Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Pre-College Summer Academies are one-week, in-person residential programs (on the Rutgers University–New Brunswick campus) designed for motivated high school students to explore an academic topic, while experiencing campus life. 

Participants will:

• Explore academic interests in the university environment
• Learn from faculty and practitioners in their field of interest
• Practice skills and competencies required for success in the discipline
• Experience campus living and college-style learning 

This program is held on the Rutgers University–New Brunswick campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey. 

For Summer 2026, the program is offering seven academy topics. These include: Astronomy & Astrophysics; Building Leadership Strategies; College Readiness; Engineering; Marketing & Product Innovation; Physical Therapy; Pre-Law and Mock Trial. 

More details can be found on the individual academy overviews.

Most academies are certificate-programs (non-credit) that include a Rutgers Pre-College digital badge. 

However, the Building Leadership Strategies and Physical Therapy Academy academies are the only academies for credit.

Every year varies based on interest and availability. In Summer 2026, we are only hosting residential academies.

Residential academies are held on campus with academic classes held during the day. They are a full immersion of campus life and include dorm lodging, as well as eating meals and engaging in evening activities with their cohort. 

When offered, commuter academies allow students to attend the academic program on campus with provided lunch and scheduled pick-up times, while returning home each evening.

A typical week may include academic workshops, facility tours/labs, guest speakers, group projects, meals shared with their cohort, and supervised evening activities (e.g., movie night, recreation, crafts). 

For more information, please check each academy's overview for specific sample schedules.

Each academy is designed to be immersive and fast-paced, similar to a college-level introductory seminar.

While most of the work is completed during the day, students may occasionally have short assignments, readings, or project work in the evenings. The workload is engaging but manageable, and staff are available to support students who may need assistance.

If an academy is for credit, students will have graded assignments that must be submitted in order to receive a grade for their transcripts.

Class sizes are intentionally kept small to encourage discussion, hands-on learning, and one-on-one support. Most academies range from 25-30 students, allowing faculty and program staff to get to know each participant.

Courses are taught by Rutgers University faculty, graduate students, clinicians, researchers, or field professionals, depending on the academy. Many instructors have extensive experience teaching high school and early-college learners.

Since each academy is a one-week intensive program, participants may technically apply for mulitple academies and attend multiple weeks.

A Digital Badge is a credential that students can earn upon completion of a Rutgers Pre-College Summer Program. 

Once received, students can share this badge digitally to showcase their skills and achievements of their pre-college accomplishments on college applications, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles for prospective universities and employers. All digital badges are issued through Accredible.

To view the specific costs of each academy, please view the Costs page. Program costs vary by academy type and credit cost.

There are cost breakdowns provided at the bottom if you have further questions.

Accepted students must submit a non-refundable $500 USD deposit to secure their spot. Spots are not guaranteed until the deposit is paid.

Yes, after acceptance and deposit, the remaining balance must be paid by the program’s final payment due date. Failure to pay on time may forfeit the spot.

Deposits are non-refundable.

Refunds for the rest of the program are on a case-by-case basis, but there are no refunds available within 2 weeks of the program start date, no exceptions.

Yes, international participants may have additional fees not listed, including a visa costs to obtain the appropriate visa (F-1 or J-1), health insurance fees, and other fees. Rutgers Global can assist all international students for support with determining additional costs.

All required forms (medical forms, dietary forms, housing documents, waivers, etc.) for participation in the academies must be submitted by the stated deadline. These forms are essential. 

Students who do not submit their forms on time cannot participate in the program, as we are unable to check them in or provide housing without completed documentation. Please submit all forms promptly to ensure you or your child's place in their academy

Students move into their dorm on Sunday at the beginning of their week and checkout is Saturday morning following the program week. 

Yes, all accepted students and families are invited to a virtual Zoom orientation held a few weeks before move-in. 

During this session, the Pre-College team reviews program expectations, schedule highlights, housing policies, safety procedures, and what to pack. Students will receive the Zoom link and registration details by email once enrollment is complete. A recording is provided for anyone unable to attend live.

All accepted students and their families will receive a Welcome Packet by email several weeks (2-3 weeks) prior to their academy week, once all enrollment steps, payment, and supporting documentation have been completed. This packet includes move-in and check-out times, dorm location, packing lists, housing assignments, etc.

These packets will be sent to the emails provided on your initial application and can go to spam. Ensure that you provide us with the most up-to-date email for no delays in receiveing the information.

All residential students eat in the Rutgers dining halls, which offer a variety of daily meal options. 

Students with food allergies or medically-necessary dietary restrictions will receive a Dietary Needs form closer to the start of their program week. Once the form is submitted, the student is connected directly with Rutgers Dining Services, who will prepare specialized, pre-packaged meals, according to the student’s needs. These meals are clearly labeled and can be picked up at the dining hall each day. This ensures there is no cross-contamination, allowing the student to eat with confidence.

Yes, all residential Summer Academies students are housed two per room in on-campus residence halls. 

Roommates are assigned by the program team and typically grouped by academy. While specific roommate requests cannot be guaranteed, students can list a preferred roommate on their housing form, and the team will honor requests when possible. Single rooms are not permissible without medical need. 

Rutgers is an equal-access/equal-opportunity institution; students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the program team in advance to discuss accommodations.

Yes. Campus Wi-Fi is available in both residence halls and academic buildings. Students are encouraged to bring laptops and if they are taking an academy for credit, it is required.

Yes. Students are supervised by Program Assistants (PAs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) during the academic sessions, dorm lodging, and evening activities. 

No. For safety reasons, students must remain with their academy cohort and program staff for the entire duration of the week. Students may not leave campus unsupervised, including for food, family visits, or personal errands.

Rutgers University is committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

The University's Protection of Minors Policy is required for all staff members interacting with our students. The University has adopted a Protection of Minors Policy to promote the well-being and safety of minors who participate in programs or activities run by or associated with Rutgers. The policy includes requirements relating to reporting suspected abuse or neglect of minors, completing relevant online training, and undergoing background checks for Authorized Adults and people in Direct Contact Positions as defined by the policy. Non-University organizations that wish to operate programs or activities involving minors on RU campuses must ensure their programs are run consistent with the guidelines of the University's Protection of Minors Policy and the Guide to Working with Minors.

For more information, please visit protectminors.rutgers.edu.

The university enforces a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, illegal drugs, or paraphernalia on or off-campus during the program. 

Students are expected to behave respectfully, follow program and university policies, and adhere to state/federal laws. 

Students are expected to be respectful and courteous to all workshop leaders, professors, staff, and peers. Bullying or harassment of any kind is not acceptable and can result in dismissal from the program.