Carnegie Mellon University

Pre-College CA and RA Applications for Summer 2024 are now OPEN.

Build community, foster growth, and become a leader.


Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs mirror the undergraduate experience, giving rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore their interests and passions while receiving instruction from acclaimed Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff. We provide a holistic and robust student experience that includes academic and personal development both inside and outside of the classroom to prepare students for the future.

The Office of Pre-College Programs is seeking Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students to be Community Advisors (CAs) and Residential Advisors (RAs) for the 2024 program this summer.

The Pre-College residential staff is crucial to the success of Pre-College Programs. Our residential staff will consist of a diverse group of CMU undergraduate students who are willing and able to take on the responsibility of caring for the safety and well-being of high school students. Problem-solving, communication, and people skills will be applied to daily responsibilities. As a member of the Pre-College residential staff, not only will you gain valuable experiences through mentoring high school students with your supervision and leadership, but you will also leave the program with a network of peers and staff. 

We invite you to join us to make a difference in the lives of high school students by applying for the RA/CA position with Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs.

To learn more about the roles, responsibilities, and requirements, please take a look at the RA and CA Job Descriptions.

Overview and Timeline of Hiring Process

Although this is not required, it is recommended that students who are interested in the CA/RA position take advantage of one of the virtual information sessions offered by the Assistant Director for Pre-College Student Affairs. Through these sessions, you can learn about the CA or RA role as well as the hiring/interview process and ask any questions that you may have. This is a great way to get to know the job, the program, and your potential supervisor.

To sign up for an Information Session, please email the Assistant Director for Pre-College Student Affairs at pclife@andrew.cmu.edu. Each session will be approximately 30 minutes in length. 

After attending an Information Session and/or determining if one of the positions is right for you, please apply using our online application. The application will determine whether candidates are granted an interview. As such, please take your time and put considerable thought into the application.

CA and RA Applications will open on November 1, 2023.
All CA and RA candidate interviews will consist of an in-person interview with the Assistant Director for Pre-College Student Affairs and a possible group interview with the staff in the Office of Pre-College Programs.

We will notify all interviewees with the results of the interview and conduct check. Those selected to move forward will receive an offer letter and Position Expectations document to be signed and returned within one week of receipt. 

Previous RA or CA Experience?

Students with previous Pre-College Programs RA/CA experience can receive additional compensation as a Senior Resident Advisor. SRAs and RAs can apply using the same application.

Dates of Employment and Compensation

Community Advisors (CAs): Monday, May 27, 2024 - Sunday, August 4, 2024

Resident Advisors (RAs) & Senior Resident Advisors (SRAs): Sunday, June 9, 2024 - Sunday, August 4, 2024

All RAs and CAs will receive the following as compensation for their work:

  • Stipend
  • Housing (during training and the program)
  • Dining (select meals during training and a full meal plan during the program)
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