The Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program offers approximately 200 students the opportunity to experience Cornell University’s rich academic life prior to starting in the fall. Students live in a small and diverse residential community where they meet faculty, staff, and other students. They take classes and learn about the campus and the variety of resources that support academic achievement. The program is coordinated by the Learning Strategies Center in conjunction with the Office of Academic Discovery and Impact, the New York State Opportunities Programs, the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment, and the University’s undergraduate colleges.
Welcome to our future class of 2030 & 2031!
We are very excited to welcome you to Cornell! The Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP) is designed to help first-year students from across Cornell’s colleges and schools prepare for the challenges of their first year as college students, and the best place to begin this preparation is on our beautiful campus. Please see below for additional information.
How are students selected?
Each of the colleges at Cornell selects students based on their high school experiences, intended courses of study, and personal backgrounds. Participation in the program is limited to those students selected by the admissions committees. In addition, students admitted into the Higher Education Opportunity Program or Educational Opportunity Program are required to attend.
What do students in the program do?
Students participating in the program are enrolled into PSSP summer session courses (such as writing, math, and other content-based courses) to prepare them for their first-semester at Cornell. Specific courses for each student will be determined in advance by the student’s college advisor. During the program students meet with their college advisors to discuss progress and to plan future course schedules. In addition, students are involved in workshops, guest lectures, and a variety of social and cultural activities.
What are the costs?
Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program costs, including tuition, lodging, meals, and required academic supplies, are covered for all participants.
How will the program help me?
Over 6,500 students have participated in the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (formerly the Prefreshman Summer Program) since its inception. Previous participants have reported overwhelmingly that their participation in the program was extremely valuable in helping them become familiar with the Cornell campus, the Ithaca community, and the various resources available to them as students. Additionally, friendships begun during the summer have proven to be enduring ones, often providing the social support network useful for long term success at Cornell. Students have also reported that this summer academic experience has made the difference between merely surviving academically at Cornell and achieving academic excellence.
Additional information for PSSP 2026 scholars is coming soon!
Contact us
For further information please call the Learning Strategies Center at (607) 255-6310 or email us at cu-pssp@cornell.edu