5 Georgetown University Pre-College Programs

If you’re aiming to apply to Georgetown, participating in one of Georgetown’s summer programs allows you to pursue specific, high-impact goals—such as testing majors in international relations, government, economics, business, or pre-law; earning college credit in real Georgetown classes; and demonstrating readiness for discussion-driven coursework. Students also use these programs to strengthen research and academic writing and to assess fit with Georgetown’s urban, academically rigorous environment.

If these goals align with yours, this guide will walk you through Georgetown’s high school summer programs so you can identify the option that best fits you—and helps you stand out in the admissions process.

• What Are Georgetown’s Summer Programs?
• Georgetown Summer Academies
• Georgetown College Prep Program
• Georgetown Summer College
• Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
• Georgetown Pre-College Online Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are Georgetown’s Summer Programs?

Georgetown’s summer programs offer high-quality academic enrichment experiences that give high school students early exposure to college-level learning at a top U.S. university. They are taught by Georgetown faculty or qualified instructors who mirror the expectations of undergraduate coursework.

Georgetown University’s summer programs are offered in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats and vary in length, selectivity, and intensity to match different academic goals and readiness levels.

Here’s a quick overview of the main Georgetown’s summer program categories:

We’ll break down each of these summer programs in more detail below.

1. Georgetown Summer Academies

• Program dates: Varies; sessions run throughout June, July, and early August
• Eligibility: High school students, typically ages 13–18
• Program cost: Starts at $3,095, varies by academy, length, and format; commuter and residential options available

Georgetown Summer Academies give you focused, short-term exposure to college-level academics on Georgetown University’s Hilltop campus in Washington, D.C. These summer programs let you explore specific academic and career interests in a structured university setting before you apply to college.

You can choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-week academies taught by Georgetown faculty and industry professionals. Expect to experience interactive lectures, applied projects, simulations, labs, and site visits that will immerse you in your chosen subject.

You can select from a wide range of subject-focused academies, including:

• American Politics Academy
• Artificial Intelligence Academy
• Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy
• Medical Immersion Academy
• Global Business Academy
• Foreign Policy Academy
• Economics Policy Academy
• Business & Leadership Academy
• Sports Industry Management Academy
• Marketing & Personal Branding Academy
• Forensic Investigation Academy
• Entrepreneurship Academy
• Bridges to Social Justice Academy
• Washington & the World Academy
• Nursing Academy
• National Security & Intelligence Academy
• Medical Academy
• Law Academy
• International Relations Academy
• Democracy, Peace & Conflict Academy
• Creative Writing Academy

If you choose a residential option, you’ll live in Georgetown’s residence halls with supervised housing. Commuter options are available for select academies.

When you complete the program, you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation and a non-credit academic transcript. That means you get one of three grades: Pass, Fail, or Withdrawn.

2. Georgetown College Prep Program

• 2026 program dates: July 5–August 7, 2026
• Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th graders with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Program cost: Average tuition per class: $7,113; Housing: $2,542; Additional fees: $2,506

The Georgetown College Prep Program gives you a rigorous, five-week introduction to college academics while living and studying on Georgetown University’s campus.

You’ll take one 3- or 4-credit Georgetown University course alongside current undergraduates. Classes meet Monday through Thursday and follow the pace and expectations of college courses. You should expect a significant workload, including readings, essays, exams, and projects, with roughly 18 hours per week of independent study.

You may enroll in one eligible course from the College Prep curriculum, including:

• Pre-Calculus
• Calculus I
• Calculus II
• Principles of Economics (Microeconomics)
• Principles of Economics (Macroeconomics)
• The U.S. Political System
• Comparative Political Systems
• International Relations
• Race in International Relations
• Elements of Political Theory
• Latin America II
• The U.S. in the World to 1945
• Women and Gender in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
• Introduction to Philosophy
• Introduction to Ethics
• The Problem of God
• Religion and Cults in America
• General Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Computer Science: Python
• Principles of Marketing
• Introductory French II
• Intermediate French II
• Persian for Arabic Speakers II
• Introduction to Acting
• Introduction to Filmmaking
• Photography I: Digital
• Writing and Culture
• Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

Alongside your credit course, you’re required to participate in College Prep Seminars, which focus on college readiness and academic skills. These seminars include full-length diagnostic testing, SAT/ACT strategy instruction, analytical reading and writing practice, and guided academic support to help you stay on track in your course.

You’ll also take part in College Search & Beyond Academics seminars, where you explore the college search process, application strategy, and life skills needed to succeed on campus. Topics include finding the right college fit, planning applications, writing college essays, managing stress, and developing effective study habits.

If you choose the residential option, you’ll live in Georgetown’s residence halls and experience college life firsthand. You’ll study, attend seminars, and participate in structured activities alongside students from around the world, building independence and confidence in a university setting.

3. Georgetown Summer College

• 2026 program dates: Session I: June 1 – July 3; Session II: July 6 – August 7; Session III: June 1 – July 24, 2026
• Eligibility: Current 10th, 11th, or 12th graders with at least a 3.0 GPA
• Program cost: Average tuition per class: $7,113; Housing: $2,542; Additional fees: $780

Georgetown Summer College lets you earn Georgetown University credit while experiencing college-level academics in Washington, D.C. You take classes alongside current undergraduates, learn directly from Georgetown faculty, and follow the same academic expectations used during the school year.

Courses are offered in five-week on-campus sessions, eight-week online sessions, or a combination of both. Instruction blends lectures, discussions, and applied work. Most courses carry 3 credits, and you may take up to two courses per session. After completing your course(s), you receive an official Georgetown transcript, which can be used for college credit consideration.

Georgetown Summer College offers over 100 credit-bearing courses. Available options include:

• Intro to Storytelling
• Public Speaking
• Writing and Culture
• General Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Intro to Ethics
• Intro to Philosophy
• Elements of Political Theory
• Comparative Political Systems
• International Relations
• The U.S. Political System
• The Trump Era
• Race in International Relations
• Gender, International Peace & Security
• Economics Principles (Microeconomics)
• Economics Principles (Macroeconomics)
• Principles of Marketing
• Computer Science I (C++)
• Intro to Computer Science: Python
• Basic Physics
• Pre-Calculus
• Calculus I
• Calculus II
• Biodiversity and Conservation
• Ecology and the Environment
• Medicine and Humanity
• Intro to Forensic Chemistry
• Africa I
• Atlantic World
• Europe I
• Latin America II
• Middle East II
• History of Russia II
• The U.S. in the World to 1945
• World Without End
• Art of the Book
• Drawing I
• Painting I (Oil)
• Photo I: Digital
• Intro to Acting
• Intro to Filmmaking
• Documentary Film: History & Theory
• Renaissance to Modern
• Baroque Art
• Race, Rap, and Power: Hip Hop
• Religion and Cults in America
• The Problem of God
• Intro to Biblical Literature
• Chinese Philosophy
• Cyborg: Human–Machine Interface
• Autistic Activism & Neurodiversity
• Law and Justice
• Disability Studies: The Mad Turn
• German (Introductory to Advanced levels)
• French (Introductory to Intermediate levels)
• Spanish (Introductory to Intermediate levels)
• Persian (Introductory to Intermediate levels, including Arabic Speakers track)

Course availability varies by session and format.

For a more intensive option, you can enroll in the Summer Honors Intensive, taking two courses per session and earning up to 12 total credits. You may also add optional college readiness seminars, including SAT/ACT preparation and college essay writing.

4. Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)

• 2026 program dates: July 5–24, 2026
• Eligibility: Rising high school seniors nominated from the Cristo Rey Network, KIPP Foundation, or other invited schools, networks, and community-based organizations
• Program cost: Fully funded (tuition covered); stipend provided upon completion

The Georgetown Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) is a three-week, highly selective college prep program designed for high-achieving students from partner school networks:

• Week 1. Admissions and financial aid workshops, SAT prep, study skills, leadership development, and college search foundations
• Week 2. Georgetown Experience Seminars, Critical College Writing, digital literacy, and continued college search workshops
• Week 3. Seminars continue, mock admissions interviews, and final college application planning

You spend your time in classes, seminars, workshops, field trips, and group discussions, all designed to strengthen your academic skills and college readiness. You’ll participate in Georgetown Experience Seminars across areas such as international relations, business, government, cybersecurity, STEM, liberal arts, and health studies.

Throughout the program, you work closely with Georgetown faculty, undergraduate mentors, and admissions professionals to help prepare you for admission to highly selective universities. You’ll write a college-ready personal statement, begin the Common Application, explore financial aid and scholarships, and complete SAT test prep, including a full practice exam.

5. Georgetown Pre-College Online Program

• Program dates: Offered year-round
• Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
• Program cost: Enrichment courses: $1,895; College credit courses: $3,995; Scholarships available

The Georgetown Pre-College Online Program lets you explore academic interests anytime, anywhere through flexible, self-paced online courses designed by Georgetown’s faculty. Courses are available year-round.

You can choose between enrichment courses or college credit courses, or take a combination of both. All courses include recorded video lessons, academic support, and a final capstone project that can be presented through writing, video, slides, or other media to demonstrate what you’ve learned.

Available subjects include:

• Biology
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Business of Sports
• Creative Writing
• Cybersecurity
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance & Investing
• International Relations
• International Law
• Journalism & Media
• Law
• Leadership
• Marketing
• Medical Research
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Surgery
• U.S. Politics & Government

Enrichment courses award a Certificate of Completion, while college credit courses provide an official Georgetown transcript with letter grades. You’ll also receive guidance from mentors (in enrichment courses) or TAs (in college credit courses).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Georgetown’s summer programs worth it?

Yes. Georgetown’s summer programs are worth it if you want early exposure to college-level academics and a realistic preview of university life. They help students clarify academic interests, build confidence, and develop skills that strengthen competitive college applications.

2. Are Georgetown’s summer programs selective?

Yes, selectivity depends on the program. Georgetown Summer Academies are moderately selective, while Georgetown Summer College, College Prep, and the Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) are more competitive due to their academic rigor, credit-bearing structure, or nomination requirements.

3. Do Georgetown’s summer programs offer college credit?

Yes. Georgetown Summer College and the College Prep Program allow students to earn official Georgetown University college credit and receive a graded transcript. Other high school summer programs offered by Georgetown are non-credit but still provide certificates and academic enrichment.

4. Which Georgetown summer program is best for college admissions?

The best option depends on your goals. Summer College and College Prep carry the most admissions weight due to college credit and transcripts, while SCIP offers intensive admissions preparation. Academies and Pre-College Online programs are best for early exploration and skill-building.

5. Can Georgetown’s summer programs help strengthen my college application?

Yes. When chosen strategically, Georgetown’s summer programs can strengthen your application by demonstrating academic initiative, college readiness, and subject-level interest. We advise selecting programs that align closely with your intended major and academic profile for maximum impact.

Takeaways

• Georgetown’s summer programs offer flexible pathways for high school students, ranging from short, subject-focused academies to immersive, college-credit experiences.
• These summer programs vary in selectivity, duration, and academic intensity, making it possible to choose programs that match your readiness and long-term goals.
• Strategic participation in Georgetown’s high school summer programs can strengthen college applications by demonstrating initiative, academic maturity, and intellectual curiosity.
• If you’re unsure which summer programs best fit your academic profile, our Private Consulting Program can help you evaluate options and create a targeted summer plan that supports your college admissions goals.