Succeed
    CS Scholars
    In-person Program

    CS Scholars

    by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs

    CS Scholars develops computer science foundations through Python, mathematics, collaborative projects, and mentorship from Carnegie Mellon faculty and researchers.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

    Get the full picture before you decide

    See Succeed's assessment of the programme, who it may suit, the estimated total cost, what applying involves and what is still to confirm.

    or let us know if .

    • What Succeed checks

      We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    CS Scholars at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 10th grade

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16+

    Location / Region

    Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

    Cost

    Free

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    1 February 2027

    Save deadline
    Computer ScienceMathematics
    Accommodation: CMU dorms required
    Meals: Meal plans included
    Tutors / faculty: CMU faculty, staff, researchers, graduate students
    Main output: Group project and symposium presentation
    Academic credit: Non-credit
    Sessions / cadence: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; possible evening homework
    College preparation: Weekly college prep seminars

    CS Scholars summary

    CS Scholars combines Python programming and mathematics with collaborative projects, research exposure, and guidance from Carnegie Mellon faculty and graduate students.

    Students apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges and present their group work publicly at a capstone symposium.

    It suits students who want to test their interest in computing through sustained academic work, teamwork, and college preparation.

    What is CS Scholars?

    CS Scholars is Carnegie Mellon University's residential introduction to computer science, combining programming and mathematics with research exposure and industry engagement. Students learn from CMU faculty, staff, researchers, and graduate students while experiencing college-level study and campus life.

    The academic experience moves from Python foundations to collaborative projects that address real-world challenges. Writing workshops and college preparation seminars complement the technical work, which culminates in a public group presentation at the capstone symposium.

    Why Succeed highlights CS Scholars

    • Programming and mathematics are taught together, helping students connect code with the reasoning behind it.

    • Group projects and a public symposium turn classroom learning into work students must explain to others.

    • Faculty mentoring, research exposure, and tech-company visits offer several ways to explore computing careers.

    • College preparation and personal statement workshops support academic planning alongside technical development.

    • Funding covers tuition, housing, meal plans, and select program-related trips and events.

    Who is CS Scholars for?

    Best for

    Students curious about computing who want guided foundations, collaborative projects, and exposure to research and industry.

    Not ideal if

    You need a flexible summer schedule or want to combine several programs, because full residential participation is required.

    Is CS Scholars worth it?

    CS Scholars is a strong option for students who want to explore computing through sustained practice and collaboration. Python, mathematics, research exposure, and a public project presentation provide concrete experiences to reflect on when deciding what to study next.

    The main trade-off is the intensive residential commitment, which limits other summer plans. Treat it as a learning opportunity: participation carries no academic credit and has no influence on undergraduate admission to Carnegie Mellon.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    Free; includes Tuition, Housing, Meal plans, Select program-related field trips and special events.

    Accommodation

    CMU dorms required

    Meals

    Meal plans included

    Provider details

    Review the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    4 weeks; Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does CS Scholars need?

    Effort level

    High commitment during the program.

    Best started

    Begin gathering materials six to eight weeks before the 1 February 2027 deadline.

    Main challenge

    Coordinating two recommendations, essays, transcripts, and financial documentation.

    Typical preparation

    • Ask your teacher and second recommender early, explaining your interests and readiness for residential study.

    • Draft a specific account of what you hope to gain and revise it with the required word limit in mind.

    • Gather your transcript and financial documents before completing the online application.

    • Review basic algebra and try introductory Python exercises to build confidence without treating prior coding as a requirement.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in computing through structured study and teamwork.

    What do students do on CS Scholars?

    You build programming and mathematical foundations, then apply them in collaborative work supported by faculty and graduate-student mentors. Lectures, industry visits, writing workshops, and college preparation broaden the experience.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn Python programming, problem-solving, testing, and debugging alongside computational mathematics.

    2. 2

      Explore current research through faculty and graduate-student engagement.

    3. 3

      Collaborate on group research projects addressing real-world challenges.

    4. 4

      Meet industry professionals through visits to leading tech companies.

    5. 5

      Develop a personal statement with instructor and peer feedback.

    6. 6

      Present your group's work publicly at the capstone symposium.

    CS Scholars dates and deadlines

    Application deadline

    1 February 2027

    11:59 p.m. EST.

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Programme dates

    26 June-24 July 2027

    Upcoming

    Applications open

    December 2026

    Expected month; an exact opening day is not announced.

    Upcoming

    Decision release

    1 April 2027

    Admitted students have seven days to submit their enrollment reply form.

    Upcoming

    Orientation day

    27 June 2027

    Campus orientation and opportunities to meet other Pre-College students.

    Upcoming

    Classes begin

    28 June 2027

    First day of academic classes.

    Upcoming

    Classes conclude

    23 July 2027

    Students may depart after their academic programming finishes.

    Upcoming

    Residential move-out

    24 July 2027

    Check-out runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be at least 16 years old by 26 June 2027.

    • Be in 10th grade when submitting your application.

    • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a current green card.

    • Demonstrate interest in computer science; previous coding experience is unnecessary.

    • Provide required financial documentation.

    • Reside in CMU dorms for the full program.

    • Commit to all classes, lectures, and project time.

    • Avoid concurrent summer programs; asynchronous courses require prior director approval.

    How much does CS Scholars cost?

    Program fee

    Free — Fully funded for admitted participants.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: Free — Waived when all program choices qualify for the waiver.
    • Other program choice: $75 — Applies if either choice is a program without scholarship consideration.
    • Travel assistance: Limited support for families facing transportation barriers.

    What's included

    Tuition, Housing, Meal plans, Select program-related field trips and special events

    How to apply to CS Scholars

    1. 1

      Complete the online Pre-College application and select CS Scholars in your program preferences.

    2. 2

      Upload your unofficial high school transcript and optional standardized test scores.

    3. 3

      Request one teacher recommendation and one additional counselor, advisor, or adult-mentor recommendation through the application system.

    4. 4

      Write the required 300–500-word response and complete the additional application essays.

    5. 5

      Submit household tax documentation or a signed NACAC fee-waiver form.

    6. 6

      Ensure all materials, including recommendation letters, arrive by the application deadline.

    7. 7

      If admitted, submit your enrollment reply form within seven days and complete the required enrollment and health paperwork.

    Next step with Succeed

    Interested in this programme?

    or let us know if .

    Succeed replies first, usually within a working day

    What does CS Scholars cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Python programming

    Learn variables, functions, conditionals, loops, data structures, testing, and debugging.

    Mathematics

    Strengthen the mathematical and computational reasoning needed for programming.

    Research and industry

    Explore ongoing research and computing careers through faculty engagement and tech-company visits.

    Collaborative projects

    Apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges and present group work at the symposium.

    Writing and college preparation

    Develop a personal statement and explore admissions, financial aid, wellbeing, and academic readiness.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on CS Scholars?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic activities

    Classes, guest lectures, projects, workshops, and field trips fill the weekday activity window.

    Study and community

    Office hours, homework, group study, and social activities may take place.

    Campus and city

    Students have opportunities for field trips, campus clubs, and exploring Pittsburgh.

    Who teaches on CS Scholars?

    Students learn directly from Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff, and researchers, with research exposure from faculty and graduate students. Group mentoring and writing-workshop feedback provide guidance alongside engagement with industry professionals.

    Where do students stay on CS Scholars?

    Residential plan

    • CMU dorms: Students must live in campus dorms throughout the program.
    • Meal plans: Funding includes meal plans, with vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and Halal dining options.
    • Residential support: Residential staff verify relevant departures with parents or guardians, and residence-hall curfew applies.
    • Campus community: Evening social activities and weekend clubs and field trips complement academic work.

    Overnight absences and private-vehicle departures require advance approval and parent or guardian verification.

    What happens after CS Scholars?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build foundations for further Python and computer science study.

    Develop a collaborative project and public symposium presentation.

    Refine a personal statement with instructor and peer feedback.

    Explore computing research, college readiness, and career pathways.

    Potentially return for AI Scholars as a rising senior the following summer.

    An AI Scholars invitation is conditional; Pre-College admission has no influence on CMU undergraduate admission.

    Where does CS Scholars take place?

    CS Scholars takes place at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with required accommodation in CMU dorms. Free airport shuttles serve students traveling alone during designated arrival and departure times, with reservations through the relevant travel forms.

    CS Scholars FAQs

    No coding experience is necessary. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in exploring computer science.

    Students study Python programming and mathematics, work on collaborative research projects, and explore computing through faculty lectures and industry engagement.

    Yes. Students must stay in CMU dorms for the full program and participate in all classes, lectures, and project time.

    Funding covers tuition, housing, meal plans, and select program-related field trips and special events. Limited travel assistance is available for families facing transportation barriers.

    No. Admissions uses a holistic review, with financial need as one factor. Students facing other barriers to computer science education or resources are also encouraged to apply, but financial documentation is required.

    Concurrent virtual or in-person summer programs are not permitted. Asynchronous online courses may be considered only with prior approval from program directors.

    Admission to Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs has no influence on an undergraduate application to the university. CS Scholars should be evaluated for its learning experience.

    Overnight absences and private-vehicle departures require an approved Absence From Campus request, normally submitted at least 48 hours ahead. Residential staff verify the request with a parent or legal guardian.

    Alternatives to CS Scholars

    Compare these options for software development, design, or mathematical foundations, weighing their different subjects, locations, and fees.

    Alternatives to CS Scholars

    Maths Scholars

    Mathematics-focused study for younger students

    Mathematics
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £2295
    12-14
    In-person

    Best for

    Younger students exploring mathematical foundations

    View details

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programs
    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Join our Pre-College Mailing List
    • Absence from Campus Request - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Move-Out Information - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Admitted Students - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Cost and Scholarships - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Admission - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Arrival - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Discover Sessions - Presentations and Q&As - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • CS Scholars - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Official program page reviewed

    • Application deadline cross-checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Funding coverage verified

    • Residential schedule reviewed

    • Application materials checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.