Admissions decisions for the Cornell University Precollege Summer Residential Program are made on a rolling basis, which means that we will review and act on complete applications as they are received.

Because most of our programs fill before the deadline, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Enrollment is a two-step process

  1. You will apply to the Precollege Studies program.
  2. If accepted, you and your parent/guardian will select your specific course(s) for enrollment, submit program payment, and complete required forms.

Before you begin

  • Summer 2026 Residential Program application forms are due May 5, 2026 (12:00 p.m.m ET); application materials are due May 19, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET). Note that we can only review complete applications. This means you must submit your application and all required documents listed below before the deadlines.
  • Review your eligibility.
  • New York State students taking Regents or language exams: If your desired program conflicts with your Regents or language exams, learn how to make arrangements to take your exams at Cornell.
  • International students: Please see the additional steps for international applicants.

To apply

Apply now

1. Create an account

Create an account with Cornell SCE to start your application.

After setting up your account, you will be emailed a PIN, which you will enter to complete your account creation.

Note: You can save your progress and come back to finish later by hitting the "Continue" button within the application.

2. Complete your application form

  • Submit an application statement

    Enter your response to the application statement in English.

  • Upload copies of the following documents, with any social security and account numbers removed or blacked out:
    • Complete high school transcript
    • Your most current grade report
    • One teacher or counselor recommendation
    • International students: Your most recent English Language Proficiency scores if required. See English Language Proficiency requirements.
  • Pay your application fee

    A nonrefundable fee of $75 must be paid in our secure online system when you submit your application.

3. Check your online account

After you submit your application, you will receive an email with instructions for logging into your online account to

  • Check the status of your application
  • Upload additional materials (if required)
  • View your admissions decision when available

Admissions decisions are usually made within two weeks of receiving your complete application.

What happens next?

If accepted, congratulations! Next, please complete the following:

Get ready for an exciting summer!