Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program: Summer Program Spotlight

If you’re a high school student, you may be wondering when you should start exploring careers and majors. The answer…as soon as possible! However, there’s only so much exploration you can do on your own. At some point, you’ll want to learn within a more formalized structure, ideally from highly qualified instructors who can provide unique insight into the fields that you’re interested in. This is precisely why we recommend Notre Dame’s Pre-College Online Program, which offers a variety of flexible courses meant to deepen and accelerate your learning. Ready to learn more? In today’s blog, we’re breaking down the entire program.

Note: This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Notre Dame’s Pre-College Online Program. We have independently (and enthusiastically) recommended their offerings to our clients for many years. Our site only partners with programs that bring significant value to students and the material in this blog is 100% the genuine opinion of College Transitions. 

What is the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program?

Delivered 100% asynchronously, the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program offers courses for high school students in biology, business, law, finance, medical research, and psychology. Courses are run year-round, ensuring that multiple options will be available to fit your schedule. Curriculum-wise, each course delves into relevant academic topics as well as potential career fields, giving students a firm grasp of the future employment landscape.

No matter which course you choose, a 20-30-hour intellectual journey designed by University of Notre Dame faculty will await you. Accordingly, you’ll be immersed in Notre Dame’s culture of discovery and collaboration as you soak up new knowledge through video lessons, apply it to assignments and projects, and engage in discussions with your cohort via an online discussion board. Speaking of your cohort, you’ll encounter a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Students between the ages of 13 and 19 who are not yet enrolled in college are eligible to apply.

Wondering what kind of time commitment to expect on a daily or weekly basis? Since all courses are delivered in either a two-week or a four-week format, the session length you choose will determine your pacing. Taking the course during the school year, and hoping to move at a more relaxed speed? You may want to opt for the four-week option. Planning to enroll during the summer, when your schedule is wide open? The two-week course is likely the perfect fit. That said, note that courses are delivered in a finite window, and you’ll need to complete all assignments and projects by the final day of your session. Beyond that, the number of lessons and assignments you tackle each day is up to you.

What type of courses does the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program offer?

Currently, you can choose from six unique courses:

Biology: The Impact of Genetic Mutations

How are genetics and evolution related to cancer? In this course, you’ll tackle that question. You’ll also explore topics like natural selection, gene expression, protein function, and cellular signaling as well as their impact on cancer treatment.

Business: From Startup to Success

Aspiring entrepreneur? This course will teach you all the fundamentals, from the steps required to launch a business to building a firm financial foundation. You’ll also learn about undergraduate business majors and which financial, technical, planning, and strategic skills will be invaluable to your future operation.

Finance: Creating and Building Wealth 

This course is perfect for any student who wants to embrace the power of financial planning, regardless of whether they plan to pursue a career in finance. Concepts like budgeting, investing, and risk management will be covered. You’ll also learn how to set financial goals, make financial decisions, and protect wealth.

Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer

To be a good lawyer, you must not only understand how the legal system works but also how to interpret the facts of a given case through a legal lens. Accordingly, you’ll learn about the lifespan of a case—from prosecutorial charge to sentencing. Then, you’ll analyze multiple scenarios within constitutional, criminal, sports, and intellectual property law.

Medical Research: Advancing Human Health

 Explore the world of medical research. Uncover the mysteries of human health and disease in this dynamic online course. You’ll explore the scientific process from molecular techniques to community health interventions, learning how scientists design experiments, analyze data, and translate discoveries into life-saving treatments. Discover the diverse pathways to a career in medicine and the power of research to improve global health.

Psychology: Understanding the Self and Our World

 If you’re fascinated by the intricacies of the human psyche, this course will be right up your alley. What is the “self”? How is personality manifested? How does our social world influence our sense of self and well-being? In the process of engaging with such questions, you’ll also explore a wide range of careers, from human resources to public relations.

What is a Notre Dame pre-college online course like?

Each Notre Dame pre-college online course is divided into a series of modules, with each module comprised of pre-recorded video lessons as well as engaging assignments. Assignments ensure that you firmly grasp each set of concepts before moving on. Along the way, an expert mentor assigned to your course will answer questions and provide feedback via email. Then, instead of a final exam, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your learning in an exceptionally hands-on and relevant way: a Capstone Project.

As the culminating experience of your course, the Capstone should demonstrate what you’ve learned. Moreover, since you have some creative freedom over your project’s subject and presentation format, it should also capture your intellectual passions and curiosities. Check out the following possibilities:

In Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer, you’ll compare search and seizure practices in two real court cases. Then, you’ll use your new legal reasoning skills to dissect the outcomes of both.

Choose a specific cancer to focus on in Biology: The Impact of Genetic Mutations. Then, applying what you’ve learned about mutation, metabolism, and treatment, determine whether a cure is likely.

In Psychology: Understanding the Self and Our World, you’ll reflect on your current relationship with social media as well as its influence on your current and future self. Finally, identify a path forward using your newfound insight.  

As you can see, all projects are both hands-on and highly relevant, priming you for further exploration. For example, your Biology Capstone might inspire you to pursue a shadowing opportunity in your local hospital’s oncology department while your Psychology Capstone could serve as the foundation for AP Research. Final Capstones are also excellent additions to resumes, applications, and college essays

Who will teach my Notre Dame pre-college online course?

We can’t stress this enough—instructional delivery can make or break your interest level in a particular subject, so course faculty matters! Luckily, every pre-college course is both designed and taught by a qualified University of Notre Dame instructor. All have extensive academic training in their respective fields as well as years of professional experience. Want to learn more about who will be teaching your course? Let’s take a peek:

Finance: Creating and Building Wealth is led by Dr. Kristen Collett-Schmitt, Ph.D, an Associate Dean and Teaching Professor in the Mendoza College of Business. Research-wise, she specializes in economics education, inclusive pedagogy, and financial literacy.

Christine Venter, J.S.D., Director of the Legal Writing Program at Notre Dame Law School, designed Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer. In addition to teaching, she is an editor of The Journal of the Legal Writing Institute.

Excited to dive into Business: From Startup to Success? James Arthur O’Brien, a teaching professor and Assistant Chairman of Notre Dame’s Department of Accountancy, will lead your course. He also has experience as an attorney and certified CPA.

How many courses can I take?

As many as you’re interested in! The Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program actually encourages students to take multiple courses. If more than a few subjects catch your eye, you’ll be fully supported to pursue them here.

Moreover, Notre Dame’s slate of options enables you to craft a unique intellectual journey. For example, taking Finance: Creating and Building Wealth and Business: From Startup to Success will build the personal and professional skills you’ll need to be successful as an entrepreneur. Pre-med hopeful? Biology: The Impact of Genetic Mutations will introduce you to essential scientific knowledge, while Psychology: Understanding the Self and Our World will develop your capacity for reflection and connection, key for any medical professional. Not ready to commit to a major? Consider building transferable analytical and creative thinking skills through Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer and Psychology: Understanding the Self and Our World.

How much does the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program cost?

Since every session requires the same level of engagement and output, the price for both two-week and four-week courses is an identical $1,795. Moreover, need-based scholarships are available for all courses. You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship after submitting your initial application.

What is the application process for the Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program?

The application process is simple and only requires a few components. These include basic personal information and a brief personal statement that discusses why you’re interested in your course(s) of choice. The personal statement is very important and can be delivered via essay, video, or other media of your choice.

Application deadlines vary depending on the program. However, provided there is space available, applications are typically accepted until a week before each program’s start date.

Final Thoughts – Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program

High school is the perfect time to start exploring potential majors and career paths. Whether you’re an aspiring lawyer, scientific researcher, business owner, psychologist, or something not yet defined, you’ll find an exceptional level of academic challenge and discovery within Notre Dame’s Pre-College Online Program.

Looking for additional resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Best Colleges for Finance
• Best Colleges for Psychology
• Best Colleges for Pre-Med Students
• Best Colleges for Biology