I love your programs and want to attend. How do I apply?

How selective are the programs? What are my chances of being accepted?

When and how do I choose my classes and other program options?

What if I want to change a class or option after I send in my forms?

What is included in the Summer Study tuition?

What is not included?

What is a typical day like?

What clothing and baggage should I bring?

What medical care is provided for an ill student?

What responsibilities and obligations do I have to the program?

What are the supervisory roles of Summer Study staff?

Do I need baggage and/or program tuition insurance?

How do I get to and from my Summer Study program?

Is there any financial aid for those who cannot afford the program fees?

How do I get more information?

Q. I love your programs and want to attend. How do I apply?
A. All Summer Study programs operate on a “rolling admissions” basis which means that applications are reviewed as they are received. Our programs have limited space and sell out every year so we encourage you to apply early. Click here for more information and an application.

Q. How selective are the programs? What are my chances of being accepted?
A. While there are no specific cutoffs, the goal of each admissions office is to “weed out” students who are struggling through high school and not likely to succeed (at the present time) in a college environment. If you are concerned, you may want to consider one of the non-credit programs at Penn State, CU-Boulder or The Sorbonne, in Paris.

Q. When and how do I choose my classes and other program options?
A. In early March, we send all enrolled students a packet of forms and papers which includes “Course Selection,” “Final Options” and “Travel Arrangements” forms as well as an updated listing of the courses, classes and workshops available. You will need to complete the forms and return them to us at that time.

Q. What if I want to change a class or option after I send in my forms?
A. Non-credit classes and options may be changed at any time prior to the summer by calling us on our toll-free number. Once we receive your “Course Selection” form and your request for credit-bearing courses has been forwarded to the registrar, changes can not be made until you arrive on campus. At all universities, the first few days are known as the Add/Drop period and, with the help of our staff, you can easily make changes to your schedule.

Q. What is included in the Summer Study tuition?
A. Tuition for credit bearing courses and enrichment classes; residence hall lodging; 3 meals per day, Monday-Friday, and 2 meals per day (brunch and dinner) on weekends while on campus for our Penn State and CU-Bolder programs; 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner), every day, in Paris; all expenses on weekend trips (motorcoach, lodging, activities, 2 meals per day); a student ID card; all campus recreational and athletic activities as per brochure; planned evening activities; Summer Study group picture and directory.

Q. What is not included?
A. Transportation to/from campus and your home city (though available); application fee; personal spending money and laundry; mandatory liability insurance; refundable room-key/damage deposit, textbook and/or instructional materials; optional program features per brochure.

Q. What is a typical day like?
A. Unlike summer camp which is geared toward much younger kids, everyone has a slightly different schedule depending on their classes and selected options. In general, a typical weekday begins with optional breakfast, followed by 1 or 2 morning classes. After lunch, there is one more class period for either a college credit or enrichment class in the early afternoon. The balance of the afternoon is filled with a variety of organized cultural, sports and recreational activities, free time to take advantage of the ample facilities on and around campus, studying, or simply “hanging out” with friends. Dinner is followed by exciting planned evening activities and/or study time (as required).

Q. What clothing and baggage should I bring?
A. Casual summertime apparel is all that is necessary and we will send you a suggested clothing/packing list in the spring. Baggage is limited to one suitcase and one “carry-on” bag so we encourage you to leave some of your belongings at home. With laundry facilities available in or near every residence, a 7-10 day supply of clothing is more than adequate. For students attending U.S. programs, additional items such as linens and towels (provided in Paris but not at PSU or CUB), may be shipped directly to/from yourself at your program location. Shipping addresses, instructions and procedures will be sent to you in the Spring.

Q. What medical care is provided for an ill student?
A. The health and safety of all our students is our primary concern. In our U.S. programs, a Summer Study “Medical Coordinator” will escort any ill student to the on-campus Health Center for proper medical attention. Similarly, in Paris, a Summer Study staff member will escort any ill student to an English-speaking physician with whom a relationship has been established over the many years we have had students in France. In the event of a medical emergency, students will be taken to the nearby hospital emergency room. All medical expenses incurred (including prescription and non-prescription medication) are the responsibility of the student and his/her parents. A medical form will be sent in the spring requesting a medical history and health insurance policy numbers. All students must be covered by medical insurance in order to attend.

Q. What responsibilities and obligations do I have to the program?
A. All students are expected to attend all classes, meals and scheduled activities (including our weekend travel excursions). As in any “community living” environment, each student is expected to respect the rights of others, maintain reasonable cleanliness in the residence, and behave in a manner befitting collegiate life. In addition, rules prohibiting the use or possession of any illegal drugs, including alcohol, as well as a nightly curfew (usually midnight) are strictly enforced. Violators will be immediately dismissed from the program.

Q. What are the supervisory roles of Summer Study staff?
A. Our philosophy is to create an environment that is fun and exciting, with many types and choices of activities, to keep our students busy during most of their “free time.” In addition to organizing these activities, our highly trained, motivated, and experienced staff provide the necessary supervision to ensure the safety and well being of our students at all times. All staff members are undergraduate upperclassmen, graduate students, teachers or young professionals who have proven themselves through past experiences working with high school students. Our staff is “on duty” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to supervise our students in and around our residence halls as well as at all day, night and weekend activities.

Q. Do I need baggage and/or program tuition insurance?
A. While not mandatory, it is suggested that students protect themselves against loss/theft of baggage and/or personal belongings. Summer Study Programs cannot be responsible for lost/stolen/damaged items. In the unlikely event that unforeseen circumstances force a students’ withdrawal from the program, insurance to protect your tuition payment is offered at an additional cost. For a detailed description of our interruption/cancellation plan, click here.

Q. How do I get to and from my Summer Study program?
A. For students attending our programs at Penn State who live in the New York, Philadelphia or Washington, DC metropolitan areas, we offer motorcoach service to and from the campus. The service is not only convenient but also an excellent way for students to get to know each other and start making new friends. For students needing to fly to our programs at Penn State, in Colorado or in Paris, our affiliated travel agency has negotiated group rates and flights which allow students to travel together at fares lower than that which is offered to the general public. Creative Travel and Summer Study personnel will coordinate all the details and arrange to meet you at the airport upon arrival. For more information regarding travel to and from a specific Summer Study program, visit the “General Information” link within each program’s main page.

Q. Is there any financial aid for those who cannot afford the program fees?
A. Yes. Though it is limited, we do have some financial aid available. It is strictly need-based and applicants are required to submit appropriate supporting documents. Students in need of financial assistance must first apply to one of our programs and, along with their application, may request financial aid forms.

Q. How do I get more information?
A. For our free brochures, click here and complete the on-line request form. If you have specific questions, you can send us an E-MAIL or call us at 1-800-666-2556 throughout the United States or 1-631-424-1000 worldwide.