As a high school student serious about getting a head start on a future in STEM, you should strongly consider Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) pre-college programs. Pre-college programs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for students, and picking the ones that align well with your interests and add the most value to your profile, is crucial.   To help you make an informed decision, we have detailed 5 of CMU’s pre-college programs that offer a holistic balance of academic coaching, practical work experience, and networking opportunities. 

What are CMU's pre-college programs all about?

Carnegie Mellon is a global research university known for its world-class, interdisciplinary programs in arts, business, computing, engineering, and more. It had established the first machine learning and robotics departments in the US, and continuously pushes the boundaries of research and new fields of study. If you’re serious about pursuing fields adjacent to computer science, or STEM in general, it is without a doubt one of the top universities to consider and you can get a head start by joining their pre-college programs.

CMU offers 12 in-person pre-college programs across a variety of subjects lasting between three and six weeks each. Aimed at ambitious high school students, these programs offer a chance to dive deep into subjects like artificial intelligence, game development, computational biology, and more. You'll learn from CMU’s renowned faculty, use the state-of-the-art facilities available on campus, and establish a strong network with both like-minded peers as well as your professors and TAs.

What is the Eligibility criteria for CMU pre-college programs?

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Be a high school junior. Some courses also allow talented sophomores to participate.

• You should strongly consider applying if you’re from a traditionally underrepresented background, have low socioeconomic status, were raised in a home with English as a second language, are a future first generation college student, from a family with an absence of STEM degrees, or in a school with low rates of admittance to top universities. This is particularly valid for the “Scholars” courses, like AI Scholars or CS Scholars.

• Some courses mandate an academic average of B (3.0/4.0) or better, along with demonstrable experience in the field of choice. While this is not true for every course, you should still check the course page thoroughly for the specific requirements.

• You’ll need to provide your unofficial high school transcript.

• Typically you’ll need to provide at least one letter of recommendation. Some courses may require more than one, so we recommend you check out the course page for full details.

• Fill out the application form and answer the common essay prompt:

• What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs? (300-500 words maximum)

• Some programs will require another relevant essay, which again is available on the course page.

What are some of the courses available?

While CMU offers pre-college programs stretching across AI, art, drama, and video game design, we have highlighted some of the well-known ones in detail.You can  check out the full list here.

1. National High School Game Academy

If you’re an aspiring game developer or designer, this is the program for you. It covers four distinct tracks from game design principles to programming and graphic design, offering a comprehensive view of the gaming industry and current best practices. It shares the pedagogy of CMU’s Masters of Entertainment Technology program, making it an innovative mix of team projects with traditional classwork and lectures. 

Across the six weeks of the course, you can expect to learn the basics 2D and 3D art, software development, music composition, game design and narrative. Later on you will be assigned into teams and allocated to a track of your strength, following which you and your team will be assigned to build two different games.

Program dates - June 22 to August 3, 2024 (6 weeks)

Key deadlines - Early decision applications due 1st February, regular applications due 1st March

Cost: The application fee is $50 and enrollment deposit $800. After this it depends on if you’re choosing the commuter option or the residential. Fee for the commuter option is $8,998 and for the residential $12,105.

2. AI Scholars:

This four-week immersive experience is part of CMU’s CS Pathways initiative, blending hands-on group projects with rigorous academic instruction. The program is fully funded and merit-based, covering everything from tuition to special events, emphasizing an inclusive learning environment. You'll engage in project-based learning, attend lectures on various AI aspects, and participate in discussions about equity in STEM. 

The curriculum mirrors the innovative spirit of CMU, combining real-world AI applications with college-level coursework and industry engagement. The AI Scholars program is especially beneficial if you have financial needs or face other barriers to accessing technology and educational resources. If you’re interested in artificial intelligence, then regardless of your prior coding experience, you should strongly consider applying.

The program begins with a virtual pre-program Python course, followed by the core AIS curriculum taught by CMU faculty. You'll get an in-depth introduction to ongoing AI research and participate in writing workshops focused on college applications. The program also includes personal growth activities like career discussions, group mentoring, and seminars on academic readiness. Hands-on experiences involve group research projects, field trips to AI industry leaders, and a capstone presentation at the AIS closing symposium.

Program dates - June 22 to July 20, 2024 (4 weeks)

Key deadlines - Early decision applications due 1st March, regular applications due 5th April

How much does it cost - The AI Scholars program is fully funded and merit-based, covering tuition, housing, meal plans, and program-related field trips and special events.

3. Computational Biology:

This program is a good fit for you if you’re keen on exploring the crossroads of biology and computer science. Focusing on real-world issues like Pittsburgh's river ecosystems and the COVID-19 pandemic, you will engage in DNA isolation and sequencing, complemented by computational challenges in a hackathon-style environment. The program also includes exposure to automated science in CMU's state-of-the-art labs, where you will learn about robotics and machine learning in experimental design. 

Through the program, you gain hands-on experience in both the experimental and analytical aspects of modern computational biology. Since no prior programming experience is required and the program includes preparatory materials to equip you with the necessary programming skills, the only thing you need is passion for the subject.

The curriculum offers a blend of experimental and computational biology. On the experimental side, you will engage in activities like bacterial colonization, genome sequencing, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, and transfection. The computational aspect covers genome assembly, gene finding, sequence alignment, evolutionary tree construction, and metagenomics analysis.

Program dates - June 22 to July 13, 2024 (3 weeks)

Key deadlines - Early decision applications due 1st February, regular applications due 1st March

How much does it cost - The application fee is $50 and enrollment deposit $800. After this it depends on if you’re choosing the commuter option or the residential. Fee for the commuter option is $6,715 and for the residential $8,500.

4. CS Scholars:

Perfect for rising high school juniors interested in computer science, the CS Scholars program offers a fully funded, merit-based four-week experience supported by CMU’s CS Pathways initiative. You'll engage in college-level courses and weekly seminars focused on college prep, including admissions and financial aid. Focused on Python programming and mathematical problem-solving, the curriculum covers everything from basic programming concepts to real-world application, including hands-on group projects. 

You will also engage with CMU faculty and industry leaders, gaining pragmatic and cutting-edge insights into the field of computer science. Additionally, as a successful scholar you may have the opportunity to return as a senior for the AI Scholars program, further enhancing your learning and experience.

As a participant, you will delve into the fundamentals of programming and problem-solving in Python, covering algorithmic components, data structures, and essential problem-solving techniques. The curriculum includes a pre-concepts of math course to strengthen computational skills, hands-on group projects applying skills to real-world challenges, and engagement with CMU faculty and industry leaders. The program also focuses on personal growth, career development, academic readiness, and peer socialization, culminating in a capstone presentation.

Program dates - June 22 to July 20, 2024 (4 weeks)

Key deadlines - Early decision applications due 1st March, regular applications due 5th April

How much does it cost - The CS Scholars program is fully funded and merit-based, covering tuition, housing, meal plans, and program-related field trips and special events.

5. Summer Academy for Math and Science:

The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) offers a fully funded experience to deepen your understanding of STEM fields. This program combines traditional classroom instruction with hands-on projects, facilitated by faculty and skilled staff mentors. The program aims to develop a diverse community of STEM scholars, strengthen commitment to STEM disciplines, broaden understanding of STEM opportunities, and equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in these fields. 

SAMS Scholars participate in a two-part program, starting with a virtual jumpstart focusing on skill-building for the in-person program. The second part is a six-week residential program involving full-day courses and meetings. The curriculum includes seminars in math and science, a STEM-related project advised by faculty or graduate students, and writing workshops focused on college applications. You will also attend various workshops, engage in mentoring groups, and participate in collaborative learning sessions. The program culminates in the SAMS Symposium, where you get to present your STEM project.

Program dates - June 22 to August 3, 2024 (6 weeks)

Key deadlines - Early decision applications due 1st March, regular applications due 5th April

How much does it cost - SAMS is fully funded and merit-based, covering tuition, housing, meal plans, and program-related field trips and special events.

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - CMU Logo