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.

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 2026, participation is limited to US residents only.

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.

How long is the Pre-College Summer Program?

Each session runs for 6 days, from Sunday through Friday.* We'll offer four sessions in Summer 2026:

• Session One: June 28 - July 3
• Session Two: July 5 - 10
• Session Three: July 12 - 17
• Session Four: July 19 - 24

*The one exception is Computational Linguistics, which runs for a two-week extended session.

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 daily. Two commuter schedules are available:
  • 8am-6pm: Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and college readiness programming
  • 8am-4pm: Includes breakfast and lunch

Note: The commuter option is available for select courses only. Course pages indicate if a course is residential-only.

What does a typical week look like?

That depends on whether you are a residential or commuter participant, and whether you registered for single or multiple weeks.

For a detailed breakdown of daily activities, visit:

• Residential Experience
• Commuter Experience

Can a participant enroll in multiple sessions?

Yes! Participants may enroll in multiple sessions. Weekend accommodations (Friday and Saturday nights between back-to-back sessions) are available for an additional $300 per weekend for residential participants who wish to remain on campus.

Is there a discount if a participant registers for more than one session?

Yes! The residential program offers multi-week discounts. Please see our Costs and Financial Information page for details.

Where will residential participants stay?

Residential participants will live in suite-style residence halls on campus. Each suite comprises 2-3 bedrooms that accommodate 3-6 participants total, with a shared living room and bathroom. The bathroom is shared only among 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?

Participants have a wide selection of options at every meal. Residential participants receive breakfast, lunch and dinner. Commuter participants on the 8am-6pm schedule receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Commuter participants on the 8am-4pm schedule receive breakfast and lunch.

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 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 participant as soon as possible to discuss options for either a different course or session.

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 and Financial Information page for a detailed breakdown.