Frequently Asked Questions
Program Eligibility
How old do I need to be for these programs?
Both CS Scholars and AI Scholars require that you be 16 years old by the start of the program.
What grade do I need to be in for CS Scholars?
When applying for CS Scholars you should be a current sophomore in high school, such that you will be going into your junior year when the program happens.
What grade do I need to be in for AI Scholars?
When applying for AI Scholars you should be a current junior in high school, such that you will be going into your senior year when the program happens.
Are there any exceptions to the age requirement?
Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to the age requirement for the programs.
What citizenship do I need to be eligible?
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students who are registered with DACA are also eligible.
Do I need any computer science experience?
Nope! No prior computer science knowledge is required or expected.
Do I need to complete CS Scholars to be eligible for AI Scholars?
All students who complete the CS Scholars program will be eligible to return for AI Scholars the following summer. But anyone is welcome to apply for AI Scholars whether or not they participated in CS Scholars.
Financing
How much do these programs cost?
Both AI Scholars and CS Scholars are free of charge for students.
Is this program only for students with financial need?
The AI Scholars and CS Scholars programs are intended to create opportunities for students who lack access and/or resources at home, at school or in their communities. This can mean financial need, a lack of computer science education in your school district or community, or lack of access to affordable/stable internet or computing devices. We recognize that students may not meet the current financial need requirements, but may still lack access or opportunity for other reasons. If any of this resonates with your experience, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you are still unsure if this program is for you, reach out to Natalie Hatcher at nhatcher@andrew.cmu.edu.
Can you give examples of demonstrated financial need?
Students in any of the below categories are considered to demonstrate financial need:
- Students who have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
- Students who are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRPL).
- Students whose family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- Students who are enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
- Students whose family receives public assistance.
- Students who live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or are homeless.
- Students who are a ward of the state or an orphan.
- Students who can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer or community leader.
All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered.
Do I need a laptop?
If you do not have a laptop, CMU will provide one for you to use over the course of the program.
General Information
Where are the programs located?
Both programs take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the Carnegie Mellon campus.
Where will I stay at CMU?
All students stay in an assigned CMU dorm.
When can I apply?
CMU Pre-College Program applications typically open in early to mid-November for the following summer.
When are applications due?
Applications for pre-college programs are typically due around March for the upcoming summer.
Where can I apply?
Right here!
Can I apply early decision?
No, neither CS Scholars nor AI Scholars programs are eligible for early decision.
Still have questions? Reach out to Natalie Hatcher for questions regarding CS Scholars and AI Scholars. Contact Tiffany Todd with questions about STEM Ambassadors or local initiatives