The Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program offers participants 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. This year the program will start on July 6, 2026, and end on August 7, 2026.
Welcome to our future class of 2030 & 2031!
We are very excited to welcome you to Cornell! The Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP) supports high-potential students who have excelled within the context of a limited local educational environment and who would benefit from preparatory academic coursework and additional support to navigate Cornell’s academic rigor. 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.
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 advising team. The courses selected for students are designed to build a foundation for their success at Cornell and will depend on their planned course of study. During the program, students meet with their 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?
PSSP consists of academic, mental health and well-being, and social components with emphases that reflect the overall mission of Cornell and the individual undergraduate colleges. PSSP courses, academic enrichment, and support (e.g., faculty and TA office hours, tutoring, study groups, advising) are designed to prepare students specifically for core first-semester courses and generally for the rigor of Cornell.
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 and the various resources available. Additionally, friendships formed during the summer have proven to be enduring, offering a supportive social network that is valuable for long term success at Cornell.
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