How Montclair’s Pre-College Programs Showcase the College Experience

Pursuing their passions and career paths in film and TV production, pre-med, sports communications, Wall Street, and investing, animation, art, architecture, and more, nearly 250 high school students attended Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer in July.

Classes taught by Montclair faculty were complemented by access to the corporate and cultural resources of New York City, showcasing both worlds as students experienced what it’s like to live and learn on campus while exploring the vibrant metropolitan region. NYC field trips included visits to Google headquarters, creative agencies, and the hit musical Hamilton.

What Students Are Saying: “Montclair is one of my top college choices and when I heard about the high school program, what they’re doing here, I decided to get a jump start and to see what the school is like and also what the social activity is like. My first impression? Honestly I love it. I love the classes, the professors are great and they’re easy to talk to. All the activities we’ve done show me what college will be like.” – Oliver Majnik, a rising senior at Colonial High School, interested in Pre-Law.

Highlights of Montclair’s Pre-College Summer

Start Early, Succeed Big – As the fastest-growing and most affordable residential program in New Jersey, the one-week programs challenge students in college-level academics and let them experience college life, no matter what school they ultimately choose.

NYC Adventures Await – Just 12 miles from NYC, programs take advantage of Montclair’s prime location in one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan regions. A signature program, Summertime in the Big Apple, immerses students in the streets of NYC to learn about its architecture and history.

Major and Career Quest – A dozen different college-level courses allow teens to dive into subjects and potential academic majors while exploring various career paths, including: Acting, Animation, Business Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Film and Television Production, Model United Nations, Pre-Medical Professions, Social Media, Sports Communication, and Wall Street.

College Application Booster – By working collaboratively on projects and presentations, students gain valuable experience with both soft skills and technology that can strengthen their college application.

Mastering Life’s Must-Haves – Students build life skills to be successful in college and beyond.

“Not only are students learning what it’s like to take a college-level program, but they’re also learning to be independent and autonomous,” says Bradley Litchfield, co-managing director for Pre-College Summer. “They’re immersed in the entire college experience, including trips into the city to see Broadway shows, eat ethnic foods, and visit places like Wall Street and Google headquarters. These experiences will stay with them for the rest of their lives and help them form a better sense of their identity.”

Want more throughout the school year?

Dual Enrollment Programs: Available to students from participating high schools across New Jersey, the Dual Enrollment programs allow students to enroll in fall and spring courses to earn college credit while fulfilling high school requirements. Credits are offered at reduced rates and can be transferred to most colleges in New Jersey.

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn how to apply for Pre-college Summer and more about the full list of programs; plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic. See our Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.