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Frequently Asked Questions


I live in the St. Louis area. Do I have to live on campus during the program?

Because we feel that the residency aspect of the program is a critical component of getting an overall college experience, we do require that summer scholars live on campus for the 5 weeks. Students often tell us that the interaction with other scholars in the evenings was one of the most valuable components of the program for them.

If you are not interested in a residential experience, we also have the College Credit Program for High School Students for commuting students. You can take college classes during the day or evening and earn transferable college credit. Cost is by the unit with most courses being 3 units. You can access information on this program here.

I can't afford the full program fee. How do you determine financial aid?

About 80% of students who apply for financial aid receive some award, the average award being around $2300. We award as little as $500, but as much as $4500 if the applicant demonstrates serious financial need and is a very strong student. Generally a family adjusted gross income of $90,000 or more precludes the possibility of any award being offered, though we do allow for extenuating circumstances. You should look for other sources of funding (local church, service clubs and organizations, school) if our offer is not sufficient.

I will be 16 by the start of the program, but I am a sophomore. May I apply?

Currently, the program is only for students who have completed their junior year in high school and who will be 16 by the beginning of the session. Our classes are regular college courses that our summer college students enroll in. Not only are they challenging academically, they are full semester courses compressed into a five-week summer schedule. Many times the lack of that extra senior year of experience in balancing work loads and addressing study schedules without parental oversight can prove to be a real problem for students. We encourage you to apply next year as a junior.

My test scores do not quite meet your requirements. Should I bother to apply?

The test scores we list are not really eligibility requirements, but guidelines to give you an idea of what most of our successful applicants look like. If your grades are strong and your recommendations are good, that can overcome lower test scores. This is one reason we ask for several different ways of determining your readiness for such a program, i.e.: transcript, test scores, letters of recommendation. It gives us a more well-rounded picture of you. If you and your recommenders feel you are ready for a pre-college program, you should apply.

I notice the application does not ask for the courses I want. When do I choose my classes?

Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive a packet of information and the enrollment forms to be completed. You will then select the courses you wish to take and return that form to us with a $500 deposit so that we may enroll you in your choices. Most classes do not fill, but it is better to act rather quickly upon receiving the materials to be safe. If a class is filled, we will contact you directly and discuss options.

I know this is a competitive program. What are my chances of being admitted?

We generally accept about 90% of students who apply. For some perspective on this, remember that we publish admission guidelines in the form of expected GPA and test scores. Therefore, the majority of students who apply meet our requirements, and students who would not be competitive tend not to apply.

I want to attend Washington University next year. Will attending this program strengthen my chances of getting in?

Admission to Washington University is extremely competitive, and acceptance to the Summer Scholars Program is no assurance that a student will be admitted to the University. That said, if you do well as a Summer Scholar, it can only help you in the University application process by showing that you were able to be successful in Washington University college courses.

I notice that we will only be in classes for several hours each day. What will we do in our free time?

One of the key experiences of any pre-college program is learning to live on your own, to manage your time, and to be responsible for your actions. Therefore, as a High School Summer Scholar you will have quite a bit of autonomy and freedom in your schedule.

You will spend approximately 16-20 hours a week in class. Remaining time is free for you to organize as you wish around studying for class, writing papers, doing laundry, socializing, etc. There is one large outing each weekend (Six Flags, float trip, etc.) and frequent social events scheduled on weekday evenings that you may enjoy if you would like. You may also leave the campus during the day as long as you sign out and back in. Scholars enjoy exploring the St. Louis area together by way of our extensive shuttle service and the Metrolink light rail system, which has two stations on campus.

I am home schooled. What do I do about recommendation letters and transcript?

We require two letters of recommendation, one from the high school counselor and one from an instructor. Your primary instructing parent should write the counselor letter. Someone else who can speak to your academic abilities should write the teacher recommendation. If you have done any study elsewhere, (taken classes at a local college, music lessons, etc.) that instructor would be a good source. We're looking specifically for someone who can comment on your level of maturity as well as your academic and personal abilities. As for the official transcript, you may submit a listing of the classes taken with final grades, and your parent's certification of mastery. We will, of course, be particularly interested in standardized test scores, such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT or PLAN. You should send us a copy of any such score reports.

Contact Us

Marsha Hussung
Program Director mhussung@artsci.wustl.edu Call: (314) 935-6834
Toll free: (866) 209-0691
Fax: (314) 935-4847