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Pre-College Summer Enrichment Programs to Boost Your College Application


Six smiling people stand on a lawn in front of a brick building with a clock tower. Text reads "summer discovery." Skies are partly cloudy. Bergen County Moms.

There’s probably not anyone among us who doesn’t relish the thought of lazy afternoons, relaxation, and outdoor fun. The sunshine and longer days summer brings have everyone counting the days until school is out and summer begins. And while it might be winter now, it’s already time to start thinking about summer plans.


Summer Discovery is a company that is absolutely obsessed with making your high school student’s summer both fun and productive. With over 18 prestigious University campus options and over 450 course choices, there is something for everyone. Summer Discovery’s courses are focused on being hands-on and immersive, offering experiences students do not get in their typical high school. Courses are taught by passionate and accredited experts hired by the University, and course curriculums are developed by the universities. At the end of the summer, students leave Summer Discovery programs with academic portfolio-building experience that will fuel their future career path. For nearly 60 years, Summer Discovery has been transforming the lives of students from around the world. 


They offer three distinct summer academic enrichment programs - a high school pre-college program, one for middle school, and a gifted program for grades 1-12. Every program is customized to align with each student’s interests and perfectly balance a summer of academic exploration, outdoor adventures, new friendships, and quintessential summertime memories. 


Historic stone building with a tall clock tower on a sunny day. Students walk along a brick path. Lush green lawn and trees in foreground. Summer Discovery Camp, Bergen County Moms.

Summer Discovery programs are offered at some of the most prestigious universities across the US and UK including the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Georgetown University, Dartmouth University, Vanderbilt University, UCLA, and Oxford University, providing residential or commuter programs from 2-6 weeks long.


“Summer Discovery offers a wide selection of immersive, hands-on summer academic enrichment programs for students,” said Julia Geffner, Chief Digital & Marketing Officer at Summer Discovery. “We offer career-focused programs, passion-based projects, and everything in between—from learning about the business side of sports at Real Madrid Graduate School in Spain to delving into fashion design at UCLA. Our summer programs are challenging and interactive, with no tests or grades. It's a time for students to explore their interests, discover potential careers, build life skills, and have a unique adventure on a college campus.”


Relationships with top universities that span decades has allowed Summer Discovery to differentiate themselves from other summer programs. Summer Discovery students experience the most authentic college experience because their course curriculum is created exclusively for Summer Discovery by the universities, who also hand-select their course instructors. 


“All of our summer enrichment programs are taught by University faculty, who are experts in their particular field,” continued Geffner. “Students in our UCLA summer program, for example, will have the opportunity to take screenwriting classes that are taught by professional screenwriters. Students can learn first-hand from talent agents about the business of entertainment.”


Two women in a lab, focused on using pipettes. One wears a gray hoodie, the other a green top and blue gloves. Background shows a busy lab setting. Summer Discovery Camp, Bergen County Moms.

Summer Discovery is the #1 recommended pre-college summer enrichment program for high school students, offering over 450 immersive, hands-on academic courses. From medicine and law to engineering and entrepreneurship, there’s something for every student.


Middle school students in grades 6-8 have access to over 50 unique courses and workshops in an exploratory, hands-on learning environment and participate in unforgettable experiences both on and off campus. 


Summer Discovery’s Institute for the Gifted offers a safe space for gifted, talented, and high-potential students to flourish alongside like-minded peers. Offered across six campuses, including Yale, UCLA, and Cornell - students in grades 1-12 have access to a multidisciplinary curriculum with both residential and commuter options. 


Every program balances academics with fun immersive summer activities on and off campus, including visits to amusement parks, local landmarks, outdoor adventures, and sporting events.



Summer Discovery’s team of Summer Program Specialists work with parents and students to create a personalized summer experience. Popular programs fill quickly, and applications for summer 2025 are now open. Discover how your student can make the most of their summer.


Learn more about Summer Discovery, explore program options, visit campus pages, or contact a summer program specialist online, via email at info@summerdiscovery.com, or call Summer Discovery directly at 516-447-4907.



Premier Summer Pre-College Opportunities for High School Students in Support of their Path to a Top University, Summer Discovery, Bergen County Moms

How to Apply


Summer Discovery reviews applications on a rolling basis each summer. The Summer 2025 program lineup has been announced. Tuition starts at $3,999, however, costs vary depending on the campus, length of the program, and commuter or residential housing options. Learn More and apply now. 


“We review every application to ensure students will be successful at the program they selected based on academic rigor and acceptance criteria,” Thorpe said. “As we forge new university relationships, programs may be added throughout the season, so we recommend checking back regularly. We also encourage families to apply early, as space is limited at each campus and program — and the most popular programs fill up quickly with students looking to attend a top university.” 


Summer Discovery is accepting applications for its 2025 programs now.


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