FAQ

Yes! Please visit our scholarships and financial aid page to learn more about the types of aid available and how to apply. 

You can take one course each session. 

Pre-College program fees cover the course and course materials. For residential participants, the fees also cover housing and all meals during the program. For commuting participants, the fee covers the course and lunch only for each weekday of the program.

Instructors are Duke faculty, affiliates, and graduate students who are experts in their fields. 

All Pre-College courses are non-credit. Duke Summer Session offers credit commuter and online options for 10^th and 11^th grade high school students. Visit summersession.duke.edu to learn more. 

Courses are offered at different times throughout the day. Refer to the online course options to view all courses. Times are listed on each course page. Participants will attend 1.5 hours of synchronous sessions and have asynchronous sessions on their own and within groups as outlined by the instructor. Asynchronous learning activities and assignments will be assigned daily.

Participants enrolled in the Residential Programs will have a variety of events and activities to choose from, including but not limited to, College Connections, club activities, open recreation, evening events like Karaoke and other social activities, as well as community service opportunities. There will also be opportunities for campus tours, visits to Sarah P. Gardens, the Nasher and Duke Lemur Center. Participants will receive detailed scheduled closer to the start of their program.
 

Participants may have access to recreational facilities. Registered students will receive more information closer to the program start date. 

We do not guarantee attending Duke Pre-College will affect your application to Duke University. However, applicants are welcome to include their participation in the Duke Pre-College program when applying as an undergraduate.

See our sample packing list.

Most participants will live and eat on East Campus, though some courses (and participants) will be on West Campus. In previous summers, Pre-College students have stayed in Alspaugh, Bell Tower, Blackwell, Pegram, Randolph, and Southgate. For East Campus, Participants will primarily eat at East Union (Marketplace), and at Broadhead for those on West Campus. For those with food allergies or other specific dietary needs, Duke Dining can address any concerns.

Duke University and Duke Pre-College strongly believe in the value of the on-campus residential experience. This experience provides you with exciting opportunities to meet new people and learn about cultures and lifestyles that may differ from your own.

HOW ROOMMATES ARE ASSIGNED: Incoming Pre-College students are matched with roommates based on the information provided from the questions on the Campdoc profile. We have found that students who have the same study habits, noise tolerance and sleep schedules tend to have positive experiences living together. While no one can guarantee a “perfect roommate,” we find that pairing students based on these behaviors offers a starting point from which students can develop a rewarding roommate experience. It is important that you answer each question on the housing application honestly so that we can accurately match you with someone who will be compatible!

You will be given your schedule, commuter residential assistant contact, and exact information on where and what time to arrive and depart each weekday of the program at orientation.

Commuting students will receive meal cards so they can eat lunch each weekday during the program dates.

Commuters can remain on campus for either Club Activities, for 6 – 8 grade students, OR College Connections, for 9 – 11 grade students, after classes each weekday. Students must be picked up from campus no later than 5:45 pm each day if they stay for these activities, or immediately following class no later than 4:15 pm each day by an approved parent or guardian in the appropriate, designated location.

All Participants will receive an invitation to register for a NetID in late April or early May. Participants MUST complete NetID registration within three days of receiving the initial email. If that deadline passes, Participants will need to email precollege@duke.edu to have a new activation email set. Only an active NetID will give Participants access to Canvas, Duke University’s learning management system, where syllabi and other course information will be posted.

Night and weekend activities will include karaoke, outdoor movies, dances, games, community service projects, tours of campus and visits to local attractions.

Our program follows the minors’  Standards of Best Practice established by Duke University. All participants will be assigned a Residential Counselor the first day of their program who will be their main point of contact. Additional staff including medical professionals will be on campus during the entirety of the program. All staff will be required to pass backgrounds checks and specialized training prior to the program start date. At no time will participants be allowed to leave campus nor have cars on campus. 

YES. Participants can receive letters and packages during their stay at Duke Pre-College. The complete address will be provided in May with the other arrival details.