5 Georgetown Pre-College Programs You Should Check Out
Pre-college programs are a solid option that you can consider if you are looking for exposure to college-level academics, or college life, before applying to university. The shift from school to university can be quite overwhelming for many students, especially if your major subjects are rigorous in nature. Many universities, including Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA offer a variety of pre-college programs.
These programs vary in length, costs, nature of academics that the students are required to engage in, as well as end-of-program objectives. While some may be research-oriented, others are focused on providing you with a holistic campus life.
Here, we’ve broken down all the pre-college options available at Georgetown University so that you can make an informed decision.
How do you choose a pre-college program?
Before we dive into it, here are a few things you should consider while choosing a pre-college program:
Where you live:
Your proximity to the university can be a major deciding factor. If you live far away, you could consider an online program. Those in and around the university’s area can consider commuter and residential options.
Cost-based constraints:
Instead of simply looking at the overall cost, consider the tuition and residential costs separately. Opting for a commuter or online track could make things considerably affordable. Georgetown University does have one free program but it is highly selective. Overall, cost is a factor you should discuss with your guardians/guidance counselor before applying to any of these programs.
The end goal:
What kind of experience are you ultimately looking for? Do you want exposure to a specific field or do you want to focus on earning college credits? Are you looking for guidance before starting college or want to jump in head first? Deciding the end goal can help you narrow down the options.
Are Georgetown University’s pre-college programs prestigious?
While these programs are useful for those who want to earn credit or get a taste of college life, they do not carry a high level of prestige. Admission is almost entirely dependent on the cost of the program, which is relatively high. Nonetheless, if you're seeking pre-college programs that are more budget-friendly compared to those offered by institutions like Harvard or Stanford, Georgetown University's programs are a good alternative.
Will attending pre-college programs at Georgetown University help me get admission into Georgetown?
Attending such programs can demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning and enhance your college application. However, this is just one aspect of the process and does not, in any way, guarantee admission to the university.
Georgetown University’s Pre-College Programs
Read on to find out about Georgetown University’s top programs for high school students. We have even added a handy summary of the programs at the bottom, so you can refer to it before you make a final call.
1. Georgetown College Prep Program
Application deadline: May 15, 2023
Eligibility: All high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students can also apply!
Program dates: July 9, 2023 – August 11, 2023
Format: Residential
Fee: $10, 338 (approximately)
Financial assistance: Limited scholarships available
The main aim of the College Prep Program is to equip students with the skills needed for a smooth transition to life at university. It is a comprehensive program that will give you a glimpse of college-level academics while preparing you for standardized tests and college applications. The curriculum includes a combination of one undergraduate-level credit course and college prep seminars. The credit course is worth 3-4 credits and you can take your pick from a range of subjects like computer science, art history, psychology, mathematics, film, and media. The college prep seminars will cover diagnostic tests, academic prep, and support for college selection.
Who is it for?
This program is best for students looking for support and guidance for college applications, preparatory tests, and university life. It’s also ideal for students willing to relocate for the residential experience and those who would like to attend credit-bearing courses.
2. Georgetown Summer College
Application deadline: May 15, 2023
Eligibility: All high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students can also apply, although a visa might require a minimum number of credits to be taken up.
Program dates: Session 1 from June 4, 2023 – July 7, 2023, Session 2 from July 9, 2023 – August 11, 2023, Summer College Online from June 4, 2023 – July 28, 2023
Format: You can choose between an on-campus track (residential and commuter) and an online track
Fee: $1,190 per credit (housing and meal plans are optional)
Financial assistance: Limited scholarships available
While the previous program readies you for college, Summer College immerses you directly into the university experience. The program’s focus is entirely academic, allowing you to attend lectures, discussions, and guest speakers alongside undergraduate students and learn from Georgetown faculty. You can take two courses (3 credits each) per session, leading up to a total of 12 credits if you attend both sessions. Those who take up two courses in a session will receive a Summer Honors Intensive Certificate. The courses cover a wide range of subjects from finance, biology, and management to languages, theology, and anthropology.
Who is it for?
If your focus is on getting a jumpstart earning university credit (you can get up to 12), then Summer College is the ideal choice. It can work for students living in the area as well as those far away since there are residential, commuter, and online options.
3. Academies
Application deadline: May 15, 2023
Eligibility: All high school students with a minimum GPA of 2.0. International students can also apply! Students must be at least 15 years of age for the medical and biotechnology academies.
Program dates: 1-week, 2-week, and 3-week options available between June 11, 2023 – August 5, 2023
Format: Residential and commuter options available
Fee: $3,225 for the 1-week program, $5,500 for the 2-week, program, and $6,950 for the 3-week program (please note that these are estimates and include residential costs, commuters’ fee will be a smaller amount)
Financial assistance: Limited scholarships available
Academies give you the opportunity to explore a specific field of study through a combination of lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities, field trips, and in some cases, lab work. You can choose from several research areas like artificial intelligence, creative writing, medicine, economics, and social justice. As accelerated courses, the academies offer an intensive experience with approximately 8-hour days. You will also be expected to work on assignments and projects outside of class.
Who is it for?
Go for an Academy if you’re looking to gain a high amount of exposure in a specific field of research and study it in-depth through a multitude of formats (classes, projects, field trips).
Application deadline: May 15, 2023
Eligibility: Rising seniors from the Cristo Rey Network and KIPP Foundation school systems (and other select organizations) who have a record of high achievement
Program dates: June 25, 2023 – July 14, 2023
Format: Residential
Stipend: $400
The SCIP is quite similar to the College Prep program without the option for earning college credit. The schedule involves guidance for the entire college application process, including financial aid, test prep, college writing classes, a capstone project, and seminars that explore fields like international relations, STEM, cybersecurity, and more. Do keep in mind that this free college prep program is highly selective, requires the involvement of a school representative, and is designed for high-achieving students.
Who is it for?
This tuition-free program is best for students who excel in academics and extracurriculars but face financial limitations. It’s ideal for those who are not focused on earning credit and can relocate for a full three weeks.
Application deadline: Applications are open throughout the year
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up
Program dates: 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week options available
Format: Online
Fee: $1,495
Financial assistance: Need-based scholarships are available
This fully online program allows you to take up in-depth study of a specific subject at a university level. The curriculum is asynchronous and consists of dynamic video lessons, guidance from a mentor, and a final capstone project that you will present. The courses (including law, journalism, medicine, politics, and more) will cover over 20-30 hours of instruction time, including multimedia, simulations, and assignments. The format of this program is such that you can study it anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. In the end, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Who is it for?
An ideal choice for academically focused students who are looking for a highly flexible program. Those who live far away, travel, or have time constraints due to any reason, can opt for this year-round program.
Additionally, you can also work on independent research in AI, through Veritas AI's Fellowship Program!
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship.
These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship.
The AI Fellowship program will have students pursue their own independent AI research project.
Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship
$4,700 for both
Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Applications for fall cohort have closed September 3, 2023.
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Program selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit past experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions pertaining to the students background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs!
This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are passionate about research, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
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.
Image Source: Britannica