Absolutely not! The Summer Institute is designed to challenge students who are already strong to become even more successful. The summer courses are at the advanced freshman level, and expectations are high. By jump-starting the transition to college-level learning experienced by all students, the summer program positions the Chesick Scholars to start the freshman year ready to take advantage of College resources (research opportunities, fellowships and internships).

The courses offered will change each summer, depending on the interests of the instructors. Each student will take two one-credit courses that meet 8 hours per week. One course will be writing intensive, and the other course will focus on quantitative and/or natural science disciplines.

While this will vary, you can expect to spend three or so hours per day (including weekends) reading, writing, or working assignments. This is less than the term-time, since you’re only taking a 2 credit load.

No. The activities during the summer weekends include trips to Philadelphia to learn how to explore the city resources, and other fun and useful destinations. Participants have Sundays until 2pm at leisure to meet with family and friends, but need to be back on campus at 2pm for a workshop and study session.

Under certain circumstances Chesick Scholars may miss up to one weekend of the program, provided this is negotiated with the Summer Program Director in advance.

No. The Chesick Scholars summer program has stricter rules about guests, alcohol and drug use, than the standard College rules that kick in once the Honor Code orientation has occurred.

It depends. All students may apply up to 4 credits earned before their freshman year towards the 32 needed to graduate. Haverford awards 1 credit for an AP score of 5, and ½ credit for an AP score of 4 in any discipline, and students may also have credits from college courses. So the two credits earned in the summer program will count towards the 32 course graduation requirement, but the total credits is capped at 4. So, for example, students with 1 AP credit can earn 2 additional credits in the Chesick summer program; students with 3 AP credits will be able to earn only 1 additional credit.

Yes. There will be graded homework assignments and exams, and final course grades at the end of the program. The summer courses, while compressed, will have the same level of expectation of student work as during the term.

All participants will receive $100 in cash at the start of the program for spending money, although all costs for summer room, meals, textbooks and supplies (even coins for laundry machines) are supplied. At the beginning of the fall semester, all Scholars will receive a check for $1900, which they can use to partially offset summer earnings expectations. Note: This payment represents taxable income for the Scholar.

Students are often reluctant to join a program requiring homework and exams during the summer, after having worked hard to finish high school. The short answer is that the five week introduction to college-level work, and beginning your relationship with a mentor pays off in increased opportunities for research and internships once you get to college. And, as many students who participated in the Chesick Summer Institute found, they made lasting friends and connections with fellow participants and other upperclass Haverford students that have enriched their college years. Finally, there are plenty of non-academic experiences worked into the five weeks – field trips, indoor climbing gym, museums, river-rafting, etc. The five weeks go quickly, and there are still several weeks at the end of August before you come back to Haverford.

We will supply sheets, towels, a pillow and blanket. You need only bring personal toiletries, clothes, and a calculator (if you have one) and a computer (if you have one). There will be computers and a printer available in the dorm.

Yes. We have a storage closet in which you can leave your belongings until your return to campus at the end of August.

Yes. Feel free to email any of the current Chesick Scholars with your questions–you can find a list, together with their home cities here: current Chesick Scholars.