Princeton Pre-College Programme 2026
Are you a high school student or in the first year of a Bachelor’s degree, and do you want to explore Princeton’s pre-college programmes, often free for students admitted through a selective application (LEDA Scholars, Princeton University Preparatory Program) and focused on academic excellence and leadership at a leading university over the summer? Enrichment programmes in Princeton, New Jersey offer an immersive 3- to 7-week experience in which you study a subject in depth, spend time on a prestigious campus and strengthen your application to an international Bachelor’s programme.
Princeton Pre-College Programme: official booking
Registration, campus accommodation and YDS support are coordinated through our partner La Route des Langues.
The programme at a glance
The Princeton Pre-College programmes in Princeton, New Jersey are run by Princeton University (Princeton University Preparatory Program: PUPP, LEDA Scholars Program for high-achieving low-income students, Princeton Summer Theater). Typical format: residential, with student accommodation on campus, meals included, and teaching and supervision by faculty or doctoral students. Admission is based on an application (transcripts, a personal statement, and sometimes a letter of recommendation and an interview).
Who is this programme for?
High school students in their final two years and first-year university students planning to apply to universities abroad.
- English level: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (sometimes B2, assessed at interview)
- Academic profile: 15/20 average or 3.5+ GPA, with a strong record
- Soft skills: independence and genuine curiosity about the subject
Curriculum and skills
Lectures, hands-on workshops, small-group projects and field visits.
Key skills you will develop:
- Princeton-level university research
- Advanced academic writing
- Ivy League essay-writing methods
- Team leadership
- A research project supervised by a university mentor
At the end of the programme, you leave with a completed project, an official certificate from the university and, often, a letter of recommendation written by a supervising professor.
A typical day
The exact schedule varies by programme. Excursions and visits take place at weekends.
Cost and accommodation
2026 budget: the selective LEDA and PUPP programmes are free; paid programmes cost $5,000 to $11,000, including registration fees, accommodation and meals. Flights, travel health insurance and spending money are extra.
Booking through La Route des Langues, a YDS partner
Registration is handled by our partner La Route des Langues: programme selection, application, campus accommodation, airport transfers, adult supervision and 24/7 assistance. YDS provides admissions coaching so that you can make the most of this programme in your Bachelor’s application.
See prices & book →Frequently asked questions
How long does the programme usually last?
3 to 7 weeks, depending on the format.
What level of English do I need?
TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (B2–C1).
How do I register?
Through our partner La Route des Langues. Go to the booking page →
How can YDS help me make the most of this programme in my application?
Through full admissions coaching: see the service.
🎓 Ready to sign up?
2026 prices and availability from our partner La Route des Langues.
Book the programme →