Continue on your path of academic discovery! Our programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences provide motivated students the opportunity to challenge themselves in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Credit and noncredit programs, as well as commuter, residential, and online options, are available so you can choose the program that best fits your academic goals and schedule. Scholarship assistance is available for all of our programs.
Attending a pre-college program is a great way to study a favorite subject, discover new passions, and prepare for college life. Through our Arts & Sciences Pre-College Programs you will experience undergraduate-level curriculum, develop essential college readiness skills, and build a community of peers from around the world.
There are a many reasons an Arts & Sciences pre-college program stands apart from other summer experiences:
- Commitment to academic success: Whether you choose to attend a for credit or noncredit program the benefits are the same. You will gain invaluable experience managing time, studying for exams, writing papers, and collaborating with peers.
- Development of college readiness skills: Through our challenging and innovative programming, you will develop skills to be successful in college. And while academic readiness is key, we also believe that social and emotional preparedness is just as important. We create an environment that encourages exploration and self-reflection.
- Collaborative and supportive community: All of our students, whether in-person or virtual, are part of our pre-college community a network of students and staff from across the country and around the world. You will discover what it means to be part of a community, and learn to embrace others' differences. Our programs create spaces for you to ask questions, make mistakes, try new things, and learn in a supportive environment.
- Dedicated support: We know that attending a pre-college program can be an exciting, but sometimes challenging experience. We also recognize that each student will have their own individual needs during the program. This is why we have a dedicated team to provide individualized support. Staff are available to discuss questions and concerns, provide insight on campus resources, and promote physical and mental well-being.
Summer Opportunities
High School Summer Scholars Program
A five-week program for rising high school seniors. Enroll in one or two undergraduate courses for credit. Introductory-level curriculum provides an opportunity for students to create a strong foundation for future undergraduate studies. Past course options have explored subjects including political science, statistics, anthropology, philosophy, biology, and psychology. This program is ideal for students who want to earn college credit, challenge themselves academically and explore courses in a specific major or subject.
High School Summer Institutes
Our High School Summer Institutes were created for rising juniors and seniors to experience college-level curriculum without the pressure of a letter grade. Each institute has a specific theme or focus and includes traditional undergraduate classroom activities. These programs are designed for students to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and consider new ideas. Class sizes are small (typically between 15-20 students) to ensure student receive personalized feedback from instructors.
High School Summer Launch
This one week residential program is for rising sophomores and juniors. Students participate in a series of daily seminars and workshops designed to build a strong foundation for future academic studies and prepare students for the college search and application process. This program is ideal for students who want a general introduction to college life and academics and are looking for a full pre-college experience in an accelerated format.
Exploration Courses
Our Exploration Courses provide students the opportunity to experience WashU from home. These online, noncredit courses provide students an introduction to many of the majors, fields of study, and interdisciplinary programs offered by the College of Arts & Sciences. This program is ideal if you are looking for the flexibility of an online experience and interested in exploring connections between various fields of study. These courses are a great way to supplement an academic portfolio!
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