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Choosing the right pre-college program can be a game-changer for high school students looking to experience college life, earn college credit, and explore potential career paths. One standout option is the Emory Pre-College Program, a well-regarded summer academic program that offers a unique, immersive college experience on Emory's campus.
In this guide, we’ll break down the program details you need to know, including the application process, academic and residential life, and whether the program is worth the investment.
Emory Pre-College Program Overview
The Emory Pre-College Program is a two-week summer academic program designed for high school juniors and seniors. Students get a taste of college life through non-credit courses and college-level classes, engaging with Emory professors and peers from around the world. The program fosters personal and academic growth while offering a preview of the college application process.
Program Information:
- Two-week noncredit courses or six-week credit courses
- In-person and online courses available
- 100+ courses from various disciplines
- Residential life experience in Emory's campus housing or the commuter option
- Daily activities to explore the Atlanta area and develop college readiness
Who Can Apply:
- High school students aged 15+ by session start date
- Current 10th or 11th graders
- International students (with additional requirements)
Key Qualifications:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Motivated to engage in college-level work during the summer
- International applicants need English proficiency (TOEFL score of 100+, IELTS 7.0+)
- Permanent residents must submit relevant documentation
Emory Pre-College Program Acceptance Rate
The Emory Pre-College Program does not officially publish its acceptance rates, but based on program capacity and previous enrollments, it typically welcomes about 300 students each summer. While this indicates the program is relatively inclusive and accessible compared to undergraduate admissions, applicants should still approach the application seriously.
To maximize your chances of acceptance, aim to clearly demonstrate your motivation, academic capability, and enthusiasm for participating in a rigorous college-level experience. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, but the program also considers additional factors such as:
- Strength of your academic record (including rigor of coursework).
- Thoughtful teacher or counselor recommendations.
- Test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT), which, though not the sole factor, may strengthen your application.
- English proficiency scores for international students (TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+).
- Your personal statement or any supplemental writing samples (especially for international applicants).
Application Process & Checklist
To apply for the Emory Pre-College Program, complete the following steps:
- Pay the $70 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit the online application, including educational information, parent/guardian details, and course preferences.
- Provide an official high school transcript and test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT).
- Attach a teacher or counselor recommendation.
- International applicants must include an English writing sample and an English language test score.
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Program Dates and Application Deadlines (2026)
| Session | Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| A | June 14 - June 27 | May 1 |
| B | June 28 - July 11 | May 1 |
| C | July 12 - July 25 | May 1 |
Note: Always refer to the school’s official websitefor the most accurate and updated information.
Housing and Campus Experience
Living on Emory's campus is a core part of the Pre-College Program experience. Students stay in Turman Hall or Hamilton Holmes Hall, sharing rooms with fellow participants. The residential life setup encourages building friendships and gaining independence.
Housing Highlights:
- Air-conditioned rooms with communal areas
- Supervision by Resident Advisors (current Emory undergraduates)
- Meal plans included
- Access to recreational and academic facilities
For local students, a commuter option is available, allowing them to participate fully while staying off-campus.
Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast | - Residential Students: Enjoy breakfast in the campus dining halls, with meal plans included in the program cost. - Commuter Students: Dining options are available on campus; meals can be purchased separately. |
| 9:00 am – 11:30 am | Class | - All students attend their selected noncredit courses, which start promptly at 9:00 am. - Classes may include co-curricular trips and laboratory experiments, depending on the course. - Commuter Students: Should proceed directly to their classrooms. |
| 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | Lunch | - Residential Students: Lunch provided in the dining halls, included in the meal plan. - Commuter Students: Various on-campus dining options are available for purchase. |
| 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Emory Exploration | - Enrichment sessions designed to assist high school students in preparing for the college admission process and beyond. - Opportunities to engage with Emory students (both undergraduate and graduate), faculty, staff, and administrators. - Sessions focus on understanding and prioritizing what to look for in a college experience. |
| 2:30 pm | Commuter Students Departure (Optional) | - While programming after this time is highly encouraged and included in the program cost, commuter students are not required to stay. - Those who choose to remain can participate in afternoon activities. |
| 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Free/Study Time | - Students have the option to study, complete assignments, or participate in optional activities. - Atlanta Area/Eagle Excursions: Organized trips to explore local attractions and cultural sites, offering a broader understanding of the Atlanta area and opportunities to experience campus life. |
| 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Dinner | - Residential Students: Dinner served in the dining halls, included in the meal plan. - Commuter Students: On-campus dining options available for meal purchases. |
| 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Free/Study Time | - Time allocated for students to study, relax, or engage in social activities. - Evening events may include workshops, group activities, or leisure time to foster connections among pre-college students and provide a holistic college life experience. |
| Weekday Curfew: | 11:00 pm | - Residential Students: Required to check in to their residence halls by this time. |
| Weekend Curfew: | 12:00 am (Midnight) | - Residential Students: Extended curfew to allow for weekend activities. |
Weekends offer opportunities to explore Atlanta, with optional activities to enhance the summer experience.
Course Options
The Emory Pre-College Program offers an impressive range of summer courses in both credit and noncredit formats. These courses are designed to prepare students for the college application process by providing exposure to college-level classes taught by Emory professors. Below are some of the popular course options:
Abnormal Psychology
In this course, students delve into the complexities of psychological disorders, exploring their symptoms, causes, and treatments. This foundational knowledge helps students understand various mental health challenges and prepares them for future studies in psychology or the medical field.
Thinking Like a Lawyer
This course introduces students to the principles of legal reasoning, argumentation, and critical analysis. Through engaging case studies and mock trials, students learn how to approach problems from a legal perspective, developing skills that are valuable for future college applications and potential careers in law.
Economic Inequality: Friend or Foe?
Students in this course examine the causes and impacts of economic inequality, discussing whether it serves as a necessary component of a thriving economy or a harmful societal imbalance. Through debates and research projects, participants gain insights that are essential for social science studies.
Clinical Trials: Think Like a Medical Researcher
Designed for aspiring medical professionals and researchers, this course offers an introduction to clinical trial design, data analysis, and ethical considerations. Students work on projects simulating real-world research processes, gaining skills that can enhance their readiness for college-level classes and medical studies.
Learning Probability and Statistics Using R
This course combines mathematics and programming to teach students how to apply statistical methods using the R programming language. Participants work with real datasets, enhancing their analytical skills and preparing them for advanced studies in data science, economics, or computer science.
Learning from Emory Professors
Throughout these courses, students receive direct instruction from Emory professors, benefiting from their expertise and guidance. This experience offers a unique opportunity to develop critical academic skills and knowledge that can enhance college applications and prepare them for future career paths.
Cost and Financial Aid
Program costs vary based on residency status:
- Residential: $4,667
- Commuter: $3,292
- Online: $2,992
Additional costs include a $70 application fee and a $350 non-refundable enrollment deposit.
Financial Aid Options:
- Available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Requires demonstration of financial need
- Awards based on academic merit and financial status
- Decisions made on a rolling basis
The Bottom Line
The Emory Pre-College Program is a valuable opportunity for high school students to experience college life, earn college credit, and prepare for future college applications. With a focus on academic and residential life, the program helps students gain confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of what college life is truly like.
If you're ready to take the next step in your academic journey, explore the Emory Pre-College Program and start your application today.
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FAQs
How much is the Emory Pre-College Program?
- The Emory Pre-College Program costs $4,667 for residential students, $3,292 for commuters, and $2,992 for online students.
What is the most prestigious pre-college program?
- Some of the most prestigious pre-college programs include those at Harvard, Stanford, and Emory University, known for offering rigorous academics and valuable college exposure.
Are pre-college programs worth the money?
- Pre-college programs can be worth the money if they provide college credit, a taste of college life, and enhance your college application.
Is Emory giving free tuition to students from families making under $200,000
- Emory offers need-based financial aid for students from families earning under $200,000, but free tuition is not guaranteed for all applicants.
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