Application deadline
1 April 2026
Shared summer College Prep application deadline.
In-person Program
So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering
Explore aerospace engineering through aircraft design, propulsion, and flight physics in a Northwestern seminar that connects scientific principles with a model-aircraft project.
Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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.
So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Age range / Year group
Ages 15-18
Location / Region
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States
Cost
$3,625; $5,235
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
EngineeringSpace & physics
Accommodation: University residence halls; commuter option
Meals: Residential dining; commuter meals purchasable
Certificate / Outcome: Northwestern transcript and certificate
Campus experience: Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series
Tutors / faculty: Dr. Jeremy Keys
Sessions / cadence: 9 × 3.5-hour mornings; Monday-Friday
So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering summary
Northwestern's aerospace seminar connects flight physics with engineering decisions about aircraft and spacecraft. Students apply what they learn to a model-aircraft design.
Expect textbook readings, lectures, group problem-solving, quizzes, and writing assignments alongside design work. The strongest fit is someone who wants to understand why an aircraft works and explain the choices behind its design.
What is So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering?
So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering is an IN FOCUS seminar in Northwestern University's College Preparation Program. It introduces the scientific and engineering principles behind aircraft and spacecraft through a college-style combination of study, discussion, and practical design.
Students explore propulsion, airflow, aircraft geometry, and stability control while examining historical breakthroughs in flight. They use these ideas to develop a model-aircraft design and consider how experimental and modeling data can inform engineering decisions.
Why Succeed highlights So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering
The model-aircraft project gives students a concrete way to apply flight physics and justify design decisions.
Studying aircraft and spacecraft such as the Wright Flyer and Apollo 11 connects engineering principles with recognizable achievements.
Dr. Jeremy Keys brings Northwestern teaching experience in engineering design, manufacturing, and satellite-related capstone supervision.
The seminar combines technical learning with college-preparation workshops and a documented completion credential.
Who is So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering for?
Best for
Students curious about flight who enjoy connecting physics with practical design and collaborative problem-solving.
Not ideal if
You want only hands-on building and would find textbook readings, quizzes, writing, and design discussions frustrating.
Is So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering worth it?
This seminar can be worthwhile if you want to test your interest in aerospace engineering through both scientific study and an applied design task. Its value lies in learning to explain engineering choices, interpret data, and connect concepts with a model aircraft.
The substantial fee makes the decision depend on how much you value the teaching and campus experience. Treat it as an introduction to the field, and remember that College Prep participation does not guarantee admission to Northwestern.
Sean
Founder, Succeed
Talk it through with Sean
Want to talk it through?
“I can help you compare the programmes you're considering, think through the practicalities and work out what makes sense for you.”
20 minutes · No obligation to enrol
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$3,625; $5,235; includes Seminar tuition and mandatory program fee, Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops, Official transcript and certificate upon successful completion, Residence-hall accommodation and board with the residential option.
Accommodation
University residence halls; commuter option
Meals
Residential dining; commuter meals purchasable
Provider details
Review the Northwestern College Prep provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 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 So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering need?
Effort level
Moderate to high.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before a future application deadline to prepare documents and travel plans.
Main challenge
Connecting physics and airflow data with defensible aircraft-design choices.
Typical preparation
Review conservation of energy and momentum before the seminar.
Choose a recent academic experience that helps explain your interest in engineering.
Gather the required transcripts and draft the approximately 500-word personal statement.
Discuss commuting or residential arrangements and any international travel requirements with your family.
Useful if
You want to explore whether aerospace engineering suits your interests.
What do students do on So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering?
You study how aircraft and spacecraft achieve flight, then apply those principles to a model-aircraft design. Lectures and readings feed into group discussions, design decisions, quizzes, and writing assignments.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Begin with historical breakthroughs in air and space flight and build the vocabulary to explain them.
- 2
Study propulsion, airflow around aircraft geometry, and stability-control mechanisms.
- 3
Examine existing aircraft and spacecraft to identify guiding design principles.
- 4
Interpret experimental and modeling data and discuss possible engineering solutions.
- 5
Integrate your findings into a model-aircraft design while completing the seminar's assignments.
So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
21 June-3 July 2026
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 1 April 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 21 June-3 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Complete freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school.
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
US and international students may apply.
Submit a personal statement, activities list, and high school transcripts.
Provide English proficiency results when the language requirement applies.
How much does So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering cost?
Program fee
$3,625; $5,235 — Commuter and residential totals, respectively.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $60 — Separate, non-refundable application charge.
- Deposit: $1,000 — Non-refundable; due three weeks after acceptance and credited toward the total.
- Tuition scholarship: Domestic US rising seniors with financial need and strong academic and extracurricular achievement may apply.
- Application fee waiver: Requires a separate request; approval does not establish scholarship eligibility or admission.
- Conditional insurance charge: $134 — Two-week total at $67 per week for international students without US-based medical insurance.
What's included
Seminar tuition and mandatory program fee, Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops, Official transcript and certificate upon successful completion, Residence-hall accommodation and board with the residential option
How to apply to So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering
- 1
Use Northwestern's on-campus College Prep admissions guidance to confirm the requirements.
- 2
Write approximately 500 words answering both personal-statement questions.
- 3
List your extracurricular activities with dates, descriptions, and roles.
- 4
Arrange English-language transcripts and English proficiency results when required.
- 5
Submit the program application and $60 non-refundable fee, or complete the separate fee-waiver process.
- 6
After acceptance, submit the program deposit to secure enrollment.
Next step with Succeed
Interested in this programme?
or let us know if .
Succeed replies first, usually within a working day
What does So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Propulsion and flight physics
Apply energy and momentum conservation to lift, propulsion, and space-travel requirements.
Airflow and aircraft geometry
Interpret experimental and modeling data to understand how aircraft shape affects airflow.
Stability and control
Explore stability-control mechanisms and their role in aircraft design.
Historical design analysis
Analyze Mercury-Atlas-7, Apollo 11, the Wright Flyer, and F-22 Raptor for guiding engineering principles.
Model-aircraft design
Integrate aerospace concepts and research findings into the design of your own model aircraft.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering?
A typical day during the program.
Seminar classes
Monday-Friday, 9:15 AM-12:45 PM Central Time, with no class July 3.
Campus activities
Residential and commuting students can participate in Summer Session activities and cultural events.
Who teaches on So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering?
Dr. Jeremy Keys is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Northwestern's Department of Mechanical Engineering. His teaching includes system dynamics, engineering design and manufacturing, and senior capstone projects, including satellite design.
Where do students stay on So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering?
Residential plan
- University residence halls: Stay in a Northwestern residence hall with common areas and quiet study rooms.
- Dining and dietary support: University dining offers varied dishes, vegan options, and dietician support for special dietary requirements.
- Resident support: Resident Directors and trained Residential Advisors support academic and social adjustment.
- Campus resources: Access includes libraries, computer labs, beaches, and athletic facilities; gymnasium access is for ages 16+.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter study: Attend classes while living at home or with nearby relatives.
- Activities and excursions: Commuters can join the Get Ready Series and the academic and social activities offered to residents.
- Commuter meal access: Meals can be purchased at the Norris University Center.
Residential students may explore independently under checkout and return check-in rules; off-campus students must live with a responsible adult over 18.
What happens after So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Develop a model-aircraft design applying aerospace engineering principles.
Build foundational understanding for further aerospace engineering study.
Practice interpreting experiments and modeling data to guide design.
Earn an official Northwestern transcript and certificate upon successful completion.
College Prep participation does not guarantee undergraduate admission to Northwestern.
Where does So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering take place?
The seminar takes place on Northwestern University's campus in Evanston, Illinois, north of Chicago. The 240-acre lakefront campus offers a university setting with libraries, recreation, and Summer Session activities.
So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering FAQs
You will study propulsion, airflow around aircraft, stability control, and engineering design. Activities connect these concepts with historical aircraft and spacecraft and your own model-aircraft design.
The seminar combines lectures, readings, videos, group discussions, group work, quizzes, and writing assignments. You integrate your learning into the design of a model aircraft.
Dr. Jeremy Keys teaches the seminar. He is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Northwestern's Department of Mechanical Engineering and has supervised engineering design projects, including low-Earth-orbit satellites.
Successful completion earns an official Northwestern University transcript and certificate. A Satisfactory grade requires attendance and participation in all classes and completion of all assignments.
Yes. Commuting students attend classes and can participate in program activities, but must live with a responsible adult over 18 throughout the program.
Resident Directors and trained Residential Advisors support students in university residence halls. Students may explore without staff accompaniment, subject to checkout and return check-in rules.
Tuition scholarships are available to domestic US students entering their senior year who demonstrate financial need and strong academic and extracurricular achievement. Consideration requires both a scholarship application and a complete program application, including transcripts.
No. Northwestern states that College Prep participation is one part of an application profile and does not guarantee undergraduate admission.
Alternatives to So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering
Compare these engineering and physics programs if you want a broader subject focus or a different campus experience.
Alternatives to So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering
In-person engineering study in Cambridge
Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
13-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Comparing a broader engineering focus
In-person mechanical engineering study at Georgia Tech
Engineering
14 Jun 2026
From $3298
14-18
Atlanta
In-person
Best for
Exploring mechanical engineering
In-person physics summer study in Cambridge
Space & physics
Deadline: Not announced
From £5495
13-17
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Prioritizing physics study
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- International Students, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- Campus Life, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- Admission, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- Tuition and Fees, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- Northwestern Pre-College Online Program
- FAQs, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- 2026 Application Fee Waiver Form
- IN FOCUS Seminar Series | Northwestern SPS: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)
Seminar identity verified
Application deadline checked
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Commuter and residential fees checked
Scholarship criteria reviewed
Campus welfare guidance reviewed
Completion credentials verified
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.
So You Want to Be a Rocket Scientist? Aerospace Engineering
by Northwestern College Prep
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
Get the full picture before you decide
Succeed's assessment, estimated total cost and what applying involves.
No account needed for the Guide or Compare.
Not ready to decide yet? Keep it for later.
Get a next-cycle reminder
Compare similar programs
Save it for later
Keep recommendations organised