner the most insights and highest quality connections during your time in the program.
Location and Campus Life
Depending on what you’re seeking in a pre-college program, the program’s location is also an important factor to consider. You might benefit from a program in a certain location depending on your area of study.
If you’re studying topics rooted in art and culture, programs in cities with an art scene and museums will be best suited to provide the most opportunities for on-the-ground learning. “Pre-college programs can serve as your gateway to the art world, providing a golden opportunity for you to immerse yourself in art and culture, oftentimes with the world's most culturally diverse cities as your classroom,” says Dan Vo, Director of Pre-College at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Feedback from Alumni
Reach out to alumni on LinkedIn for first-hand insights into the program experience. Some programs will even provide program ambassadors for you to connect with. Alumni experiences can provide a realistic perspective on what to expect and how to make the most of the program.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars
If you’re going to invest in a pre-college experience, you should approach your program as an opportunity to meet new people. Whether you’re exploring a new and exciting city or building a local community, it’s important to make connections and have fun. Download a program prospectus, if available, or reach out to the admissions team for a sample social calendar.
This is also a good point in your research process to determine if you would like to be a day student or a residential student. If you already live in the city of your program of choice, it might make more sense to commute to school. Being an on-campus student also comes with its benefits – your social hours will likely be longer since you’ll be living with your peers!
Discover your potential at the center of the art world: New York City, with the Summer Institute at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.