Frequently Asked Questions

Yes – Summer Scholars is administered by UM's Division of Continuing and International Education. We are UM's precollege program offering courses for college credit. Our courses are developed and offered by UM's 11 schools and colleges, and taught by UM faculty and instructors.

We have a long history developing and managing a precollege experience for high school students – UM established the Summer Scholars Program in 1991.

Choosing a precollege program can be challenging to navigate, as there are many options available. Most important, it's about finding the right fit, academically and socially, for the student.

Most universities and colleges offer precollege programs. While many summer youth programs are hosted on college campuses, they are not administrated by the university or college where their program is being offered. For instance, programs operated by external organizations might describe themselves as "@ the University of Miami." Such programs typically contract with conference housing to rent on-campus housing, classroom and lab space, while supplying their own instructors.

For information on University of Miami summer programs visit:

• Summer Programs Administered by the University of Miami >
• Summer Programs Administered by External Organizations >

If you are unsure if a summer program is administered by the University of Miami, we recommend that you reach out to the program directly for information on their relationship with the University.

Access CaneLink here >

For issues with your CaneID or password, the student should contact the University of Miami IT Help Desk at (305) 284-6565, select option 1.

Summer Scholars | Three-Week, Credit:  Sunday July 4 – Friday, July 23

UM Academies | Two-Week, Non-Credit:  Sunday, July 4 – Friday, July 16

For a detailed schedule visit Program Dates >

The application review period is from September through June. Students are encouraged to submit their applications early to reserve space in their preferred program.

For the deadline schedule visit Application Deadlines >

Individuals should be self-motivated and prepared to study an academic discipline in a rigorous scholarly program, while earning college credit. 

Eligibility Requirments:

• Completed sophomore or junior year of high school
• Grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale)
• Teacher recommendation
• Guidance counselor recommendation
• Official high school transcript(s)
• Personal essays

For more information on eligibility requirements and application steps visit Apply Now >

Students will experience immersive academic courses and campus culture. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completed freshman, sophomore or junior year of high school
• Grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale)
• Teacher recommendation
• Guidance counselor recommendation
• Official high school transcript(s)
• Personal essays

For more information on eligibility requirements and application steps visit Apply Now >

Yes, international students are encouraged to apply.

If your native language is not English, applicants are required to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score with your application. Applicants must meet the University's English Proficiency Requirements to be eligible for the Summer Scholars Program. 

Students participating in the Summer Scholars Three-Week Credit Program will require an F-1 student visa.

Applicants admitted to the UM Academies Two-week, Non-Credit Program do not require a student visa, however a TOEFL or IELTS score is still required for non-native English speakers.

For more information on eligibility requirements and application steps visit Apply Now >

U.S. citizens who are not native English language speakers are required to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score with their application.

Applicants must meet the University's English Proficiency Requirements to be eligible for the Summer Scholars Program.

Applicants who are attending a high school abroad with English as the primary language of instruction and/or have taken the PSAT, SAT or ACT, should contact the Summer Scholars Program office for information on the English proficiency requirements.

For more information contact (305) 284-4000 or ssp@miami.edu.

Non-U.S. students admitted to the Summer Scholars Three-Week Credit Program require an F-1 student visa to study at the University of Miami.

The following additional documents are required with your application:

• Official TOEFL or IELTS score – If your native language is not English
• Copy of the ID page of your passport
• Copy of your student visa (if you are already studying in the U.S.)
• Bank Sponsorship Letter  

Applicants admitted to the UM Academies Two-week, Non-Credit Program do not require a student visa, however a TOEFL or IELTS score is still required for non-native English speakers. 

For more information visit Apply Now >

Summer Scholars Three-Week, Credit Program: commuter status available for all academic specialties

UM Academies Two-Week, Non-Credit Program: commuter options vary by program:

• Business & Entrepreneurship Academy: commuter status available
• Healthcare Academy: commuter status available
• Shark Research Academy: residential only

To be in a commuter status, students must have a Florida residence located in Miami-Dade or Broward counties and reside with a family member over the age of 21. Commuter students are not the responsibility of the University of Miami once they leave campus (unless traveling on a program sponsored activity – departing from and returning to campus on program transportation).

For information on commuter options, visit Tuition & Fees >

Teacher and Guidance Counselor Recommendations are part of the online application. Enter the contact information for your Teacher and Guidance Counselor in the application. Once the recommendation request has been submitted, your recommenders will receive an email with a link to fill out a Recommendation Form online. Responses will be sent directly to our office.

High school transcripts: Please send transcripts and grade reports by email as we are currently working and processing applications remotely. Email to:  docs@miami.edu

Attention counselors: transcripts must be sent directly to the Summer Scholars Program office; they should NOT be sent to the University of Miami Office of Admission – as this is a separate office and admissions process. 

Supplemental documents for international students, including passport ID page, bank letter and TOEFL/IELTS report, should be emailed to docs@miami.edu.  

More information >

Application files are reviewed when all documents are received by the program office including: essays, transcript, teacher recommendation, guidance counselor recommendation, and TOEFL/IELTS score (international applicants).

Allow 7-10 business days for review. Admission decisions will be sent by email.

The purpose of our application process is to acquaint students with the college application process that they will experience soon. While Summer Scholars staff will send courtesy emails to inform the applicant when a document is received, ensuring the application is complete is the responsibility of the applicant.

Courses consist of lectures and are designed to be interactive. Courses can include guest speakers, open discussion, lab work, field studies and excursions. For class schedules visit Campus Life >

No – textbooks and instructional materials are provided to students by the program.

Yes, students should bring a laptop. Some course assignments may be conducted online and many students choose to take class notes on a laptop. Some textbooks and course materials are digital and accessed by laptop/tablet. 

Computers and printers are available for use at the University of Miami Richter Library, which is open Monday - Thursday until 9 p.m. and Friday - Sunday until 6:00 p.m.

Students enrolled in the Summer Scholars Three-Week Credit Program earn letter grades based on a 4.0 scale and college credit. Their grades will be part of their official record at the University of Miami.

Students in the UM Academies Two-Week Non-Credit Program are assessed on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading scale.

Students enrolled in the Summer Scholars Three-Week Credit Program will have an official student record at the University of Miami, which includes classes taken, grades earned, and grade point average (semester average and cumulative average).

This information is part of the student's permanent record at UM. Grades earned during the program will be included in the calculation of the student's overall academic record should they gain entrance to the University as an undergraduate student.

Students can petition to transfer their UM credits to other universities and colleges. Students can obtain an official transcript (fee applies) from the Office of the University Registrar to be mailed to the institution that will apply the credit. Transcripts can also be ordered through the student's CaneLink account. More information >

Please note, it is the student's responsibility to keep course syllabi and graded work, as the receiving institution will often request these materials. It is the sole discretion of the receiving institution to accept and apply credits. 

Tuition & Fees 2021*

Summer Scholars Three-Week Credit Program 

• Residential Program: $8,490 (tuition $6,300 + program fees $2,190)
• Commuter Program: $7,260 (tuition $6,300 + program fees $960)

UM Academies Two-Week, Non-Credit Credit Program

• Business & Entrepreneurship: residential $4900: commuter $3808
• Healthcare: residential $4900: commuter $3808
• Shark Research & Conservation: residential (only) $6250

 
For more information visit Tuition & Fees >

*Fees are subject to change

Costs not included in Tuition & Fees:

• Application Fee: $75 (nonrefundable) 

• Transportation: to and from campus

• Incidentals: meals off campus, shopping, spending money

• Medical expenses

• Parking Permit: commuter students may purchase a parking permit ($45); residential students are not permitted cars on campus

• Marine Science Exploration Fee: additional fee ($375) for students enrolled in a marine science credit track (Tropical Marine Biology, Shark Research - Emerging Technologies and Field Studies or Marine Mammal Biology, Medicine and Conservation) 

• Weekend Workshops (optional): Experience South Florida's unique marine activities including shark tagging with UM's Shark Research and Conservation Program ($300) and/or a dolphin encounter in Key Largo ($200) Please note, students enrolled in marine science programs that offer shark tagging or a dolphin encounter are not eligible for weekend workshops, which are included in their academic curriculum.

For more information visit Tuition & Fees >

Limited scholarship funding is available to eligible applicants applying to the Summer Scholars Three-Week, Credit Program. Scholarship applications are due by March 1. Visit Scholarship Opportunities >

Please note, financial aid is not available for the Summer Scholars Program.

For information on the Summer Scholars Program refund and cancellation policy visit >

Tuition Remission is available to eligible University of Miami employees for the Summer Scholars Three-Week, Credit Program. Students may attend in a residential or commuter status.

The benefit is applied to the tuition portion ($6,300) of Tuition & Fees. Please note, program fees are not covered by Tuition Remission. To qualify, dependents must be registered with HR – Benefits Administration.

Contact HR – Benefits Administration for information on eligibility requirements.

Students will complete a Roommate Questionnaire before arrival to campus, and will be matched based on gender, program and compatibility.

Roommate requests will be reviewed for special circumstances. Send requests to ssp@miami.edu

The Summer Scholars Three-Week, Credit Program is designed to provide commuter students with an immersive campus experience. Evening and weekend activities, planned and implemented by the Summer Scholars Program Team, provide students with the opportunity to develop their social network and feel connected outside the classroom. Commuters receive a daily lunch meal plan, access to the University's fitness center – Herbert Wellness Center, and are included in and encouraged to participate in evening and weekend social programming. 

The UM Academies Two-Week, Non-Credit Program provides and interactive academic experience. Commuters attend classes, receive a lunch meal plan Monday-Friday, and depart campus when their afternoon class concludes. 

For a packing guide, visit the Summer Scholars Student Handbook >

Students use their free time to work on class assignments, study at the library, swim at the campus pool, exercise at the Herbert Wellness Center, explore campus, and join evening and weekend activities.

Yes! The program provides a variety of evening and weekend activities on and off campus.

On-campus programming includes: study breaks, sports tournaments, watch parties, karaoke, games night, student panels, Laundry 101, and much more! Additionally, the Office of Undergraduate Admission hosts information sessions and workshops.

Off-campus weekend activities include: snorkeling in Key Largo, exploring the Everglades, attending a Marlins game, enjoying Miami Beach and Lincoln Road, visiting Perez Art Museum Miami and Wynwood Walls, going on shopping outings, and a beach clean up where students earn community service hours. All activities are chaperoned by Summer Scholars residential staff managed by Summer Discovery.

Students can enroll in optional Weekend Workshops for an additional fee: a dolphin encounter in Key Largo and/or shark tagging with UM's Shark Research and Conservation Program. Space is limited; workshops are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Please note, students enrolled in marine science programs that offer shark tagging or a dolphin encounter are not eligible for weekend workshops, which are included in their academic curriculum. 

While there is a great deal of independence given to participants, the safety and wellbeing of our students is our primary concern. Summer Scholars residential staff reside in the residence hall among students, and chaperone on- and off-campus activities.

Students are not permitted to leave campus unless accompanied by program staff. Parents and guardians should note that students will need a high level of maturity and self-responsibility for this program.

University of Miami Police Department and Residential Life Safety and Security Services

The University of Miami Police Department (UMPD) is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community who study, research, work, and live on the Coral Gables Campus. Read more >

• Public Safety services are available should students need assistance at any time
• Security at UM operates 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week
• For more information visit Campus Safety & FAQS >

Housing and Residential Life Safety and Security Services

The Department of Housing and Residential Life prioritize student safety and security. Read more >

• Housing and Residential Life Security staff consists of security supervisors and security assistants, who provide overnight services to residents between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
• Living areas in the residence halls are only accessible by University issued ID cards
• Non-program participants are not permitted beyond the lobby of the residence hall except for move-in and move-out day

Yes, residential students must be on the Summer Scholars floors by 10 p.m., on their own floor by 11:00 p.m. and in their rooms by midnight.

Commuter students in the Summer Scholars Three-Week, Credit Program must depart campus by 10 p.m.

Commuter students enrolled in the UM Academies Two-Week, Non-Credit Program depart campus after their afternoon class concludes.

Parents who live within a four to five hour drive from UM typically accompany their students to campus. Important to note, residential students are not permitted to bring a vehicle to campus.

While some parents of international/out-of-state students travel with their student to Miami, many students fly unaccompanied. A greater number of students fly home unaccompanied when departing the program.

Summer Scholars provides an airport shuttle to/from Miami International Airport for students flying unaccompanied.

An airport shuttle is available for unaccompanied students flying to and departing from Miami International Airport (MIA). Students will be greeted by Summer Scholars residential staff.

Students arriving via Ft. Lauderdale Airport (FLL) or by other modes of transportation (bus or train) must provide their own transportation to and from campus.

Commuter students provide their own transportation to and from campus.

Commuters may drive to campus, however are required to purchase a parking permit from Parking and Transportation. A monthly parking pass can be purchased during Student Orientation (by credit card only) when students pick up their Cane Card ID at the Office of Parking and Transportation.

Please note, commuter students are required to use Summer Scholars sponsored transportation for off-campus field trips, which depart from and returns to the Coral Gables campus.

Admissions offers daily information sessions and campus tours. Schedule your campus visit here >; or experience our campus virtually! Visit >

To schedule a zoom meeting with Summer Scholars Program staff, please email us at ssp@miami.edu. We are happy to meet you and answer your questions.

Students access their grades and unofficial transcript in CaneLink.

For students attending in Summer 2021, grades will be available in CaneLink on August 11. 

Blackboard is an online tool used by students during their course to access course documents and track grades. Final grades, however, will be reported in CaneLink, not Blackboard.

At the conclusion of the Summer Scholars Program, students will access their grades and unofficial transcript in CaneLink >

Students enrolled in the Summer Scholars Three-Week Credit Program will have an official student record at UM, which includes classes taken, credits earned, grades earned, and grade point average (semester average and cumulative average). This information is part of the student's permanent record at the University of Miami.

Grades earned during the program will be included in the calculation of the student's overall academic record should they attend the University as an undergraduate student.

Official transcripts (fee applies) are ordered online:

1. Via the student's CaneLink account 
2. Through the Office of the University Registrar. Students can order transcripts online from the Office of the University Registrar by clicking on 'Alumni and Former Students' 

It is recommended to request official transcripts one month prior to the application deadline of the college/university to which you are applying.

Connect with the Office of Undergraduate Admission for information on how to apply to UM as a freshman or transfer student. Learn more >

For specific questions, contact your regional UM admission counselor >

The University of Miami welcomes Summer Scholars to apply as undergraduates; however, attending the program does not guarantee admission nor is special consideration given to Summer Scholars alumni.

For information on the undergraduate application process visit the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Admissions offers daily information sessions and campus tours. Schedule your campus visit or experience our campus virtually! Visit >