Summer Residential Program - Precollege Studies

Live, study & play at Cornell

Through the Cornell University Precollege Summer Residential Program, you can take fascinating college courses, study with top 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 transferrable 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.

View Summer 2025 course options for residential students

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. To help ensure the safety of all participants, we provide a 1:10 staff-to-student ratio along with supervised group activities throughout the day and weeknight check-ins at 10 p.m. Note that students are not allowed to move independently on or off campus. Read about student supervision and other aspects of campus life.

Get help preparing for college admissions

Get insider tips during college admissions workshops, and receive one-on-one counseling about your essays, application materials, and how to make the best impression on a college admissions committee. Learn about support for college applications.

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. Explore activities.

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 support.

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).
Prepare for college applications during one-on-one admissions counseling, and admissions workshops.
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."

Apply now

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