FUTURE REFERENCE
Pre College Programs
Many non-profit organizations dedicate themselves to hosting pre-college programs to help prepare high achieving students for college. They offer services including, but not limited to mentoring, test prep, enrichment classes and personalized counseling. There are also many organizations that offer college readiness mentoring, advising, and classes for a tuition. Keep reading find out if one of these programs might be right for you!
QUESTBRIDGE PREP SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Questbridge College Prep Scholars program is catered towards high school juniors from low-income backgrounds who have demonstrated the academic potential as well as confidence and dedication to apply to top colleges. The CPS program includes a series of webinars covering student life, essay writing workshops, financial aid, and more. College prep scholars are also eligible for scholarships to pre-college programs hosted by college partners, a grant of up to $1000 toward a new laptop or other resources to help students with their college applications, access to national college admission conference with all 48 partners of QB, personalized college essay feedback, campus visits and opportunities from college partners, peer to peer online community of like minded students from all over the country. Applications are typically due in March - April.
SEO SCHOLARS
SEO scholars is an 8 year long academic program aimed at preparing and mentoring students in high school. Their goal is to bridge the academic gap in public school education and create a more equitable society. They aim to help unserved motivated students navigate high school, financial aid, college applications, and higher education. Students who demonstrate academic engagement, motivation and investment in themselves and the rigorous programs offered by SEO scholars should apply to this program. Application is available for NYC students as well as San Francisco students. Applicants must be 9th graders. The general application process includes submission of school transcript, short essays and teacher recommendation. For more specific application requirements consult their official website. SEO scholars receive many benefits which include: Saturday academy, summer academy, After school tutoring, SAT prep, mentoring, summer enrichment programs, college application and finical aid counseling, college and career readiness workshops, and networking opportunities.
MINDS MATTER
Minds Matter is a three year college readiness program aimed at helping students from low income backgrounds prepare for higher education. Their programs include enrichment programs, tutoring, and mentoring. Scholars are paired with individualized mentors and academic instructors who provide resources and guidance necessary to gain admission to college. Minds Matter mentors work closely with students starting at their sophomore year to help them navigate college research, major and career decisions, financial aid, and school environments. Minds matter connects students to pre-college programs, internships, and more to enrich their summer experiences and get a head start on their college application process. According to minds matter, 100% of their scholars are admitted to 4-year institutions following high school, 73% of these scholars having been admitted to the top colleges of the nation. The program is for high school sophomores, so freshmen who will attend the program their sophomore year through to graduation should apply in their spring semester. Some of the benefits of the program includes Improved writing, critical thinking, and public speaking skills, guidance from, professional mentors, connections to potential summer programs and scholarships, and Workshops to improve standardized test scores
SCHOLAR’S HOPE FOUNDATION: HIGH SCHOOL PACKAGE
The high school package offers guidance through life skills and building healthy habits. Students are offered services such as academic planning, support through college and financial aid applications, career advising to help students realize their passions, diversity and inclusion training, social and emotions services to help students become more mature. Though the program requires tuition, a scholarship option is available.
CARNEGIE MELLON SUMMER ACADEMY FOR MATH & SCIENCE
This summer pre-college program is aimed at building greater understanding of STEM topics in a classroom setting. In addition to academic enrichment, students are also offered a chance to build connections and network with other students, students of CMU as well as instructors. This program supports a diverse community of STEM scholars interested in deepening their understanding of STEM topics and interested in attending a top-tier university. The program is a six-week program over the summer with the goal of engaging historically underrepresented students.
YALE YOUNG
GLOBAL SCHOLARS
The Yale Young Global Scholars pre-college program is a two-week program is an academic and leadership program aimed at increasing educational access. The program combines a variety of teaching styles to challenge and inspire students to deepen their understanding and encourage creative actions.
RESEARCH INEQUITY
SOCIETY ECOLOGY (RISE) LAB
The RISE program aims to address the social and environmental issues involving traditionally marginalized populations through research. They aim to make a change through enacting research and intervention with and for the communities they study. The program involves taking some general classes over the summer at NYU. Students also take part in laboratory research and classes targeted towards their specific research topics. This program is a great opportunity to gain research experience.
Most institutions offer some form of pre-college program and though many of them are paid opportunities, it is a great opportunity to get involved with the institution and gauge an understanding of the mission and the values of the institution. Such experiences are a great way of building a connection and advancing the college research process. Though many of these institutions require tuition for their pre-college programs, most also provide scholarships to make them more affordable for everyone. Programs such as the Questbridge prep scholars program also provides full ride for select students to attend pre-college programs from a variety of top-tier institutions.
In most cases, pre-college program information and applications can be found on the institution official website. Such information will include tuition information, program outlines as well as application requirements. Financial aid information may also be available on site. Please use admission and support emails addresses and numbers provided by the institution website to your full advantage. They can provide you with any information you are confused about or guide you to someone who can.
Even though college seems like a problem for the future when you're only a freshman and sophomore, it never hurts to check out your options. Visit the official websites for these programs to find out more about what they have to offer you and your future. If you are interested in one-on-one advising check out our section on college advising programs and their benefits.
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