Welcome!

We invite high school students to get a head start on college by taking Cornell courses, earning college credits, and working closely with Cornell faculty members and instructors.

First things first:
Is this option for you?

1. Will you have graduated from high school by the time you start your course?

  • If you will have graduated from high school but you will not have turned 18 by the time your Cornell course starts, you will apply to Precollege Studies.
  • If you will have graduated from high school and you will be 18 by the time your Cornell course starts, you will register as a visiting student.

2. Will you still be in high school at the time you start your course?

If so, please review the precollege options below and visit our Precollege Studies website.

Are you able to commute to campus?

If you're a high school student who lives nearby or plans to stay in the Ithaca area with your parent/guardian during your class, you can apply for the commuter program to take on-campus, in-person courses. You must also be 16 years or age or older and have completed your sophomore year in high school when you start your Cornell class.

Are you interested in an online course?

You are eligible for online courses if you are 15 years of age or older and have completed your sophomore year in high school when your start your Cornell class.

Precollege study options

Precollege Studies features rigorous Cornell University undergraduate classes taught by distinguished instructors. In addition to experiencing college academics, you can explore potential majors, build college study skills, earn college credit, receive a Cornell transcript, and prep for college admissions.

Depending upon the term, you can select from fascinating Cornell courses in a variety of subjects that may include arts and architecture, business and hospitality, engineering, health and humanities, international relations, science and technology, social change, veterinary medicine, and more.

Winter Session courses

  • Courses are offered online for all students.

Summer Session courses

Courses are offered

Questions?

For more information, call the Precollege Studies office at 607.255.4987 or email precollege@cornell.edu.