What is Pilots Pre-College?
Your Guide to the University of Portland's Premier Summer Experience for High School Students
Hello! My name is Nick Blaylock, and I’m the Associate Director of Pre-College Programs & Conferences at the University of Portland. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education—both as faculty and in administration—I’ve come to understand just how critical the transition from high school to college really is. As a parent and the spouse of an elementary educator, I’m deeply invested in what helps students succeed—not just academically, but personally and socially.
That’s exactly where pre-college programs come in.
What Is a Pre-College Program?
Pre-college programs are immersive summer experiences designed to help high school students explore college life before actually enrolling. It’s more than just academics—it’s about building confidence, learning independence, and discovering what kind of learner and community member you want to be.
Many first-year college students struggle in their first semester—not necessarily because they lack talent, but because they feel unprepared. The gap between high school and college continues to widen. Research shows high school coursework is becoming less rigorous1, while college expectations and pressure are increasing2. Add to that the emotional challenges of living away from home, navigating new environments, and managing time independently—it’s no wonder retention often dips early on.
That’s where Pilots Pre-College stands out as a bridge between high school and higher education.
Why Pilots Pre-College?
At the University of Portland, Pilots Pre-College is more than a program—it’s a transformative two-week experience. Students get to “test drive” college life on a beautiful, residential campus in Portland, Oregon.
Here’s what makes the program special:
Real College Experience
- Live in residence halls and eat in the dining commons
- Attend classes led by UP’s outstanding faculty
- Meet peers from around the region and country
- Learn to navigate campus life, from laundry to libraries
Choose a Major
Students dive into one of three academic focus areas:
- Public Health
- Engineering Marvels
- Green Futures: Explorations in Environment & Sustainability
These sessions include seminars, research, and experiments that simulate the college classroom and lab experience.
Leadership & Life Skills
- Leadership development activities
- Career pathway exploration
- Character and values-based learning
- Service opportunities in Portland
- A day trip to Oregon’s stunning northwest coast
Campus and Community Integration
Participants will connect with key campus departments:
- Admissions & Financial Aid
- Student Activities
- Student Health & Wellness
- Gender and Sexuality Resources
- The Clark Library and more
The Impact of Pre-College
Students who attend pre-college programs often start their first year of college more confident, more engaged, and more prepared. They’ve already:
- Lived on a college campus
- Formed friendships and joined communities
- Practiced time management
- Spoken with professors and mentors
- Experienced the joy of learning independently
Put simply—they’re ready. And that changes everything.
Learn More & Apply
Pre-college is what we all wish we had before starting college. Let’s give that opportunity to the next generation of students—so they can step into their college journey with clarity, courage, and connection.
🔗 Ready to learn more?
Visit up.edu/precollege for details on:
- Course descriptions
- Sample daily schedule
- Pricing & amenities
- How to apply
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @pilotsprecollege
📧 Email: precollege@up.edu
📞 Call: 503.943.8441
Let’s make college readiness real—and make this summer unforgettable.
Warmly,
Nick Blaylock
Associate Director, Pre-College Programs & Conferences
University of Portland
References
1 See Pew Research Center, "U.S. Students, Internationally: Math and Science," Pew Research, February 15, 2017, or National Center for Education Statistics, "Fast Facts: Back to School Statistics."
2 See KQED, "College Students Say Academic Pressure Is the Most Common Cause of Mental Health Problems," KQED MindShift, or Federal Reserve, "Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2023: Higher Education and Student Loans," 2024.
