10 College Prep Programs for Middle School Students
Preparing for college might seem like a distant goal during middle school, but starting early can set the foundation for future academic success. College prep programs are specifically designed to equip middle school students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate the challenges of higher education. These programs offer more than just academic enrichment — they provide a unique glimpse into college life, foster personal and intellectual growth, and connect students with mentors and peers who share their ambitions.
By engaging in college prep programs, students gain valuable insights into the expectations of college-level work, develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and begin to build a network of academic and professional contacts. Whether through hands-on projects, leadership training, or academic workshops, these programs help students discover their passions and set clear goals for their educational journey.
Dive into this list of 10 college prep programs designed to challenge and inspire middle school students, giving them a strong head start on their path to college success.
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program aims to prepare students for a rigorous high school education with a three-week online summer course, and weekly online after-school meetings during fall. This program is especially targeted toward students from low-income households, offering an accessible and enriching educational experience.
SMSSP offers a variety of courses that cover disciplines ranging from the humanities to the sciences. This year’s courses include Democracy & Dissent, U.S. Social Movements through Graphic Novel, Media Literacy in the Post-Truth Era, and Real-Life Applications to Mathematics. The program is structured to break traditional learning boundaries, encouraging students to think critically and creatively.
In the fall semester, the program provides focused workshops that help students prepare for high school and apply to Stanford's own High School programs and other similar courses. Participants benefit from the prestige of the Stanford name, access to engaged learners, and resources that can support them in charting a bright academic future.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
Summer Program: July 8 – July 26, 2024
Fall Semester Meetings: August 26 – December 13, 2024
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 or 7 who reside in and attend school in the United States can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) at Columbia University is a free, intensive preparatory program designed for 7th - 12th grade students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine or related STEM fields. Targeted at students from historically underrepresented communities or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, S-PREP provides a strong foundation for those aspiring to excel in science and medicine.
The program is divided into two sessions: one during the summer and the other during the academic year. S-PREP offers a variety of enrichment courses to bolster students' knowledge in math and science, including subjects such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Brain & Cognitive Science, Physics, Psychology, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Statistics. Additionally, the program provides PSAT preparation during the summer and SAT preparation throughout the academic year, helping students build essential test-taking skills.
Aside from the prestige associated with the host university, S-PREP offers a range of resources and workshops focused on college preparation, career development, and academic counseling. Participants also have the opportunity to attend field trips and college tours, giving them a firsthand look at college life and the pathways to success in higher education.
Location: Columbia University campus, New York, NY
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Students must be:
Enrolled in Grades 7–12.
New York State Residents or Permanent Residents residing in the state.
Economically disadvantaged, or Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native, or American Indian; and will benefit from academic enrichment.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) on-campus summer courses bring together advanced learners from around the world to explore the arts and sciences, bioethics, engineering, public health, and more. The program is not limited to residential scholars, it accepts day scholars as well. It is a residential program for middle schoolers.
CTY offers several pathways for middle school students, including the Discovery Sampler, Academic Explorations, Young Students Program, and Intensive Studies. Each pathway is tailored to different academic needs and interests. For example, the Discovery Sampler allows students to explore multiple subjects, while Intensive Studies focuses on a single topic in greater depth. These programs not only provide rigorous academic challenges but also foster a sense of community among like-minded peers. You can check out the complete list of available courses for 6th-8th graders here.
Location: Multiple campuses across the United States.
Program Dates: Multiple three-week sessions available between June 23 and August 9, 2024.
Cost: Ranges from approximately $3,099 to $6,819, depending on the course; a limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12 can apply for this program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Penn GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science) is a week-long day camp at the University of Pennsylvania designed to inspire middle school girls in grades 7 through 9 to explore STEM fields. The program focuses on hands-on learning experiences in bioengineering, nanotechnology, materials science, graphics, and computing, among other areas.
Participants engage in various activities that emphasize real-world problem-solving and collaboration, working alongside Penn faculty and students. The program's curriculum is designed to not only build technical skills but also to boost confidence and self-efficacy in young women pursuing STEM careers.
This program will offer you a unique college experience as you’ll get to connect with mentors and role models and engage in a wide range of activities that will improve your skills. Working with Penn professors and students, you will be privy to novel ideas and how they are relevant to humans.
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Program Dates: Typically held in late June (the 2024 camp took place from June 24 to June 28)
Cost: $650 per student; a limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available
Eligibility: Current 6th to 8th-grade students in the Philadelphia area with a B average can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Duke’s Summer Residential Program promises an engaging college-like experience for students from various backgrounds. You can expect to find courses like aerospace engineering, mathematical logic and proofs, financial literacy, environmental art, animal cognition, and marine ecology. The courses are rigorous and completely engaging for those who are interested in these fields. You can check out the complete list of available courses here.
During the program, students live in campus residence halls, dine at Duke’s facilities, and explore significant locations around the campus and Durham area. The courses are taught by Duke faculty and industry professionals, providing students with high-quality instruction and a chance to interact with experts in their fields of interest. This immersive experience not only challenges students academically but also helps them build valuable connections with peers who share similar academic passions.
The program offers a variety of one- and two-week sessions, allowing students to choose the length of their stay and the subjects they wish to explore.
Location: Duke University campus, Durham, NC
Program Dates: Multiple one- and two-week sessions available between June 16 and July 26, 2024.
Cost:
One-week programs: $2,150
Two-week programs: $4,700 (includes tuition, room, and board)
A limited amount of financial assistance is available.
Eligibility: Current 6th to 11th grade students can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in early April.
6. MST@MSU
The Mathematics, Science, and Technology program at Michigan State University (MST@MSU) is a one-week summer program for academically inclined middle school students interested in STEM. The program offers both commuter and residential programs where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the subjects and get to participate in hands-on interdisciplinary research using tools of mathematics, science, and technology. You can check out the track options for both sessions here.
Participants can choose from a variety of research tracks, each designed to challenge and engage students in advanced STEM topics. These tracks may include composing original music using technology, studying mathematical proofs and logic, or exploring whole-body integrative physiology. The program can be a deeply enriching experience for you as it aims to challenge the intellectual abilities of talented middle schoolers with rigorous and intensive coursework — further advancing your knowledge and interest in STEM subjects.
In addition to academic growth, the MST@MSU program provides a taste of college life at Michigan State University. Students will interact with faculty mentors, participate in collaborative projects, and engage with peers who share similar interests, all within the supportive environment of a top-tier research university.
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Program Dates: Session 1: July 8 to July 12, 2024 | Session 2: July 15 to July 19, 2024
Cost: $75 application fee; $895 for the commuter program (inclusive of lunch); $1,995 for the residential program (only for Session 2). Need-based scholarships are available.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 or 8 can apply. Students must also submit test scores with their MST application.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation’s Summer Program at Yale University is an academic initiative designed for motivated middle school students in New Haven. This six-week program aims to equip students with the skills and academic preparation needed to excel in their current school environment and succeed in college.
Focusing on the humanities, the program offers small classes, typically ranging from 8 to 15 students, allowing for personalized attention and an engaging learning experience. Previous courses have covered topics in history, creative writing, and investigative studies, encouraging students to explore niche aspects of the humanities and develop critical thinking skills.
This program is designed to equip you with the skills you will need to succeed in college. This will be done through various teaching formats and tasks in the courses. You will also have a chance to engage in activities like debates, sports, and performing arts. Field trips are also organized for the students. The prestige associated with the college and the Foundation is only one of the many things you can look forward to at Yale.
Location: Yale University campus, New Haven, CT
Program Dates: Typically held for six weeks between late June and August (2024 dates are June 24 – August 2)
Cost: $75 (includes tuition, transportation for field trips, and lunch provided by the state of Connecticut); financial aid is available
Eligibility: Rising 6th to 9th grade students who are currently studying in New Haven public and parochial schools can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due around mid-to-late February.
Stony Brook University’s Science Exploration Program is a prestigious program for middle schoolers with a passion for science and research. This program provides an intensive academic experience that complements school science curricula, encouraging students to think critically, engage in research, and explore scientific concepts through hands-on experimentation.
The program is centered around laboratory work, with students participating in activities such as reading scientific literature, conducting computer-based research, writing reports, and working on group projects. With only 24 students accepted per grade level, the program ensures a focused and personalized learning environment. This selectivity means that participants are expected to be curious, hardworking, and eager to deepen their understanding of scientific principles.
In addition to reinforcing science concepts, the program helps students develop problem-solving skills and introduces them to the tools and methodologies used in high school and college-level science courses. This preparation is invaluable for students planning to pursue advanced studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Location: Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY
Program Dates: July 15 – July 25, 2024
Cost: $650 program fee; financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9 in September 2024 can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Summer Explorations at Harvard invites middle schoolers to explore niche topics and activities. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, this week-long program goes beyond conventional teaching methods, allowing students to explore topics that might not be covered in their regular school curriculum. Previous iterations have included courses in robotics, ceramics, bike workshops, biology, and theater. This year, the program is organizing a basketball workshop, ‘The Crimson Kids Hoops’ and ‘Harvard Museum of Natural History: Exploring Life on a Page’. You can check out the available courses here.
The program is ideal for students interested in the social sciences, arts, or sciences, and provides an opportunity to interact with Harvard faculty and staff, as well as peers who share similar interests. This experience also offers a taste of Ivy League learning, helping students gain new perspectives and develop skills that can benefit their future academic pursuits.
Location: Harvard University campus, Cambridge, MA.
Program Dates: All programs take place between July 8 and August 9, 2024.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising and current 6th-8th grade students who are enrolled on the Harvard Ed Portal (sign up here) can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
New York University (NYU) offers dynamic enrichment programs for students in grades 6-8, designed to ignite curiosity and academic growth. These programs cover a wide range of subjects, from math, science, and engineering to the humanities and the arts. Led by experienced NYU faculty, these hands-on programs go beyond the standard curriculum, providing an environment where students can develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.
Most of NYU's middle school programs are offered to NYC-based students who can commute to the university's Brooklyn or Manhattan campuses. However, there are also online options available, such as the math program, which is open to students nationwide and internationally. Some programs specifically support first-generation college students and those from underrepresented communities. In these programs, students engage in activities that challenge them intellectually while also being fun and interactive. The goal is to prepare students for future academic success by helping them build a strong foundation in their chosen subjects, all while experiencing a supportive learning environment at one of the nation's leading universities.
Location: On-campus (New York University, NY) and Commuter options available.
Program Dates: July 2 - August 15, 2024
Cost: Ranges between $700 to $14,000, depending on the program; tuition is charged by credit, and costs vary based on the total credit load.
Eligibility: Rising and current 6th-8th grade students.
Application Deadline: Applications are currently closed for 2024.
One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.