6 Stanford Pre-College Programs
Pre-college programs are a great chance for high school students to get a taste of college life at a top university. Stanford University has 6 Pre-College Programs great for high school students, each focusing on a different subject like humanities, arts, math, science, and technology.
In these programs, students will study hard, do hands-on projects, and meet Stanford professors and other smart students from around the world. Whether you’re a high school student interested in arts, math problems, new technology, or science experiments, these 6 Stanford University Pre-College programs have something for everyone. They’re great for students who want to learn more and challenge themselves.
1. Stanford Summer Session
- Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Cost: Residential: $17,197; Commuter: $4,962
- Program Dates: —
- Application Deadline: January 16, 2024
- Eligibility: Current sophomore, junior, or senior high school students.
Stanford Summer Session provides an educational experience for high-achieving high school students at Stanford University. It blends challenging academic courses with a variety of extra-curricular activities, emphasizing innovation, academic excellence, and global responsibility. The program allows students to take real Stanford courses, explore future career or study areas, and earn university credits. Participants come from over 50 countries, adding to a diverse and dynamic learning environment.
The program is tailored for high school students who are independent, good at working with others, and eager to broaden their knowledge. Students get to experience what it’s like to study at a world-leading university for an academic quarter. They will balance demanding academic work with social and educational activities, giving them a comprehensive view of life at Stanford University.
2. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
- Location: Online.
- Cost: $3,050
- Program Dates: Session 1: June 17– June 28, 2024; Session 2: July 8- July 19, 2024
- Application Deadline: March 29, 2024
- Eligibility: Current grades 8-11.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is an online program for 8th to 11th graders interested in learning more about various subjects. It offers a chance to experience what learning at Stanford is like and includes advanced topics not usually taught in high school. There are 60 courses to choose from, including computer science, math, and creative writing. These courses are interactive, but they don’t count for grades or credit.
The classes are small, so students can easily talk with their teachers and classmates, who come from all over the world. The teachers are experts in their fields and focus on teaching skills and knowledge in a creative and cooperative way. At the end of the course, students get a written evaluation and a certificate.
3. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
- Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California.
- Cost: $8,250 ($65 application fee)
- Program Dates: Session 1: June 23- July 12, 2024; Session 2: July 14- August 2, 2024
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
- Eligibility: 10th and 11th grade students.
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a three-week program for high school juniors and seniors interested in the humanities. Held at Stanford University, it’s for students who do well in school and love subjects like literature, philosophy, history, art, and cultural studies.
Students will take a variety of courses taught by Stanford professors on topics like historical revolutions, the Roman Empire, happiness, America’s enlightenment era, racial identity, magical realism in literature, Greek philosophy, and African cultural artifacts. They will also join in discussions, write essays, and go on field trips and cultural excursions. This program helps students grow academically, offers personal mentoring, and allows them to connect with others who share their interests.
4. Stanford University Mathematics Camp
- Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California; Online
- Cost: Residential: $8,250; Online: $3,550
- Program Dates: Session 1 (Online) – June 17 – July 5, 2024; Session 1 (Residential) – June 23 – July 19, 2024; Session 2 (Online) – July 8 – 26, 2024
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
- Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors.
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a program for high school juniors and seniors who love math. It’s a competitive and challenging program that mixes advanced math learning with fun social activities and research projects. Students are chosen based on their math grades, teacher recommendations, and how passionate they are about math, shown through the SUMaC admission exam.
To join SUMaC online, students need good internet, a computer, a webcam, and headphones or a microphone. The program also provides financial aid, making it possible for students from different backgrounds to participate.
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
- Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California.
- Cost: $40 application fee ($500 minimum stipend)
- Program Dates: June 10- August 1, 2024
- Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
- Eligibility: Current junior or senior high school student.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program where high school students can work on medical research projects with Stanford’s faculty, postdocs, and researchers. It’s designed for students with various experiences and interests, aiming to increase their interest in biology and medicine and teach them how scientific research is done. Students get to do hands-on research in one of Stanford’s top labs, guided closely by a mentor.
When applying to SIMR, students can choose from eight different research areas. Once accepted, they are placed in one of these areas based on their preferences. Additionally, there’s a bioengineering boot camp option, which offers practical bioengineering experience without involving lab research.
6. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program
- Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California.
- Cost: Free ($1250 clinical research stipend)
- Program Dates: June 24–July 26, 2024
- Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
- Eligibility: Low-income and/or underrepresented minority high school sophomores and juniors.
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is a five-week summer program for high school juniors who are first-generation college students or from low-income families in Northern California. It offers a blend of hospital internships at Stanford Hospital and a public health research project, giving hands-on experience in healthcare. Participants will work in different areas of healthcare delivery, gaining practical skills and knowledge.
Besides hands-on learning, SMYSP focuses on mentorship and community. Students will get support from Stanford faculty, health professionals, and college students, building a network that lasts beyond the program. It includes seminars and lectures on public health, research methods, and human anatomy, taught by medical students. This helps prepare students for their research projects and gives insights into college and medical school. SMYSP is tuition-free, includes a stipend for clinical research, and requires a full-time commitment, making it a valuable opportunity for aspiring first-generation college students interested in science and medicine.
Final Thoughts
In summary, these 6 Stanford Pre-College Programs give high school students a chance to learn about different subjects like arts, math, science, and technology at a top university. These programs help students learn more about what they’re interested in, think more deeply, and get a taste of college life. This experience can really help them figure out what they want to study in the future and even shape their career paths.
