Get Ready for Summer: Wheaton’s Pre-College Program is Back!

By Joy McLaughlin
Executive Director of Summer Programming

The Pre-College program is once again offering a $500 discount to the extended Wheaton community including family members of current students, alumni, faculty and staff.  

Wheaton College’s Pre-College program is back for its second year and applications are now open! Current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from across the country and abroad can once again experience college life with new academic and athletic opportunities designed to enrich their summer.

Last summer, we welcomed a wonderful group of students who were engaged, challenged and achieved remarkable results. It was one of the most cohesive and supportive communities I’ve had the pleasure of working with. While I can share my perspective, the true value lies in hearing directly from those who experienced it.

Success of our Inaugural Program

The Wheaton Pre-College 2024 program was a resounding success, with both students and parents praising the comprehensive academic, athletic and social experiences offered. I’m especially gratified by the feedback from our post-program survey, where parents reported remarkable or significant growth in their students’ academic abilities, self-initiative, independence, understanding of college expectations and social skills. 

“Our daughter left Wheaton with greater confidence in her abilities as an athlete and student. She had so many different hands-on experiences.  Wheaton has helped her begin looking forward to the college application process with skills, knowledge and grace.”

“My son participated in the pre-college program at Wheaton College and it was an outstanding experience. He built lasting friendships, gained valuable insights and it truly helped him shape his future plans. The culmination day was remarkable, with impressive presentations and displays that highlighted the students’ efforts. I highly recommend this program to other parents looking for a meaningful and impactful opportunity for their children.”

“Excellent program. If you have any concerns about college readiness or just want your student to have realistic expectations about the college experience, you can’t go wrong with the Wheaton College Pre-College program. Our daughter thrived. It’s a beautiful campus with truly supportive staff.”

Similarly, students shared how the program helped them bridge the gap between high school and college life. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I left Wheaton feeling like I had a real understanding of what college would be like,” said one participant. 

The success of last year’s program has laid the foundation for even more robust offering in 2025.

What’s new for 2025?

This year’s program runs July 6 through August 1. In addition to expanding the number of spots available, Wheaton College is proud to offer new academic courses and nine sports programs giving students even more ways to tailor their summer to their interests. 

  • Courses in Social Sciences, STEM and the Arts: Whether students are passionate about psychology and law, AI and innovation, health and life sciences, or communicating creatively, this year’s courses offer a dive into areas of interest or the opportunity to explore new fields and satisfy their curiosity.
  • Expanded Sports Program: With nine sports offered in the Athlete Experience program, students train with our NCAA coaches. The program offers a practical, immersive introduction to college-varsity life, helping students understand how to balance academics, athletic responsibilities and social activities. 

New Sports Offerings 

The Student-Athlete Experience remains at the forefront of the Pre-College world with Wheaton being the only program in the United States to offer students the opportunity to train with NCAA coaches while also taking a college-level course.

“The training I received in the Student-Athlete program was incredible,” said one participant. “It gave me a real feel for what college sports might be like and the academic experience was a great balance. I learned so much in just one summer.” 

In addition to training in their sport, students develop skills in leadership, teamwork and also learn how to navigate the college recruiting process. 

As one parent noted, She learned how to be a better recruit through calling an actual coach to complete an athlete interview, writing inquiry emails to coaches and critiquing and creating a highlight reel. She learned how to be a better athlete, learning safe strengthening and conditioning techniques, nutrition, teamwork and more. 

Building on the success of last year’s student-athlete track, we’re offering an expanded range of sports with the following line up: Artistic Swimming, Distance Running, Fencing, Field Hockey (women’s), Lacrosse (women’s), Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, or Strength and Conditioning (relevant to any sport). 

Whether students are passionate about pursuing sports in college or simply looking to improve their athletic performance, Wheaton’s Pre-College program is the perfect place to blend academics with athletics.

Academic Growth

While student-athletes in the Athlete Experience take one course along with their training, students in our Student Experience program take two courses that either focus on a single subject area or explore different areas of study. Central to this experience is our dedicated faculty, who provide a robust and engaging educational journey. 

As one student shared, “My Wheaton Pre-College experience has been truly remarkable. The program offered a diverse learning environment that exposed me to a wide range of academic and social opportunities. One of the things that surprised me was the level of engagement and support from the instructors. They were not only highly knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in our growth and development. The small class sizes allowed for personalized attention and meaningful discussions, which enhanced my learning experience significantly.” 

This personalized approach to teaching and learning is what makes the Wheaton Pre-College program stand out, offering both academic depth and meaningful connection.

A Personalized and Well-rounded College Experience

We’re committed to giving high school students a unique and well-rounded college experience that’s both fun and challenging. The Pre-College program lets students choose from a range of flexible options to fit their interests and goals:

  • Residential or Commuter Options: Students can live on campus in Pine Hall (with meals in Chase Hall) or commute from home or a nearby location.
  • College Credit or Non-Credit Courses: Whether students want to earn credit toward their  future college degree or explore a subject just for the love of learning, you have the flexibility to choose. 
  • Immersive Learning or Exploratory Pathways: Take two courses in related disciplines for an immersive learning experience or opt for a more varied approach by choosing courses from different fields.

The Pre-College program is not just about academics and athletics—it’s about preparing students for the broader college experience. Participants engage in College Life Workshops on topics such as Time Management and Essay Writing for College Applications. Weekend trips to local attractions, cultural excursions and activities round out the experience, giving students the opportunity to expand their social skills and make new friends. 

“The environment showed me certain characteristics of college life that I had otherwise been unaware of and would not have been able to gain without such an experience. I’m surprised most by my overall enjoyment of the program, as being someone who holds themselves to high standards I entered hoping to prove myself and succeed academically, but will remember the program most because of the connections formed with others.” Noted one student. 

Spread the Word and Apply!

As we prepare for another exciting summer, Wheaton College is eager to share this incredible opportunity with high school students and their families. Application for the 2025 Pre-College program is now open. We invite prospective students to explore the program’s wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities and apply early to secure a spot.

Parents, alumni and current Wheaton students can help spread the word to their networks. The more students we can introduce to Wheaton, the more vibrant and diverse our community will become. 

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] and/or join our mailing list for the latest updates. High school students can also use this form to sign up for an academic advising session, where I will help them connect the dots on their areas of interest and relevant paths forward.  

We look forward to welcoming your student to Wheaton College in 2025, where they can embark on a transformative journey into the world of higher education!