Summer Residential Program - Summer College

2021 Summer Residential Program cancelled

Due to COVID-19, our Summer Residential Program unfortunately will not be offered in 2021. All Precollege Studies summer 2021 courses will be held online.
We’re working to convert as many of our current on-campus courses as possible into online offerings. Check the online course roster frequently for updates and learn about online study.
Courses will be added throughout the coming months. Apply now.

Live, study & play at Cornell

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

Focus on academics

You'll choose from three- or six-week undergraduate courses, in which you'll earn transferrable credits in subjects from architecture to business, hospitality, engineering, health, international relations, science, social change, veterinary medicine, and more. Courses are taught by Cornell faculty, giving you an unrivaled learning experience with some of the university's best professors. Learn more about academics.

View the summer course roster

Enjoy life on campus

Experience the excitement of college life at a great Ivy League university as you stay in a residence hall with classmates, eat meals in the campus dining centers, and spend free time attending special events. Our residential staff provides supervision and round-the-clock support. Read about campus life.

Get help preparing for college admissions

Attend a college fair, 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.

Program highlights

Choose from more than 50 regular Cornell undergraduate classes.
Explore fields from art and astronomy to biology, communications, computer science, economics, history, psychology, and much more.
Visit an additional course of your choice for a day or two. (See visiting courses to register.)
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, a college fair, and admissions workshops.
Live, study, and play alongside other motivated high school students.

Faculty

Cornell Precollege Studies offers you the rare opportunity to work closely with some of Cornell's most distinguished professors. Under their guidance, you'll develop the critical thinking and writing skills essential for success in college. You'll also have the chance to talk with them about your academic goals and career aspirations.

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."

View online options