Summer College > Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

About Summer College

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Summer College 2010 FAQs

What are the 2010 program dates?
- See our upcoming program dates.
What are the 2010 application deadlines?
- See our upcoming program dates.
When will the Web site be updated?
- By late December/early January. Sign up for our e-mail list to be notified.
When will online applications open?
- In early January. Sign up for our e-mail list to be notified.
Will the same programs be offered in 2010 as in 2009?
- Programs are still under development, but judging by past years, most of the same programs will be offered. Be sure to check this site in January for the final roster (although new programs may be added throughout the spring).
What is the program charge for 2010?
- The 2010 charges will be posted when the Web site is updated in late December/early January.
Can I talk with a Summer College graduate or their parent(s)?
- Yes, contact us and we can put you in touch with one of our ambassadors.
What can I do while I'm waiting for the site to be updated and applications to open?
- We suggest you review last year's programs and check out the academic and student life information.
- To get a head start on the application process, you might want to start thinking about your application statements.* It can also save time to figure out which school officials you'll need to contact to obtain your official high school transcript and grade report. In addition, you might want to consider which teachers or guidance counselors you would like to ask for a recommendation (and how much lead time they'll need to complete your request).
- If you are an international student, be sure to start the visa process as soon as forms are available in early January.
For general questions about our program, please see our main Summer College FAQs (below), search the site, or contact us.

*Application statements

Please think carefully about the following four questions, they're an important part of your application. Each response should be typed and should not exceed 250 words.

Briefly list your three most significant interests and activities, including any employment or volunteer work experience. Also, note the time you devote to each activity, during which grades you participated, and your main responsibilities.
Discuss one of the interests or activities listed above. Describe why it's important to you, your reasons for becoming involved in it, and your related accomplishments.
A personal statement will help us to get to know you better. What distinguishes you from your classmates and peers? What do you expect to gain from Summer College and to accomplish during the program?
Tell us about your interest in the Summer College programs (both choices 1 and 2) you selected in part 1 of your application. Why did you select them? What do you hope to gain from them? Tell us about any personal, work, or volunteer experience you've had related to them.

Summer College Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Program dates, costs, and deadlines

What are the program dates?
What are the application deadlines?
How much does each program cost and when is payment due?

Admissions and application questions

What needs to be included in order for the admissions application to be complete?
- See the checklist on the "Apply now" page.
When will students know about admissions decisions?
Whom should students contact if they have questions about courses?
Does a student need to earn a specific GPA or test score to apply?
- See the "Apply now" page.
Do students earn college credit?
Can a student still apply if s/he hasn't taken the PSAT?
- See the "Apply now" page.
Does Summer College interview prospective students?
How many students attend?
How many students apply?
What year in high school do I have to be in to attend Summer College?
If a student will miss two or more days at anytime during the program, do you recommend that s/he still apply?
Are Summer College alumni favored for admission to Cornell as undergraduates?
Can I still apply to the Research Apprenticeship in Biological Sciences (RABS) if I haven't taken an AP Biology class?

Financial aid

What needs to be included in order for the financial-aid application to be complete?
How should the financial-aid form be filled out if a student's parents are divorced?
When will a student be notified regarding the financial-aid decision?
How do you decide who gets a financial award?
If a student isn't awarded financial-aid, are there any other resources students/parents can acquire information?
Can a student apply for financial-aid if s/he is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?

Campus life

Will students have time for activities other than studying?
Are students supervised in the residence halls?
Are the residence halls air-conditioned?
Can students choose their roommate?
Will I have access to Cornell resources such as the library and athletic facilities?
Where will I be living?
How far are the dining halls from classrooms?

Grades

Can students delete bad grades from their Cornell transcript?
How do students get transcripts sent to schools?

General questions

What happens on Opening Day?
Who teaches Summer College classes?
Are Summer College classes really undergraduate Cornell classes?
Can I sit in on other Cornell courses?
What things should students bring to Summer College?
Do students need money for anything?
Where do Summer College students come from?
Can students talk with a past participant?
If students have additional questions, whom should they contact?