Pre-College Programs | Ithaca College

Earn College Credit and Experience College Life as a High School Student

Engage with knowledgeable faculty to further your passion for a topic, while earning college credit. Experience what college is like on the beautiful Ithaca College campus during the summer, one of the most enjoyable seasons in Ithaca, NY.

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Take Your First Step Toward College

Take your first steps toward college by spending time this summer living and learning at Ithaca College.

Our summer pre-college programs are geared for individuals age 14 or older, entering 9th grade or in high school (or equivalent). High school students can experience living in a residential hall while completing college-level coursework. The programs will run Monday, July 3 through Friday, 21, 2023 (and participants must arrive on campus Sunday, July 2).

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The Ithaca College summer pre-college programs provide high school students with an opportunity to earn three college credits while experiencing residential living on a college campus. The program occurs Monday, July 3 through Friday, July 21, 2023 (Participants must arrive on campus Sunday, July 2, 2023).

In this exciting Ithaca College program, you will learn hands-on about getting to college, succeeding in the classroom, and making the most of life outside of classes under the guidance of supportive faculty, Teaching Assistants, and Resident Advisors (or "RA's"). Our RA's are peer leaders who encourage community-building, peer-to-peer connection, and who provide regularly-scheduled social activities when you are not in class.

Choose from one of three pre-college programs that best fits your interest:

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Summer College

Choose your own adventure with one course in the communications, environmental studies, health, or natural sciences fields.

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Summer Theatre Conservatory

Hone your acting, dance, voice, and live performance skills at a top-ten ranked theatre arts program.

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Ithaca Young Writers Institute

Prepare for a writing life by generating new fiction, essays, and poetry.

“This was an incredible and interesting program to take. I was able to expand my knowledge to a level I didn’t expect and I learned valuable lessons that I will take back home with me. Something I really enjoyed about the program was how invested our professor was when it came to teaching us and allowing us to learn from one another. I was able to meet amazing people who share similar interests as me and I gained genuine relationships through this program. I was also exposed to a different side of health which was very helpful considering my future career goal.”

2022 participant

Other Summer Opportunities for High School Students at Ithaca College

Ithaca College hosts other excellent opportunities for high school students during the summer.

Summer Sessions - Ithaca College offers undergraduate coursework in condensed, short sessions that occur in May, June, and July. High school students can take Ithaca College courses as Extramural Students. Many of our summer courses are online and asynchronous so that anyone, anywhere, can experience learning at Ithaca College. For more information, visit our website
Summer Music Academy - Ithaca College's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers a wonderful residential experience to immerse yourself in music over the summer. For more information on this program, visit their website.
Summer Athletic Clinics - Ithaca College's Department of Athletics offers many athletic clinics over the summer. For more information on these clinics, visit their website.