Top 5 Skills You Gain From a Pre-College Program

Joining a pre-college program can be a game-changer. These programs offer high school students the chance to participate in college-level experiences, explore potential majors, and start building skills that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a student curious about what college has in store or a parent considering how to prepare your teen for what’s next, the skills cultivated in a pre-college program last far beyond the classroom, introducing young adults to the independence and confidence gained through higher education. 

Here are the top five skills students often gain from participating in a pre-college program:

1. Self-Advocacy

College asks students to take charge of their own learning. Pre-college summer programs start that process early. By engaging and building relationships with professors, teaching assistants (TAs), and residential counselors, students learn to ask questions and seek the support they need. Developing self-advocacy builds confidence and teaches students how to access resources effectively. This skill will smooth the transition to college and help students succeed in academic and professional environments.

2. Cultural Awareness

Pre-college programs for high schoolers often attract students from the U.S. and abroad with different perspectives and backgrounds. The diversity of peers and program staff exposes students to a range of worldviews and communication styles. The experience fosters cultural awareness, broadens students’ perspectives, and helps them learn how to connect with different kinds of people—a crucial skill in our increasingly connected world.

3. Inquiry-Based Learning

Pre-college programs encourage curiosity and celebrate asking questions! Many programs use projects, experiments, field research, and other strategies to empower students to explore their interests more deeply. Participating in lectures with college faculty, discussions, and group work inspires students to ask new questions and dig further into their subjects. This inquiry-driven approach invites students to discover what excites them academically and develop a love for learning they’ll carry into their future studies.

4. Research Proficiency

Research skills form the core of academic success, and pre-college programs give students access to large library systems, rich academic databases, and program staff who are experts in their fields. Students learn to navigate vast information sources, assess credible resources, and apply findings to real-world questions. By the end of the program, those newfound research skills become the foundation for students’ success in college and beyond.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration

Academics and careers rely on collaboration, and pre-college programs use group projects and classroom activities to refine this skill. Students work together to tackle challenges and leverage each other’s strengths while developing valuable interpersonal and organizational skills. From brainstorming and planning to testing and execution, these collaborative activities give students practical teamwork skills they’ll use in college and beyond.

Bonus Skills: Critical Thinking, Interdisciplinary Knowledge, and Time Management

Beyond the top five skills, many pre-college students gain bonus skills that give them an extra edge:

•  Learning to think critically by analyzing information from various sources 
• Developing interdisciplinary awareness by exploring how different subjects intersect 
• Mastering time management as they balance classes, projects, and campus activities

If you're looking for a program offering these and other skills, consider Tufts University College’s Pre-College Programs. This leading university provides a supportive environment to explore college-level learning. You’ll connect with a global community of peers and develop key skills to prepare you for success in college and beyond. With unique courses, expert faculty, and hands-on projects, Tufts Pre-College helps students explore and expand their interests while experiencing life in a thriving academic community.

Check out Tufts University College’s Pre-College Programs to learn more and see how you can jumpstart your college journey!