Summer 2026
Admissions
We’re continuing to finalize course placements for Summer 2026. A limited number of spots remain in select courses. We encourage interested students to apply now as we complete final placements.
Click “Apply Now” to begin. You’ll be taken to our secure application portal. Most students complete the application in about 10–15 minute.
Decisions are typically released within one week.
Any application payment is fully refundable if you’re not admitted or choose not to enroll.
What you’ll need:
- Student information and a parent, guardian, or other adult contact
- Course preference
- School name and a counselor or teacher contact (no need to reach out in advance—we’ll follow up for you)
- Academic details (an approximate GPA is fine)
Eligibility
Grade level
Open to high-school students, grades 9-12
Age requirement
Participants must be at least 14 years old by the start of the program
Tuition & Fees (2026)
1-Week Program
$3,850 + $45 application fee
2-Week Program
$6,950 + $45 application fee
Session Dates
Summer 2026 Session I
July 5-11, 2026
Summer 2026 Session II
July 12-18, 2026
Summer 2026 2-Week Program
July 5-18, 2026
Application Deadlines
Early application +
priority enrollment
March 15, 2026
Application deadline:
May 15, 2026
Late applications:
Reviewed if space remains
Applying
to Vassar
Pre-College
Who the Program Is For
Our program is designed for motivated high school students who are ready to engage thoughtfully with college-level ideas in a small, discussion-driven academic setting. Courses are intentionally limited in size to support close interaction with faculty, collaborative learning, and sustained intellectual exchange.
Students should be comfortable reading and writing at a high school level or above, asking questions, contributing to seminar-style discussions, following instructions in labs, workshops, or studio settings, and working both independently and collaboratively on course projects.
Student Eligibility
The Vassar Pre-College Summer Program is open to 9th–12th grade students. Participants must be at least 14 years old by the start of the program.
Because the program is residential and academically immersive, applicants should demonstrate the maturity, independence, and readiness needed to live and learn on a college campus. While students are supported by residential staff and follow a structured daily schedule with regular check-ins, the program emphasizes growing independence—living away from home, managing time and responsibilities, and learning within an active college community.
Tuition & Fees
You will only be charged tuition if your student is admitted and chooses to enroll.
One-week residential program:
$3,850 tuition + $45 application fee
Two-week residential program:
$6,950 tuition + $45 application fee
Tuition covers the full residential academic experience, including on-campus housing, meals, instructional materials and supplies, labs, studios, fieldwork, excursions, and program-wide academic and co-curricular activities.
Transportation to and from Vassar College is the responsibility of students and families and is not included in tuition. For students traveling by air, the program offers optional, coordinated bus transportation to and from designated New York City–area airports at set arrival and departure times.
Classrooms, dining halls, and most common spaces on campus are air conditioned. Residence hall rooms are not air conditioned. Portable air-conditioning units may be available for an additional fee on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students are required to carry personal health insurance; health insurance coverage is not included in program fees.
Application Review Process
Applications are reviewed holistically by our Pre-College team. In reviewing applications, we are looking to determine each student’s preparation and potential for success in the program.
We consider factors such as:
Academic engagement and readiness
Intellectual curiosity and motivation
Thoughtfulness in written responses
Interest in exploring a liberal arts college environment
Our goal is to assemble a diverse, dynamic cohort of students who will learn from one another as well as from faculty.
What You'll Submit
Applicants complete an online application that includes basic information, short-answer responses, and supporting materials. These materials help us understand your academic interests, learning style, and reasons for applying.
Applications are considered complete only once all required materials have been received. A complete application allows us to review each student fairly and thoughtfully.
Rolling Admission
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early application is encouraged. Because courses are capped and the program is intentionally small, space is limited.
Submitting early gives applicants the best chance of placement in preferred courses and sessions.
Returning Students
Students who have previously attended a Vassar Pre-College program do not need to submit a full application again. Returning students will complete a streamlined process that includes confirming personal information and selecting courses.
Commitment to Access & Inclusion
Commitment to Access & Inclusion
Vassar is committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. We encourage students from all backgrounds who are excited about the Pre-College Summer Program to apply.
As part of our pilot year, we have a small number of fully funded scholarships available to support student access to the Pre-College Summer Program. These scholarships are intended to expand access to students who would not otherwise be able to participate, and reflect an ongoing effort to build meaningful pathways into the program over time.
A portion of these scholarships have been reserved for students from the local Poughkeepsie community. For all other interested students, we invite you to indicate your interest in scholarship consideration by reaching out to us at precollege@vassar.edu. We will follow up directly with additional information about next steps and the application process.
International Students
International students are welcome to apply. Applicants whose primary language is not English may be asked to demonstrate English proficiency to ensure they can fully participate in seminar-style coursework.
Because the program is short-term, non-credit, and under 18 classroom hours per week, a B-2 tourist visa (if required) is appropriate; F-1 visas are not. Students should check requirements with their local U.S. embassy or consulate.
Applying to Vassar Pre-College
Who the Program Is For
Our program is designed for motivated high school students who are ready to engage thoughtfully with college-level ideas in a small, discussion-driven academic setting. Courses are intentionally limited in size to support close interaction with faculty, collaborative learning, and sustained intellectual exchange.
Students should be comfortable reading and writing at a high school level or above, asking questions, contributing to seminar-style discussions, following instructions in labs, workshops, or studio settings, and working both independently and collaboratively on course projects.
Student Eligibility
The Vassar Pre-College Summer Program is open to 9th–12th grade students. Participants must be at least 14 years old by the start of the program.
Because the program is residential and academically immersive, applicants should demonstrate the maturity, independence, and readiness needed to live and learn on a college campus. While students are supported by residential staff and follow a structured daily schedule with regular check-ins, the program emphasizes growing independence—living away from home, managing time and responsibilities, and learning within an active college community.
One-Week or Two-Week Options
Students may enroll in either a one-week or two-week program, depending on their interests and availability.
Students attending for one week enroll in one immersive course during either Session I or Session II. This option offers a focused introduction to college-level learning in a small, discussion-based setting on Vassar’s campus.
Students attending for two weeks remain on campus for both sessions and enroll in one course per week. We recommend pairing College Foundations & Leadership with an academic course, though students may also choose two different academic courses—one in each week. The two-week option allows students to engage more fully with Vassar’s academic culture and campus life over an extended period.
Both options offer the same residential experience, small-class format, and access to co-curricular programming.
Tuition & Fees
You will only be charged tuition if your student is admitted and chooses to enroll.
One-Week Program: $3,895 total
- Tuition: $3,850
- Application fee: $45
- Enrollment deposit: $400 (deposit is applied to your total program charge and is nonrefundable)
Two-Week Program: $6,995 total
- Tuition: $6,950
- Application fee: $45
- Enrollment deposit: $800 (deposit is applied to your total program charge and is nonrefundable)
Tuition covers the full residential academic experience, including on-campus housing, meals, instructional materials and supplies, labs, studios, fieldwork, excursions, and program-wide academic and co-curricular activities.
Transportation to and from Vassar College is the responsibility of students and families and is not included in tuition. For students traveling by air, the program offers optional, coordinated bus transportation to and from designated New York City–area airports at set arrival and departure times.
Students are required to carry personal health insurance; health insurance coverage is not included in program fees.
Application Review Process
Applications are reviewed holistically by our Pre-College team. In reviewing applications, we are looking to determine each student’s preparation and potential for success in the program.
We consider factors such as:
Academic engagement and readiness
Intellectual curiosity and motivation
Thoughtfulness in written responses
Interest in exploring a liberal arts college environment
Our goal is to assemble a diverse, dynamic cohort of students who will learn from one another as well as from faculty.
Rolling Admission
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early application is encouraged. Because courses are capped and the program is intentionally small, space is limited.
Submitting early gives applicants the best chance of placement in preferred courses and sessions.
Commitment to Access & Inclusion
Vassar is committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. We encourage students from all backgrounds who are excited about the Pre-College Summer Program to apply.
As part of our pilot year, we have a small number of fully funded scholarships available to support student access to the Pre-College Summer Program. These scholarships are intended to expand access to students who would not otherwise be able to participate, and reflect an ongoing effort to build meaningful pathways into the program over time.
A portion of these scholarships have been reserved for students from the local Poughkeepsie community. For all other interested students, we invite you to indicate your interest in scholarship consideration by reaching out to us at precollege@vassar.edu. We will follow up directly with additional information about next steps and the application process.
International Students
International students are welcome to apply. Because the program is short-term, non-credit, and under 18 classroom hours per week, a B-2 tourist visa (if required) is appropriate; F-1 visas are not. Students should check requirements with their local U.S. embassy or consulate.
English Proficiency
Applicants whose primary language is not English may be asked to demonstrate English proficiency to ensure they can fully participate in seminar-style coursework.
Tuition & Fees (2026)
1-Week Program
$3,850 + $45 application fee
2-Week Program
$6,950 + $45 application fee
Session Dates
Summer 2026 Session I
July 5-11, 2026
Summer 2026 Session II
July 12-18, 2026
Summer 2026 2-Week Program
July 5-18, 2026
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged.
Early application +
priority enrollment
March 15, 2026
Application deadline
May 1, 2026
Late applications
Reviewed if space remains
Questions & Details
Questions
& Details
Living on Campus
Are residence halls air-conditioned?
Residence hall rooms are not air-conditioned. Classrooms, dining facilities, and common spaces are air-conditioned.
How much freedom do students have on campus?
Students experience meaningful independence—moving between classes, meals, and activities on a real college campus—within a structured and supervised environment. Students are permitted to explore approved areas on and off campus, follow set schedules, and participate in activities, with regular check-ins and oversight from residential staff.
Are laptops required?
A laptop is required for coursework. If a student does not have access to a laptop, one may be provided for the duration of the program upon request.
Are cell phones allowed?
Students may bring and use cell phones. Expectations around phone use—particularly during classes and structured activities—are clearly communicated and enforced.
Travel & Logistics
Do students arrange their own travel to campus?
Students and families are responsible for booking flights or other travel to and from the New York area.
Is transportation provided from nearby airports?
The program offers optional, coordinated transportation to and from designated airports at scheduled arrival and departure times. Transportation is managed by our student support partner, EngageU, and details will be shared in advance with enrolled families.
Can students bring a car to campus?
Students are strongly discouraged from bringing a car. In rare cases where driving is necessary, parking arrangements may be made, but students will not have access to their vehicle during the program.
Academics & Expectations
Does the program offer academic credit?
The program is non-credit. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion.
Is attendance required?
Regular attendance is required for all academic classes and program components. Students may choose among optional co-curricular and evening activities, but academic sessions and required program events are mandatory.
Do some courses have prerequisites?
Some courses—particularly in STEM fields—may require specific math, science, or technical preparation. Readiness will be reviewed as part of the admissions process.
Is English proficiency required?
All courses are conducted in English, and students must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to participate fully in discussions, readings, and written work.
Can students switch courses after being admitted?
Course changes may be requested before the program begins, subject to availability. Course changes are not permitted once the program has started.
Health, Safety & Support
What health services are available on campus?
A registered nurse is on staff to support student health needs, and program staff are available around the clock. Students must have personal health insurance, as it is not included in program fees.
How are discipline and student conduct handled?
Student conduct is overseen by Vassar’s program leadership in partnership with EngageU’s experienced residential staff. The program is supported by a dedicated Site Director, Team Advisors, and Residential Advisors who are present on campus at all times. EngageU brings more than 40 years of experience supporting pre-college residential programs nationwide.
Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Vassar Dining Services can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and restrictions, including allergies, medical diets, and religious or lifestyle preferences. Students will be asked to share this information in advance.
Are disability accommodations available?
Students who require academic, residential, or health accommodations should disclose needs during the application or enrollment process. Accommodations can usually be provided when communicated in advance, allowing the program adequate time to prepare.
Additional Questions
Does participation give an advantage in applying to Vassar College?
Participation in the Pre-College Summer Program does not confer special consideration in Vassar’s undergraduate admissions process. The program is designed to support academic exploration and college readiness, not to serve as a pathway to admission.
Can friends or siblings apply together?
Students must apply individually. If students wish to be considered together—for example, siblings or close friends—this can be requested by email, though placement together cannot be guaranteed.
Who should families contact with additional questions?
Enrolled students and families will receive direct contact information for program staff. Prospective families are welcome to reach out through the Admissions page or attend an information session.
