For high school students preparing for college, the transition can be daunting. From choosing a major to adjusting to campus life, the shift requires both academic and personal growth. Pre-college summer programs provide a unique opportunity to experience college life before enrolling. These programs allow students to explore academic interests, immerse in campus culture, and build professional connections, offering valuable insights into their future college experience.
Adelina Parikh, ‘25, attended a pre-college STEM program through Northeastern University to explore whether her academic interests aligned with the reality of her chosen field. Far from being limited to lectures, Parikh engaged in hands-on research, industry exposure, and networking, gaining a clearer understanding of her future studies. For her, the program offered a chance to test whether her academic assumptions about college life and her field were accurate.
“I liked to think of the pre-college program like a turn in Clue—campus type, specific major, specific school—prove me wrong,” Parikh said.
The experience went beyond academic exploration. Parikh worked on advanced experiments and projects, such as culturing human cells, designing and implanting chicken hip implants, and working with circuitry. These practical experiences not only expanded her academic knowledge but also gave her a realistic view of what her future major could entail.
“The most valuable experiences were the company visits and the opportunity to look into possible career paths from my major,” Parikh said.
Equally significant were the relationships Parikh built with peers and professors. Through collaboration with students from diverse backgrounds, she gained lasting professional connections that continue to support her academic and career pursuits.
“I have contacts with the professors I studied under, and I still talk to many of the friends I made from all over the world,” Parikh said.
Jennifer Vick, a counselor at South, emphasizes that while pre-college programs offer great exposure, they should not be seen as an admissions advantage. They provide valuable insight into campus culture and potential majors, helping students make informed decisions about their college journey.
“Most colleges would tell you this does not give you a leg up in getting admitted,” Vick said. “But it can be great exposure to a school—what is that campus like? Do I like the culture here?”
Though not through a specific university or college, Lily Frey, ‘26, attended The New York Times Summer Academy, which allowed her to dive deep into journalism through photography. The hands-on experience, coupled with professional feedback, gave Frey a true sense of what it’s like to work in the field.
“It gave me a real feel for what it’s like to work in journalism, and I met so many people with the same interests as me,” Frey said.
Ultimately, pre-college programs serve as a bridge between high school and college, offering students a chance to explore academic fields and make informed decisions about their futures.
“Don’t confuse a pre-college program with a résumé builder,” Parikh said. “It’s a great way to find out what fields actually interest you.”
