Frequently Asked Questions

The Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program at a Glance

Eligibility — Students age 13+

Format — 100% Online

Schedule — Flexible & Asynchronous

Course Types — Enrichment and College Credit

College Credit — Available for select courses

Proof of Completion — Transcript for college credit courses or a certificate of completion for enrichment courses

Scholarship Availability — Need-based scholarships available


Program Overview

Yes, all of these courses, both the enrichment and credit-bearing courses, are designed and taught by Georgetown University faculty, built specifically for high school students. The instruction is delivered via pre-recorded video. 

For enrichment courses, students earn a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University for each course completed. If you’ve completed a Georgetown Pre-College Online Program enrichment course, you’ll receive your certificate via email about one week after the completion date.

For college credit courses, students earn three credits and receive a transcript. If you’ve completed a Pre-College Online Program college credit course, you can request your official or unofficial transcript through the University registrar page here.


Eligible students must be at least 13 years old, currently enrolled in high school (or a U.S.-high-school equivalent), or within one year of graduating (gap year). These courses are not intended for college students or adults. Students under 13 cannot be accepted.


The Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program currently offers over 30 online pre-college enrichment and college credit-bearing courses across various subject areas:

Courses are available year-round. See precollegeonline.georgetown.edu for current session dates.


Yes — all courses are 100% asynchronous, with no live sessions or required log-in times. You complete each course entirely on your own schedule between your session's start and end dates.

For enrichment courses, you’ll need approximately 30 total hours per course. Sessions run 1 week, 2 weeks, or 4 weeks — roughly 30 hrs/week, 15 hrs/week, or 7.5 hrs/week. Students from every time zone participate. Mentors most frequently interact during daytime hours in U.S. time zones (U.S. PT/MT/CT/ET), but we have students from all over the world studying with us.

For college credit courses, you’ll need approximately 130 total hours per course. Sessions run 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks — roughly 21.5 hrs/week, 16 hrs/week, or 11 hrs/week. Students from every time zone participate. Teaching Assistants (TAs) most frequently interact during daytime hours in U.S. time zones (U.S. PT/MT/CT/ET), but we have students from all over the world studying with us.


Yes, after enrolling you can switch courses or session dates directly from your student profile up seven or more days before your session start date. Log in to your profile page, go to the Courses tab, and select a new course or date. 

If your session starts in less than 7 days, contact support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu and our team will assist you.


Yes, there's no limit to how many courses you can take, and many students take multiple courses to explore different fields. Georgetown offers college credit and enrichment courses across business, communications, STEM, medicine, and law and government. If you enroll in more than one course, we recommend choosing different session dates to get the most out of each.


Yes, you can participate from any time zone. All course content is asynchronous, so there are no required log-in times or live sessions to schedule around. This makes the program accessible to students both within the U.S. and internationally.


Course tuition for the program is as follows:

  • Enrichment course tuition: $1,895.
  • College Credit course tuition: $3,995.

There are no additional fees.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, UnionPay, JCB, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.


We accept most major credit cards (AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa UnionPay, JCB, etc.), as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.


Yes, we offer need-based scholarships in each cohort (enrichment and college credit courses) to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition.

  • If you haven’t applied to the program, complete your application here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
  • If you've already applied to the program, sign into your profile here to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.

Yes, students may include participation in the Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program on college applications, resumes, activity lists, and academic portfolios. 

For enrichment courses, participation in the program should be listed as “extracurricular” or “experiential” rather than "educational experience” since these courses are non-credit bearing. Including this activity on any college applications or resumes demonstrates intellectual curiosity, initiative, and engagement in advanced learning opportunities.

For college credit courses, you will receive access to your official or unofficial transcript here through the University registrar page after your course end date which you can include along with your college application(s). We recommend you keep each course syllabus in addition to the official Georgetown University transcript that you request directly from the University Registrar’s Office. We cannot guarantee that any institution will accept Georgetown University credits. Please consult with the receiving institution regarding transfer policies and procedures.


Applying to the Program

You can apply online through our application page. It’s only a few pages, and should take only 20-30 minutes to complete. You won’t be required to provide transcripts or letters of recommendation. Instead, we will ask you for some basic information and to submit one brief personal statement.


To apply for the Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program, students must meet the following eligibility and application requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Students must be at least 13 years old to apply.
  • Basic Information: Standard contact and student background info.
  • Personal Statement: A brief essay explaining your interest in the program. Note: This is the most important part of your application.
  • Language Requirement: All application materials must be submitted in English. Applications submitted in other languages will not be reviewed.

Yes, international students that are 13 years or older and able to submit an application in English are welcome to apply to the Georgetown Pre-College Online Program. English proficiency exams are not required, but students should be prepared to study in English.


Yes, you can apply to one or multiple courses with one application. Applying to multiple courses does not affect your chances of being accepted into the program. If you are interested in more than one course, we strongly encourage you to choose different dates for each so that you have sufficient time to fully engage with and complete both.


You’ll receive a decision via email within 1 week of submitting your application. At peak times, or if we have questions about the information you provided, it may take a few additional days to review your application.


No, you do not need to re-apply. If you’ve already been accepted you can sign in to your profile and click the Cart icon at the top of the page to edit, remove, or add new programs to your cart.


No, returning pre-college online program students do not need to re-apply. If you've already completed a course in the program you can sign in to your profile and click the Cart icon at the top of the page to edit, remove, or add new programs to your cart.


Georgetown Pre-College Online Course Information

No, there are no live video sessions or Zoom calls. The Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing you to learn on your own schedule through an asynchronous format.

How learning works:

  • Pre-recorded videos: Engage with interactive lessons taught by instructors via high-quality, pre-recorded video content.
  • Flexible assignments: Complete all coursework, projects, and activities on your schedule.
  • Expert mentorship: Receive personalized guidance and feedback from a mentor (enrichment courses) or TA (college credit courses) via the Canvas inbox, course discussion boards, and assignment reviews.

For enrichment courses, you’ll need approximately 30 total hours per course. Sessions run 1 week, 2 weeks, or 4 weeks — roughly 30 hrs/week, 15 hrs/week, or 7.5 hrs/week. 

For college credit courses, you’ll need approximately 130 total hours per course. Sessions run 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks — roughly 21.5 hrs/week, 16 hrs/week, or 11 hrs/week. 

Schedule Flexibility & Course Access:

  • Self-Paced Learning: You have the flexibility to complete the coursework on your own schedule, provided all assignments are submitted before your specific session end date.
  • Extended View Access: Students will retain view-only access to all course materials for 1 month after the official course end date.

Most courses can be completed entirely on your computer, smartphone, or tablet without any extra supplies. However, some do require additional materials.

Please check your specific course syllabus prior to the start date for any updated or added material lists. 

For college credit courses, many course readings will be provided within the course, however there may be additional required books to purchase. See the "Course Readings & Required Materials" section of the course syllabus for details:

Surgery course materials needed:

  • For learning to tie surgical knots:
    - String, yarn, or shoelaces for beginning practice
    - Dental floss or thread for more advanced practice
  • For sketching and modeling organs:
    - Paper, pencils, scissors, and tape 
    - Optional: Colored pencils/markers and colored paper to bring your model to life

You will receive an online course invitation at least two days prior to your course start date. Students who enroll at or near the deadline may receive credentials slightly later.

If your course starts in less than 48 hours and you have not received your invitation, please check your spam folder or contact student support at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu.


Yes, you can earn college credit in a credit-bearing course in the Georgetown Pre-College Online Program. The program offers both college credit-bearing and enrichment (non-credit bearing) course options. See the list of courses available for college credit below:

  • Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
  • Biology (3 credits)
  • Business of Sports (3 credits)
  • Creative Writing (3 credits)
  • Cybersecurity (3 credits)
  • International Relations (3 credits)
  • Law (3 credits)
  • Marketing (3 credits)
  • Psychology (3 credits)
  • Research Project: Finance (3 credits)
  • Research Project: Medicine (3 credits)

For college credit courses, you’ll receive an official or unofficial transcript which includes your grade and credits earned. If you’ve completed a Pre-College Online Program college credit course, you can request your official or unofficial transcript through the University registrar page here.

Enrichment or non-credit bearing courses are available for all subjects offered in the program. For all enrichment courses, you will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University, which you can include on your resume or college application.


No, participation in Georgetown pre-college online courses will not afford you any preferential treatment in the Georgetown University admissions process. However it will add a university non-credit course (enrichment courses) or college credit (college credit courses) to your college applications.


Yes, if you complete a college credit course, you will receive an official or unofficial transcript which includes your grade and credits earned. To request your official or unofficial transcript, visit the University Registrar page here.

For enrichment courses, you will earn an official Georgetown Certificate of Completion. To qualify for your certificate, you must meet the following academic requirements by the end of your program:

  • Assignments: Complete at least 70% of all course assignments.
  • Capstone Project: Successfully complete and submit your final capstone project.

For full details on grading and course policies, please review the Academic Requirements section in our Terms of Use.

(A sample version of the Georgetown University certificate is displayed below).

Sample Certificate of Completion


No, neither the enrichment course options nor the college credit options have prerequisites, however completion of high school biology is recommended for the Biology College Credit course.


Yes, you are welcome to include your capstone project on future college and internship applications. Your capstone project serves as a tangible portfolio piece that showcases your skills.


College Credit Courses

Many course readings will be provided within the course, however there may be additional required books to purchase. See the "Course Readings & Required Materials" section of the course syllabus here for details.


College credit courses are offered through the School of Continuing Studies and are not part of an undergraduate degree program. For students who later attend Georgetown University for undergraduate studies, the application of credits will be subject to the applicable College or School’s academic policies and degree requirements.


Possibly. Every university and college sets its own policies about whether to accept credits from another institution of higher learning. We recommend you keep each course syllabus in addition to the official Georgetown University transcript that you request directly from the University Registrar’s Office. We cannot guarantee that any institution will accept Georgetown University credits. Please consult with the receiving institution regarding transfer policies and procedures.


After your college credit course end date, you will receive an email from Georgetown University with your NetID and password. Using these credentials, you can access your official or unofficial transcript here through the University registrar page. Note: If you need an official paper transcript, they are available for a fee.


The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) affords certain rights to Parents and Eligible Students in regards to Education Records that are maintained by schools and universities. When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends an institution of postsecondary education (regardless of age), the student becomes an Eligible Student, and rights under FERPA generally transfer from the Parent to the Eligible Student. 

As a result, we are unable to share Education Records with anyone other than the enrolled student. If a parent or guardian would like information about their student’s application or their student’s participation, progress, or grades in a program, they may request that their student share this information with them. If the student does not have access to the information, the student may request it by contacting us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu.


Drop policy: You have up to one (1) week after the course start date to request to be dropped from a college credit course. If you drop within this time, you will not receive a transcript. 

Withdrawal policy: See the college credit withdrawal FAQ for more details.

Refund policy: For refunds requested seven (7) days prior to the course start date: 100% of tuition is refundable. For refunds requested six (6) days prior to course start date and up to one (1) week after start date: 50% of tuition is refundable. For refunds requested eight (8) days after the course start date: No refund is available.

For dates and additional details about adding, dropping, and withdrawing, view the College Credit Academic Calendar here.

To request a drop, withdraw, and/or refund, please reach out to support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu.


We are committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and serving individuals with different abilities. To help make the course experience accessible and inclusive, all videos feature closed-captioning and variable playback speed with unlimited viewing; the platform and content are screen-reader-friendly; and quizzes and assignments are untimed; and all work is due on the course end date.

If you require accommodations, please contact support@precollege.georgetown.edu so that the support team may coordinate your accommodation request with the appropriate department(s). Please contact early and prior to your start date to allow time for the accommodations review process and implementation of any required accommodations.


Assignments & Grading

For college credit courses, students will receive a letter grade (no pass/fail option at this time). See our terms of use for more details about grading.

For enrichment courses, assignments are assessed as Complete or Incomplete — there are no letter grades. "Complete" means your work satisfies the assignment requirements. "Incomplete" means it wasn't submitted or didn't address the assignment requirements.


Each course includes module assignments after each unit, plus one final capstone project. Module assignments are designed to reinforce and apply what you learned in that unit. The capstone project gives you a chance to explore a topic from the course in depth and to receive mentor feedback before you finalize it. The capstone can be included in future college or internship applications.




All assignments and your capstone project must be completed before your session end date. There are no individual assignment deadlines within the course — you manage your own schedule, as long as everything is submitted by the end of your chosen session.


About the Instructors, TAs, & Mentors

The Georgetown pre-college online courses are developed and taught by Georgetown University faculty and industry experts who are leaders in their respective fields. Instructors bring real-world experience and academic rigor to the curriculum.

You can find more information about each course instructor below:


Mentors (enrichment courses) and TAs (college credit courses) are well-versed in your course subject and will work with you throughout the course experience. They will provide encouragement and direction on assignments, as well as the inspiration and confidence to be successful. In short, you won’t need to go it alone.


Your mentor (enrichment courses) or TA (college credit courses) will answer course-related questions, provide guidance and encouragement, and give feedback on your assignments and capstone project. Think of them as your go-to resource for staying on track and getting the most out of the program. TAs also grade assignments for the college credit courses.


You will have the opportunity to connect with your mentor (enrichment courses) or TA (college credit courses) virtually during your course through the Canvas Inbox and discussion board. You can also expect to receive mentor or TA feedback on course assignments and the capstone project. Reach out to your mentor or TA whenever you have any questions or need support regarding your course content.


Refund Policy Information

Yes. For enrichment courses, you may cancel your enrollment without penalty and receive 100% of tuition/fees paid if we receive your request to cancel at least seven (7) calendar days prior to your start date.

All tuition/fees paid for a program become non-refundable six (6) days prior to your scheduled start date for that program. However, you may be able to switch your enrollment to another program or cohort.

If your plans change after you've enrolled, reach out to us at support@precollege.georgetown.edu as soon as possible so that we can offer you the most flexibility.

For college credit courses, the refund policy is different from that of enrichment courses due to the Drop/Add period. Please refer to the academic calendar here for key dates and deadlines.

You may drop a college credit course and receive a refund of tuition/fees paid according to the following schedule:

  • If we receive your request to cancel at least seven (7) calendar days prior to your start date, you may drop your program and receive 100% of tuition/fees paid.
  • If we receive your request to cancel fewer than seven (7) days prior to your start date but by the published drop deadline, you may drop your program and receive 50% of tuition/fees paid.
  • After the drop deadline, you may not drop your course, and tuition/fees are non-refundable.

If you drop your college credit course, it will not appear on your academic record with the university.

If your plans change at any time after enrolling in a college credit course, we recommend that you contact us at support@precollege.georgetown.edu so that we can offer you the most flexibility.


Technical Requirements & Issues

A strong internet connection (WiFi or wired) is required as the course is online.

Our digital course platform, Canvas, is compatible with most browsers and devices. We recommend using a laptop or similar device, but you can also download the Canvas Student app on the App Store or Google Play to study on a mobile device.


Enrolled students will receive course access via email at least 2 days prior to your course start date. Students who enroll at or near the deadline may receive credentials slightly later. 

Once you receive the course access email, you can:

  • Download the App: Download the Canvas Student app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can log in via your desktop browser using the link provided in your welcome email.
  • Find Your School: Open the app and type "Georgetown University - Pre-College & Visiting Student Programs" when prompted with "What’s your school’s name?"
  • Enter Credentials: Input your credentials to log in and view your dashboard.

Note: If your course starts in less than 48 hours and you have not received your access email, please check your spam folder or contact student support at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu.


You will have view-only access to the online course for 1 month after your end-date. You must complete all of the assignments for your course by the end of your course session.


For School Counselors & Educators

We offer need-based scholarships for students who demonstrate financial need and high potential. 

  • If your student hasn't applied to the program, they can request a scholarship on the confirmation page after submitting their application.
  • If they have already applied to the program, they can sign in to your profile to check their scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, they can click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.

If you are a school counselor or educator looking to recommend the Georgetown Pre-College Online Program to a motivated high school student, you can do so through the following direct resources:

  • Application Link: Direct students to the official Georgetown Pre-College Online Program website where they can explore available courses, review application criteria, and submit their application.
  • Share the Counselor Flyer: Download and share our digital Georgetown Pre-College Online Program Counselor Flyer via email, or print it out to display in your office or classroom.

Contact & Support

You can reach the Georgetown Pre-College Online Program support team directly by email at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu for assistance with enrollment, technical issues, or general program questions. A member of our support team will review your inquiry and get back to you as soon as possible (typically within 24–48 business hours).