It is not always possible for a secondary school to provide enough knowledge to enter a top university. If you are not sure that your school’s major class can help you pass the exams (or, even more so, pass the entrance exams of a prestigious university), it is worth considering lyceums and schools attached to universities.

Pre-university – what is it?

A pre-university school is an institution attached to a university, often focused on grades 9-11. It is often attended by teachers from the university, and the major subjects take up a large part of the curriculum. It is easy to enroll in a college or university because of this approach.

Classical university schools usually have three tracks:

• Humanities (with in-depth study of history, social studies, languages, philology);
• mathematics (with an emphasis on mathematics and physics);
• natural sciences (specialized sciences – biology, geography, chemistry, and others).

In each direction, a specialized class is recruited to prepare students for exams. The training program is more complex and in-depth than in regular schools, so you need to be prepared for a high load.

The form of study depends on the particular university. Some universities pay for the education of their future students themselves, while others accept students only on a commercial basis.

To find out how to enroll in a college-pre-university, you need to contact the chosen university, as the conditions of admission differ from place to place. You may be required to take specialized examinations, show grades from the previous school, provide certificates and awards for winning city competitions or excellent academic performance. In some schools, the student will have to be interviewed to show his or her motivation and ability to learn in the new place. One thing is certain: the enrollment of students is competitive (even in the commercial form of education), so only the best will be chosen.

How to go to university with a pre-university program

Do not forget that studying at the pre-university is not a guarantee of admission to the chosen university. You will have to take exams and (if necessary) entrance exams on an equal footing with other applicants. However, pre-university is not just an in-depth study of subjects. Yes it will help with algebra homework but also it will help you to enter the university.

How to help you get into university schools at universities:

• you will have excellent preparation for the exams, which you can’t get in regular comprehensive schools;
• you will be specially trained to pass the internal exams of your university;
• successful completion of graduation exams, extracurricular activities, participation in academic activities of the university, workshops, and seminars will give you extra points for admission;
• you will get to know your university and the academic process at your chosen institution;
• you get to know your future professors and get used to the environment. This will help you pass internal examinations if you are nervous in unfamiliar surroundings;
• you will be able to make a final decision on your choice of institution. You do not have to go to the same university where you have studied for the past two years.