Succeed
    Summer Session
    In-person Program

    Summer Session

    by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs

    Summer Session offers Carnegie Mellon undergraduate coursework and college credit, combining rigorous academic study with practice managing college-level expectations.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Summer Session at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Current high school sophomores or juniors

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16+

    Location / Region

    Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

    Cost

    $7,409; $11,308; $14,688

    Duration

    6 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    1 March 2027

    Save deadline
    ScienceHumanitiesSocial SciencesEngineeringComputer ScienceTechnology
    Accommodation: Campus dormitories
    Meals: Dining plan; most weekly meals
    Certificate / Outcome: College credit and transcript
    Campus experience: Actual undergraduate courses
    Tutors / faculty: Mostly Carnegie Mellon professors
    Weekly workload: 21-28 hours per course
    Course choices: Approximately 30 courses

    Summer Session summary

    Summer Session gives students actual Carnegie Mellon undergraduate coursework, with the opportunity to earn college credit through successful completion.

    Students tackle accelerated academic work, follow undergraduate performance expectations, and learn to manage assignments and instructor communication independently.

    It suits students seeking a serious test of college readiness across science, humanities, social science, engineering, computer science, or technology applied to the arts.

    What is Summer Session?

    Summer Session is Carnegie Mellon University's credit-bearing Pre-College academic program. Students take actual undergraduate courses, often alongside university students, across science, humanities, social science, engineering, computer science, and technology applied to the arts.

    The experience combines accelerated coursework with undergraduate standards and academic support. Students request courses after admission, attend classes in person, and take responsibility for managing their studies and communicating with instructors.

    Why Succeed highlights Summer Session

    • Actual undergraduate courses provide a concrete test of college-level academic readiness.

    • Successful course completion earns Carnegie Mellon college credit rather than attendance recognition alone.

    • Department-vetted instructors and program-director advising pair academic rigor with support.

    • Published workload expectations help families judge whether the commitment is realistic.

    • Needs-based full scholarships can cover tuition, housing, and dining for eligible applicants.

    Who is Summer Session for?

    Best for

    Students who want authentic undergraduate coursework and are ready to manage a demanding academic schedule independently.

    Not ideal if

    You want a light enrichment experience or need to combine two courses with a summer job, major school assignments, or test preparation.

    Is Summer Session worth it?

    Summer Session offers substantial academic value when your goal is to test readiness for undergraduate study. Actual college courses, recorded qualifying grades, and credit make the experience more concrete than participation alone.

    The workload needs to fit your summer priorities and your family's budget. Credit transfer remains institution-specific, and participation provides no advantage in Carnegie Mellon's undergraduate admission process.

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

    Cost and what is included

    $7,409; $11,308; $14,688; includes Tuition for college-level classes., Campus housing for residential students., Dining plan covering most weekly meals., CMU ID Card with Arts Pass museum access., Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit transportation..

    Accommodation

    Campus dormitories

    Meals

    Dining plan; most weekly meals

    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 programs

    How much preparation does Summer Session need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before your application deadline, allowing longer for English testing or international travel planning.

    Main challenge

    Keeping pace with accelerated undergraduate work while managing your studies independently.

    Typical preparation

    • Request your recommendation early enough for it to arrive with your completed application.

    • Draft both essays and gather your most recent unofficial transcript.

    • Plan your summer around the course workload and required attendance.

    • Prepare a suitable laptop and budget separately for textbooks and possible lab fees.

    Useful if

    You want a realistic test of academic readiness for college.

    What do students do on Summer Session?

    You take accelerated Carnegie Mellon undergraduate courses and complete the work expected of university students. Academic advising supports your course experience while you lead your own study and instructor communication.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Request courses after admission during spring enrollment.

    2. 2

      Attend opening and orientation activities before classes begin.

    3. 3

      Attend all class meetings and complete assigned coursework.

    4. 4

      Communicate directly with instructors about questions or missed work.

    5. 5

      Complete any required final exams and retain course documentation.

    6. 6

      Request your transcript after grades and grade forgiveness have been processed.

    Summer Session dates and deadlines

    Application deadline

    1 March 2027

    Scholarship consideration; applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST.

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Programme dates

    26 June-7 August 2027

    Upcoming

    Scholarship decisions

    1 April 2027

    Recipients have seven days to submit the reply form and applicable deposit.

    Upcoming

    International arrival

    25 June 2027

    Arrival window is 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; students stay in their assigned dorm that night.

    Upcoming

    Opening Day

    26 June 2027

    Domestic student check-in runs 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

    Upcoming

    Orientation Day

    27 June 2027

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

    Upcoming

    Classes begin

    28 June 2027

    Upcoming

    Final class day

    6 August 2027

    Final exams may include evening time slots.

    Upcoming

    Residential move-out

    7 August 2027

    Check-out runs 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; arrange Summer Session travel home for this day.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be at least 16 by the program start.

    • Be a current high school sophomore or junior when applying.

    • Be in good academic standing.

    • Demonstrate readiness for rigorous, fast-paced coursework.

    • Commuters need qualifying permanent local residence with a parent or guardian.

    • Scholarship applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

    • Scholarship applicants must demonstrate financial need.

    • Provide official English-proficiency results when required.

    How much does Summer Session cost?

    Application fee

    $75 — Non-refundable; waived for qualifying scholarship applications.

    Funding or discounts

    • 2026 residential, two courses: $14,688 — Historical six-week total.
    • 2026 commuter, one course: $7,409 — Historical six-week total.
    • 2026 commuter, two courses: $11,308 — Historical six-week total.
    • Standard enrollment deposit: $800 — Non-refundable and deducted from program cost.
    • Needs-based scholarship: Tuition, housing, and dining — Limited full scholarships for eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
    • Scholarship enrollment deposit: $100 — Available for student spending through the CMU ID Card.
    • CMU employee tuition benefit: 50% tuition benefit — For dependent children of eligible full-time faculty and staff.

    What's included

    Tuition for college-level classes., Campus housing for residential students., Dining plan covering most weekly meals., CMU ID Card with Arts Pass museum access., Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit transportation.

    How to apply to Summer Session

    1. 1

      Select Summer Session in the online application's program preferences.

    2. 2

      Upload your most recent unofficial high school transcript.

    3. 3

      Request one recommendation through the online application.

    4. 4

      Upload two essay responses of 300-500 words each in PDF or Word format.

    5. 5

      Add optional standardized scores and required English-proficiency results, if applicable.

    6. 6

      Request scholarship consideration and provide financial documentation if eligible.

    7. 7

      Submit the completed application with the applicable application fee.

    8. 8

      After admission, submit your reply form and deposit within seven days.

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    What does Summer Session cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Science

    Study science through actual undergraduate courses with college-level expectations.

    Humanities

    Explore humanities through Carnegie Mellon's undergraduate course offerings.

    Social science

    Take social science coursework within an accelerated university term.

    Engineering and computer science

    Choose undergraduate study in engineering or computer science.

    Technology applied to the arts

    Explore undergraduate coursework connecting technology with the arts.

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

    What is a typical day on Summer Session?

    A typical day during the program.

    9 unit course

    Average total includes class meetings and other coursework.

    12 unit course

    Average total includes class meetings and other coursework.

    Who teaches on Summer Session?

    All instructors are vetted by their academic departments, and most are Carnegie Mellon professors who teach these courses during the academic year. Academic Program Director Dr. Gillian Lynn Ryan, a Teaching Professor in Physics, provides coursework-related academic advising.

    Where do students stay on Summer Session?

    Residential plan

    • Campus dormitories: Students live in assigned campus dormitories and take two courses throughout the program.
    • Campus dining: The dining plan covers most weekly meals, with vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and Halal options.
    • Early departure procedures: Early departure requires staff approval, a parent or guardian signature, and room checkout.
    • Campus and city access: The CMU ID Card includes Arts Pass museum access and free Pittsburgh Regional Transit travel.

    Non-residential plan

    • Local commuter option: Students and their parent or guardian need permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of campus or Allegheny County.
    • Flexible commuter course load: Commuters may enroll in one or two courses.

    What happens after Summer Session?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn Carnegie Mellon college credit through successful course completion.

    Receive recorded qualifying grades on a Carnegie Mellon transcript.

    Retain syllabi and course documentation for possible credit-transfer evaluation.

    Develop independent coursework management and instructor communication.

    Other institutions decide whether to accept credits; participation does not influence Carnegie Mellon undergraduate admission.

    Where does Summer Session take place?

    Summer Session takes place at Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Free airport shuttles are provided for students traveling alone on designated arrival and departure days, with reservations arranged through the program's travel forms.

    Summer Session FAQs

    Yes. Students take undergraduate-level Carnegie Mellon courses also taught during the academic year, often alongside undergraduate students.

    Residential students must take two courses throughout the program. Commuters may take one or two.

    A 9-unit course averages 21 hours per week, and a 12-unit course averages 28 hours, including class meetings. Two courses constitute a full-time workload.

    Successful completion earns Carnegie Mellon college credit. Each receiving institution decides whether to accept it, so students should retain syllabi and course documentation.

    Admission to Pre-College Programs has no influence on a student's undergraduate application to Carnegie Mellon.

    A personal laptop is strongly recommended. Some courses require installed software, and school-managed devices must allow access to the required course platforms.

    Students' academic information is protected under FERPA, including for minors. Parents have limited access and are encouraged to ask their student for coursework and grade updates.

    Carnegie Mellon issues I-20s for eligible students admitted to the residential Summer Session program. This requires in-person, full-time study of at least 18 units; admission does not guarantee visa issuance or entry.

    Alternatives to Summer Session

    Compare these subject-focused academic summer options if you prefer to concentrate your shortlist on one discipline.

    Alternatives to Summer Session

    Physics Summer Course

    Physics summer study in Cambridge

    Space & physics
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £5495
    13-17
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Students prioritizing physics

    View details

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    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
    • Move-Out Information - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • International Applicants - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Admitted Students - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Admission - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Cost and Scholarships - 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 Session - 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 dates checked

    • Application deadlines checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Historical prices distinguished

    • Scholarship conditions reviewed

    • Workload expectations checked

    • International guidance 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.