Frequently Asked Questions

ANSWER:

Lehigh University Summer Academy distinguishes itself from other programs with its four components:

• Project-Based Learning / Academic Enrichment
• Leadership Advancement, Personal Growth & Character Development
• Service-Learning
• Limited Enrollment of Students

This unforgettable summer program will develop future-ready leaders and innovative problem solvers by providing them with relevant, in-demand skills, in addition to serving as a resume and future college application builder.

ANSWER:

Yes!

A Commuter Student option is available, where students can spend full days immersed in challenging and fun, collaborative learning by participating in all campus activities. Summer Academy commuters will have access to three meals a day on campus and are able to participate in all activities and weekend excursions.

If you live nearby, you have the choice to apply as a residential scholar or commuter scholar. Commuters must have a permanent address of at least one year of residency within 10 miles of the Lehigh University campus to be considered a commuter student. Please note, enrollment is limited, and you may only make a one-time decision each year when you apply.

ANSWER:

Lehigh University Summer Academy will be held the following three-week sessions during the summer of 2021:

• Session 1: Sunday, June 27th – Friday, July 16th, 2021
• Session 2: Sunday, July 18th – Friday, August 6th, 2021

ANSWER:

The program is for qualified, rising 6th-11th graders, who have an interest in scholastic achievement and the energy to use one’s talents to the fullest.

The age equivalent for international students is 11-16 years old.

ANSWER:

No.

PSATs and SATs can be submitted, but are not required for Lehigh University Summer Academy. 

Submitting transcripts is a required part of the application process, and will be considered when applications are being reviewed. 

ANSWER:

• Residential Scholar: $5,750 (3 weeks)
• Commuter Scholar: $4,450 (3 weeks)

If you choose to participate, students can also enroll in a SAT Prep Course add-on. These small-group courses (8 students or less per class) will be held in the evening, after classes and activities.

• 12-Hour: $499
• 24-Hour: $799

ANSWER:

The cost of the program includes (for a three-week session):

• Residential:
  • Housing
  • Three meals a day
  • Two academic enrichment courses
  • One leadership and growth-development course
  • Weekly service-learning project transportation
  • Weekend excursions and transportation
• Commuter:
  • Three meals a day
  • Two academic enrichment courses
  • One leadership and growth-development course
  • Weekly service-learning project transportation
  • Weekend excursions and transportation

ANSWER:

Yes.

Lehigh University Summer Academy financial assistance applicants will be considered when there is a significant unmet financial need. Please note, due to the size of the program we cannot guarantee that all eligible applicants will receive assistance.

On your Summer Academy application, please mark your interest in applying for financial assistance and someone from the Summer Academy Enrollment Panel will reach out to you with specific application information.

Recipients will be chosen and notified in early Spring.

Students must be a U.S. citizen, eligible permanent U.S. resident with a green card, or permanently reside in the U.S. in order to be considered for financial assistance.

For further questions, please email [email protected].

ANSWER:

For Residential Students:

Residential Coordinators live in the residence hall with the students to supervise all residential aspects of the program. Students will be housed based on similar age and grade, and on gender specific halls.

For All Students:

Instructors carefully supervise all Academic Enrichment courses and Leadership Training to verify the safety of students inside and outside of the classroom.

Staff is fully present throughout the day, taking attendance, facilitating activities, chaperoning field trips, providing support, and ensuring safety of all participants.

All staff members are personally selected, pass federal background checks and participate in thorough training programs designed for working with our participants.

In addition, members of the Lehigh University Police Department are committed to providing a safe and secure environment on and around campus.

ANSWER:

Yes, students are required to attend the full three-week session.

Students who leave before the official end of the program will not receive a program evaluation and certificate from their instructor. No refunds will be processed.

ANSWER:

Academic Enrichment courses meet for approximately two hours per day, per course, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (8 hours per week, 24 hours per session).

Summer Academy participants s will participate in a daily Leadership course, which meets for one hour per day, Monday-Friday. They will also attend a 1-hour Speaker Series, once a week (4 hours per week, 12 hours per session).

As part of the curriculum, students will also participate in a one full-day per week Service-Learning Project Immersion (Approximately 5-6 hours per week, 15-18 hours per session). Community service hours may be used towards high school graduation credits.

ANSWER:

Lehigh University Summer Academy is a nationally recognized program that is different from gifted and talented, summer school, and summer enrichment programs.

In addition to class time:

Students will have daily fun activity periods to choose from, ranging from passive to active. It’s a chance to help bring out their creativity or their inner athlete! This will allow some supervised “let loose” time.

Evenings will provide participants some “downtime” within their residence halls to get to know their peers while relaxing after a full day of fun and learning.

On weekends, students will have a Saturday Excursion to get them out of the classroom and exploring awesome places!  In addition, Lehigh Spirit Rallies will allow for playing, interacting, cheering and motivating!

ANSWER:

Applications will be accepted beginning January 24, 2020.

In order to apply for the program, you will need to have these items ready:

• Transcripts (required for domestic and international students)
• TOEFL Scores are required for international students
• Contact information for a reference, for a recommendation form to be completed
• Personal essay response (250-600 words)
• Non-refundable $50 application fee
• PSAT / SAT Scores (not required, but requested)

No, Lehigh University Summer Academy is a selective program. With enrollment limited to only 80 students each session, students are selected based on a variety of application materials. See the above question, “How do you apply for the program?” for more details.

Yes.

International students, between the ages of 11-16, are eligible for the program. 

International students will need to submit the following items with their application and school letter of recommendation:

• TOEFL Test Scores: The minimum scores are 600 for the paper-based test, 250 for the computer-based test, or 80 for the Internet-based test.

If a student meets the TOEFL requirements and is in the running for acceptance, they will be emailed a request for a brief Enrollment Skype interview.

• School Transcripts

Stay tuned for more information about the application process.

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation. 

The Lehigh University Summer Academy Enrollment Panel will review all applications. 

Families will be contacted by Lehigh University Summer Academy notifying you of your child’s status, whether it is acceptance, waitlist, or denial.  

If accepted, you will receive the next steps to access the registration portal.