PREMIER PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM

jcu campus clock tower and sunny sky

Premier Pre-College Program

John Carroll University’s Summer in The Heights is a premier pre-college academic experience for students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school.

Participants will learn directly from John Carroll faculty in one of our six dynamic programs offerings while immersing themselves in JCU’s campus environment. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the diverse neighborhoods around John Carroll in “The Heights” and the city of Cleveland!
 

 

Apply Today

Academic Program Offerings

students discussing in the classroom

Critical Thinking & Current Debates: Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Sustainability, and Medical Ethics

 

In this program, you will receive an introduction to controversial issues in three of the world’s most exciting industries: AI, environmental sustainability, and medical ethics. John Carroll University faculty from these fields will accompany you through activities that demonstrate new technological concepts and challenge you to understand all sides of the issues (even the ones you disagree with!)

drone image of st. ignatius statue

HeatSeekers: Drone Imaging for Future Scientists

In this program, you will build technical and experimental skills in drone imaging through experimental design, data modeling, data/image analysis, and the communication of results. You can expect to learn how to use a drone to capture images using a thermal camera, create heat maps to explore the impact of greenspace, and discover the presence of urban heat islands.

boler college rotating stock ticker

Building Future Business Leaders

Learn all the business basics while solving a fun problem. At John Carroll’s Boler College of Business, you learn by doing, so you'll have fun developing entrepreneurship, leadership, management, marketing, accounting, and finance skills while building a business. At the end of this program, you'll pitch your business to a panel of investors.

 

young writer reading her work to a group of peers

Young Writers Workshop

Are you looking for a leg up on college applications? Do you want to hone your writing skills? Do you need some inspiration to write and want to get feedback from peers and published writers? Do you want to have a pre-college experience at a big-time university? The John Carroll Young Writers Workshop is looking for students like you!

criminal trials and courts

Criminal Courts & Trials

Learn about the criminal court system in the United States as part of our pre-law program. Hear from professors, lawyers, judges, and other court actors about their roles within the court system. Work with your classmates to develop critical legal skills and engage in a mock trial to complete your week.

health for the whole person

Health for the Whole Person

Students will have the opportunity to explore different aspects of health and healthcare in this interdisciplinary program. Faculty from our College of Health will partner with you to do a deep dive into self-care and resilience, components of physical fitness, disease prevention and infection control, and more! This immersive experience will leave students with a broader and deeper understanding of what it means to work in the world of health.

Key Dates

November 12

Application Opens

March 15

Priority Application Deadline

July 13

Residential Student Move-In

July 14-18

Program Dates

How To Apply

jcu 3d letters in front of clock tower

 

How To Apply

The application for Summer in The Heights opens on November 12, 2024. Students who apply will be asked to submit biographical information, a short essay, and their top two academic program choices.
 

The Priority Application Deadline is March 15, 2025. After this date, students will be notified if they have been accepted and, if so, which program they have been placed in.


Once accepted, families must submit a deposit to secure their student's spot in Summer in The Heights.

 

Apply Now

Cost of Attendance

The cost to attend Summer in The Heights covers a student’s academic experience, lodging, meals, and off-campus excursions. This pre-college program is a primarily residential experience where students reside in JCU's air conditioned and recently renovated residence halls. That said, we understand that some students may need to participate as a day student. 

 

Residential

  • Total Cost - $1,000
  • Students will arrive at JCU on Sunday, July 13 to check in to their residence hall and meet fellow campers and staff.
  • The academic day will run from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • There will be evening programming available on campus from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • Students must be in their dorms for the evening at 10:00 p.m.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will be provided.

Day

  • Total Cost - $500
  • Students should be dropped off at 8:45 a.m. as the academic day begins at 9:00 a.m.
  • Lunch will be provided around noon.
  • The academic day ends and students are dismissed at 5:00 p.m. If they are being picked up, this must occur by 5:30 p.m.
  • There will be at least one off-campus excursion during the week for each academic program.

Faculty Highlights

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)