Summer Ox-perience Pre-College Program

Experience college before college: The Summer Ox-perience Program

Oxford College offers rising 12th graders a unique opportunity to explore college life in a supportive, intellectually vibrant environment. Set on Emory’s historic Oxford campus, this immersive summer program invites you to engage in non-credit, college-level courses taught by Oxford’s renowned liberal arts faculty—without the pressure of grades. It’s all about curiosity, exploration, and growth.

But learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. You’ll take part in a variety of extracurricular activities—from leadership and college readiness workshops and community-building events to creative arts, wellness programs, and weekend excursions. These experiences are designed to help you build confidence, form lasting friendships, and develop the independence and critical thinking skills that will set you apart in college and beyond.

Come ready to challenge yourself, connect with others, and discover what a true liberal arts education feels like—before your senior year even begins.

Who Should Apply

Are you a current high school junior eager to challenge yourself, experience college life firsthand, and engage in hands-on learning? Our in-person, residential Pre-College Summer Program is designed just for you!

• Graduation Requirement
  Be on track to graduate high school in 2027 and start college that fall.
  
  
• Age Requirement
  Be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2026, and not turn 19 before July 24, 2026.
  
  
• Vision
  If you're curious, motivated, and excited to experience college-level academics in a vibrant campus setting, we’d love to see your application!

Ready to take the next step?

 Join a community of thinkers, creators, and explorers this summer at Oxford!

SESSION I: Sound & Vision — The Science and Storytelling of Music and Media

May 31 - June 12, 2026  

Discover how rhythm, resonance, and visual storytelling shape culture, emotion, and identity. Whether you are a future scientist, musician, artist, or storyteller, this session will challenge you to think across disciplines and experience the world in a whole new way.

Physics of Music - From Sound Waves to Synthesizers:

Explore the science behind sound! Learn how instruments produce unique tones, build waveforms using Fourier series, and uncover the physics powering modern music production. No advanced math required—just curiosity and creativity.

History of Rock and R&B - The Soundtrack of Social Change

Trace five decades of musical revolution—from rhythm & blues to rock, punk, and hip-hop. Discover how music became a voice for youth, rebellion, and identity through listening sessions, cultural analysis, and deep dives into iconic artists.

Visual Literacy & Nonverbal Communication in Graphic Novels

Decode the language of images and explore how graphic novels convey emotion, sound, and movement. Analyze acclaimed titles and connect visual storytelling to real-world psychology and social intelligence.

SESSION II: Belief & Beyond — How Stories, Symbols, and Systems Shape Our World  

June 21 - July 3, 2026

Step into a world of ideas where myths meet media, rituals reveal power, and games become gateways to culture. This session invites you to explore how humans make meaning through belief, storytelling, and play.

What is Religion? Power, Identity, and Belief in America

Examine how religion is defined, who gets to decide, and why it matters. Explore the intersections of race, politics, and social justice in shaping religious identity and classification in the U.S.

Game On! A Brief History of Video Games

From Pong to PlayStation, trace the evolution of gaming and its cultural impact. Discover the stories behind legendary titles and explore how games became a global phenomenon.

Anthropology Adventure and Discovery

Become a campus archaeologist! Use maps, 3D scanning, and scientific analysis to uncover hidden artifacts and solve ancient puzzles. Present your findings and join the exclusive Oxplorer’s Society.

SESSION III: Strange Systems — Where Biology Evolves, Math Twists, and Everything Transforms

July 12 - July 24, 2026

Explore the fascinating side of change—where biology evolves, math bends reality, and systems reveal the hidden logic behind transformation. This session is perfect for curious minds who love puzzles, patterns, and unexpected connections.

What Makes a Species? From Sandwiches to Skulls

Investigate what defines a species—from quirky classification debates to 3D-printed ancient skulls. Explore evolution, hybridization, and conservation through hands-on simulations and real-world case studies.

Misery by Numbers - Economics, Empathy, and Evidence

Decode economic headlines and explore one of society’s biggest debates: inflation vs. unemployment. Analyze real data, historical case studies, and learn how economic forces shape everyday life.

Twisted Topology & Demented Dimensions

Enter a world where donuts become coffee cups and objects exist in fractional dimensions. Explore topology, fractals, and 4D geometry through hands-on activities—no advanced math required, just a sense of wonder.