14 Fall Pre-College Programs

TL;DR

You’ll find 14 fall options here, from credit-bearing courses at NYU, Columbia, Penn, Tufts, and NJIT to internships at federal labs and the U.S. Treasury. The main split is cost: credit courses usually charge per credit, while several internships pay you or cost nothing. Most options suit high school juniors and seniors, and many require you to live near campus or hold U.S. citizenship. NJIT’s fall Calculus I course cost $2,796 in 2026. Immerse Education’s Online Research pathway also offers 1:1 tutorials for ages 13 to 18, starting any time.

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As a high school student thinking about college, you may be wondering what university learning is actually like beyond brochures, campus tours, and admissions websites. What does it feel like to take a real college class, work alongside researchers, or contribute to projects that extend beyond the high school curriculum? One of the best ways to find out is by joining a fall pre-college program.

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Imagine spending your weekends attending undergraduate lectures, conducting research with university faculty, interning at a government agency, or completing assignments alongside college students. Depending on the program, you could earn university credit, explore a potential major, develop research and analytical skills, or gain practical experience in fields such as engineering, medicine, public policy, business, or the humanities. 

How do you choose the right fall pre-college program?

Not every program offers the same level of academic challenge or meaningful exposure. Some focus primarily on enrichment, while others allow you to earn college credit, contribute to research, or gain professional experience through internships. Understanding these differences can help you choose a program that matches your interests, academic goals, and college plans.

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Many leading universities, research institutions, and government organisations offer fall pre-college opportunities designed to introduce you to university-level academics in a structured, supportive environment. Some are fully funded or provide stipends, while others are highly selective and offer access to faculty mentorship, research facilities, or professional projects. To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 14 fall pre-college programs for high school students, selected for their academic quality, practical learning opportunities, and strong connections to higher education and future careers.

14 Fall Pre-College Programs

1. New York University - Pre-College

Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $6,006 per 3-credit course or $8,008 per 4-credit course (fall 2025 and spring 2026 rates), plus a $50 application charge
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; class sizes vary by course
Dates: September 2nd to December 14th, 2026
Application Deadline: August 14th, 2026 for the fall 2026 term
Eligibility: Current 11th or 12th grade high school students; fall students commute to campus, and on-campus international students are admitted for summer only

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NYU’s Pre-College program allows you to enroll in undergraduate courses before graduating from high school while earning university credit for successfully completed classes. Depending on the semester’s offerings, you can explore subjects ranging from psychology and journalism to engineering, business, computer science, and the humanities. Coursework follows the same expectations as undergraduate classes, combining lectures, assigned readings, discussions, essays, projects, and independent study.

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Managing this academic workload introduces you to the pace and responsibilities of university learning while helping you strengthen analytical thinking and academic writing. By the end of the semester, you’ll have a clearer understanding of college-level expectations and the demands of studying at a large research university. If credit is your main goal, you can compare it with these college credit courses for high school students.

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Why it stands out: You can earn university credit while completing undergraduate coursework in an NYU academic setting.

2. Immerse Education’s Online Summer School

Location: Fully remote
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 1:1 learning
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Program Dates: Start any time; 10 to 15 hours of 1:1 tutorials over 2 to 3 weeks
Eligibility: Students aged 13 to 18 (Accredited and Publication options require age 14+); open to international students from around the world

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Immerse Education's Online Research pathway offers high school students the opportunity to conduct rigorous research with tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities. You will work with your tutor to explore a subject of your choice in depth and write an academic research paper. The pathway is taught 1:1, and on the Accredited option (ages 14+) you can earn 8 UCAS points or 3 US college credits. 

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You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including artificial intelligence, chemistry, psychology, economics, computer science, creative writing, philosophy, and more. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your tutor, and on the Publication option you’ll work with a publication specialist toward guaranteed submission to a high school research journal (acceptance is at the journal’s discretion). You can find examples of papers Immerse students have worked on here. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: You’ll get 1:1 research supervision from a tutor at Oxford, Cambridge, or an Ivy League institution, ending in a finished research paper with an optional route to journal submission.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

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The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! 

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You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.

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Why it stands out: You get 1-1 mentorship with a Ph.D. mentor and produce an independent research project by the end.

4. Columbia University - College Edge (Academic Year)

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,574 per point (based on 2025-26 rates) + $80 non-refundable application fee; a $1,000 deposit is due on acceptance and credited toward tuition
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: September 8th to December 23rd, 2026
Application Deadline: July 3rd, 2026 for fall 2026
Eligibility: Domestic high school students in grades 11 or 12 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3; international students can join only in the summer term

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College Edge gives you the opportunity to join Columbia undergraduate classes while remaining in high school, allowing you to earn college credit alongside matriculated university students. After admission, you’ll work with an academic advisor to register for courses from a pre-approved list of Columbia undergraduate classes. 

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Beyond academics, the programme includes academic advising and professional development opportunities that complement classroom learning. Since on-campus housing isn’t available, you’ll commute to the Morningside campus throughout the semester. Experiencing both the academic workload and campus environment offers a realistic introduction to life at a research university.

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Why it stands out: You study alongside Columbia undergraduates while earning college credit before beginning university.

5. AFRL Scholars Program

Location: Air Force Research Laboratory sites across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend varies by academic level, number of weeks, and site
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; varies by research site
Dates: Mostly summer, with a very limited number of fall and spring positions; summer internships last at least 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Summer 2027 applications open October 12th, 2026 and close January 11th, 2027; deadlines for fall positions vary by site
Eligibility: U.S. citizens only (not open to permanent residents or international students); at least 16 by the application deadline (18 for California sites); must be enrolled at least half-time at an educational institution

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The AFRL Scholars Program places you inside Air Force Research Laboratory facilities, where you’ll contribute to ongoing STEM research alongside scientists and engineers. Projects differ by location and may involve robotics, aerospace systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, materials science, or advanced engineering. 

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Rather than observing from the sidelines, you’ll assist with experiments, data analysis, technical problem-solving, and laboratory research under professional mentorship. You’ll also write a technical report and present your research to your branch, at your mentor’s discretion. Since most placements run in summer, check site pages early if you’re hoping for one of the few fall positions.

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Why it stands out: It combines paid research experience with direct mentorship from scientists working on active government STEM projects.

6. Stanford Clinical Skills Internship

Location: Online (live on Zoom), run by Stanford Medicine
Cost/Stipend: Fall 2026: $75 application fee + $2,480 program fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: September 9th to November 11th, 2026; Wednesday evenings, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. PT
Application Deadline: June 2nd, 2026 for fall 2026 (applications opened May 1st)
Eligibility: Ages 16 and older; high school and undergraduate pre-med students; open to international students

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This programme introduces you to clinical medicine through practical training that mirrors skills used in healthcare settings. Weekly sessions cover vital signs, patient history taking, injections, suturing, and brain and kidney dissections, with each technique placed within broader medical decision-making. You’ll also present clinical cases, develop differential diagnoses, and work through treatment decisions in collaborative group activities. 

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Sessions on topics such as women’s health in primary care give you a broader view of clinical practice beyond a single discipline. Throughout the 10 weeks, you’ll receive mentorship from Stanford School of Medicine faculty, and full attendance earns you a certificate of completion.

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Why it stands out: It combines clinical skills training with case-based medical reasoning to provide an early introduction to healthcare education.

7. Los Alamos National Laboratory High School Internship

Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; $16.50 per hour for high school interns (2025 salary structure)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Part-time during the school year; schedules vary by project and mentor
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle; check LANL’s job postings
Eligibility: Senior status at a New Mexico high school when the internship begins; at least 16 years old; minimum GPA of 2.75; must pass a drug test; international eligibility not specified

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At Los Alamos National Laboratory, you’ll join a research team working on scientific and engineering projects that support the laboratory’s national security mission. Internship placements span disciplines such as chemistry, bioscience, engineering, physics, intelligence, space science, and computational research, depending on available openings. Working with specialised equipment and experienced mentors, you’ll contribute to technical projects rather than completing simulated exercises. 

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Daily responsibilities may include coding, laboratory experiments, data interpretation, modelling, or engineering design, depending on your assignment. The programme offers an introduction to multidisciplinary research environments while strengthening analytical and technical skills.

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Why it stands out: It provides paid experience within one of the United States’ leading national research laboratories across a wide range of STEM fields.

8. Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Enrichment courses: $1,895; College Credit courses: $3,995; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; no transcripts or recommendation letters required to apply
Dates: Year-round; enrichment courses run 1, 2, or 4 weeks and college credit courses run 6, 8, or 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions year-round
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and above; international eligibility not specified

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Georgetown University’s online pre-college programme allows you to study university-level subjects without relocating or interrupting your school schedule. Depending on your goals, you can choose between enrichment courses designed for academic exploration or college credit options that carry a heavier workload and a Georgetown transcript. 

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Subjects include international relations, business, law, psychology, cybersecurity, medicine, biology, marketing, and creative writing. Coursework is self-paced, combining video lessons from Georgetown faculty with support from a mentor or teaching assistant, and every course ends with a final capstone project. Completing the programme gives you experience with university-style expectations while allowing you to explore potential areas of study before college. You can weigh it against other online college courses for high school students.

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Why it stands out: It offers both enrichment and college-credit pathways across a broad range of academic disciplines in a flexible online format.

9. NYU SPS High School Academy Weekend Workshops

Location: New York University School of Professional Studies, New York, NY (most courses in person; select courses remote)
Cost/Stipend: $850 per course plus a $50 non-refundable application fee; no financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; admitted students typically have a B average or higher
Dates: October 17th to November 14th, 2026 (Saturdays; no class October 31st)
Application Deadline: October 1st, 2026 for fall courses; rolling admission
Eligibility: High school students; international eligibility not specified

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These weekend workshops introduce you to university-style learning through short, non-credit courses that connect academic interests with professional fields. Rather than following a semester-long schedule, you’ll explore specialised topics through projects, discussions, and assignments completed over a series of Saturdays. 

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Courses range from banking and finance to digital filmmaking, journalism, cyber defense, and writing for TV, helping you see how different majors translate into career pathways. Alongside academic content, you’ll receive guidance on the college admissions process and expectations within higher education. The shorter format makes it suitable if you’re looking to explore new interests without committing to a full pre-college semester.

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Why it stands out: It combines career exploration with college-style coursework in a flexible weekend format.

10. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship

Location: Remote or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: No programme fee; a limited number of need-based stipends, plus part-time unpaid internships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; most interns are college or graduate students
Dates: October to December (fall term)
Application Deadline: Fall 2026 applications are closed; spring 2027 applications open November 2nd to 20th, 2026
Eligibility: Students at all stages of study; no nationality restrictions, though FPRI doesn’t sponsor visas

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This internship introduces you to the work of a foreign policy think tank, with each intern paired with a scholar or professional in the field. Depending on your placement, you might support research on Eurasia, Asia, or national security, or help with operations and administration. 

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Research roles often call for advanced foreign language, data analysis, or field research experience, so they tend to suit students with strong prior preparation. You’ll have access to FPRI’s in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, and you can work on a research paper for possible publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner. The experience offers practical insight into how policy ideas are developed, communicated, and shared with wider audiences.

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Why it stands out: It provides direct exposure to policy research and think tank operations while allowing you to contribute to ongoing projects in international affairs.

11. University of Pennsylvania Young Scholars High School Program: Academic Year Track

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $4,542 per course unit, including general and technology fees (2025-26 rates); tuition-free for School District of Philadelphia public and charter school students; $75 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; enrollment is limited
Dates: Fall and spring semesters, following Penn’s academic calendar
Application Deadline: August 1st for the most recently posted fall cycle (fall 2025)
Eligibility: High school juniors at a local school within commuting distance of Penn; non-native English speakers must show English proficiency; international eligibility not specified

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The University of Pennsylvania’s Young Scholars Program lets you take credit-bearing undergraduate courses while continuing high school, offering an early introduction to life at a research university. You can choose from undergraduate subjects such as anthropology, economics, English, mathematics, philosophy, linguistics, and psychology. 

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Classes follow Penn’s regular academic standards, and you’ll earn one course unit, the equivalent of four college credit hours, for each course you complete. Along the way, you also become familiar with university systems, course registration, and the expectations of managing college-level coursework. The experience provides a realistic preview of balancing academic independence with the pace of higher education.

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Why it stands out: You can earn University of Pennsylvania credit during the academic year while exploring university-level subjects in a real undergraduate setting.

12. U.S. Treasury Department Headquarters Student Internship Program

Location: Treasury Department Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: September to December (fall)
Application Deadline: Apply in June for fall; openings are posted on USAJOBS
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in or accepted to an accredited high school, college, or university; not open to international students

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The U.S. Treasury Department Internship places you inside one of the federal government’s principal economic agencies, where you observe how financial and public policy decisions are developed. Depending on your assignment, you may support offices such as Domestic Finance, Tax Policy, Economic Policy, or International Affairs through research, data analysis, and policy briefing preparation. 

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You may also attend and report on congressional hearings, help organize meetings, and contribute to projects that support the department’s day-to-day work. Working alongside government professionals offers practical insight into public administration while strengthening your analytical, communication, and workplace skills. The internship also introduces you to career pathways within federal public service.

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Why it stands out: It provides first-hand exposure to federal economic policymaking inside a cabinet-level government department.

13. Tufts University Pre-College Programs: Dual Enrollment

Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost: $1,140 per credit; auditing costs 1,300percourse(995 for SMFA courses); materials and lab fees of $100 to $500 may apply; no financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: September 8th to December 14th, 2026 (fall); January 19th to May 3rd, 2027 (spring)
Application Deadline: Fall 2026 registration ran July 31st to September 1st, 2026; spring 2027 registration runs December 1st, 2026 to January 5th, 2027
Eligibility: Grades 10 to 12 and at least 16 by program start (10th graders are limited to Pre-College Lecture courses and SMFA studio courses); open to international students, though Tufts can’t sponsor visas

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Tufts University’s Dual Enrollment Program allows you to integrate undergraduate coursework into your high school schedule through credit-bearing classes taught at university level. Depending on the course, you may study alongside Tufts undergraduates or join sections created specifically for high school learners. 

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Coursework emphasises critical reading, academic writing, discussion, projects, and independent learning while following the same standards expected of university students. Some subjects include laboratory or studio components, providing additional practical experience. Whether you choose to earn credit or audit a class, the program offers an early understanding of the pace and expectations of higher education.

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Why it stands out: You can enroll in genuine Tufts undergraduate courses while still in high school and earn transferable university credit.

14. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Academy College Credit Courses for High School Students

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $699 per credit plus a 60non-refundableapplicationfee;fall2026courseswereCS100(2,097) and MATH 111 ($2,796); scholarships may be available for Newark residents
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: September 5th to December 19th, 2026 (Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; no class November 28th)
Application Deadline: August 27th, 2026 for fall; spring 2027 applications open October 30th, 2026, with a first-wave deadline of December 15th, 2026
Eligibility: High-achieving 11th and 12th graders with a B (3.0) average or higher; international eligibility not specified

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NJIT’s Academy College Credit Courses give you the opportunity to complete university-level STEM classes while remaining in high school. Courses are taught in small groups by NJIT faculty and, for fall 2026, focus on computer science and calculus. 

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Throughout the semester, you work within the university’s grading system, complete college-level assignments, and receive an official NJIT transcript upon successful completion. The Saturday schedule allows you to gain college experience without interrupting your regular school timetable. It is a structured option if you want to test your readiness for advanced STEM coursework before applying to university.

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Why it stands out: You earn official NJIT college credit through small, faculty-led STEM classes designed specifically for academically advanced high school learners.

Frequently asked questions: Fall Pre-College Programs for High School Students

Can high school students take college classes in the fall?

Yes, several universities let you take real college classes during the fall semester while you’re still in high school. NYU Precollege, Columbia’s College Edge, and Tufts Dual Enrollment place you in undergraduate-level courses, while Penn’s Young Scholars Program is open only to local juniors. Most of these options require you to commute to campus, so they work best if you live nearby. If you don’t, Georgetown’s online courses let you earn college credit from home.

Do fall pre-college programs give you college credit?

Some do, but many don’t, so check before you apply. NYU, Columbia, Penn, Tufts, and NJIT award credit on an official university transcript, and Georgetown offers both credit and non-credit online courses. NYU SPS Weekend Workshops and Stanford’s Clinical Skills Internship are non-credit, though Stanford awards a certificate of completion. Immerse’s Online Research pathway also offers an Accredited option that earns 8 UCAS points or 3 US college credits from age 14. Whether credit transfers is always up to the college you eventually attend.

Are there free fall programs for high school students?

Yes, a few fall options cost nothing to join, and one even pays you. The U.S. Treasury internship is unpaid but free, and FPRI charges no program fee and offers a limited number of need-based stipends. Los Alamos pays high school interns $16.50 an hour, and Penn’s Young Scholars Program is tuition-free for School District of Philadelphia public and charter students. Most credit-bearing courses, like those at NYU and Columbia, charge several thousand dollars per course.

Can international students join fall pre-college programs?

Some fall programs welcome international students, but many in-person options don’t. Columbia’s College Edge only accepts international students in summer, and AFRL and the Treasury internship are limited to U.S. citizens. Stanford’s Clinical Skills Fall Intensive runs live on Zoom and welcomes international applicants, while Tufts and FPRI accept international students but can’t sponsor visas. If you’re studying from abroad, Immerse’s Online Research pathway is open to students aged 13 to 18 from around the world and can start any time.

When should you apply for fall pre-college programs?

Plan to apply in late spring or summer, since most fall deadlines land between June and September. Stanford’s fall intensive closed on June 2nd, 2026, Columbia’s College Edge on July 3rd, NYU Precollege on August 14th, and Tufts registration on September 1st. If you’ve already missed the fall cycle, spring options are still open: FPRI’s spring applications run November 2nd to 20th, 2026, and Tufts spring registration opens December 1st. You can also explore these winter college programs for high school students.

How do you fit a fall program around your high school schedule?

Look for a format that matches your week, since fall programs run alongside your regular classes. NJIT and NYU SPS hold classes on Saturdays, Stanford’s fall intensive meets for 90 minutes on Wednesday evenings, and Georgetown’s online courses are self-paced. Semester-long credit courses at NYU, Columbia, and Tufts may meet on weekdays, so check that they don’t clash with your school timetable. Talk to your school counselor early, and if research is your priority, browse these fall research programs for high school students.

Getting a head start on college this fall

A full semester of college-level work while you’re still in high school can show you exactly how ready you are for university life.

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The right fall pre-college programs let you earn credit, test a possible major, or work beside researchers without giving up your regular school year.

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Start by checking deadlines and eligibility early, since many fall options close over the summer months and only accept juniors, seniors, or local students.

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For more advice on preparing for university and building a strong application, explore our University Preparation blogs and plan your next semester with confidence.