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CCCPP overview

We invite highly talented and motivated Chinese high school students to Ithaca, New York, during the summer for an unparalleled academic, cultural, and social introduction to life at a great American university.

To take advantage of this rare opportunity, students from China apply to and attend Cornell University's Summer College program, one of the oldest, largest, and most well-respected programs of its kind. Each summer this program hosts more than 800 outstanding high school students from across the United States and abroad.

These select high school students enroll in classes for college credit alongside undergraduates, study with leading Cornell faculty members, and participate fully in cultural and social events on campus at one of the top universities in the world.

One of the features that ensures CCCPP participants’ comfort and positive transition to our campus is the presence of a chaperone who escorts the group from China and stays throughout the program in Ithaca.

In addition, Cornell program assistants (PAs) help CCCPP students find their way on and off campus and provide social programs. There is a 1:15 ratio between program assistants and CCCPP students and students may call on their PA at any time if they need assistance.

As a Chinese student, you may apply to the following Summer College programs:

  • The six-week Summer College English Immersion Program (SC-EIP)
    See the Academic Overview for more information.
  • A six-week Summer College program described on the main SC website
    See the Academic Overview for more information.
  • A three-week session 1 Summer College program described on the main SC website
    See the Academic Overview for more information.
  • A three-week session 2 Summer College program described on the main SC website
    See the Academic Overview for more information.
  • Two consecutive three-week Summer College programs described on the main SC website
    See the Academic Overview for more information.

Advantages of attending CCCPP

As a CCCPP student you will:

Focus on academics

A feature that distinguishes CCCPP from other U.S. college programs is that we primarily focus on academics. While we do arrange a wide variety of fun activities for you to enjoy in your spare time, our main goal is to give you an exciting intellectual experience that will help you achieve your dreams.

Study with world-renowned professors at the top of their fields

CCCPP offers high school students the rare opportunity to work closely with some of Cornell's most acclaimed professors. Under the guidance of these exceptional teachers, you'll develop skills essential for success at an American college and have the chance to talk with them about your academic goals and career aspirations.

Become familiar with the different teaching and learning styles at an Ivy League institution

At CCCPP you can explore different ways of learning while you participate in class discussions with other Cornell students and enjoy the open teaching style of one of the world's greatest universities. Every Cornell professor has a unique style, but all share the same high standards.

Dramatically improve your English writing and speaking

Cornell's English classes are designed to help you develop your English writing and speaking skills. Faculty members divide students into small groups so that every student gets lots of one-on-one help. We have six years' of excellent reviews from Chinese students, and all our teachers have many years' experience teaching English.

Choose classes from a broad range of subjects

Cornell University is famous for the diversity of its course offerings, so you will have many choices when selecting classes. Summer College classes are selected from the best and most popular Cornell courses.

Earn academic credit for your courses

CCCPP students can earn college credit for their academic classes. Typically, these Cornell credits can be applied toward an undergraduate degree at Cornell or transferred to other universities within the U.S. and elsewhere.

Request recommendation letters from Cornell professors when you apply to college

If you do well in your class, you may want to ask your professor to write you a recommendation letter when you apply to college. Because Cornell is known around the world as a top university, such letters can be very valuable in the application process.

Participate in fun activities that will introduce you to American culture

Summer College offers many activities that will allow you to experience American society and culture and enjoy the community of Ithaca, New York (a small, rural, and historic city surrounded by lush nature preserves). In addition to trips to Niagara Falls and other scenic spots, we offer free concerts and lectures every week, sports, dances, a talent show, game nights, and much more, so there is always something exciting to do.

Interact and build friendships with students from around the world

Most CCCPP students live with an American roommate, so they can practice English in their daily lives. You will take classes and interact with students from Cornell and all over the world, providing you with great opportunities to understand different cultures and forge lasting international friendships.

Learn more about American universities and how to choose and apply to good schools

We offer special admissions sessions just for Chinese students to help guide you through the process of applying to American universities. In addition, you are invited to attend our College Fair in mid-July, where many universities provide information about their courses and majors.