Apply online
To apply online, please follow the steps outlined on the checklist below.
Please keep in mind the following:
- Complete the application carefully; each part is important. This application is very similar to college applications and the practice you receive in completing it can be helpful when you start applying to colleges.
- We encourage you to send us your complete application as soon as possible to ensure that you get your first choice of classes. Only complete applications will be considered. Complete applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. See "Dates and deadlines" for the dates that pertain to the program(s) for which you are applying.
- If applying for financial aid, visit the "Financial Aid" section of this site. In addition, if you’re concerned about paying the application fee, call us or request a fee waiver.
Online application checklist
1. Create an account
Before using the online application for the first time, you must create an account.
- Create your account
- Change your password or update your account
Please click on the "Update Account" link in the top right-hand corner of the application. - Forgot your password?
Click on the "Forget your password?" link in the purple login box.
2. Complete the application forms
Be sure to complete all parts and submit with payment of the non-refundable application fee (submittable online).
- You may return to your online application at any time after creating your account.
3. Obtain your transcript, current grade report, and test scores
Summer College does not set minimum standards for grade-point average or PSAT, SAT, or ACT test scores. We consider a variety of factors in the admissions decision.
Please ask the appropriate school official to provide you with:
- An official high school transcript, including all completed high school grades, and
- A current grade report, including the most current available grades
- Your most recent standardized test scores: PSAT, SAT, ACT, or, if you’re an international student, the TOEFL or IELTS. (If you haven't taken any of these tests, please submit a letter with your admissions application stating the reason.)
All three items must be submitted in English and either sent to us in a sealed envelope, signed over the seal by a school official or faxed to us by a school official. (Unfortunately, the College Board cannot send your test scores directly to Summer College. In addition, even if you have had your scores sent from the College Board to Cornell University, we here at Summer College cannot access them.)
Note: Some schools require that transcripts, grade reports, and/or recommendation letters be sent directly to us, instead of releasing these materials to you. If this is the case at your school, it remains your responsibility to check with school officials to be sure they have mailed these materials to us.
4. Submit a recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor
The recommendation form is available here as a pdf document (in the application packet), or you may contact our office for a copy. You may also submit your recommender's name and e-mail address in the online application.
When completing the form, please pay particular attention to the listed courses that require a recommendation from the subject area teacher.
To ensure confidentiality, the recommendation must be in a sealed envelope, signed over the seal by your teacher or guidance counselor. RABS applicants must also submit a recommendation from their AP biology teacher as well as from another teacher and/or guidance counselor.
5. Mail or have a school official fax your transcript, current grade report, test scores, and recommendation to:
Cornell University
B20 Day Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Fax: 607.255.6665
Important: Only complete applications (including checklist items 2-4) will be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure we've received all required materials.
Printable forms (related to the online application)
The recommendation, financial-aid application, fee waiver, and F-1 Visa Form are pdf documents.
- Teacher or Guidance Counselor Recommendation Form (in the application packet)
- Financial Aid Application
For U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico and primarily to students applying to a six-week session (see the "Financial Aid" page for more information) - Request for an Application Fee Waiver
Fee waivers are only available to students eligible for financial aid (see financial aid note above). - Request for Student (F-1) Visa Form
For international students — Must be submitted with requested information. If you're accepted to Summer College, we will mail you a Form I-20. This is a lengthy process, so please be prompt with submitting this completed form and requested documents to ensure enough time for your appointment with the U.S. Embassy in your country.