Application deadline
1 February 2027
Fully funded SAMS application; 11:59 PM EST.
Hybrid Program
Summer Academy for Math and Science
by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
Study mathematics and science through faculty-guided research, laboratory work, mentoring, and college application writing at Carnegie Mellon.
Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
Get the full picture before you decide
Request your Program Guide. We'll email it within 24 hours.
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.
Summer Academy at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Age range / Year group
Ages 16+
Location / Region
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Cost
Free
Duration
6 weeks
Format
Hybrid
MathematicsScienceBiologyBiomedical EngineeringComputer SciencePsychology
Accommodation: Campus residence halls
Meals: Most meals through dining plan
Campus experience: Arts Pass; public transit access
Academic cadence: Full days; weekly writing workshops
Mentors: Faculty, graduate students, professional staff
Academic outcome: Research symposium; credit-bearing transition course
Summer Academy summary
SAMS combines mathematics and science study with collaborative STEM research and sustained mentoring at Carnegie Mellon.
Students work through laboratory activities, college application writing, and a college transition course before presenting their research at a symposium.
It suits students who want academic challenge alongside a supportive community and a clearer sense of their next steps in STEM.
What is Summer Academy for Math and Science?
The Summer Academy for Math and Science, known as SAMS, is Carnegie Mellon's academic outreach program led by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion. It develops students' understanding of STEM through classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with faculty and staff mentors.
The experience connects virtual preparation, residential study, and continuing virtual enrichment. Students combine quantitative and computational seminars with collaborative research, writing workshops, and college transition study, then share their STEM projects at a research symposium.
Why Succeed highlights Summer Academy
Faculty- and graduate-student-advised research gives students a concrete project to develop and explain.
College essay writing and the Student to Scholar course connect academic exploration with practical college preparation.
Small-group mentoring, tutoring, and academic coaching create several routes to support.
Virtual enrichment continues after the campus experience and includes relevant sessions for families.
Who is Summer Academy for?
Best for
Students with a strong STEM interest who want collaborative research, academic support, and substantial preparation for college.
Not ideal if
You want a light summer activity or need to combine it with another program that overlaps its schedule.
Is Summer Academy worth it?
SAMS is a strong option for students who want to test their interest in STEM through demanding study and collaborative research. Its combination of mentoring, essay development, and college transition work gives the experience practical value beyond subject exploration.
The residential workload requires sustained commitment, and the application involves several documents and recommendations. Students should pursue it for the learning and community: CMU states that Pre-College admission has no influence on undergraduate admission to the university.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
Free; includes Academic classes and collaborative STEM research, Campus housing, Dining plan covering most meals each week, Weekly college application writing workshops, Small-group mentoring, tutoring, and academic coaching, CMU ID Card with Arts Pass and public transit access, Research Symposium participation, Ongoing virtual enrichment.
Accommodation
Campus residence halls
Meals
Most meals through dining plan
Provider details
Review the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
6 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 programsHow much preparation does Summer Academy need?
Effort level
High.
Best started
Six to eight weeks before the application deadline.
Main challenge
Coordinating essays, recommendations, and financial documentation.
Typical preparation
Ask your current math instructor and another recommender early.
Gather your transcript, test report, and household financial documentation.
Draft both essays around specific experiences and your reasons for pursuing STEM.
Discuss the residential commitment and travel arrangements with your family.
Useful if
You want sustained STEM study and preparation for college.
What do students do on Summer Academy?
You move from virtual skill-building into an intensive campus experience combining STEM study, collaborative research, mentoring, and college preparation. A research symposium brings the academic work together before ongoing virtual enrichment continues the connection.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Complete the required virtual Jumpstart preparation.
- 2
Attend quantitative and computational seminars and science laboratory study.
- 3
Develop a collaborative STEM research project with faculty or graduate-student advice.
- 4
Join writing workshops, Student to Scholar, mentoring, and academic coaching.
- 5
Present your STEM project at the Research Symposium.
- 6
Participate in ongoing virtual enrichment and explore STEM opportunities with the CMU community.
Summer Academy dates and deadlines
Upcoming
SAMS 2026 residential program
26 June-7 August 2026
Six-week residential program.
SAMS 2027 residential program
26 June-7 August 2027
Opening day through move-out; classes run 28 June-6 August.
Decision release
1 April 2027
Enrollment reply is due within seven days of the decision.
Virtual Jumpstart
21-22 June 2027
Required preparation uses portions of both days.
Orientation day
27 June 2027
Campus navigation and introductions to other Pre-College students.
Research symposium
6 August 2027
Final-Friday project presentations; families may attend in person or virtually.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 1 February 2027 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
SAMS 2026 residential program | 26 June-7 August 2026 | Local | Past | |
SAMS 2027 residential program | 26 June-7 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Decision release | 1 April 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Virtual Jumpstart | 21-22 June 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Orientation day | 27 June 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Research symposium | 6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Be at least 16 by 26 June 2027.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Be in 11th grade when applying.
Enter 12th grade after summer 2027.
Participate fully throughout the program.
Avoid other programs with conflicting dates.
How much does Summer Academy cost?
Program fee
Free — Fully funded, merit-based participation.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $0 — Waived for SAMS-only applications or scholarship consideration.
- Additional program choice: $75 — Application fee applies if either choice is a non-scholarship option.
- Enrollment deposit: $0 — Admitted SAMS students submit the enrollment reply form.
What's included
Academic classes and collaborative STEM research, Campus housing, Dining plan covering most meals each week, Weekly college application writing workshops, Small-group mentoring, tutoring, and academic coaching, CMU ID Card with Arts Pass and public transit access, Research Symposium participation, Ongoing virtual enrichment
How to apply to Summer Academy
- 1
Complete CMU's online Pre-College application and select SAMS in your program preferences.
- 2
Upload your unofficial transcript and required standardized test score report.
- 3
Request two recommendations through the application, including one from your current math instructor.
- 4
Write the general essay of 300-500 words and one SAMS-specific essay of up to 1000 words.
- 5
Upload household tax documentation or a signed NACAC fee waiver form.
- 6
Ensure all materials and recommendations arrive by the application deadline.
- 7
If admitted, submit your enrollment reply form within seven days and complete the required enrollment and medical paperwork.
Next step with Succeed
Interested in this programme?
or let us know if .
Succeed replies first, usually within a working day
What does Summer Academy cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Mathematics
Explore modern mathematics, graph theory, algebraic problem-solving, and preparation for calculus.
Laboratory science
Practice laboratory techniques in biology, chemistry, and physics while developing analytical and experimental skills.
Collaborative STEM research
Develop an advised project, with examples spanning biophysics, engineered meat, game development, polymers, and biomedical devices.
College application writing
Analyze application essay questions, practice composition, and revise personal essays through substantial peer review.
Student to Scholar
Study identity, motivation, and self-regulated learning in a credit-bearing course about the transition to college.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Summer Academy?
A typical day during the program.
Virtual Jumpstart
Required skill-building preparation takes place during portions of both days.
Campus academics
Scholars attend courses and meetings throughout the residential academic experience.
Writing workshops
Workshops focus on college application preparation.
Research symposium
Students present their STEM projects to celebrate their academic work.
Who teaches on Summer Academy?
CMU faculty and staff teach the academic curriculum, while STEM faculty and/or graduate students advise collaborative research. Course highlights include Dr. Michael Young in mathematics, Dr. Carrie Doonan in biology, Dr. Gizelle Sherwood in chemistry, and Dr. Kevin Jarbo in college transition study.
Professional staff and campus partners facilitate mentoring small groups.
Where do students stay on Summer Academy?
Residential plan
- Campus residence halls: SAMS is residential only, with students staying in assigned campus dorms.
- Campus dining plan: Most meals each week are covered, with vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and Halal options.
- Residential support: Residential staff, RAs, Community Advisors, and a program help line provide routes to support.
- Campus and city access: The CMU ID Card provides Arts Pass benefits and Pittsburgh Regional Transit access.
Overnight absences and private-vehicle trips require advance approval and parent or guardian verification.
What happens after Summer Academy?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Present a collaborative STEM project at the Research Symposium.
Work toward application-ready college personal essay drafts.
Complete the credit-bearing Student to Scholar course.
Explore STEM majors and opportunities with CMU community members.
Continue virtual enrichment on college preparation, FAFSA, and budgeting.
Pre-College admission has no influence on undergraduate admission to CMU.
Where does Summer Academy take place?
The residential experience takes place at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pre-College provides airport shuttles for students traveling alone, with advance selection through the Travel Plans form.
Students remain responsible for arranging and funding travel to and from Pittsburgh.
Learning format
Required virtual Jumpstart sessions prepare students for the residential academic work and use portions of two days rather than full days. After the campus component, ongoing virtual enrichment covers subjects such as FAFSA, college preparation, budgeting, and further development opportunities.
Families and caregivers are invited to relevant follow-up sessions.
Mentorship and feedback
Faculty and/or graduate students advise collaborative STEM projects.
Professional staff and campus partners facilitate mentoring small groups.
The Student Academic Success Center provides group tutoring and academic coaching.
College essay writing includes substantial peer review.
Virtual follow-up connects students with current CMU community members.
Time-zone considerations
- Virtual Jumpstart uses portions of two days.
- Residential courses and meetings occupy full days.
- Ongoing virtual enrichment follows the campus program.
Assessment style
Academic work includes collaborative research, a symposium presentation, and college essay drafting with peer review.
- Develop a collaborative STEM research project.
- Showcase your project at the Research Symposium.
- Analyze and respond to college application essay questions.
- Review classmates' writing and revise your own drafts.
Portfolio / outputs
Main deliverable / output
The central academic output is a collaborative STEM research project showcased at the symposium.
A Research Symposium presentation.
Personal essay drafts developed toward application readiness.
Completion of the credit-bearing Student to Scholar course.
Summer Academy FAQs
SAMS combines mathematics and science study, collaborative STEM research, mentoring, and preparation for the transition to college.
No. It includes required virtual Jumpstart preparation, a six-week residential program, and ongoing virtual enrichment afterward.
SAMS is residential only. Participants live on campus during the in-person component.
Program participation is fully funded, but students are responsible for travel to and from Pittsburgh. Optional personal spending and off-campus purchases can create additional expenses.
Yes. SAMS requires standardized test scores; the admissions guidance names PSAT, SAT, PreACT, and ACT score reports.
Student to Scholar is a credit-bearing college transition course within SAMS. This does not mean every SAMS course awards college credit.
CMU states that admission to its Pre-College Programs has no influence on a student's undergraduate application to the university.
Students must submit an Absence From Campus request at least 48 hours ahead for overnight absences or travel in a private vehicle. Residential staff must verify the request with a parent or legal guardian.
Alternatives to Summer Academy
Compare these options if you want a different STEM focus or a different summer setting.
Alternatives to Summer Academy
An engineering-focused academic summer option
Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
13-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students prioritizing engineering over broad STEM study
Engineering fundamentals for high school students
Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From $3298
14-18
Berkeley
In-person
Best for
Students seeking engineering study in the United States
A physics-focused summer course in Cambridge
Space & physics
Deadline: Not announced
From £5495
13-17
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students wanting a narrower physical-science focus
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent 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.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Pre-College Programs Application
- Campus Safety - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- 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
- Summer Academy for Math and Science - 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)
Program identity verified
Application deadline cross-checked
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Funding conditions reviewed
Residential arrangements reviewed
Parent support policies reviewed
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.
Summer Academy for Math and Science
by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
Applications open
Get the full picture before you decide
Request your Program Guide. We'll email it within 24 hours.
No account needed to compare programmes.
Not ready to decide yet? Keep it for later.
Save this program
Keep dates visible
Compare similar programs
Keep recommendations organised