Introduction to C++
    Online Program

    Introduction to C++

    by Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

    Learn C++ fundamentals through programming practice that builds algorithmic thinking and applies code to real-world problems.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Introduction to C++ at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Grades 8-11; algebra completed

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 13-17

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    $3,200

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    Online

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematics
    Sessions / cadence: 10 × 2h weekdays; 1-2h daily homework
    Latest verified cycle: 2026
    Learning support: Online office hours
    Coursework style: Programming problems, assignments, projects
    Time-zone model: Pacific Daylight Time

    Introduction to C++ summary

    Introduction to C++ combines foundational programming concepts with practice in constructing efficient algorithms.

    Live teaching, online office hours, and independent assignments make it a structured introduction rather than a collection of tutorials.

    It suits students who want to test their interest in computer science through practical problem solving.

    What is Introduction to C++?

    Introduction to C++ is a Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes course focused on foundational programming and algorithmic problem solving. It connects Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics through topics including syntax, functions, arrays, recursion, file I/O, and compiler-hardware interaction.

    Students attend live online classes and work on programming problems, assignments, and projects independently. Practice emphasizes constructing efficient algorithms for real-world problems, while online office hours provide another opportunity to seek help.

    Why Succeed highlights Introduction to C++

    • The curriculum connects basic C++ constructs with algorithms, recursion, and compiler-hardware interaction.

    • Real-world programming problems give students a practical reason to think about algorithm efficiency.

    • Live classes and online office hours provide a defined support structure alongside independent work.

    • The explicit homework estimate helps families assess the daily commitment before choosing a course.

    Who is Introduction to C++ for?

    Best for

    Students seeking a structured first experience of coding who enjoy mathematical problem solving and can sustain daily practice.

    Not ideal if

    You want an advanced C++ specialization or a fully self-paced course without scheduled live classes.

    Is Introduction to C++ worth it?

    This course is worth considering if you want guided practice in programming and a clear introduction to algorithmic thinking. Its value lies in the work you do and the understanding you develop through classes, problems, and projects.

    The daily workload and fixed meeting windows require a meaningful commitment. Weigh that structure against your family's budget, and judge the course by its learning fit rather than an expectation of preferential admission to Stanford.

    Sean, founder of Succeed

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    Founder, Succeed

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, time commitment, provider details, student outcomes and online support to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,200; includes Two-hour live online classes Monday-Friday., Online office hours within the daily meeting window., Programming practice problems, assignments, and projects..

    Dates and time commitment

    2 weeks; 10 × 2h weekdays; 1-2h daily homework.

    Provider details

    Review the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    What the student gains

    Potential output: Students produce programming practice solutions, assignments, and projects.. Check whether feedback, certificate, recommendation or application evidence is included.

    Online support and safeguarding

    Online office hours use the third hour of the published meeting window. The exact class time and office-hour schedule are set closer to the program start.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, session schedule, payment terms, cancellation rules, support expectations and what output or certificate is included with the provider.

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

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    How much preparation does Introduction to C++ need?

    Effort level

    Substantial daily commitment for an introductory course.

    Best started

    Allow several weeks in the next application cycle to gather transcripts, prepare a work sample, and write responses.

    Main challenge

    Keeping up with daily coding practice while working within Pacific Time meeting windows.

    Typical preparation

    • Review algebra concepts before beginning the course.

    • Gather recent grade reports and transcripts before completing the application.

    • Choose a work sample that meets the selected course's requirements and reflects your abilities.

    • Plan a daily study routine that includes live classes and independent programming work.

    Useful if

    You want to assess your interest in further computer science study.

    What do students do on Introduction to C++?

    You combine live instruction with independent programming practice to understand C++ fundamentals and efficient algorithms. Online office hours support the work you complete between classes.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend your assigned live online class Monday through Friday.

    2. 2

      Study programming constructs and algorithmic concepts introduced in the course.

    3. 3

      Apply those concepts to programming practice problems, including real-world problems.

    4. 4

      Complete assignments and projects outside live class time.

    5. 5

      Use online office hours to seek help with course work.

    Introduction to C++ dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    13 March 2026

    Summer Institutes application deadline; materials were due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

    Reference date

    Session One

    15-26 June 2026

    Weekday classes within a 4-7 p.m. PDT window, including office hours.

    Reference date

    Session Two

    6-17 July 2026

    Weekday classes within an 8-11 a.m. PDT window, including office hours.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Applicants must be in Grades 8-11 at application.

    • Completion of an algebra course is required.

    • No prior programming experience is required.

    • Domestic and international applicants may apply.

    • Admitted students may attend only one Summer Institutes course.

    How much does Introduction to C++ cost?

    Program tuition

    $3,200 — Two-week Summer Institutes course tuition for 2026.

    Funding or discounts

    • Financial aid: Domestic and international participants — Both groups can receive aid.

    What's included

    Two-hour live online classes Monday-Friday., Online office hours within the daily meeting window., Programming practice problems, assignments, and projects.

    How to apply to Introduction to C++

    1. 1

      Create or access an account in the official application portal using the student's legal name and birthdate.

    2. 2

      Select Introduction to C++ among the Summer Institutes courses you wish to attend.

    3. 3

      Write application responses yourself and prepare a work sample meeting the course's application requirements.

    4. 4

      Upload recent grade reports, transcripts, and required materials into the online application.

    5. 5

      Have a parent or legal guardian review and sign the completed application.

    6. 6

      Review everything before submitting the application and required application fee, because submissions cannot be changed.

    Next step with Succeed

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    Learning format

    Students attend two-hour live online classes Monday through Friday, with online office hours using the third hour of the meeting window. They should also plan for approximately one to two hours of daily assignments and projects outside live class time.

    Students attend one course section and time; exact class and office-hour schedules are set closer to the program start.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • Learning includes live online instruction Monday-Friday.

    • Online office hours use the third hour of the meeting window.

    • The exact office-hour schedule is set closer to the program start.

    Time-zone considerations

    • Published meeting windows use Pacific Daylight Time.
    • Session One's meeting window is 4-7 p.m. PDT.
    • Session Two's meeting window is 8-11 a.m. PDT.
    • Two hours are live class; the third hour is for office hours.
    • Students attend just one assigned section and time.

    Assessment style

    Coursework centers on programming practice problems, assignments, and projects.

    • Practice problems focus on constructing efficient algorithms.
    • Problems include real-world programming applications.
    • Assignments and projects require independent work outside class.

    Portfolio / outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    Students produce programming practice solutions, assignments, and projects.

    • Practice solutions address real-world programming problems.

    • Independent work includes course assignments and projects.

    Introduction to C++ FAQs

    No. Introduction to C++ is designed for students with no prior programming experience.

    You must have completed an algebra course.

    Plan for a two-hour live class Monday through Friday and approximately one to two hours of assignments and projects each day. A third hour in the meeting window is used for online office hours.

    Topics include C++ syntax, data types, control statements, functions, arrays, searching and sorting algorithms, recursion, file I/O, abstract data types, and compiler-hardware interaction.

    Online office hours use the third hour of the published meeting window. The exact class time and office-hour schedule are set closer to the program start.

    Yes. Financial aid can be awarded to domestic and international participants.

    Standardized test scores are optional. Applicants upload transcripts directly into the application, and most use an unofficial transcript.

    No. Stanford University's undergraduate admissions process is separate from Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, and participation does not guarantee admission.

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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.

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • SU26_SPCS_Flyer_TeachCoun.indd
    • Welcome
    • Questions: Application - SI | Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
    • Introduction to C++ | Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

    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)

    • Official course page checked

    • Application requirements reviewed

    • Session dates verified

    • Daily workload checked

    • Tuition and aid 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.