Program Details
What will students gain from this program?
The average college student switches their major three times, but you can get a head start in understanding what you want to major in by exploring a variety of college courses through our program. After completing our program, students will have a better understanding of what it is like to be taught by faculty, take college-level courses, and interact socially with other students who have diverse academic and social interests. Additionally, students will have the chance to network with professionals and possibly receive a recommendation or reference from their Pre-College Summer Faculty. Please see our Note to Parents for more information about the program.
Who attends the Pre-College Summer program? Where do students come from?
UConn Pre-College Summer is designed for high school students. More specifically, we encourage rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors to apply to our program. Most students who participate in our program are between 15-17 years old.
More than half of our of students come from the New England area, with Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts making up a large percentage of that population. New Jersey, California, Puerto Rico, and Pennsylvania are also popular home states of our students. In addition, we have had students join our program from China, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, to name a few.
How long is the Pre-College Summer program?
For summer 2023, we are offering five, one-week residential sessions at the UConn Storrs campus.
A two-week credit course is also available from July 16, 2023 - July 29, 2023. Check out the course offerings page to find when each course will be offered.
What materials do students need to apply for Pre-College Summer?
All application instructions for UConn Pre-College Summer are published under the “Prospective Students” tab on the main web page. This information includes step-by-step application instructions, as well as a list of particular items needed for a complete application.
Can a student enroll in multiple sessions?
Yes, if students wish to take multiple academic courses, they are welcome to attend more than one session. There will be additional costs and fees for subsequent sessions. If students choose to stay for two or more weeks, they should arrive at the Storrs campus for check in and orientation on the Sunday of their first session and can be picked up on Saturday following the end of their last session. Meals, lodging, and weekend activities between sessions are provided at no additional cost to students.
Do students receive a discount if they sign-up for more than one session?
Yes! If students wish to take multiple academic courses and enroll for more than one session, they will receive a multiple session discount. Visit our costs and fees page to learn more about discounts.
Why are most courses “non-credit”?
Non-credit courses allow high school students the experience of college level learning delivered by faculty without the pressure of exams and grades. We want our program to be truly exploratory, and students are provided with ample opportunities to engage with their interests in our non-credit environment. There is no connection between this program and the University’s Office of Admissions.
What happens if Pre-College Summer cancels a course or switches to an online format?
If this happens, we will contact you to discuss your options. If the program switches to an online format, some courses will be available. If we cannot find another course that works for you, we will give you a refund of already paid enrollment fees. The application fee will not be refunded, as your application was still processed by Program staff.
What are some examples of your student workshops and social programming activities?
Workshops are short, exploratory sessions provided in addition to chosen academic courses. These fun, engaging workshops are facilitated by invited UConn faculty, program staff, or individuals from the community. Our workshop offerings range from academically-focused sessions such as Pharmacy Compounding Practice or Laser Engraving, to social and experiential sessions such as Disc Jockey 101 or Hands on Drumming. Other workshops focus on college and career preparation.
Our social programming activities vary with each session. They may include visits to the UConn Dairy Bar, tie-dying t-shirts, touring the campus, visiting the Storrs Center area, and enjoying outdoor recreational activities like soccer, frisbee, volleyball, and games of bocce. We also typically kick off each session with an Ice Cream Social and close each session with an Open Mic Night on Friday.
Preparing for the Summer
How do students know what to pack for the residence hall?
Click here to view a list of what to bring (and what is not allowed in the residence hall).
How should students pack for the weather during the week?
In addition to your typical summer clothing, make sure you bring:
- sunscreen
- rain gear (rain poncho/umbrella)
- appropriate footwear – closed-toe shoes
- Sneakers are also a good idea, as UConn Storrs is a walking campus!
Since students are residing on campus, are linens provided?
Yes. Your program fee includes a linen packet consisting of:
- 2 sheets
- 1 Pillow
- 1 Pillowcase
- 1 Thin blanket
- 2 towels
- 1 washcloth.
It is recommended that students bring a comforter or heavier blanket with them, as the residence halls are air-conditioned.
While there is no housekeeping service offered, towels may be exchanged at the Conference Housing Desk.
Laundry facilities are located in the residence halls and are available at no charge. Please also read the FAQ that suggests what your student should pack for the program.
How does the roommate process work?
We are intentional about ensuring a great residential experience for all of our participants. Students are matched up with their roommate based on their selected course, application information, and listed hobbies/interests. Students connect with their roommate on the first day of the program and work together to create a roommate contract. This type of agreement is common within collegiate residence life departments and is a wonderful way for students to set boundaries and work together to make living with each other a great experience. Our residential staff are also available to help students work through any conflicts or move roommates around should the need arise.
If you are interested in living with student you know who is also attending the program, this is an option as well. So long as each student requests the other student by completing the Roommate Request Form in their Status Portal. We try our best to fulfill all roommate requests but they cannot be guaranteed.
Health and Safety
What about the health, safety, and well-being of the participants?
The University of Connecticut has a professionally staffed and accredited Division of Public Safety, including a Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), with a 24/7 response capability. UConn Pre-College Summer has trained professional and residential staff that will be with participants throughout the program period. Should a participant require medical care, UConn Health’s Urgent Care facility, located in Storrs Center, is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M and 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on weekends and holidays. In the event of medical emergencies, UConn’s EMS will transport students to a nearby hospital. Students will be accompanied by program residential staff.
Note: Attendance to the program is contingent upon submission of a completed UConn Summer Health Form and evidence of valid health insurance coverage.
What kind of training does the Pre-College Summer Residential Staff receive?
Residential Staff are with students throughout the evening in the residence halls and available to the students for the entire program period. They provide near-peer mentoring and ensure student health, safety and welfare. We pride ourselves on Pre-College Summer residential staff and their training. We build a cohesive and well-prepared team through an intensive week-long residential staff safety curriculum provided by UConn’s: Division of Public Safety (police, fire, and emergency medical services), Office of Minor Protection, Cultural Centers including the Asian American Cultural Center and the Women’s Center, Center for Students with Disabilities, First Aid/CPR/AED training, and mandated reporter training provided by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.
What is the University’s policy regarding diversity, and/or students who may have disabilities?
Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence:
The University of Connecticut (the “University”) is committed to maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment for all members of the University community – students, employees, and visitors. Academic and professional excellence can exist only when each member of our community is assured an atmosphere of safety and mutual respect. All members of the University community are responsible for the maintenance of an environment in which people are free to learn and work without fear of discrimination, discriminatory harassment or interpersonal violence. Discrimination diminishes individual dignity and impedes equal employment and educational opportunities.
The University does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its education or employment programs and activities on the basis of an individual’s race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability (including learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and past or present history of mental illness), veteran’s status, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive system, gender identity or expression, or membership in any other protected classes as set forth in state or federal law. To that end, this Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence, Including Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Intimate Partner Violence, Stalking, Complicity, Retaliation and Inappropriate Amorous Relationships (the “Policy Against Discrimination” or “Policy”) prohibits specific forms of behavior that violate state and federal laws, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWA”), and related state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and related statutes and regulations: Office of Institutional Equity.
Does UConn have accommodations for students with special needs/disabilities?
Yes, for individuals requiring accommodations, please contact us at (860) 486-0149 or pcs@uconn.edu as early as possible prior to arriving to campus to help us coordinate with the Center for Students With Disabilities to ensure availability. Please understand that failure to provide adequate notice may result in accommodations not being available.
Examples of accommodations may include:
- Assistive Listening System
- Sign-language Interpreter
- Accessible residence halls, rooms, and bathrooms
- Accommodations related to dietary needs
Do students need to have health insurance to attend Pre-College Summer?
All participants should be enrolled in health care insurance while attending the Program in the event of requiring medical services. For this reason, participants are required to carry a photo ID and health insurance card.
International participants should confirm with their health plan provider that they will be covered internationally during their stay in the United States. If international participants are not covered, they will need to purchase coverage for the dates they will be attending the Program.
Parents/guardians will assume financial responsibility for all expenses of such care. This authorization is given in advance of any such medical treatment by signing off on the Participant Health Form and is given to provide authority and power on the part of the University of Connecticut to exercise its best judgment upon the advice of medical or emergency personnel.
What is your COVID-19 vaccination policy?
Participants are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless legally entitled to an exemption (e.g., due to a disability or sincerely held belief, practice, or observance).
Do I need to test for COVID-19 to participate?
Yes, participants will be required to complete the Program’s Disclosure and Attestation form provided in the Status Portal no more than 72 hours prior to the participant’s assigned check-in date to the following: screening, negative COVID-19 test result or recovery from COVID-19, and voluntary COVID-19 vaccination status. If participant tests positive or has not been medically cleared, please do not report to check-in and contact the Program Administrator to discuss program registration options.
What if I test positive for COVID-19 during my participation?
Participants who test positive for COVID-19 must notify Program Administrators immediately. Participants will be isolated and must depart from campus within 12 hours of receiving this result. In adherence with Minor Protection Program requirements Participants will stay in our care and will not be released from the Program until an authorized adult has arrived to check-out the Participant.
Logistics and Travel
We live out of state/country: Are there any travel resources available to get my student to the UConn campus in Storrs, Connecticut?
It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to make all arrangements and pay for student’s travel to and from the UConn Storrs, Connecticut campus.
To view ways to get to campus, please visit the Travel page on our website.
Do students need to complete any forms in order to attend Pre-College Summer?
Yes, forms will be available once students are accepted for enrollment into the program.
Are students responsible for their own personal property?
Yes. The University assumes no legal obligation for damage, theft or loss of personal property. The student is responsible for protecting and securing any personal property.
Are students responsible for a lost room key?
Yes. Loss of a room key must be reported to our staff or UConn’s Conference Housing Desk immediately. You will be charged a fee of $110 per key (to replace the lock set and issue a new key). The 24 hour Conference Housing desk telephone number is (860) 486-2697.
Are there options for students to commute or bring a motor vehicle to campus?
To provide students with the most experience of what attending college may look like, our program offers only a residential option. All students must reside on campus during the length of the program. Participants are not allowed to bring motor vehicles of any type to campus during this program.
Can students arrive late or leave the Pre-College Summer program early?
Due to the schedule and nature of the program, students and their families should make every possible attempt to arrive to the program during student check-in, and should stay all the way up until student check-out (Saturday morning). Courses, workshops, and social programming activities are scheduled throughout the week, including a closing course certificate ceremony. Therefore, students are expected to be present at all events and activities until the close of their session.
When checking in and out, are there accessible parking and handicap parking spots and accessibility to buildings on UConn’s Storrs campus?
For accessible parking, parking in handicap spots, and campus building accessibility visit the University’s page on Campus Access.