two students walking up the steps of brookings hall

About Pre-College

Prepare for college success

We want you to truly experience WashU both inside and outside of the classroom.

    Why Arts & Sciences Pre-College?

    There are many reasons an Arts & Sciences pre-college program stands apart from other summer experiences. Select a reason below to learn more.

    Commitment to academic success

    Whether you choose to attend a for credit or noncredit program the academic benefits are the same. You will gain invaluable experience managing time, studying for exams, writing papers, and collaborating with peers.

    Development of college readiness skills

    Through our challenging and innovative programming, you will develop skills to be successful in college. And while academic readiness is key, we also believe that social and emotional preparedness is just as important. We create an environment that encourages exploration and self-reflection.

    Collaborative and engaged community

    Whether in-person or virtual, you are part of our pre-college community, a network of instructors, staff, and students from across the country and around the world. Our programs create spaces for you to ask questions, make mistakes, try new things and learn in a supportive environment.

    Dedicated support

    We know that attending a pre-college program can be an exciting, but sometimes challenging experience. We also recognize that you will have your own individual needs during the program. This is why we have a dedicated team to provide individualized support. Staff are available to discuss questions and concerns, provide insight on campus resources, and promote physical and mental well-being.

    Our Students

    Our pre-college participants come from across the country and around the world. They are driven by a desire to learn and grow, eager to challenge themselves in a stimulating environment. They are mature, collaborative, intellectually curious, and creative thinkers. Many have an interest in WashU for undergraduate studies and use their participation in our programs as a way to explore the educational and social experience at WashU. Most choose to spend just one summer or semester at WashU, but some do return for several semesters. Individuals are welcome to participate in our programs until they graduate from high school.

    Skill Development

    We focus on ten specific college readiness skills in our programs: critical thinking, self-advocacy, networking, independent living, time management, self-reflection, decision-making, group collaboration, communication, and cultural understanding. These skills are the foundation for all of our enrichment programming from nightly social events to college advising workshops.

    90% of our program attendees reported an increase in three or more of these skill areas with independent living, communication, time management, and self-reflection being the top reported areas of growth.

    Mission and Goals

    Our mission is to provide high-quality pre-college experiences that prepare students for college, strengthen academic skills, foster belonging, and promote the holistic well-being of every participant. Guided by this mission, we commit ourselves each year to the following goals:

    • Prepare students for college success by building confidence, skills, and awareness of the undergraduate experience.
      Through challenging and innovative programming, students develop the knowledge, habits, and confidence needed to thrive in college. In addition to academic preparation, we help students build social and emotional readiness through experiences that encourage exploration, reflection, and independence.
    • Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative community where students feel connected, respected, and supported.
      All of our students, whether in person or virtual, become part of a pre-college community of students and staff from across the country and around the world. In this community, students learn from one another, appreciate different perspectives, and feel empowered to ask questions and try new things in a supportive environment.
    • Support students in strengthening their academic skills, growing their knowledge, and achieving their learning goals.
      Whether students participate in a for-credit or noncredit program, they gain valuable experience managing time, preparing for assessments, writing papers, and collaborating with peers. Our programs are designed to help students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and grow as learners.
    • Promote the physical, social, and emotional well-being of students through safe, supportive, and healthy program experiences.
      We know that participating in a pre-college program can be exciting and challenging. That is why we provide dedicated support to help meet each student’s individual needs throughout the program. Our staff are available to answer questions, offer guidance, connect students with campus resources, and promote well-being.

    Beyond the Classroom

    Our programs offer so much more than a classroom experience. They are opportunities for you to connect with peers, make friendships and memories that last a lifetime, and develop key college readiness skills that help you prepare for success in college and beyond.

    Student Life

    spark connection, curiosity, and growth

    Academic Success

    learn how we support students

    College Readiness

    learn how we prepare students for college

    Community

    learn about our pre-college community

    Residential Life

    learn about living on campus

    Health & Wellness

    learn how we promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being

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    What do participants say about our programs?

    "One of my favorite parts about the program were the people. Everyone came from different places all around the world with different races, religions, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations, and ways of thinking about problems. Despite our differences, we all shared a common interest in learning about the problems that face the world. The wide variety of viewpoints that I encountered during the two weeks I spent at WashU have shaped some of my own viewpoints, and that is something I will forever cherish." 
    -- Caroline, rising junior, High School Summer Institute student from Evanston, Illinois

    "My favorite part about the program has been collaborating with my classmates. We all come from a variety of backgrounds and bring unique experiences and perspectives to the table. Not only have we learned a great deal about engineering, but we have had the opportunity to learn a lot about each other as well."
    -- Joel, rising junior from Cincinnati, Ohio

    "Attending this program was one of the best decisions of my life. The courses were engaging and challenging, and the professors were always willing to help with any questions. The support I got from my peers and from the staff both academically and socially made it easier to transition to the college-like environment. Also, the diversity within the program allowed for an inclusive environment for everyone and the opportunity to see things and learn from different perspectives. The experiences, relationships, and knowledge I've gained will not be forgotten."
    -- Jasmine, rising senior from Houston, Texas

    "My time here at the WashU has truly been an amazing experience. I came into this class knowing close to nothing about philosophy, neuroscience, or psychology, but I came out of it with a deep desire to pursue it even further and learn so much more about each subject. The professor was amazingly insightful, with the lessons incorporating a blend of lectures and class discussions, and overall it was just an academic experience that is unlike any other in the St. Louis area."
    -- Louis, rising junior from St. Louis, Missouri

    "I have found my passion in life. This is my dream and I feel supported here to be on the right path to success."

    --Marcela, rising senior from Curitiba, Brazil

    "Something I have learned is to always be open to new ideas. I like how critical thinking and self-reflection is encouraged in the classroom."

    --Anastasia, rising junior from Beijing, China

    “Being surrounded by people with similar minds with vastly different personalities and backgrounds was an incredible immersion into the college experience that I will not soon forget."

    ― AJ Former WashU Pre-College Student, Current WashU undergraduate

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