Summer Residential Program - Precollege Studies

Applications for the 2026 Summer Residential Program open January 12

Check back after Jan. 12, 2026, for updates. We encourage you to join our email list to receive information about our upcoming programs.

Live, study & play at Cornell

Through the Cornell University Precollege Summer Residential Program, you can take fascinating college courses, study with Cornell instructors, earn college credits, enjoy the gorgeous campus, and make friends from around the world.

Focus on academics

You'll choose from a curated set of three- and six-week undergraduate courses, in which you'll earn transferable credits. Courses are taught by Cornell instructors, giving you an unrivaled learning experience with some of the university's best teachers. Learn more about academics.

Summer 2026 courses will be published in February. To get an idea of what might be offered, view the summer 2025 course roster.

Enjoy life on campus

Experience life at a great Ivy League university as you stay in a residence hall with classmates, eat meals in the campus dining centers, and enjoy time outside class attending program events and recreational activities. Students are supervised by Residential Coordinators who look after the safety and well-being of all participants around the clock. We provide a 1:10 staff-to-student ratio along with supervised group activities throughout the day and weeknight check-ins. Read about student supervision and other aspects of campus life.

Make friends from around the world

Summer Residential Program students come from more than 50 countries and nearly every U.S. state to study at our world-renowned university, so you'll have a chance to learn about the diverse lives of high school students around the globe.

We also have special offices to support international students and students with disabilities.

Learn to succeed in a college environment

You'll be on a fast-paced schedule, learning 15 weeks of coursework in a three- or six-week period as you study in a real college environment. We're here to help as you learn to juggle life in and out of the classroom—and as you discover that some of the greatest benefits of a summer at Cornell are the things you'll learn about yourself. Learn about academic resources.

Note to New York State students taking Regents or language exams

Do your Regents Examination dates or World Language Tests conflict with our Summer Residential Program? Learn how to make arrangements to take your exams at Cornell.

Program highlights

Take undergraduate Cornell courses.
Earn credits you can apply toward an undergraduate degree (at the discretion of your college/university).
Live, study, and play alongside other motivated high school students.

Faculty

Cornell Precollege Studies offers you the opportunity to work closely with some of Cornell's most distinguished instructors. Under their guidance, you'll develop the critical thinking and writing skills essential for success in college.

Student experiences

"An unbelievable experience. I gained a lot of knowledge about subjects that interest me as well as a true college experience."

"An amazing experience.... It's a fantastic way to get a feel for college before you start applying, and you'll learn so much — about yourself, your coursework, and even other cultures. The experience was one-of-a-kind and has motivated me to work hard to achieve my dreams."

Learn more

Summer Residential Program Live on the beautiful Cornell campus as you take undergraduate courses and meet students from around the world.