Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program

The Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP) offers selected students the opportunity to spend four weeks experiencing Cornell University’s rich academic life. The program is co-coordinated by the Learning Strategies Center and the Office of Academic Discovery and Impact in collaboration with the New York State Opportunities Programs, the Office of Financial Aid, and the University’s undergraduate colleges.  Students live in a small and diverse residential community where they meet faculty, staff, and other students. They learn about the campus and the variety of resources that support academic achievement and their transition from high school to Cornell.

During the admissions process, each of the nine colleges at Cornell selects students to participate who they believe will benefit from the many ways PSSP assists students in their transition to Cornell. Students generally take two courses that focus on study skills and specific academic content related to the area of study, and participate in a variety of formal and informal activities throughout the program. Formal activities are aimed at introducing students to the systems and resources within the university, such as career development, specific college/school resources, Cornell Health, financial aid, and bursar. Fun, informal program activities aim to create a sense of community and belonging on campus. 

Over 6,500 students have participated in the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program since its inception. Previous participants have reported overwhelmingly that their participation 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.