What if there was a way to gain a sneak peek into the college experience before committing? This is where pre-college programs come into play. They offer high school students much more than just a glimpse into college life – the pre-college experience can give high school students an advantage during the application process, save them money, and facilitate a seamless transition to the next significant stage of their academic journey.
Here are four eye-opening stories from high school students who pursued pre-college programs at UVM.
Scarlett’s Opportunity:
Reason #1 — Gain a Head Start on College Credits
Pre-college classes aren’t just about getting a preview of college-level material—they offer a tangible head start in earning credits before high school students even step on campus. For instance, the University of Vermont provides the opportunity for students to dive into a potential college major or an area of interest while still in high school.
@uvm_pace What if you could experience a college major while still in high school? See how UVM's Pre-College Program is letting high school senior Scarlett dip her toes into to dream college major before high school graduation! 🎓📚 #FutureReady #UVMPreCollege #HighSchoolToCollege #ExploreYourPassion #uvm ♬ original sound – UVM Pro & Continuing Ed
Scarlett, a Vermont high school senior, is making the most of this opportunity by taking an Animal Sciences class at UVM. By the time she graduates high school, she’ll already be familiar with the territory of her future academic endeavors. This can not only help her get a head start on introductory college courses but it also gives her the gift of time. Time to explore, specialize, and make her college experience uniquely her own—while also saving on overall tuition expenses.
Tucker’s Insights:
Reason #2 — Reduce Anxiety Around College Coursework
Many incoming college students are anxious about navigating the new academic environment. What will college professors be like? How intense is the course load? These are valid concerns but they can be addressed early through pre-college experiences.
@uvm_pace Thinking about college life but feeling a bit anxious? Our Pre-College Programs are designed to ease those nerves, giving you a taste of what's to come and how AMAZING it can be! 🎓❤️ #UVMSummerPrograms #PreCollegeLife #ReduceAnxiety #DiscoverYourPassion #uvm #UVMSummerPrograms #UVMCommunity ♬ original sound – UVM Pro & Continuing Ed
Tucker, a high school senior, highlights that the comfort of managing coursework in high school isn’t always a guarantee in college. Taking a University of Vermont Pre-College course can be incredibly reassuring. By practicing the interaction and learning processes common in college, students like Tucker can develop the skills necessary to thrive in their future undergraduate courses.
Daniel’s Advantage:
Reason #3 — Build a Strong College Application
The competition for college admissions is fierce. A standout application can often make the difference in acceptance. Pre-college programs offer high schoolers a chance to not only explore but also excel at the college level before even applying.
@uvm_pace Taking a pre-college course was a game-changer for #UVM first year student Daniel. He was able to take classes that his high school didn't even offer, which not only spiced up his college app but also got him ready for this new academic challenge. 📚💼 Ready to level up your future like Daniel did? #CollegeBound #FutureCatamount #precollege #collegelife #uvmcommunity ♬ original sound – UVM Pro & Continuing Ed
Daniel, a first-year student at the University of Vermont, credits his pre-college experience as a key factor in preparing a robust college application. High schoolers who participate in the UVM program can select from a variety of courses, both online and on-campus, during the school year or summer. This level of flexibility coupled with the advanced learning opportunities helps students like Daniel exhibit readiness and enthusiasm for higher education.
Mare’s Experiences:
Reasons #4 and #5 — Test a College Major AND Save Serious Money
Imagine discovering your passion and the potential to get a taste of your chosen major before starting college. Pre-college programs like those offered by the University of Vermont make it a reality. Not to mention the opportunity for significant cost savings by entering college with earned credits already in the bag. High school students have the opportunity to enroll in UVM courses, gain college credits, and receive a 50 percent in-state/out-of-state academic year tuition reduction. Vermont students can take two courses with tuition fully reimbursed through Vermont Dual Enrollment.
@mmmaaaarrreee Learn how to explore your possible college major while saving serious money through UVM Pre-College! #UVMRep #sponsored @UVM Pro & Continuing Ed ♬ original sound – mare
Mare, a current UVM student and enthusiastic pre-college program past participant, has three compelling reasons why the University of Vermont’s program stands out. Firstly, it’s the chance to delve into college credits and pave the way for a smoother undergraduate journey. Secondly, she underscores the point of confidence-building in a familiar major. And lastly, she remarks on the substantial financial edge, with UVM offering courses at a 50% tuition reduction for high school students.
Live on-Campus With Summer Academy
UVM Summer Academy offers a unique hybrid format designed for rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who are seeking a meaningful introduction to college.
Summer Academy is a 5-week for-credit academic program that gives high school students a valuable head start to their collegiate career. The program includes one week of on-campus residential programs featuring an immersive campus tour, college major workshops, student-led panels and presentations, classroom and lab experiences, and access to various residential amenities including the student center, dining halls, and fitness centers. Following the first week of on-campus living, students enroll in a real college class through UVM Summer U which features an array of for-credit courses offered both online and in-person during a 4-week period between early-July and early-August.
Students will explore academic interests, gain personal independence, and earn college credits. It is an ideal opportunity for students to build confidence, strengthen college applications, and get a real feel for university life.
“I would strongly encourage anyone and everyone to attend the UVM Summer Academy if they have a class that meets what they are interested in. It’s a really good experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Morgan Burnham, Health and Medicine
UVM Summer U courses are taught by UVM faculty, and students will be evaluated by the same academic standards and procedures as UVM undergraduate students. Completed college credit courses will result in an official college grade and will be added to the student’s University of Vermont transcript. Students will also gain an introduction to a variety of University of Vermont resources.
“I think it’s always fascinating for high school students to really embed themselves in a college environment…there’s a huge value in being here. For some, the idea of college is a little bit abstract and so demystifying that is really important. This is something students can do and be excited about.”
UVM Professor Tom Wilson
Embracing Pre-College Opportunities at UVM
The journey to higher education is a personal one, and for many, the journey begins before you leave the halls of high school. The many advantages provided by pre-college programs are not just enticing – they’re strategic. Take charge of your educational future today through UVM’s Pre-College and Summer Academy programs.
Ready to embark on a path to success? Request information below from our enrollment experts, and visit Learn.UVM.edu/pre-college to discover the courses and experiences waiting for high school students through the University of Vermont’s Pre-College program.
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