Are Pre-College Programs for High School Students Worth Your Time / $$?

Many American colleges and universities now offer summer pre-college programs for students as young as ninth grade. Are they worth it? Are there better and cheaper options? I provide expert answers in this important video to watch as you are considering the best way to spend your high school summers.
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[@luketheduke5521]

love that ur back active

[@harrychu650]

Couldn't this be an admissions boost for a 40 and up ranked college for a student who chooses to attend a summer program at that particular university where they take actual classes with matriculated students. Admissions overall is trying to answer if the applicant is ready for the rigors of college level course work, correct?
This would show rigor and all the benefits of experiencing the campus life. A great essay angle. I accept this won't help with a top 10 or 20 ranked institution.

[@tanishveernapalli4339]

I don't think so because most of these programs aren't that selective as well. It all comes down to purpose I believe. If you are doing these programs to learn something, then rather, you could do an edX course for a much cheaper price and learn at your own pace. If you are doing this to keep in your resume, like I said I have friends who had average scores getting into these programs so it may not be that helpful and give that boost. Rather, spending your time in the summer learning with MOOCs, finding a research topic, and emailing professors with your research topic such that you can go and work with them would take you a very far way. You can even compete in the future with your research and that is what may give you a better boost than these pre-college programs.

[@jazlyn2721]

I definitely see your point. No, a pre-college program will not help with Harvard, but it can definitely help with schools like Umass Amherst or Purdue who have selective programs (Nursing, Computer Science) where limited spots are available. I don’t believe any of these programs are worth paying for. It’s all information you can find on UA-cam for free unless it’s something immersive. I’m doing the Georgetown pre college program which talks about the foundations of medicine, something a google search can inform you about without the 2000 price tag. I only did it because I got a full scholarship, otherwise, pre-college is one of the biggest scams I can think of unless it’s worth actual college credits.

[@tanishveernapalli4339]

​@@jazlyn2721 It is good to see someone understanding the true intentions of these pre university. As for universities like Umass and Amherst, I still dont beleive that doing pre-colleges will hold any sort of Value even for small universities, considering that anybody can get in. Its 1-3 week programs and I dont think you can learn anything from that. As for the georgetown program, I got it as well, and I am thankful for not registering. Btw Are you interested in medicine? I highly recomnend you do edX courses(no I am not sponsored btw). I have nearly 8 Standford Med School College Credits and it is 100x more worth it than any other program.

[@RayhaanKhan-mu4qu]

sooooooo Brown Pre college is a scam? for admissions help