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Northwestern University

Northwestern College Prep

College Life. College Credit. College Prep.

Applications for summer 2026 In Focus and Credit Courses Programs are closed. Apply now to our fully online enrichment program, which is open year-round.

Apply to Online Program

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Discover a variety of course opportunities for high school students with Northwestern University and prepare for college success.

Which option is right for you?

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Why Northwestern?

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  • Attend a top-ranked university: Find out why Northwestern is ranked #7 in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 list of best national universities. Unlike many other college prep programs, Northwestern’s college prep programs are taught by Northwestern-affiliated instructors to give participants the same quality of education as enrolled university students.
  • Dive into exciting new topics: Take college-level courses in relevant, specific subjects not typically offered by high schools. Last year’s most popular courses included Clinical Neuroscience, Forensic Chemistry, Business, and Aerospace Engineering.
  • Connect with motivated peers: Make friends with and learn from other high school students as committed to educational excellence as you are. Through our selective admissions process, we build a cohort of students who stand not only to gain something from the program, but who will contribute to it as well.
  • Explore a world-class city: Our in-person pre-college programs for high school students are based on Northwestern’s beautiful suburban Evanston campus, located just a short drive or train ride from downtown Chicago. When not in class, you’ll have the opportunity to venture out and see all that both cities have to offer.
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Get a head start on college.
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Choose from a variety of Northwestern courses highlighting themes relevant today.
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Receive college credit or earn a certificate from Northwestern.

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Hear from renowned faculty, expert mentors, and students from around the world.
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Gain crucial insight into potential college majors and careers.
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Test drive college life and academics while still in high school.

Find out more

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Learn more about our non-credit online college prep programs.

For more information on the IN FOCUS Seminars and for-credit courses, please fill out the form below:

The college prep experience

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Academic Options

Choose from two-week classes offered in a range of exciting topics on campus (IN FOCUS) or two- to four-week classes online (pre-college online program), or take an undergraduate course for college credit. Sessions in all options are taught by Northwestern faculty members.

Campus Life

High school students can experience college life this summer. Make new friends, enjoy activities, and have fun on Northwestern's beautiful lakefront campus.

Get Ready for College

Get a taste of independence and the college experience — learn in a college class, live in a college dorm, get to know roommates and classmates, and manage your own schedule.
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Read what students from last year's session have to say about their experience and view the student blog.

 

"I am very happy with the opportunity to be involved in this program, as it introduced me to a field that could potentially be my career in the future."
"I enjoyed the freedom in which I had to truly experience what college is like in terms of simply deciding when to do laundry or going to Evanston to try deep-dish pizza."
"It's so cool to be surrounded by people who are passionate about a similar topic."

"I feel as though (the Get Ready Series) has helped me consider my college application more seriously and gave me access to a lot of important skills I can utilize in the future."
"I enjoyed learning more about a field I am considering going into and getting a taste of the college living experience."
"Having the opportunity to feel independent and responsible for my own time was very helpful in envisioning my life in college in the future."
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