6 reasons why summer pre-college programs are worth it

1. College life preview without the commitment: Let’s be honest, college can feel like a huge leap. If you’re like a lot of students, college might be the first time you’re living away from home. These programs let you experience life in a dorm with new friends, figure out how the dining halls work (and how to find the best food!), get a better understanding of the challenge level in college classes and get a feel for the campus vibe. It’s a chance to see if you actually like the college experience before you commit to a four-year (or more!) journey.
2. Academic exploration with a twist: Many programs focus on specific areas, like creative writing, engineering or even marine biology. It’s a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re genuinely interested in, often with more hands-on learning than you might get in high school. This can be particularly valuable in figuring out what you might want to study in college, or even discovering a passion you never knew you had. Plus, some colleges offer college credit for courses. For example in Earlham’s one-week pre-college program, you can take engaging courses like Metalsmithing and Game Design for college credit.
3. Building your confidence and independence: Let’s face it — being away from home is a learning experience. You’ll navigate campus on your own, manage your time and maybe even do your own laundry (gulp!). This builds independence and confidence that will be invaluable when you move out and possibly go to college. Plus, it’s pretty empowering to realize you can handle things on your own!
4. New friends, mentors and a community invested in you: You’ll be surrounded by other motivated high school students who share your interests. This is a fantastic opportunity to make friends from all over, who might just become your future college besties. You might also connect with professors or current college students who can offer helpful insights about the college experience. At our summer pre-college program, you can live, play and eat (the food is so good) on campus, get quality face-time with accomplished faculty, and discover the sense of community and support that Earlham is known for.
5. A resume booster that actually means something: Let’s be real, college and job applications are competitive. Having a pre-college summer program on your resume shows initiative, a genuine interest in learning and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Plus, the experiences and skills you gain will give you something concrete to talk about in your essays and interviews.
6. Finding the right fit: Maybe you’ve always dreamed of going to a specific college, but you’re not entirely sure if it’s the right place for you. A summer program can give you a chance to see if that dream aligns with reality. You might fall in love with the campus, or maybe you’ll realize it’s not quite your vibe. Either way, you’ll get valuable insight into what matters to you to help inform your college decisions.

Hopefully, by now, you’re saying something like, “Okay, I’m convinced. How do I get started?” Great question!