Pre-College Summer Programs

• Pillow
• Bed sheets & pillow cases (Beds provided are Twin XL)
• Blanket or comforter 

• Soap/ Shampoo/Conditioner
• Towels
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Toilet Paper (Program will also have a stock as well if needed)
• Other personal items as needed

• Clothes for daily wear (t-shirts, shorts, jeans,etc)
• Comfortable shoes
• Sleepwear
• Undergarments & Socks
• Sweatshirt/light jacket
• Athletic clothing (for the rec center or playing on sports fields)
• Flip flops/slides
• Swimsuit (for use in the recreation center pool)
• Note: Film & Television and Pre-Medical students must bring closed toe shoes

• Cell phone & charger
• Laptop & charger (Note: Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own laptop/chromebook to allow for independent work. However, students are not required to bring one).

• Notebook
• Pens/writing utensils for taking notes

• Reusable water bottle (a water bottle will be provided to all students as well)
• Small Trash Can
• Photo ID (ex. High School ID, driver’s license, etc.)
• Snacks/drinks (there will vending machines in the dorms and on campus)
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Personal spending money/credit for vending/campus store, etc.. Note: We strongly discourage students bringing large amounts of cash to pre-college

Rising 10th through 12th graders are eligible for the program.

There will be two sessions offered in Summer 2026. Students may apply for a program in Session I, or in Session II, or students may apply for programs in both Sessions I and II with the intention of registering for two weeks! Session I runs from Sunday, July 12 – Saturday, July 18, 2026. Session II runs from Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1, 2026. 

• Abracadabra: The Magic of Creative Writing
• AI and Engineering Summer Lab
• Animation and VFX
• Business Entrepreneurship Week
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Merchandising
• Film and Television Production
• Food for Thought: Understanding Nutrition
• Influencing, Marketing, and Creative Strategy
• Law & Order: Understanding America’s Criminal Justice System
• Makers and Movers: A Dance Intensive
• Model United Nations
• Next Stop: Broadway! – Musical Theatre
• Pre-Medical Professions
• Pre-Teacher Academy
• Psychology: The Human Mind Unlocked
• Sports Communication
• Theatremaker: Writing and Directing Intensive
• The Craft of Acting
• The Mathematics of Musical Instruments
• Wall Street and the Investment Experience

For most programs, students will be in their academic classes from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. You’ll spend the rest of your time enjoying all of the other aspects of campus and residential life. All programs will take at least one off-campus field trip during the program to meet with leaders in the field.

Students will live in The Heights in doubles. Our residential life staff will oversee recreational evening activities and ensure everyone’s well-being throughout the program. Students will eat in Montclair’s dining hall Sam’s Place, located just a short walk from The Heights. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided for all students.Please note that kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options are available.

Lots! First, all programs will take a field trip to meet with professionals in the field. And every evening, our residential staff will lead fun activities for all students, including opportunities for recreation and sports, interactive games, and enjoying leisure time in communal spaces. Of course, students may use some evening time to work on group projects with their classmates. Regardless of your program, you won’t be bored.

Students cannot bring cars to campus.

Students may not have visitors during the program.

All students should bring comfortable clothing for the week, including leisure and recreational clothing as well as appropriate clothing for a field trip. There are laundry facilities in the dorms, but we expect that most students may be too busy to want to use them. Students should bring all toiletries and personal items. In some programs (including Film & Television), it is critical to have closed toe shoes during production. Take a look at the suggested “packing” list.

Information about your specific program will be sent in June from your program director. While all meals will be provided, students are welcome to bring their favorite snacks and other items that make them feel comfortable. Students will not be leaving campus (other than their field trip) during the week.

While it is not required, we recommend that students bring their own laptop computers if they have them. This will facilitate independent and group work when you return to the dorms. Additionally, students should bring writing tools (pens/pencils) and a notebook or binder.

Finally, students may want to bring some limited spending money (or credit) to buy shirts, hats, or other items from the campus store and for field trips. We do not encourage students to bring excessive cash to campus.

For general information about pre-college or your application, please contact precollege@montclair.edu. For questions about a particular academic program, please contact the program director (their contact information is found on individual program pages).

Yes. Once students have been accepted and submitted their deposit, you will receive a request for additional information, including a health form, emergency information, drop-off and pick-up information, and other information that you’d like to share with program administrators.

The Application for 2026 is now open. Apply today!

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance. Students are not registered unless the deposit has been received. The remainder of the balance is due no later than June 15. Students that are accepted after June 15 will want to submit their payment upon acceptance.

There will be adult supervision throughout the program including Montclair State University staff, Residential Peer Mentors, and the Resident Director.

Yes. Students are welcome to apply for programs in both Sessions I and II with the intention of participating for two weeks.