Admission
We're so glad you're considering Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs!
> Here, you will find yourself immersed in academic and extra-curricular opportunities that will prepare you for the college application and higher education experience.
> Here, you will find others like you who are ready to challenge themselves and move themselves forward.
> Here, you will find Game Changers, Risk Takers and Trailblazers.
Important Admission Requirements:
Age: Students must be 16 years of age by June 21, 2025 to participate in Pre-College Programs.
Grade: You must be in high school between 10th and 11th grade or between 11th and 12th grade during the summer of 2025. When filling out the application, you should be in 10th or 11th grade.
Early Decision Applications
Application Due
Decision Notification By
Enrollment Deposit Due
7 days from Decision Letter
Early Decision applications:
• Scholarship applications are NOT considered under the Early Decision deadline. Applications seeking scholarship must follow the Scholarship deadline timeline below.
• Applications with AI Scholars, CS Scholars, and/or the Summer Academy for Math and Science as a first, second, and/or third choice selection will NOT be considered under Early Decision and will follow the AI Scholars, CS Scholars, and Summer Academy for Math and Science timeline below.
• An Early Decision is not binding as it can be in the undergraduate process. We do, however, encourage applying as early as possible for your best chance at admittance into your program of choice. Some programs fill to capacity prior to the application deadline and may be closed to new applicants.
International Applications
Application Due
Decision Notification By
Enrollment Deposit Due
7 days from Decision Letter
International applications:
• Full requirements for international applicants may be found here.
• International applicants attending high school within the United States may follow the Regular Decision timeline below.
• We encourage applying as early as possible for your best chance at admittance into your program of choice. Some programs fill to capacity prior to the application deadline and may be closed to new applicants.
• AI Scholars, CS Scholars, Summer Academy for Math and Science, and scholarship consideration are not open to international applicants.
AI Scholars, CS Scholars, and SAMS Applications
Application Due
Decision Notification On
Enrollment Deposit Due
7 days from Decision Letter
AI Scholars, CS Scholars, and SAMS applications:
• Applications with AI Scholars, CS Scholars, and/or the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) as a first, second, and/or third choice selection will NOT be considered for Early Decision or on rolling admission. Applicants selecting these programs will follow the deadline timeline listed above.
• SAMS is a highly competitive pre-college program. We encourage applicants to apply by the preferred deadline of February 1, signifying your interest in our program and commitment to the application process. Your decision will still be released on April 4.
Scholarship Applications
Application Due
Decision Notification On
Enrollment Deposit Due
7 days from Decision Letter
Scholarship applications:
• Students must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to be eligible for scholarship consideration.
• Scholarship applications are NOT considered for Early Decision or on rolling admission. Applicants seeking scholarship must follow the Scholarship deadline timeline listed above.
Regular Applications
Application Due
Decision Notification By
Enrollment Deposit Due
7 days from Decision Letter
Regular Decision applications:
• We encourage applying as early as possible for your best chance at admittance into your program of choice. Some programs fill to capacity prior to the application deadline and may be closed to new applicants.
• Applications with AI Scholars, CS Scholars, and/or the Summer Academy for Math and Science as a first, second, and/or third choice selection will NOT be considered on rolling admission and will follow the designated timeline above.
Pre-College 2025 Application FAQs
Online Application and Program Choice
Within the online application, you will be asked to submit a combination of biographical, parent/guardian, and academic information. In addition, you will select up to three programs for application consideration, listed in order of preference. Although second and third choice programs are not required, they are recommended.
Keep in mind that the order of your program preferences matter in our review process. Your first choice program preference should be labeled as such. All students will be initially considered for their first choice program preference. If you are admitted or waitlisted to your first choice program, you will not be considered for your subsequent choices. Applicants will only be admitted to one program.
Please note that as individual programs reach their enrollment and waitlist capacity, they will no longer be available as a program choice. Please apply as early as possible for your best chance at securing a spot in your first, second, or third choice programs.
Additionally, your application will not be considered complete until we receive your Letter(s) of Recommendation. We cannot review your application until this letter(s) have been received by our office. Please plan ahead and request your recommendation letter(s) through our online application process in time for us to receive them by the appropriate application deadline.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive email correspondence on how to access your applicant portal. Please check your applicant portal regularly for updates or additional information requested.
Application Materials
Letter(s) of Recommendation
Your application will not be considered complete until we receive your Letter(s) of Recommendation. We cannot review your application until these letters have been uploaded into our online application.
Our Letter(s) of Recommendation process is entirely online. To request your Letter(s) of Recommendation within our online application, you will be required to enter your recommender's email address. Once this is entered, an email will be automatically sent to the recommender. They will be directed to an online portal where they will complete the recommendation form and submit their letter of recommendation.
In general, recommendation letters should be submitted by a counselor or teacher who can speak to your readiness to attend a pre-college program that includes college-level work, independent living, and cooperation in group situations.
It is important that you plan ahead and request your recommendation letter(s) through our online application process in time for us to receive them by the appropriate application deadline.
Unofficial Transcript
Your most recent unofficial transcript must be submitted with your online application. Transcripts must include your name and all grades and courses you have completed. Official transcripts (submitted via sealed envelope or directly from the school) are NOT required for our application.
Standardized Test Scores (optional)
Standardized tests scores are NOT required for application. However, you are welcome to submit your test scores if you feel they will strengthen your application submission. Please note that these test scores will be only one part of our holistic review process.
If you choose to submit your standardized tests scores, please upload the test score report of your most recent PSAT, SAT, PreACT or ACT.
Essay Requirements
Essay requirements vary by program. Please reference the academic program pages for more information. Essay prompts will be listed near the bottom of the program's page.
Responses to the essay prompts should be uploaded through the online application in a PDF or Word format.
Supplemental Materials (if applicable)
Depending on your program(s) of interest, supplemental materials (such as a video audition or images of your unique work) may be required to complete your application. Please reference the academic program pages for more information.
Commuter Applicants
We highly encourage students to participate in our residential program as it provides a more comprehensive college-life experience. However, you can still greatly benefit from our commuter programs.
To be eligible as a commuter student, the student and parent/legal guardian must have a permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of campus or within Allegheny County. Exceptions to this requirement will NOT be considered.
International Applicants
Please find complete information on application and enrollment processes for international students here.
English Proficiency Requirements
If your native language is not English, official results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or its online equivalent (IELTS Online), the Duolingo English Test (DET), or the Cambridge English Assessment are required. Scores should be no more than two years old at the time of application.
IELTS: We require at least a 7.5 overall band score on either the paper-based or computer-delivered Academic Examination.
TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition: We require at least a 102 overall score.
TOEFL Essentials: We require at least an 11 overall band score.
Duolingo English Test: We require at least a 135 overall score.
Cambridge English Assessment: We require at least a 191 overall score.
International students currently studying in the U.S.
If you are an international student who has attended a high school within the United States for a minimum of one year and plan to return to that high school after participation in Pre-College Programs, you are exempt from the English proficiency requirement. Your unofficial transcripts must clearly show your attendance at a high school in the United States for the one-year minimum.
Application Fee and Enrollment Deposit
Application Fee
A $50 application fee (non-refundable) is required to submit your application. This application fee is waived for applicants requesting scholarship consideration or if they are applying to AI Scholars, CS Scholars, and/or Summer Academy for Math and Science. When applying for scholarship consideration or to any of these three programs, financial documentation is required.
Examples of financial need are:
- Students who have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
- Students who are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch program (FRPL).
- Students whose family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- Students who are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
- Students whose family receives public assistance.
- Students who live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
- Students who are a ward of the state or an orphan.
- Students who can provide a supporting statement from a high school principal, high school counselor, financial aid officer, community advisor/leader or other official who can attest to the student's circumstances.
Through the application process, you will need to submit the household’s most recent Tax Form 1040(s) or a signed NACAC Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver form to serve as verification of the financial situation of the household. This documentation is required in order to complete your application.
Further information on program costs and scholarship is provided here. Please contact Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs at precollege@andrew.cmu.edu with any questions.
Enrollment Deposit and Enrollment Reply Form (if admitted)
Admitted students* will have 7 days to submit the $800 non-refundable enrollment deposit and the Enrollment Reply Form to secure their spot in the program.
Admitted students receiving scholarships* will have 7 days to submit the $100 enrollment deposit and the Enrollment Reply Form to secure their spot in the program. These funds will be available for student use on campus through their CMU ID Card during the duration of the program.
Students admitted to AI Scholars, CS Scholars, or Summer Academy for Math and Science are not required to pay an enrollment deposit. To secure their spot in the program, their Enrollment Reply Form must be received within 7 days of admittance.
*Music Part-time: Commuter students are exempt from paying any enrollment deposit.
Further information on program costs and scholarship is provided here.
Vaccination Information: (COVID-19, Meningococcal, MMR, TB testing or Varicella)
Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs abides by all University protocol currently in place.
Effective August 1, 2023, the COVID-19 vaccine will be strongly recommended, but no longer required for students.
Pre-College students will need to complete immunization records (including Meningococcal, MMR, TB testing, and Varicella) as well as medical forms during the enrollment process. This paperwork is required for Pre-College participation. All documentation will be reviewed and verified.