Why summer schools are the missing link between school and university

The purpose of a summer school is not to tell students what career they should pursue or what degree they should choose but to offer space for exploration. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockPhoto Every year, thousands of students find themselves facing one of the first major decisions of their lives: what to study after school. They compare universities, browse course brochures, and speak to family, teachers, and friends. Yet, many make these choices without ever experiencing what those subjects actually look like beyond the classroom.More optionsThis challenge has become even more relevant now, as students have more academic options than ever before. Interdisciplinary learning is also becoming increasingly common, allowing students to combine different interests and build unique academic journeys. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has further accelerated this shift by encouraging multidisciplinary learning and greater flexibility in academic pathways. But all this also raises an important question. How can students make informed decisions about fields they have never had the opportunity to experience?This is where summer schools are beginning to play a far more meaningful role than they did in the past. Traditional summer schools were viewed as a way for students to learn a new skill, pursue a hobby or stay productively engaged during their summer break.Now, however, they have the potential to become spaces where students can explore varied disciplines, interact with experts and gain a first-hand understanding of university-style learning before making important academic decisions. Interestingly, most students who join these programmes are not looking for certainty but for clarity. They want to test an interest, discover something new or simply understand whether a particular subject excites them enough to pursue it further.Option to exploreThat exploration often begins with a simple change in the learning environment. A design challenge, a lab experiment, or a discussion on a contemporary issue can reveal dimensions of a subject that are difficult to capture within the structure of a school curriculum. Students quickly realise that learning at the university level is often less about memorising answers and more about questioning assumptions, testing ideas, and connecting knowledge across disciplines.Equally valuable is the opportunity to experience university life before becoming part of it. Questions that begin with admissions requirements or career prospects often evolve into discussions about research, innovation, emerging technologies and the future of work. Summer schools also allow students to engage with current university students, visit laboratories and experience campus life first-hand.Another important advantage is the opportunity to learn alongside peers from different schools, cities, and backgrounds. Conversations during group projects, meals and informal interactions often end up presenting these students with a new looking glass, and letting them think beyond their existing purview even after the programme ends.As higher education becomes increasingly interdisciplinary and dynamic, helping students navigate the transition from school to university has never been more important. Summer school allows exploration, encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and allows students to ask better questions about their interests, abilities and aspirations. In many ways, that may be its greatest contribution. Not helping students find all the answers, but helping them discover the questions that matter most before they take their next step.The writer is Chair of the Young Thinkers Forum, Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR. Published - August 15, 2026 02:30 pm IST