Where Your Future Begins
As a high school student who is motivated to change the world, we invite you to consider the pre-college online program offered by the University of Notre Dame. Designed to empower brilliant and energetic thinkers, courses feature dynamic video lessons by renowned faculty, and access to mentors. Best of all, study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace, since the program is available year-round. This is a great opportunity for you to explore your passions and prepare for college.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 2-week and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,495
Current Courses Available
Biology: The Impact of Genetic Mutations
Why is evolution important in biological systems, and how does it explain why cancer cells exist and recur? In this course, you’ll explore genetic mutations, learn the process of gene editing, and the way it is used for therapeutic purposes. You’ll consider the mechanisms and limitations of immunotherapy and other therapies used to treat cancer. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in STEM or medicine, this course is a great first step.
Business: From Startup to Success
What are the risks and costs of starting a business? How do you assess the health and strength of your business? And how do you grow a successful business? This course answers these questions and more. You’ll consider legal, accounting, and financial risks, how to write a business plan, and the strategies that enable you to take the business public. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and aspire to launch a business, this course is for you.
Finance: Creating and Building Wealth
How can you take control of your financial future and contribute to a more equitable society? In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of finance, and investigate the wealth gap as well as the role of financial institutions in wealth accumulation. By applying practical strategies to real-world situations, you’ll develop a financial plan that guides you toward your long-term goals. If you envision a future career in finance or investing, this course is for you.
Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer
How do lawyers think and reason? They apply rules to facts. In this course, you’ll learn the method of legal analysis known as IRAC (issues, rules, application, conclusion). You’ll discover major issues in criminal law, constitutional law, sports law, and intellectual property law; and analyze the U.S. legal system and how it compares to legal systems in other countries. Finally, you’ll create a brief for a hypothetical client asserting your position.
Psychology: Understanding the Self and Our World
How do we process and use information about social experiences? What kinds of feelings and biases influence how we engage with other people? Psychology helps us understand human behavior, and how the brain influences it. Get an introduction to psychological theories and principles that explore human motivation, behavior, and emotions to gain understanding of each person’s “self.” Whether you envision a future in the field of psychology, or any profession that involves people, this course is a great fit.
How You Will Benefit
- Courses are available throughout the year—pick subjects that fit your passion and your schedule.
- Suitable for high school students ages 13 and up so you can start exploring your interests early on.
- Experience what it’s like to take a course designed by Notre Dame faculty while you’re still in high school.
- Lessons by professors are delivered through dynamic videos, so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows.
- Work with mentors who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience.
- For each course, earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame for your college application.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Capstone Project
All courses culminate with a Capstone Project that allows you to:
- Demonstrate what you’ve learned in a presentation.
- Get feedback from your mentors on your work.
- Choose from a variety of topics covered in your course to show what you’ve learned.
- Use any media you prefer—text, video, photography, PowerPoint.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Expertise in your course’s particular field.
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies.
- Brainstorming to help you prepare for your capstone project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- You’ll learn through engaging video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- Multiple courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience.
- 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and activities per course, including multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to know more?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch!
Frequently asked questions
When will you find out if you’ve been accepted? How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time will you get to complete a project?Answers to your questions are here.
Admissions
Our application is simple. You can expect a prompt decision.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply 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 in to your Profile 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.