Thinking about joining a pre-college program but not sure if it’s worth it? You’re not alone! These summer educational experiences help high schoolers prepare for college (and for adult life). Many students wonder if these programs help their college applications stand out or aren’t really worth it. We’re here to help you decide whether it’s worth signing up for one.
Read on to find out if pre-college programs look good on college applications. We'll examine the pros and cons to help you determine if signing up for one is a smart choice for you.
What do colleges look for in college applications?
Here’s a breakdown of the key things that can turn a good college application into a great one:
- A spike in a particular area: That’s what we call a visible talent or interest in one specific area. Maybe you’re a coding whiz, a mathlete or an amazing artist. Colleges love this because it shows you’ve got dedication and expertise.
- Showing who you are as a person: Admissions officers aren’t just looking for students who ace exams. They value those who can manage their time, handle responsibilities and contribute to the campus community. Your essays, recommendations and interview are all chances to show off your personality.
- A summer job, internship, program etc.: Have you spent the summer flipping burgers, interning at a local business or launching a personal project? Include it in your college application! Internships, certifications, fundraising, portfolios, websites, programs, leadership activities, volunteering – it all counts. And if you’re on the lookout for a cool pre-college program, we’ve got just the thing for you below.
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, clubs, music, drama, you name it – colleges want to see that you’ve got some passion.
- High school GPA: College admissions officers love seeing a strong GPA because it’s a sign you’re serious about your studies. But don’t freak out if you’ve had a few bumps along the way. A little improvement over time can be just as impressive as straight A’s.
- SAT scores: Good scores can sure boost your app, but they’re not everything. Remember that a solid GPA, impressive extracurriculars or an ambitious passion project can help balance things out.
If you really want to stand out from other college applicants, how about signing up for a college program that turns you into a CEO? That’s what Prequel’s all about – turning your passion into a profitable business while still in your teens. This kind of motivation is what colleges like to see – our alumni get into top schools like MIT, Yale or Stanford… but more on that later.
Do pre-college programs look good on college applications? Pros
While having multiple certifications on your resume might look impressive, it’s not the golden ticket to your dream college. The real treasure? The projects you’ve built, the stories you can tell and the skills you’ve developed along the way.
Pre-college programs can be pure gold on your college app. Why? Let’s explain.
Gaining experience
Pre-college programs are like little adventures that give you a taste of adult life before the real deal. You get hands-on experience in the areas you’re interested in, whether engineering, writing or business.
Meeting new people
These initiatives bring together a diverse group of people. For example, Prequel’s platform is a space where you can chat with many inspiring folks – our students exchange over 100,000 messages monthly. That means you’ve got a high chance of finding someone you click with.
Showing initiative and ambition
Signing up for a pre-college program shows universities that you’re proactive and not afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Getting a head start in learning (and business)
Some organizations offer college credit, which is cool and all. But the real value is in the head start you get on learning. At Prequel, students dive into hands-on projects that push them to use their skills in real-world situations. It’s a great way to build resilience and resourcefulness.
Growing life skills
The best pre-college programs do more than help you with academics. They allow you to develop essential life skills. For instance, at Prequel, you build a real business from scratch and learn all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Exploring personal, academic and future work interests
Not sure what to major in? Summer programs are a great way to explore different fields. You can dip your toes into various subjects, figure out what you love (or don’t love) and make better decisions about your future.
Potentially earning money
Prequel helps you kickstart a real business before you even hit college. Talk about independence!
What are the cons of pre-college programs?
We’ve talked about the bright side of pre-college programs. But like everything else in life, there are some downsides to consider, too.
Can be expensive
Summer programs can be pricey, especially those at prestigious universities. Tuition, housing, meals and materials add up to large sums. Not everyone has the budget for it, and financial aid for these programs isn't always available. At Prequel, we offer a full refund if you find it’s not the right fit for you. Plus, you can split the total into manageable chunks.
No guaranteed college admission
Attending a pre-college program at your dream school doesn’t necessarily mean you get in. These programs can improve your application, but they don’t come with any guarantees.
May not align with future plans
You might find out after completing a program that you’re not actually interested in the subject you studied. While it’s great to learn this before committing to a major, it can feel like wasted time and money.
At Prequel, we help you find your passion and help you turn that into a future you’ll love. No need to pick a major like you would in most university programs.
Tips for choosing the best pre-college program for you
Now it’s your turn to weigh the pros and cons and decide if pre-college programs are worth diving into.
If you think it sounds exciting, here are some tips to help you pick the best program:
Opt for things that interest you
Don’t choose something just because it looks good on paper. If you love writing, find a creative writing program. If you’re a science nerd, look for a summer science program, like a STEM research project. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, it shows. And you’ll get much more from the experience.
That’s why, at Prequel, we help you pursue your passion and turn it into a profitable, world-changing business. With supportive mentorship and community, it’s easier than you think!
Prioritize the long-term impact
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of how a pre-college program will look on your college application. But think beyond that – will it help you develop valuable skills? Will it provide networking opportunities to elevate your career and startup?
By connecting with mentors from all industries, Prequel’s students explore new career paths and gain some priceless advice. Plus, they don’t just impact their own lives – they change the whole world for the better. And we’ve got some stories to prove it below.
Highlight what you learned and how you grew in the process
When the time comes to fill out your college applications, don’t just list the places you’ve been to like a grocery list. Instead, focus on what you learned, the skills you gained, and how you grew as a person throughout the journey.
Think about the narrative you want to share
How do your pre-college programs fit into your story? Use your experiences to paint a picture of who you are and what you’re passionate about.
Prequel pre-college programs
Start early with Prequel
At Prequel you get weekly skill workshops, live coaching, personalized feedback and a network of other ambitious teens.
It is a multi-year online educational journey for teens who want to do more than just dream – they want to make a real impact.
And the most important thing? You create and launch a project that helps you build a robust portfolio and develop entrepreneurial skills.
Just to give you an idea of what’s possible, here are some cool things past Prequel students have done.
Corey whipped up an MVP for an AI-powered public speaking tool and snagged an internship with a public speaking company. He even locked in partnerships with local businesses to take his project to the next level.
Anaiah rolled out the first version of her mental health app, and it’s already got over 3,000 users on board. Plus, her mental health content has racked up more than 50 million views on social media.
Prequel also allows you to earn money while building your future. This program is all about giving you the tools to create a business from the ground up. It’s like having a safety net while you try out your best ideas.
Sounds good? Sign up here. If you want to get inspired with more examples, check out the Prequel blog.
