Duke University's Summer Programs for Middle School Students

If you’re considering applying to a competitive university, what better way to demonstrate you’re ready for this challenge than by spending your summer at one? Residential academic programs are a great opportunity to experience the residential and academic aspects of college simultaneously. 

In this blog, we cover Duke University’s Pre-College Program. Through this program, you can take part in various interdisciplinary mini-courses, develop new skills, and meet motivated students from across the country. For either one or two weeks, the program offers an introductory college experience to students in the sixth through eleventh grades. Nearly 1,000 students participate in this program every year, completing over 50 different programs. 

What is the Duke University Pre-College Program? 

Hosted by Duke University, the Pre-College Program is a unique opportunity for students in grades 6-11 to experience living and studying on a college campus. Students can take classes in real college classrooms with university professors, as well as connect with motivated, accomplished peers from across the country. 

It is a great opportunity for students to either explore new areas of interest or increase exposure to fields they are already interested in. The program is very versatile in its options, as one could participate in this online, as a commuter student, or in the standard residential program. 

The programs run in June and July, and the exact dates for next summer (2025) are still being determined. All residential and commuter programs take place in Durham, North Carolina. 

What does a typical day at the Program look like? 

Students can take one course for each session, held on the East and West campuses. In the mornings, Students have classes from 9 am until 4 pm each day taught by professional instructors and associates. Some days will have presentations from guest speakers. 

After an average of six hours of instruction a day, students can participate in various evening and weekend social events. Guided visits across Duke’s main campus and their sporting facilities are also included. As a residential student, you will spend three meals a day at the dining hall, while commuter students have lunch included during weekdays. Do note that residential students have a curfew for when they need to be back in the residence halls. 

How much does the Summer Residential Program cost?

The cost of the summer programs is dependent on the duration of the program. One-week programs cost $1,400.00 for tuition and $750.00 for room and board. This includes 5 nights of housing and 6 days of meals. 

The two-week program, on the other hand, costs $2,800.00 for tuition and $1,900.00 for room and board. The two-week programs offer 12 nights of housing and 13 days of meals and linens. Students will live in the East Campus residential hall and have access to 24-hour residential and medical staff, all meals provided, and transportation to and from the campus. 

It is important to note that financial aid is available, and alternative payment options are available for those who face financial barriers.

What topics/curriculums are covered?

The Duke Pre-College Program offers six subject areas overall: engineering, humanities, mathematics, science, social sciences, and technology.

Some examples of specific course titles in the Summer Residential Program include:

• Botany through the Arts

• Aerospace Engineering

• Creative Writing

• Sports Analytics 

• Politics, Law, and Advocacy

• Technology and AI

• Audio Engineering 

• Cryptography

• Pathways to Health Professions

• Financial Literacy 

Pros and Cons of the Pre-College Summer Program:

Pros:

1. You will live and learn on a college campus.

All participants in the Pre-College program live and work on Duke’s campus in a dorm-style housing situation. This is great exposure to residential college life if you want to know what it is like to be a college student. For residential participants, all of the meals will be provided through Duke’s services as well. Students will also explore the neighboring town through social activities on weekends and evenings. Partaking in the residential experience could also inform your decisions on where to apply when you ultimately begin the college application process. 

2. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

For students interested in this program, there are a few strict requirements when it comes to submitting your application. The applications are processed on a rolling basis, allowing early access for people who are very eager and flexibility for those who are unsure. They open in December, with decisions available as early as January. If you are looking to keep your summer plans flexible or if you need a backup option, this Pre-College Program is a good plan. There is no fee to apply to the program, and the latest applications are accepted around April. To do so, one must create a student profile and submit the required documents and essays. There are stricter requirements for international students, who must also submit a score of 90 or above on an English language competency exam. 

3. You can learn from Duke-affiliated faculty.

The many course offerings in the Pre-College Program are all taught by esteemed and established faculty from Duke University itself. Rather than hiring professors from outside the university, the program focuses on helping students learn in as close to a real collegiate setting as possible while fostering personal connections with professors. In this way, students have the opportunity to seek out a mentor or connect with a researcher in a field of their interest based on the program they choose. This teaching style is closest to what one could expect in a later college setting. 

Cons:

1. The program costs money.

One thing to consider about the Duke Pre-College program is that it does cost a considerable amount of money. Tuition and accommodations range from about one thousand to four thousand dollars, depending on the duration of the particular program. Though these costs are predominantly all-inclusive for on-campus programming, they do not factor in transportation to and from the campus, for example. However, if you are interested in the program and believe the cost would be a barrier to your entry, financial aid is available in limited quantities. These scholarships are available and can cover up to 100% of the tuition fees, though the room and board fees will not be covered.

2. The programs are short in duration. 

While the intensive one—or two-week structure may be appealing for students interested in a rigorous experience, the short duration of the program could also be considered a downside for students interested in prolonged mentorship and networking opportunities during their summer experiences. Do keep this in mind when considering this program. 

3. Participation in the program does not benefit a later application to Duke. 

Though participation in the Pre-College program is a great way to indicate your interest in a rigorous course of study, as well as your willingness to learn in an undergraduate academic setting, there is no direct advantage for college admissions. The program explicitly states that participation in the program does not factor into admission to Duke University, nor does it offer an advantage. 

Our Review: 

Ultimately, if you are interested in experiencing living on a college campus while enriching your academic journey, the Duke University Pre-College Program is a great fit for you. With courses in subjects ranging from creative writing to marine biology, there is truly something for everyone! 

The program could be an enriching experience to gain expertise in a subject you are already passionate about or an opportunity to learn about something totally new! However, price-wise, this program is likely unsuitable for students with limited financial resources. If you can afford the cost, the program offers a lot even within their constraints of one to two weeks. 

Additionally, noting this experience on your college applications can indicate to admissions offices that you are familiar with the rigorous academic and social environment of a high-performing institution in a positive way. However, it will not offer an advantage to admission at Duke University or its related institutions.

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