Frequently Asked Questions

• Yes, all of these courses (both the enrichment and credit-bearing courses) are from Georgetown University and designed specifically for high school students. Georgetown faculty design the course curricula and teach the courses in pre-recorded videos. 
• 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.

• These courses are designed for high school or U.S.-high-school-equivalent students, including those who are taking a “gap year” between high school and college. Students should be 13 and up, not yet enrolled in college, and no more than 1 year post-high school graduation (“gap year”).
• These courses are not intended for college students or adults.
• We are unable to accept students under 13 years of age.

Enrichment Courses

• Yes, these courses are designed to be 100% flexible between your start and end dates. The lesson content is asynchronous, meaning you study whenever you’d like.
• Since no live meetings or specific study times are required, you can plan your course time around your other commitments as long as you have approximately 30 total hours to devote to the course between the start and end dates of your chosen cohort/session.

College Credit Courses

• Courses are 100% online to allow for maximum flexibility, but all required assignments and projects must be completed before the course end date.
• Since no live meetings or specific study times are required, you can plan your course time around your other commitments as long as you have approximately 130 total hours to devote to the course between the start and end dates of your chosen cohort/session.

• Yes, we are happy to switch your enrollment to any available cohort as long as you request the change prior to your scheduled start date. To make a change to your enrollment, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu.
• If you haven't enrolled yet and aren't sure which dates are best for you, we recommend that you enroll in the cohort that is most likely to work and then contact us later (but at least seven days prior to your start date) to switch, if needed.

Yes! There is no limit to how many courses you can take. In fact, many of our students find it beneficial to take multiple courses to fully explore their academic areas of interest.

Yes, you can participate from any time zone. Mentors and 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.

Enrichment course tuition: $1,795.

College Credit course tuition: $3,995.

There are no additional fees.

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

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.

Click here to apply; you’ll be guided through the application. It’s only a few pages, and it takes just a moment to get started. 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. The entire application should take no more than 20-30 minutes to complete.

• We need some basic information about you and want to know why you’re interested in the course(s) you’ve chosen. You can complete your personal statement with a short essay, video, and/or other media files that tell your story. The most important part of your application is your personal statement.
• While we welcome students whose primary languages are not English, the course is taught in English, and application submissions must also be provided in English. Applications submitted in languages other than English will not be reviewed.
• Students must be at least 13 years old; no more than 19 years old; and no more than one year removed from high school graduation.

• You can apply to one or multiple programs with one application. Applying to multiple programs does not affect your chances of being accepted to any one program.
• If you are interested in more than one program, we strongly encourage you to choose different dates for each so that you have time to get the most out of each program.

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

You can sign into your profile at any time to check your application status.

No, you do not need to re-apply. Instead, please contact us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu and we would be happy to assist you in getting enrolled in any upcoming course.

• Our courses include engaging and interactive lessons with the instructors via pre-recorded videos.
• Assignments and other activities can be completed on your schedule, but before the course end date.
• You’ll receive expert guidance from a mentor (or teaching assistant in college credit courses) via email, discussion board, and assignment feedback.

Enrichment Courses

• In total, the course will take approximately 30 hours to complete from start to finish. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to choose between a 1-week intensive option (~30 hour commitment for the week), a 2-week option (~15 hour commitment per week), and a 4-week option (~7.5 hour commitment per week).
• Our course durations vary depending upon when you take the course. Currently we offer 1-week intensive sessions, 2-week sessions, or 4-week sessions depending on the time of year. Regardless of your selection, all options contain the same program content, sessions, and support.
• You have the flexibility to complete the course work on your own schedule, while keeping in mind that all work must be completed before the end of the 1-week, 2-week, or 4-week course you’re enrolled in.

College Credit Courses

• In total, the course will take approximately 130 hours to complete from start to finish over a 6-week, 8-week, or 12-week period.
• You have the flexibility to complete the course work on your own schedule, while keeping in mind that all work must be completed before the end of the 6-week, 8-week, or 12-week course you’re enrolled in.

Note that you will continue to have view-only access to the course for 1 month from your cohort end date.

Most enrichment courses can be completed on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, however, some do require additional materials. 

Surgery Course

• 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

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:

• Biology College Credit syllabus
• Psychology College Credit syllabus
• International Relations syllabus
• Coming soon: Creative Writing syllabus

You’ll 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.

We now offer a credit-bearing option in addition to the existing enrichment courses for the following subjects:

• Biology (3 credits)
• International Relations (3 credits)
• Psychology (3 credits)
• Creative Writing (3 credits)
  

Enrichment or non-credit bearing programs 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.
• 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.

Participation in the pre-college course will not afford you any preferential treatment in the Georgetown admissions process, however it will add a university non-credit course to your college application.

College Credit Courses

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.

Enrichment Courses

Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion if you complete at least 70% of the course assignments and the Final Capstone Project by the end of the program. For more information, view the Academic Requirement section of our Terms of Use.

See a sample version of the Certificate here:

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.

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:

• Biology College Credit syllabus
• Psychology College Credit syllabus
• International Relations syllabus
• Creative Writing syllabus coming soon

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.

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 Pre-College Online Program 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.

See the 2024-2025 College Credit Academic Calendar Here.

Drops

• 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. 

Withdraws

• See the college credit withdrawal FAQ for more details.

Refunds

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

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@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu so that the Pre-College Online Programs 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.

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.

Enrichment Courses

Each unit assignment, as well as the Final Capstone Project, will be assessed on a rubric of:

• Complete - Work that satisfies the requirements of the assignment
• Incomplete - Work was not submitted or did not address the assignment requirements

Each course includes module assignments and culminates in one Final Capstone Project.

• You’ll complete engaging, curated assignments at the end of each module aimed to solidify and reinforce your knowledge of the course content.
• Your final assignment is a project in which you will have the opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned in the program. You’ll choose from a variety of topics covered in your course, get feedback from your mentors on your work, and you’ll be able to use any media you prefer-- text, video, photography, or Powerpoint. Best of all, you’ll be able to list your project on future college or internships applications.

You will have until the end of the course to complete your assignments and Final Capstone Project.

• Anatomy & Physiology: How the Body Works in Harmony
• Becoming a Leader: Motivate, Inspire, and Persuade
• Becoming a Surgeon: Skills, Specialities, and Diseases
• Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation
• Becoming an Investor: An Inside Look at Finance
• Biology: The Science of Cells and Innovation
• Creative Writing: The Power of Storytelling
• Cybersecurity: Protecting Our Digital Future
• Discover the Power of Marketing
• Explore Advanced Practice Nursing
• International Law: Protecting the World's Interests
• International Relations: How the World Works
• Journalism and Media in the Digital Age
• Law: How To Think Like an Attorney
• Medicine: An Inside Look at Treating Patients
• Medical Research: The Science Behind Medical Discoveries
• Psychology: How the Brain Influences Behavior
• U.S. Politics and Government: To Form a More Perfect Union

The online courses are supported by mentors (enrichment courses) or TAs (college credit courses) that are well-versed in your course subject and will work with you throughout the course. 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.

In the online program, mentors (enrichment courses) or TAs (college credit courses) will support you by answering your course-related questions, providing guidance, encouragement, and recommendations throughout the course, and giving feedback on your assignments and the Final Project. TAs also grade assignments for the college credit courses.

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

Enrichment Courses

• We know that your plans may change. 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@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu as soon as possible so that we can offer you the most flexibility.

College Credit Courses

The refund policy for College Credit programs is different from the policy for Enrichment courses due to the Drop/Add period. Please refer to the academic calendar for key dates and deadlines.

You may drop a College Credit program 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.
• If you drop your program, it will not appear on your academic record with the university.
• After the drop deadline, you may not drop your program, and tuition/fees are non-refundable.
• If you plans change at any time after enrolling in a College Credit program, we recommend that you contact us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu so that we can offer you the most flexbility.

• 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. You can download the Canvas Student app on the App Store or Google Play.

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.

• Download the Canvas Student app on the App Store or Google Play.
• Once downloaded, input Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program under “What’s your school’s name?”
• Then, log into Canvas with your credentials.

You must complete all of the assignments for your course by the end of your course session. You’ll have view-only access to the course for 1 month from your cohort end date.

Can I get scholarships for my students?

• We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
• If your student hasn't applied to the program, they can apply here. After submitting your application, they can click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.  
• If your student has already applied to the program, they can sign in to their Profile here 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.

Email us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu and a member of our Support Team will get back to you as soon as possible.