Why CMU Pre-College Programs?
Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs provides learning and development opportunities for high school students both inside and outside of the classroom.
Our Pre-College programming, which mirrors the undergraduate experience, gives rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore their interests while receiving instruction from acclaimed Carnegie Mellon University faculty and staff.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a robust student experience thoughtfully developed by the Student Affairs staff and their team of residential advisors who are current Carnegie Mellon students.
We value the holistic student experience that includes academic and personal development in order to best prepare students for the future.
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, strong STEM programs, collaborative culture, and global reach.

Strong alumni network
CMU has a large and active alumni network. Alumni are located all over the world and work in a variety of industries. This network provides students with valuable support and connections after graduation.
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Hands-on learning
For over 100 years, Carnegie Mellon has offered students unique and hands-on educational programs from the fine arts to technology and everything in between. Through Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs, rising juniors and seniors in high school have the opportunity to experience a world-class education on a beautiful, vibrant college campus. Our programs prepare them for their upcoming college experience, help them narrow their career focus, and build critical knowledge and skills.
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Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) provides opportunities for students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM-related fields. As SAMS Scholars, students engage in a rigorous curriculum taught by world-renowned faculty and skilled staff who are deeply committed to student success. The program develops a deeper understanding of STEM through hands-on projects.
Pre-College Architecture Program
The Pre-College Architecture Program is an intensive summer experience for students with a keen interest in architecture. Students will experience the dynamic of architectural education, supported by integrated coursework in analog drawing, digital media, seminars, and workshops.
Pre-College Art Program
Students will be introduced to the spirit and substance of the Carnegie Mellon University School of Art through challenging courses, individual critique, stimulating workshops, portfolio development, and energetic interaction with dedicated faculty. They will develop both your conceptual and technical skills preparing them for a wide range of opportunities in both art studies and careers.
Pre-College Computational Biology Program
The Pre-College Program in Computational Biology provides extensive training in both cutting-edge laboratory experiments to generate biological data and the computational analysis of the data that these experiments generate.
Computer Science Scholars (CSS) Pre-College Program
Computer Science Scholars (CSS), a CS Pathways initiative, is a grant-funded, merit-based program. CSS provides rising high school juniors who have historically been excluded from STEM fields the opportunity to explore computer science.
National High School Game Academy (NHSGA)
Learn how to create unique game software on state-of-the-art technology. The National High School Game Academy (NHSGA) allows passionate high school students to experience modern video game development. This program is a rigorous and demanding six-week experience, where students complete a project of which they will be proud to submit with their college applications.
AI Scholars (AIS) Carnegie Mellon University
AI Scholars (AIS), a CS Pathways initiative, is a grant-funded, merit-based program. AIS provides rising high school seniors who have historically been excluded from STEM fields the opportunity to explore artificial intelligence.
Campus Life
Pre-College is more than the classroom experience. It's a student experience.
Carnegie Mellon University is a vibrant and diverse campus with a lot to offer students. In addition to the formal Pre-College activities, our residential staff will also be responsible for engaging their floor/building community through a variety of programs and activities. We also encourage Pre-College students to create their own programming with the aid of residential staff. These can include personal interest/hobby events (like a musical instrument jam or a book club), relaxation events (like yoga or meditation), or inter-cultural events (like Big Questions or society’s news discussions).
In addition to the many student organizations, CMU also has a variety of on-campus facilities, including a gym, a swimming pool, a theater, and a performing arts center. There are also a number of restaurants and shops on campus, so students can easily find everything they need without having to leave campus.
Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city with a lot to offer students. There are many cultural attractions in Pittsburgh, such as museums, theaters, and sports teams.
Overall, campus life at Carnegie Mellon University is both challenging and rewarding. Students are encouraged to be active and involved, and they have the opportunity to make lifelong friends and connections. If you are looking for a top-ranked university with a vibrant campus life, then Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Programs is for you.



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