# How Montclair’s Pre-College Programs Showcase the College Experience Pursuing passions and career paths in film and TV production, pre-med, sports communications, architecture and more, nearly 250 high school students came to Montclair in July for one-week Pre-College Summer Programs. ![High school students use advanced cameras as part of the Sports Communication program during Pre-College Summer.](/sites/default/files/styles/660x400/public/2026-03/071624_09048_Pre-College_Day3-LAROSA%20%281%29.jpg?h=f03d1f75&itok=Z41NC0ac) High school students use advanced cameras as part of the Sports Communication program at Montclair’s Pre-College Summer. Photo by John J. LaRosa for Montclair State University 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 ![Three students in pre-med look at a 3D table to understand anatomy.](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_100/public/2026-03/071524_03736_Pre-College_Day2-LAROSA%20%281%29.jpg?itok=f82Wy5KG)Students in the pre-med program use an interactive 3D anatomy visualization system to understand the human body. Photo by John J. LaRosa for Montclair State University **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**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/craft-acting "The Craft of Acting"), [**Animation**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/animation-vfx "Animation & VFX"), [**Business Entrepreneurship**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/business-entrepreneurship-week "Business Entrepreneurship Week"), [**Computer Science**](/academics/programs/ms-computer-science "Computer Science"), [**Criminal Justice**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/law-and-order-understanding-americas-criminal-justice-system "Law and Order: Understanding America’s Criminal Justice System"), [**Film and Television Production**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/film-and-television-production "Film and Television Production"), [**Model United Nations**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/model-united-nations "Model United Nations"), [**Pre-Medical Professions**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/pre-medical-professions "Pre-Medical Professions"), [**Social Media**](/academics/programs/ba-social-media-and-public-relations "Social Media and Public Relations"), [**Sports Communication**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/sports-communication "Sports Communication"), and [**Wall Street**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs/wall-street-and-investment-experience "Wall Street and the Investment Experience"). **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.” ![Parents assist teens with moving into a residence hall on Montclair's campus for a one-week session.](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_100/public/2026-03/071424_00650_Pre-College_Day1-LAROSA.jpg?itok=23IP0AHo)Parents help teens move into the residence hall where they will live on the Montclair campus during the one-week session. Photo by John J. LaRosa for Montclair State University ## 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**](https://apply.montclair.edu/register/precollege2026) and more about the [**full list of programs**](/academics/opportunities-high-school-students/pre-college-summer-programs "Pre-College Summer Programs"); plan a [**visit to our campus**](https://www.montclair.edu/admissions/visit-us/) and take the first step in [**applying to become a Red Hawk**](https://www.montclair.edu/admissions/)! **Journalist:** Contact the [**Media Relations team**](/offices-departments-centers/media-relations "Media Relations") for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic. See our [**Faculty Experts**](https://inside.montclair.edu/administration/university-communications-marketing/strategic-communications/news-media-relations/faculty-experts) and [**hi-res media assets**](https://inside.montclair.edu/administration/university-communications-marketing/strategic-communications/news-media-relations/media-assets) available for download. Published July 24, 2024 Type [Front Page News](/news-media/news-stories?type%5B344%5D=344) Topic - [Arts](/news-media/news-stories?topic%5B77%5D=77) - [Athletics](/news-media/news-stories?topic%5B78%5D=78) ## Contact the Media Relations Team [Media Relations](/offices-departments-centers/media-relations) The Media Relations Office is the official source of information for Montclair State University and is the primary point of contact for members of the media requesting institutional information and/or interviews with faculty, staff and administration. - Elyse Toribio - - Telephone [973-655-4334](tel:973-655-4334) - Andrew Mees - - Telephone [973-655-3101](tel:973-655-3101) ## More News & Stories - ![Raena Loper poses on a chaise.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-11/Raena%20Loper.jpg?h=3ec75680&itok=kbXb5SVR) Student Outcomes [ Alumni Voices: How a Fashion Graduate Navigated a Magazine and Digital Media Career](/news-media/news-stories/alumni-voices-putting-fashion-degree-work-magazines-and-digital-media) November 6, 2026 - ![082626 43232 BC Kimora-Mote](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-09/082626_43232_BC_Kimora-Mote.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=tiR7RV1-) Front Page News [ Why the Class of 2030 Chose Bloomfield College](/news-media/news-stories/why-these-students-class-2030-chose-bloomfield) September 3, 2026 - ![Malcolm McMichael in red cap and gown at Montclair State University 2026 Commencement.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-08/Malcolm-McMichael-051126_13517_Commencement_MP-X3.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=RvoHuZr6) Front Page News [ Alumni Voices: How A Dance Teacher Reconstructed His Career at Montclair](/news-media/news-stories/dance-alum-found-his-next-step-teaching) August 31, 2026 [All News & Stories](/news-media/news-stories)