Application Overview

• Within the online application, you will be asked to submit a combination of biographical, school, parent, and academic information. In addition, you will select up to 3 programs to be considered for in order of preference.
  • Keep in mind that the order of your program preferences matter in our review process. Your first preference in the program should be labeled as such. All students will be initially considered for their first preference. Applicants will only be admitted to one program. 
    • If you wish to be considered for Computer Science Scholars, Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS),  or AI4All @ Carnegie Mellon, you must select the program as your first-choice.
• Once your application is submitted, you will receive email correspondence on how to access your student portal.  All additional application requirements can be uploaded to your portal after the submission. 

Letters 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 where they will be able to complete our 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 independent work, living, and cooperation in group situations.

Unofficial Transcript

• Your most recent Unofficial Transcript must be submitted. 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 (if required)

• For many of our programs, standardized tests scores are NOT required. Please visit the Academic Program pages of your programs of interest to confirm the application requirements.
• If Standardized Tests Scores are required as part of your application, please upload the score report of your most recent PSAT, SAT Test, PreACT or ACT. Please note that these test scores will be only one part of our holistic review process.
• English Proficiency Requirements:
  • If you're an international student, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and your native language is not English, we require a TOEFL score of 102 or better on the internet-based test or an IELTS score of 7.5 and above. Please arrange to have these scores sent with your application materials. Your official TOEFL or IELTS scores reports are required. 

Essay Requirements

• Essay requirements vary by program. Please reference the Academic Program pages for more information. Essay prompts will be listed. 
• Responses to the essay prompts should be uploaded to your student portal in PDF format.

Supplemental Materials (if applicable)

• Depending on your programs of interest, supplemental materials (such as a video audition or additional short essays responses) may be required to complete your application. Please reference the Academic Program pages for more information.

Application Fee

Applicants to our no-cost pre-college programs (Summer Academy for Math and Science, AI4All @ Carnegie Mellon, and Computer Science Scholars) will not be required to submit an application fee. 

• A $50 application fee is required to complete your application. Students who meet at least one of the following requirements of economic need will qualify for an application fee waiver: 
  
  • 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 Eligiblity 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 school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.