Georgetown Pre-College Summer Program
Preparing for the challenges of university life starts now.
Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is proud to offer a uniquely inclusive preparatory program for local students in Qatar who seek a competitive edge in the university application process during their final years of high school.
GPS Alumni Perspective
“Through the courses in English, World Geography, and International Relations, I learned to think analytically and critically about the world around me–skills that I still carry with me today. The most meaningful part of the program for me was the friendships I formed. GPS was a genuine community, and even though we were together for only one summer, our bonds remain tight-knit to this day. Now, as a GU-Q student, I continue to carry the lessons I learned that summer and the inspiration left by my instructors and peer tutors. ”
—Maedelline Joy Padil, Summer 2024 participant, GU-Q Class of 2029
About the Program
The Georgetown Pre-College Summer (GPS) Program features three weeks of full-time classes taught completely in an English-speaking, coeducational setting. Students will gain valuable experience developing and practicing the academic and personal skills necessary for university-level success.
Experience university life with daily classes in:
- English – improve critical reading, writing, and presentation skills
- Introduction to International Relations – apply theories of political science to global topics such as poverty, the environment, economics, security, and ethics.
- World Geography – understand the fundamental forces that shape the world and the effects of this geography on human behavior.
- Global Politics – learn about the four majors at GU-Q: International History, International Economics, International Politics, and Culture & Politics.
- SAT Preparation (OPTIONAL) – Daily classes delivered through an internationally recognized test-preparation organization provide students with tools proven to increase SAT scores. The superior test results make GPS participants more competitive university applicants, and the skills taught by expert instructors prepare GPS participants to be more capable university students.
Eligibility
GPS gives preference to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Good academic standing
- Solid command of the English language*
- GPA of 3.0/B and/or overall average of 80% or better
- Qatar national or resident
- Entering last two years of secondary school
Tuition Costs
OPTION 1: QAR 3700 – Four courses pertaining to International Relations (GUQ majors) taught by qualified Georgetown University graduates + SAT courses taught by certified Princeton Review ScorePlus instructors, and formative co-curricular sessions led by peer tutors who are current students at Georgetown University. Students will also be provided lunch on all days.
OPTION 2: QAR 1850 – All of the above WITHOUT SAT courses
The GPS Experience
A Day in the Life at GPS
Each day at 8 AM, participants gather for their first class, greeted warmly by tutors and instructors. These mentors, many current or former GU-Q students, play a pivotal role in guiding the participants through a rigorous and enriching academic schedule.
Reflections from a GPS Peer Tutor
“While our responsibilities as Peer Tutors varied, I took connecting with the students most seriously. Moments when students felt comfortable enough to share their academic and personal challenges with me stood out most. It reminded me that the most meaningful part of growth happens not in solitude, but in service to others.”
Testimonials
“This has been a one-of-a-kind experience. The best part about this program were the peer tutors and instructors. They were all very friendly, helpful and cooperative to say the least. They assisted me throughout the program and cleared any doubts I had, whether it be about the assignments or university life in general.”
—Summer 2021 participant Nida Fatima, high school senior
“The expert instructors have inspired me not only to join their field of study but also to be a professor in the future. Furthermore, through the exposure to different sessions and activities within the program I got the chance to discover my hidden skills and improve others such as critical reading and writing.”
—Summer 2020 participant Suhaim Hamad Al-Thani
“I wanted to know what university feels like, I wanted to know what the environment is like so that when I do get into university, I won’t struggle. I didn’t expect to gain as much knowledge or experience from the program as I actually did. The course load, the instructors, the peers… it was a wonderful experience.”
—Summer 2018 participant Abubakr Mohamed
Hear from a GPS Student Teacher
Learn more about the experience of GPS from one of our former student teachers.