FAQ

What will participants gain from this program?
This immersive program offers more than just classroom learning – participants actively engage in hands-on experiences that bring academic subjects to life. By "learning by doing" in their areas of interest, they develop practical skills, build confidence in a university setting, and gain valuable insights into college life. This firsthand experience helps ease the transition to higher education while allowing them to test-drive potential majors in a low-pressure environment.

How long is the Pre-College Summer Program?
Each session runs for 6 days, from Sunday through Friday.* We offer four sessions in Summer 2025:

• Session One: July 6 - 11
• Session Two: July 13 - 18
• Session Three: July 20 - 25
• Session Four: July 27 - August 1

*The one exception is Computational Linguistics, which runs for a two-week extended session, from Sunday, July 6 through Friday, July 18, 2025.

Who is eligible to participate in this program?
The program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 15-17) who are in good academic standing. For Summer 2025, participation is limited to US residents only.

What attendance options are available?
We offer both residential and commuter options:

• Residential: Participants live and learn on campus and engage in evening social activities.
• Commuter: Participants attend courses and workshops from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily and enjoy breakfast and lunch.

Note: The commuter option is available for select courses only.

What does a typical week look like?
View our Sample Schedule page for a detailed breakdown of daily activities for both residential and commuter students.

Can a participant enroll in multiple sessions?
Yes! Participants may enroll in multiple sessions. Please note that our program only offers weekend accommodations (Friday and Saturday nights) for participants who are enrolled in back-to-back sessions. 

Is there a discount if a student registers for more than one session?
Yes! If you register for multiple sessions, there is a discount. Please see our Costs page for details.

Will participants earn college credit?
No. All courses are non-credit and designed to be exploratory and experiential. Participants experience college-level learning without the pressure of exams or grades.

What happens if Pre-College Summer cancels a course?
All courses are subject to a minimum enrollment. If we must cancel a course, we will contact the student as soon as possible to discuss options for either a different course or session. 

What does the program cost?
Residential: $2,250.* The residential fee includes courses and workshops, learning materials, social programming, housing, and all meals.

• Commuter: $1,250.* The commuter fee includes courses and workshops, learning materials, breakfast, and lunch.
• Application fee: $45 (non-refundable)

The following program fee discounts are available:

• Free and reduced lunch recipients: $250 discount.
• Accelerated College Education students: $150 discount.
• Multi-session participants: See the Costs page for details.

*The program cost for the two-week Computational Linguistics course is $3,950 (residential) or $2,500 (commuter).

Can international students apply?
Unfortunately, for Summer 2025, we cannot accept participants residing outside the United States. We hope to welcome international participants in future years as our program expands. Please contact us with any questions.

Where will residential participants stay?
Residential participants will live in suite-style residence halls on campus. Each suite features 2-3 bedrooms, accommodating 3-6 participants total, with a shared living room and bathroom. For more information, visit Campus Residences.

How are living arrangements organized?
Student suites will have 2-3 bedrooms that hold 3-6 people total.

What are the bathroom arrangements?
Each suite has a shared bathroom located in a communal area. These bathrooms are exclusively for the participants in your suite, not the entire floor. 

What residential facilities are available to participants?
Residential participants have access to suite-style accommodations, common lounges, and recreational spaces throughout the quad. Common areas include study lounges, TV rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces. You can view a virtual tour to get a clear picture of the living arrangements and shared spaces participants will enjoy during their stay.

What is provided in the residence halls?
Participants are provided with:

• Twin XL bed with mattress
• Desk and chair
• Dresser and closet space
• Access to shared living room furniture in the suite

Participants should bring their own sheets, pillows, blankets, towels, toiletries and personal items. A detailed packing list will be provided upon acceptance.

Is there air conditioning in the living spaces?
Yes, all bedrooms and suite common areas are equipped with window unit air conditioners, ensuring comfortable living conditions during the summer months.

What does the meal plan include?
Residential students will get breakfast, lunch and dinner. Commuter students will receive breakfast and lunch. Participants will have a wide selection of options at every meal. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated. 

Is there WiFi?
Yes, participants will have access to the WolfieNet-Guest wireless network throughout campus. This network provides high-speed internet access for academic and personal use. For more information on connectivity and terms of use, please visit the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) website.

What if I’m no longer able to attend after enrolling?
Depending on the cancellation notice period, you may be eligible for a full or partial refund on the program fee. See the Costs page for a detailed breakdown.