Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Find us on FacebookDoes CCCPP have program assistants? How will they help me?
Yes, CCCPP has experienced program assistants (PAs) who are available all summer long, at all hours, to help you adjust to life on campus and in Ithaca and the United States. Each PA works with fifteen CCCPP students, and you may call your PA at any time if you need assistance.
The PAs meet you at the Ithaca airport when you arrive in the United States and escort you back to the airport when you have finished the program. The PAs also meet with you once a week to see if you have any questions and to learn how you are doing in and out of class. In addition, PAs lead tours and activities to help you better enjoy your time at Cornell.
I’m applying for a six-week program. When can I choose my second class?
You choose your second course when you apply online. If you are applying for the six-week Summer College English Immersion Program, you need to make sure this second class does not conflict with your first course, Academic Writing (WRIT 1011).
On the first day of Summer College, you are tested and assigned to a “section” of this class (a small group drawn from the larger class). You are expected to attend both the main class and section. If your section conflicts with your second class, you may be required to change that second class.
Is there any way to help me decide if I should choose the “letter grade” option or the “S/U” option?
To start, all students are registered for the “letter grade” option. However, the Summer College director holds advising meetings during the first few weeks with all students to check on their academic progress. If a student is struggling in the second class, the director may recommend that the student change the grading option from a letter grade (A through F) to a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) option. Students will earn credit for their second class as long as they receive a C or satisfactory in the course.
How and when do I pay tuition?
Summer College encourages CCCPP students to pay by using an internationally accepted Visa or Mastercard. Wiring payments is very slow and extra bank fees are added to your cost of wiring. These additional bank fees average $15 per transfer bank and often pass through two or three banks before reaching Cornell. Wired funds can take three weeks to get approved, while payment by credit card takes only one day.
If you do not have an internationally accepted credit card, we encourage you to apply for one as soon as possible. In addition, please be sure your card has a credit limit that is equal to or greater than our total program charge. Having such a card will allow you to pay application and program fees online, saving you time and money. Accepted students are urged to pay the tuition immediately to make sure we can start the student visa process right away. We start the student visa process after we receive full payment.
When can I apply?
We will begin to accept online applications in early- to mid-January. Applications must be completed and received by us by March 8, 2013, if you’re applying to a program that begins in June and by April 5, 2013, if you’re applying to a program that begins in July.
When and how will I know if I am accepted?
We review applications as soon as we receive them. Generally, admissions decisions are made in two to three weeks. You will hear about your admissions decision through your online student account, which you will receive when you apply.
What is the visa process like?
As an international student you must obtain an F-1 student visa to attend CCCPP. The F-1 student visa requires you to be enrolled for the duration of your program in at least three credits for a three-week session or at least six credits for a six-week session.
The first step to acquiring this visa is to apply online. At the time you apply, we request you send us a completed I-20 Request Form (linked to from your online application) and copy of your passport.
If you are accepted, you must immediately pay the total program charge.
We begin generating I-20s in mid-March. Once we have received
- the completed I-20 Request Form,
- a copy of your passport, and
- your full payment,
we can begin to process your I-20 Form.
Because of the work involved in processing this information, it can take up to three weeks between the time you submit your payment and you receive your I-20 Form. Please be patient. As soon as you receive your I-20, we suggest that you take this form, along with a copy of your admissions acceptance letter, to the U.S. consulate. Using these materials, you will apply for an F-1 student visa.
This is a lengthy process. We encourage you to begin your application as soon as possible.
Are there any Resident Advisors (RAs) in the residence halls?
We will arrange for all the CCCPP students to live in our campus residence halls. RAs will live with you in the same building. They will check your rooms each night to make sure all students are in their rooms on time. Also, RAs can offer advice and help arrange activities to ensure that the Chinese students have a successful summer study experience. All RAs are Cornell undergraduate students. They have experience at Cornell and they may know your professors or classes. They can often give you some good suggestions. You can talk about possible undergraduate majors or study plans with them as well. Most important is that they will do their best to make your campus experience happy and smooth.
Is there air-conditioning in the residence halls?
Usually Ithaca’s summer is very mild, so we don’t have air-conditioner in the residence halls. But there are also a few days in summer that can get hot, so we offer student fans in each room.
Can I choose my roommate?
CCCPP students will live in double rooms or single rooms. We believe that living with a student who is not from China will be of benefit to CCCPP students. Please note that CCCPP students cannot choose roommates. We will let you know who your roommate is once you arrive at Cornell. Your roommate will be from a different country, usually the USA. The residence hall staff will help you to get used to the new life here. Room change only happens in special cases.
What should I bring with me to study in CCCPP?
Every dorm room is equipped with bed, desk, chair, shelves, lamp, sheets, pillow, and blanket. Following are some ideas of things you might bring with you:
- Electronics: computer, camera, etc.
- Stationery, school bag (these can also be purchased here).
- ATM card or credit card. This is the most convenient way to withdraw money. Unfortunately, personal checks, traveler’s checks or cash-to-cash checks are not acceptable on the Cornell campus.
- Some cash, at least enough to buy books, do laundry, buy daily supplies, and engage in daily activities.
- A pair of comfortable shoes for hiking or walking to class every morning. a formal suit or clothes for giving a talk during the lecture or other special event.
- A jacket for those few cool weather days. You can open an account for your laundry after you arrive on campus. You can bring towels, detergent, bathing suit, umbrella and other personal items; or you can purchase them after you get here.
- A clock with a loud alarm (in case your roommate sleeps late just like you!).
Things you cannot bring with you (or purchase in the US and bring to campus):
- TV or air-conditioner
- Pets
- Candles or other things that are forbidden in Cornell residence halls
- Electric skateboards or scooters or any kind of car. The important notice is that no one should take a ride in other people’s car, motorcycle, or other automobile!
Where are Summer College students from?
According to our statistic:
- Every year we have 1,200 – 1,400 applicants;
- There are more than 800 students who join our Summer College program, and there are about an equal number of males students and female students.
- Every year we have students come from more than 30 other countries, and of course there are students from the USA. You will be joining a real international group.