Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-College Programs

Prelum, powered by Kaplan, helps high school students and families discover pre-college programs offered by universities. Students can explore courses in subjects such as medicine, business, STEM, law, and more to learn about potential college majors and careers. Prelum brings these opportunities together in one place, making it easier to explore programs and find options that match your interests.

Online pre-college courses give high school students an opportunity to explore academic subjects and potential careers before college. Depending on the program, students may learn through university faculty-led video lessons, assignments, projects, and mentor support. Some courses offer college credit, while others focus on enrichment and provide a certificate of completion. These courses are designed for pre-college exploration rather than completion of an undergraduate degree.

Prelum features university-backed pre-college courses across a variety of subjects, including business, communications, fashion, finance, law and government, medicine, STEM, and social sciences. Students can explore subjects they already enjoy or discover new interests before choosing a college major. Course availability varies by university and program.

Online pre-college programs can be worthwhile for high school students who want to explore potential college majors, discover career interests, or learn about subjects beyond their regular high school curriculum. These programs offer opportunities to engage with university-developed coursework, complete assignments and projects, and build subject knowledge before college. When evaluating a program's value, consider its content, format, and cost alongside what students can gain from the experience, such as new skills, completed projects, and a clearer understanding of their academic interests.

Start by choosing a subject you're curious about, then compare programs based on university, course content, eligibility, schedule, cost, and whether they offer college credit. Prelum helps you explore university-backed opportunities in one place. Once you've found a course that interests you, visit the university's program page to review the latest requirements, available sessions, and application instructions.

Yes. Pre-college courses are an opportunity for high school students to explore academic interests before deciding on a college major. Students can try subjects they're curious about, such as medicine, business, psychology, law, or technology, without committing to a particular academic or career path. Exploring different fields can help students better understand what they enjoy studying and make more informed decisions about their future

Online pre-college programs allow high school students to explore academic subjects remotely, often through flexible video lessons, assignments, and projects. In-person programs require students to attend activities at a designated location and may include scheduled classes, campus experiences, and face-to-face interaction. The best option depends on a student's learning preferences, schedule, budget, and academic goals.

Many university pre-college programs featured on Prelum are designed for high school students ages 13 and older. However, eligibility requirements vary by university and course. Some programs may have additional age, grade-level, academic, or enrollment requirements. Review the specific program details before applying to confirm that you qualify.

Many online pre-college courses are designed to introduce high school students to new academic subjects, so previous experience is often not required. Students may explore fields such as business, medicine, law, or STEM even if they haven't studied those subjects in depth. However, prerequisites and eligibility requirements vary by university and course. Students should review the specific program requirements before applying.

Many online pre-college courses are designed to introduce high school students to new academic subjects, so previous experience is often not required. Students may explore fields such as business, medicine, law, or STEM even if they haven't studied those subjects in depth. However, prerequisites and eligibility requirements vary by university and course. Students should review the specific program requirements before applying.

Many online pre-college courses offer flexible, self-paced learning that students can fit around school, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. Students can often watch lessons and complete assignments at convenient times, but courses still have defined session dates and completion deadlines. The total workload and time available to finish a course vary by program and course.

The time required to complete an online pre-college course varies by university and program. Many non credit-bearing courses involve approximately 20–30 hours of coursework, which students complete over a designated period, often two to four weeks. Online programs offer flexibility, allowing students to balance coursework with school, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. Students should review each program's expected workload, session dates, and completion deadlines before enrolling.

High school students can take many online pre-college courses throughout the year, not just during summer break. Flexible online programs may offer multiple sessions during fall, winter, spring, and summer, allowing students to explore academic interests alongside their regular school schedules. Start dates, application deadlines, and session lengths vary by university.

Many online pre-college courses featured on Prelum include video lessons developed and taught by university faculty and subject-matter experts. Depending on the program, students may also receive guidance from mentors or teaching assistants who answer questions, provide feedback, and support their learning. Instruction and support vary by course, so students should review individual program details before enrolling.

The cost of an online pre-college program varies by university, course type, and whether the course offers college credit. Tuition may also differ based on program length or other requirements. Before enrolling, families should review current tuition, any additional fees, and available financial assistance on the university's program website.

Yes, some university pre-college programs offer scholarships or financial assistance to eligible students. Availability, award amounts, eligibility requirements, and application procedures vary by university. Some programs offer need-based scholarships, while others may have limited funding or different eligibility criteria. Check the university's program website for current scholarship opportunities and deadlines.

Yes. Some pre-college programs offer college credit, while others award a certificate of completion. Credit-bearing courses typically have additional academic requirements and may provide an official university transcript. Non-credit enrichment courses focus on subject exploration and skill development. College credit is not automatically transferable; each receiving college determines whether it will accept the credits.

College credits earned through a credit-bearing pre-college program may be transferable to another university, but acceptance is not guaranteed. Each college or university establishes its own policies for evaluating transfer credits, including course equivalency, grades, and degree requirements. Students considering a college-credit pre-college program should confirm that the course awards official university credit and contact prospective colleges to understand their transfer policies before enrolling.

Completing a pre-college course does not guarantee admission to the university offering it or provide an automatic admissions advantage. However, students often gain subject knowledge, complete meaningful projects, and develop experiences they can reflect on when preparing college applications. Admission decisions are made separately according to each university's undergraduate admissions policies.