Once you've made the decision to attend, you'll need to return to your student portal and submit your enrollment form and $500 nonrefundable deposit.* The $500 nonrefundable deposit is applied toward your total program fee due. The deadline to submit these enrollment materials is April 22, 2026 at 11:59pm CT.

*If you received a full scholarship to attend, the deposit is waived.

After you confirm your enrollment you will need to choose your courses by completing a course registration form. The deadline to submit your course selections is April 30, 2026 at 11:59pm CT. Once your registration is received and reviewed, you will receive an email confirmation of your courses.

Your parents/legal guardians are required to submit a signed Emergency and Medical Information Form and Liability Waiver and Release. 

Beginning May 1, we will send these documents via DocuSign to the primary parent/legal guardian email address you included on your application and confirmed on your enrollment form. Parents/legal guardians will complete and submit these forms using DocuSign. The deadline for these forms to be received is May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm CT. Forms are available to preview here.

On May 1, you will receive an invoice via email for any remaining balance due May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm CT. Invoices are sent to the student email address provided on your enrollment form.

Credit card payments may be made using our online secure payment system. Checks should be addressed to "Washington University" and sent to our office address.

Once you have submitted your deposit and course registration form, we will set up your student account in WorkDay our student information system. You will receive an email from WashU's Identity Management to set up your WashU key username and password and Duo account (Subject: Activate Your WashU Username and Password). Your WashU key username and password is used to log into all University systems. The deadline to set up your WashU key username and password is May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm CT. 

For commuter and residential students only.

You will receive a WashU ID card for use during the program. After you have set up your WashU key username and password, please submit a photo and a government ID for your WashU ID card through CloudCard. The deadline to submit your photo is May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm CT.

For residential students only.

In order for us to coordinate the program check-out process, we ask that your parent/legal guardian submit the Departure Form as soon as you have made your departure plans and no later than 48 hours before the last day of your program.

Optional

The purpose of the Arts & Sciences Pre-College Programs Student Advisory Group is to provide feedback on the pre-college program experience, participate in the assessment process of program activities, and serve as an advocate for the pre-college community. It is a great opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

All pre-college students are welcome to apply. Up to 5 students will be selected to participate per program session. Applications are due May 15, 2026.

Learn more and submit your application

Optional

The purpose of our committees is to foster a positive community and build connections amid our busy summer programs. It is a great opportunity to gain experience in program development and implementation. We have two summer committees: Sunshine Committee and Cross-Cultural Connections Committee.

All pre-college students are welcome to submit an interest form. Up to 5 students will be selected to participate per program session. Interest forms are due May 15, 2026.

Learn more and submit your interest form

For International High School Summer Scholars Program Attendees only

For international students enrolled in the High School Summer Scholars Program, we will provide I-20 documentation for you to apply for a F-1 student visa to attend the program. If you are in the United States on a visa that permits academic enrollment, please follow the guidelines of the US Department of State regarding the permitted enrollment load and confirm your eligibility with your current sponsoring institution.

To initiate the I-20 process, you must complete the following steps:

• Submit your enrollment form and $500 nonrefundable deposit. You will upload a copy of your valid passport as part of the form submission.
• Submit your course registration form. To qualify for an F-1 student visa you must be enrolled full time, which means 6 units of credit or two for-credit courses this summer.

To expedite the issuing of your I-20, we ask that you complete the above steps as soon as possible, and no later than April 14, 2026. We will begin processing I-20s starting March 4, and you can expect to receive your I-20 via email within 14 business days of submitting your enrollment form, deposit, and course registration.

Additional information for international students is available here.

The Pre-College Accountability Chart is meant to serve as a general guide to the accountability process to promote consistency in our pre-college community. This chart includes a list of program rules, policies, and regulations according to the Arts & Sciences Pre-College Programs Code of Conduct. You and your parents should review the chart before the start of the program.

REVIEW Pre-College ACCOUNTABILITY CHART

Effective learning, teaching and research all depend upon the ability of members of the academic community to trust one another and to trust the integrity of work that is submitted for academic credit or conducted in the wider arena of scholarly research. Such an atmosphere of mutual trust fosters the free exchange of ideas and enables all members of the community to achieve their highest potential. In all academic work, the ideas and contributions of others must be appropriately acknowledged and work of a student that is presented as original must be, in fact, original. Faculty, students and administrative staff all share the responsibility of ensuring the honesty and fairness of the intellectual environment at WashU. The full Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures may be viewed here.

All members of the WashU community, including students, faculty, and staff, are expected to be positive role models in their interactions with minors by behaving in a caring, honest, respectful, and responsible manner. WashU has adopted the Youth Protection Policy which outlines expectations for the safety and well-being of minors at WashU. 

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Under the law, sexual harassment and sexual violence, which are forms of sex discrimination, are also prohibited.

All individuals participating in educational programs or activities that are affiliated with WashU – including faculty, staff, students and third-parties attending university-sponsored events – are protected by Title IX.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects student educational record information. 

The law also gives individual students certain rights:

• the right to inspect and review education records,
• the right to seek the amendment of education records,
• the right to consent to the disclosure of education records except under certain limited circumstances,
• the right to obtain a copy of the school’s FERPA policy,
• the right to file a complaint with the FERPA office in Washington, D.C.

Privacy Information for Families

As provided by federal law in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the university can release information about a student’s academic record if the student has submitted a signed consent form. That said, the university encourages students to share with their families information about their education, rather than rely on this approach. The university will engage with parents when students have violated the standards put forward in the Arts & Sciences Pre-College Programs Code of Conduct according to procedures outlined in our Student Accountability Chart or when the health and safety of the student is at risk.

Information about FERPA, including the consent to release form, is available on the Office of the University Registrar's website.

As home to students, faculty, and staff of all the world’s major religions and as a non-sectarian institution, WashU values the rich diversity of spiritual expression and practice found on campus. It is therefore the policy of the university that students who miss class, assignments, or exams to observe a religious holiday should be accommodated. To ensure that accommodations may be made, students who plan to miss class for a religious holiday must inform their instructors in writing before the end of the third week of class, or as soon as possible if the holiday occurs during the first three weeks of the semester. The Religious Holiday Class Absence Policy can be found here

You should plan to commit to the full length of the program and to schedule other commitments when the program is not in session. Missing any part of the program can impact your experience and academic performance. You will not automatically be excused from program responsibilities to attend other commitments. 

If necessary, your parents/legal guardians may request a program absence. Your parent/legal guardian must submit a Request for Program Absence at least 24 hours in advance of this absence. 

The following are required of all program participants:

• Complete all orientation activities.
• Attend all class sessions and complete all assignments by deadlines.
• Attend a weekly small group meeting (for residential students).
• Have regular one-on-one meetings with your designated program assistant.
• Complete academic progress self-evaluation and college readiness survey.
• There may be other required meetings as needed during the summer. 

Details for these activities will be provided in the online orientation.

Prior to making the decision to withdraw and leave a program early, students are strongly advised to consult with the Director of Pre-College Programs to fully understand the financial and academic consequences of withdrawing.

If a student decides to withdraw, notification of the withdrawal must be sent in writing to precollege@wustl.edu as soon as the decision is made. Unless the student is incapacitated, the notification must come directly from the student and include the student's name, Washington University student ID number, program name, date, and reason for withdrawal. Notification to instructors does not constitute a withdraw. In order to be considered valid, the request must be received and acknowledged by the Arts & Sciences Pre-College Office.

Once the decision to withdraw is received and acknowledged, the student must vacate their room in the residence hall within 24 hours. The parent/guardian of the student is responsible for the travel expenses for the student to return home.

All commuter and residential students are required to have a cell phone with a U.S. cell phone number. This requirement includes international students.

Residential Community Guidelines

We are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming residential community. We hope our students find our residential community a place where they feel free to pursue knowledge, to live with respect and integrity, and to express themselves. We know that our programs are enriched by being a community of people with a broad array of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and interests.

In order to promote a safe and inclusive residential environment for everyone these are the expectations of conduct for all students and staff in our residential community.

Review Residential community guidelines

Room Condition Report

The Room Condition Report (RCR) is a form that students complete upon arrival. It describes the physical condition of your room when you move in and when you move out. Staff have gone through and inspected the condition of each room and suite before students arrive, but is it is IMPORTANT that students also inspect the condition of their room. We use the RCR to fairly assess damages, if any, at the end of the program.

Room Entry

The pre-college program staff and other university personnel reserve the right to enter your room for purposes of maintenance, security, discipline, and the orderly operation of the program.

Visitor Policy

Visitors are not permitted to be in the residence hall with the exception of check-in and check-out times.

Leaving Campus

You are permitted to leave campus in groups of 2 or more during approved hours of Monday-Friday, 5:00-9:00pm/Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am-9:00pm. No exceptions are made to these hours. You must sign-out with the program staff on duty and back in once you return to the residence hall. You must list a specific destination within the approved boundaries for off campus travel. You should contact staff immediately if your location changes while off campus. 

You are not permitted to leave campus in a vehicle operated by someone other than your parent/legal guardian unless prior authorization from your parent/legal guardian is received for that individual via the liability waiver release form.

The use of rideshare services (i.e. Uber/Lyft) is limited to students over the age of 18 or students riding with someone who is at least 18 years old.

Curfew

There is a nightly curfew. You must sign-in to the residence hall by 9:00pm and be in your suites by 11:00pm. Once you have signed in, you cannot leave the building until the next morning at 7:30am when the dining hall opens.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours begin at 11:00pm until 9:00am. Courtesy hours are in place 24/7.

Lock outs and Lost keys

You will receive a key card for use to enter the residence hall, your suite, and your individual room. If you lock yourself out, you'll need to contact the on-call supervisor.

If you lose your key card, you'll need to go to the Summer Programs and Conference Services office for a replacement card. The cost for a replacement card is $25. Payment is due before you check out of the program.

On Campus Hours

Commuter students are permitted to be on campus Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm. Commuter students are required to check in upon arrival to campus and check out upon departure from campus each day. Commuter students will be provided the link to check in and out in orientation. 

If on campus evening or weekend hours are needed, this must be requested by your parents/guardians and approved by the program director using the Request for On-Campus Extended Time form. 

Vehicles

Commuter students are permitted to have a vehicle on campus. You may arrange for a parking pass through the University Services Center. Many commuter students opt for garage parking which can be a less expensive option.

Residence Hall

Commuter students will not be given access to residential spaces, and are not permitted in residential spaces unless approved by the program director.

We require all in-person attendees to have health insurance, valid in the state of Missouri, for the duration of the program. Health insurance must include hospitalization coverage. You must provide health insurance information on your Emergency and Medical Information form, and bring a copy of your health insurance card with you to the program.

We are not able to provide short-term health insurance to students. For international students seeking health insurance, one online option we recommend is Study USA-Healthcare. Note: The company you use must have a U.S. mailing address and phone number.

All in-person attendees must provide immunization information on your Emergency and Medical Information form as follows. You must bring a copy of your immunization records with you to the program:

• Two vaccines each for measles, mumps, and rubella after the age of one year. A titer may be provided in lieu of immunizations.
• Meningococcal vaccine (Menactra, Menveo, MenQuadfi, MCV4, MenACWY, MPSV4).
• One tuberculosis test (PPD skin test or blood test such as T-spot or Quantiferon gold) in the past six months for students at high risk of tuberculosis. High risk for tuberculosis includes: foreign born from a high-prevalence country; travel for more than two months to a high-prevalence country; contact with active tuberculosis; HIV positive; suppressed immune system from illness or medication (e.g., organ transplant, prednisone treatment); medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer or kidney failure; body weight 10% or more below ideal body weight; work in prison, nursing home, homeless shelter or hospital; work in lab with mycobacteria; history of abnormal chest X-ray.

It is also suggested that students provide immunization information for the following, although these are not required:

• COVID vaccine
• Annual flu vaccine

If you are requesting a religious exemption, please contact our office at precollege@wustl.edu for directions on submitting documentation to support a request. We will begin accepting exemption requests on May 1.

Failure to provide immunization information or documentation for exemption will result in cancellation of your enrollment.

We are dedicated to providing a safe environment for all students. Dining services provides several tools to assist those students with food allergies or intolerances, including allergy and nutrition information on each dining location’s menu and for each individual menu item.

Learn more about Allergy Friendly Dining at WashU

It is important to note, that during the program you make 100% of the decision regarding your food choices. Allergy-friendly options are available, but you must be mature enough and prepared to make appropriate choices. This is part of the pre-college experience provided by our programs. Program staff are not present during meal or snack times to assist you. You should be proficient in the self-management of your food allergy or intolerance including:

• avoidance of unsafe foods
• recognition of symptoms of allergic reactions
• how and when to tell someone you may be having an allergy-related problem
• knowledge of proper use of medications to treat an allergic reaction

You will need to communicate your needs directly to dining and catering staff to ensure proper food preparation and dining at every meal. Please note that dining and residential locations are not nut-free and that epi-pens are not available in dining or residential locations. You must carry prescribed medications at all times both on and off campus.

You must include any food allergies or intolerances, as well as any prescribed medications and emergency contact information, on your Personal and Medical Information Form. We strongly encourage students with food allergies or intolerances to contact WashU Dining Services prior to arrival on campus to discuss dining safely on campus.

Below we have included guidance regarding health and safety procedures that directly impact your participation in the program. 

• Masking: Masking is not required in Danforth Campus spaces. You should keep the following in mind regarding masking:
  • Don’t question someone or make assumptions about them because of their choice to wear or not wear a mask. Some may choose to wear a mask, say no to a social engagement, or otherwise exercise more caution than others.
    • If a classmate, staff member, or instructor asks you to wear a mask, please consider doing so to be supportive, even if the rules don’t require it. Keep in mind they may be at a higher risk, caring for others at a higher risk, or feeling less comfortable in a mask-optional environment.
    • For those who are concerned about learning in a mask-optional environment, there are a few things to keep in mind.
      • You may continue to wear a mask if you choose. One-way masking does still offer substantial protection to the wearer.
      • The university will continue to monitor conditions and reinstate mitigation measures as necessary.
• Daily Self-Screening: Take a moment each morning and assess your symptoms. Symptoms you should be aware of include:
  • Fever or feeling like they have had a fever
  • Chills
  • Unexplained muscle pains/body aches
  • New or worsening cough
  • Trouble breathing
  • New loss of sense of taste or sense of smell
  • Sore throat, different from your seasonal allergies
  • New or worsening diarrhea (not consistent with chronic medical conditions)
  • Vomitting
  • In addition to the symptoms listed above, please pay attention to milder symptoms such as a new headache or a stuffy nose.
• Isolation and Departure from Program: If you develop any of the symptoms listed above, you will be asked to wear a mask, stay in your residence hall room/suite, and contact our on-call staff. Our on-call staff will work with you and your parents/legal guardians to visit Total Access Urgent Care. Commuting students are asked to remain at home when not feeling well and contact our team for support.
  • We will do our best to support you with completing course work, but your wellness is our top priority. We must also consider the short-term nature of our programs and the accelerated pace in which courses are taught over the summer. It is possible that you may be withdrawn from course work. When making a decision to withdraw you, we will consider several factors including: your length of illness and severity of symptoms, at what point in the program you become ill, whether you will isolate in the St. Louis area, and if/when you are cleared to return to program activities.
  • Please note, if you test positive for COVID-19, you will be moved to a separate suite and must be picked up from campus within 24 hours by a parent/legal guardian or designated individual over the age of 18. We do not have long-term isolation housing available for you.
  • Commuting students must be fever free without the use of medication for at least 24 hours before returning to campus. 

The nearest airport to WashU in St. Louis is the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Southwest Airlines flies into the East Terminal, and all other carriers fly into the Main Terminal. From the airport, there are many ways of getting to campus. Please note, because of the number of students we have flying into the airport throughout the day for our various programs we are unable to arrange shuttle services for you upon arrival. You will need to arrange your own transportation to campus via taxis, public transportation, or airport shuttle services. 

Taxi
Taxis are available at Lambert Airport. Two local cab companies are County Cab, 314-991-5300, and Laclede Cab, 314-652-3456. Ask the cab driver to take you to the clocktower on the South 40 at WashU. If the driver needs an address, use 6614 Shepley Drive, Clayton, MO 63105.  Be sure to tell the driver you are going to Clayton as there is another Shepley Drive located in the metropolitan area.  The approximate cost by taxi is $60 (roundtrip).

Metrolink
The MetroLink has a station at Lambert Airport’s Main and East Terminals. The cost by MetroLink is approximately $7 (roundtrip), paid at the MetroLink station. The estimated time from Lambert Airport by MetroLink is 45 minutes. Follow the signs in the airport terminal towards the MetroLink.

1. Board the train heading eastbound with “Shiloh-Scott” on the destination display.
2. Take this train to the Forest Park/DeBaliviere station and deboard.
3. Walk to the other side of the platform and wait for a westbound train with “Shrewsbury Lansdowne/I-44” on the destination display – make sure not to accidentally get on a train headed back to Lambert Airport.
4. To get to the South 40, take this train to the University City/Big Bend station. This stop is along the border of campus.
5. Walk south on Big Bend Blvd. toward Forsyth Blvd.
6. Cross the street at Forsyth Blvd. to the other side of Big Bend. Continue walking south.
7. Turn left on Shepley Drive.

Airport Shuttle
The St. Louis Lambert International Airport recommends a variety of shuttle and transportation options. You can view these on the St. Louis Lambert International Airport website.

WashU’s Danforth Campus is centrally located in the St. Louis metropolitan area and is readily accessible from the major highways.

Driving to main campus
For your destination, use the address: 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130

Driving to the South 40 Residential Area
For your destination, use the address: 6614 Shepley Drive, Clayton, MO 63105

Some navigation systems may also recognize St. Louis as the city, but Clayton is the official name of the city that the South 40is in. Be sure that you are navigating to Shepley Drive from Big Bend Boulevard; there is no entrance at Wydown Blvd. or Wallace Drive even though your GPS may direct you to those streets.

After turning on to Shepley, you should follow signs to the check-in location sent to you via email. Paid visitor parking will be available in the Shepley and Wallace Parking Garages using the Passport Parking app. Signs will be posted to help direct you. 

An important reminder: Residential students are not permitted to bring or have access to a motor vehicle while residing on campus. 

Located at 430 S 15^th St and just a few blocks from Union Station and the Enterprise Center, St.-Louis Gateway Transportation Center hosts both long distance bus and Amtrak train travel. There are four daily arrivals and departures to and from Kansas City and Chicago, with 17 smaller cities along the way. There is also a train south through Little Rock, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio as well as westward to El Paso, Tucson and Los Angeles. See train schedules on the Amtrak website

For residential students only.

Move-in is 3:00pm until 6:00pm CT on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Please make sure to arrive to campus between these times. 

You will be residing on the South 40 Residential Area. Check in location will be sent to you via email. Please note we are unable to accommodate early move-in. You are welcome to come to campus before 3:00pm, but you will not have access to the residence hall until 3:00pm. The Danforth University Center will be open and you are welcome to wait there. We will begin orientation activities for residential students promptly at 6:00pm, so we ask that all visitors depart campus by 6:00pm.

For residential students only.

You should plan to depart campus on July 11, 2026 by 11:00am. Please be sure to book all flight reservations to accommodate this departure time.

Formal program check out runs from 5:00-11:00am. You must depart campus with your parent/legal guardian or provide permission from parent/legal guardian to depart campus with a designated individual over the age of 18 or via taxi, public transportation, or shuttle service to the airport. Your parent/legal guardian are asked to complete the Departure Form at least 48 hours before you are scheduled to depart campus.

You may choose to depart the night before your scheduled departure date as long as it is after your classes have ended.

You should plan to bring the following with you to the program:

• a government issued photo ID such as: U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport card, Foreign Passport, Driver's License, Non-Driver Photo ID, U.S. Military Dependent ID Card, or Tribal Card
• copy of health insurance card and immunization record
• personal care items (i.e. shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
• backpack
• reusable water bottle (labeled with your name)
• umbrella and/or raincoat
• sunscreen
• clothes-dress code is casual; please keep in mind that St. Louis summers can be hot and humid (temperatures can reach above 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
• light jacket or sweatshirt (all buildings on campus are air conditioned)
• pair of tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes
• prescription medications and regularly taken over the counter medications
• cellphone with U.S. phone number and charger
• laptop computer or tablet and charger
• credit card, ATM debit card, or Visa/Mastercard gift card for miscellaneous purchases (WashU's campus is cashless)
• mask; while masking is currently optional on campus, you should plan to bring a mask with you to have one available if needed
• favorite pre-packaged snacks (in case they are unavailable on campus)
• laundry bag or basket (labeled with your name)
• some students have found bringing an extension cord, shower caddy, and clothes hangers useful, but they are not essential

2026 Book Trade

Have a book you've read and want to donate for others to enjoy? Bring it with you to the program! We host a small mini library in our lobby where students and staff can leave a book and take a book. All genres are welcome!

The program will provide the following, so there is no need to bring these items with you to the program:

• sheets
• mattress cover
• pillow and pillow case
• light blanket
• towels (2 bath towels and 2 wash clothes)
• toilet paper
• paper towels
• laundry detergent
• cost to wash/dry laundry

You will receive a small canvas bag, pocket folder, and pen. Additional school supplies, if needed, can be purchased at the Campus Bookstore.

The following are prohibited in the residence halls:

• appliances with open coil heating elements (i.e. hot plates, toaster ovens, toasters, grills)
• open flames (i.e. candles, incense, lighters, matches)
• knives of any kind (i.e. x-acto, kitchen, pocket)
• hot pots or any kind of self-heating ramen, rice or noodle dishes
• metal-tipped darts and cork dartboards
• push pins or nails
• drones
• animals of any kind

You are not permitted to have a vehicle or access to a vehicle while residing on campus. 

Refrigerator storage is limited. Please do not bring cases of single use water bottles, juice, or soda. You should bring a reusable water bottle; filtered water is available in the residence hall and throughout campus. Other drinks can be purchased on campus.

Bathrooms and suite living areas are cleaned regularly. There is no need to bring separate cleaning supplies. 

You will not have access to an oven or stove, so please do not bring cooking utensils or supplies with you. 

Bear Necessities is a not-for-profit gift store on campus, operated by the Women’s Society of Washington University in St. Louis.  All proceeds from the store fund the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship Endowment. They carry a variety of dorm, hygiene, and office supplies as well as a selection of WashU apparel/souvenirs and snacks. They are conveniently located on the South 40 residential area of campus. 

We will be housed in a modern residence hall on the South 40 Residential Area this summer. No more than four students will share a suite of four single rooms, one bathroom, and a small living room area. In each room, there is an extra-long twin bed, dresser, desk, desk chair, bookshelf, and closet. 

Each floor has a small study room and lounge.  Three kitchenettes (sink, refrigerator, and microwave) are also located in the building. The 1st floor has laundry facilities and a lobby area with TV. There is an elevator.

Suites are organized based on gender, age, and year in school. The residence hall is mixed gender; individual floors will be mixed gender. We cannot guarantee suitemate requests, but you are welcome to submit requests to precollege@wustl.edu by May 1, 2026. We seek to provide a welcoming, safe, supportive, and comfortable living environment to all gender identities. If you have questions about housing options, we can provide you with a personal and private assessment of your available options. It is important to contact us early, but no later than the registration deadline, so that we may offer the widest range of housing options.

Supervision

Living in the residence hall are our residential program assistants, current WashU undergraduate students who provide academic advice, plan social activities, and ensure the rules and regulations of the program are followed. Our program assistants participate in training programs designed for working with youth. All staff have passed background checks and are CPR/First Aid certified. We also have program supervisors living in the residence hall to oversee the residential aspects of our programs and act as an emergency contact for you and your parents. We maintain a residential staff to student ratio of 1 to 15.

Security

The outer doors to all residence halls are kept locked 24 hours a day and you will access the building, your suite, and your room with a key card. Visitors are not permitted to be in the residence hall with the exception of program check-in and check-out.

WashU offers a variety of dining options during the summer. Residential participants will receive $1,279 in “Bear Bucks” on a campus key card to spend on meals and snacks. Commuter participants do not automatically receive a meal plan, but can choose to purchase an optional meal plan of $375 or make purchases using a credit/debit card. Bear Bucks are non-refundable, so whatever you do not use by the end of the program cannot be refunded to you. Please note that specially prepared kosher and halal meals may be limited during the summer. 

All dining locations on campus close by 7:00 p.m. during the summer months and may not open until 11:00am on the weekends, so many students like to have a small stash of snacks/breakfast items available in their rooms. Snacks/breakfast items are available for purchase at various locations on campus.

Learn More about WashU Dining

We will plan a variety of academic support, community, and college readiness enrichment activities throughout the summer. These activities include seminars, panel discussions, service projects, and other special events. A schedule for these activities will be provided to you after arrival to the program.

Enrichment activities are included in the program fee and are optional to attend.

Social events provide a break from academic studies and a chance for you to interact with students with similar interests outside of the classroom. Social events include trivia and movie nights as well as small group activities like arts and crafts, board games, and book clubs. Social events are offered throughout the day and schedules will be provided weekly.

Saturday outings are designed to introduce you to the vibrant city of St. Louis through the many exciting sights and festivals our city has to offer. We typically offer one or two outings each Saturday that are program-sponsored and organized. You are required to sign up in advance if you'd like to attend a program-sponsored outing. You are also encouraged to explore St. Louis on your own during approved off campus hours.

Recharge Sundays

After a busy week, we take time on Sundays to recharge, reflect, and relax. Students are encouraged to sleep in, participate in restful activities like walking around campus or to nearby Forest Park; visiting the special exhibitions in Olin Library; lounging in the Butterfly Garden with a picnic lunch with friends or good book; or enjoying time on the volleyball and basketball courts. 

The purpose of the Arts & Sciences Pre-College Programs Student Advisory Group is to provide feedback on the pre-college program experience, participate in the assessment process of program activities, and serve as an advocate for the pre-college community. It is a great opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

All pre-college students are welcome to apply. Up to 5 students will be selected to participate per program session. Applications are due May 15, 2026.

Learn more and submit your application

The purpose of our committees is to foster a positive community and build connections amid our busy summer programs. It is a great opportunity to gain experience in program development and implementation. We have two summer committees: Sunshine Committee and Cross-Cultural Connections Committee.

All pre-college students are welcome to submit an interest form. Up to 5 students will be selected to participate per program session. Interest forms are due May 15, 2026.

Learn more and submit your interest form

Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving. Weekly wellness activities are designed to support student health and relieve stress. Some of our most popular activities include running club, Pilates and yoga workshops, and the residence hall farmer's market.

There are a number of outdoor spaces that students can use during the program including:

• Basketball courts
• Volleyball courts
• Tennis courts
• Ultimate frisbee/soccer fields

Students are welcome to bring their own equipment, but we will also have equipment available to borrow.

Individuals under the age of 18 are not permitted to use Sumers Recreation Center or the Athletic Complex on campus. We will have some light weights and equipment available for borrowing, but you should be aware that access to gym services is restricted.

The campus mailroom is open Monday-Friday and any flat mail delivered during those days will be picked up by our program staff and taken to the residence hall for dispersal at nightly sign-in.

We strongly discourage sending packages during the short duration of the program. The mailroom is not open on the weekends and it can take several days to process package deliveries on campus. In the event that you need to have a package sent, you'll need to contact our program staff to make arrangements. The mailroom also has shipping and mailing supplies available.

Your mailing address during the program is: 

Your Name
A&S Pre-College Programs
Washington University in St. Louis
MSC 6273-20003
6515 Wydown Blvd.
St. Louis, MO  63105-2215
 

WashU has put into place a number of mechanisms for protecting and alerting our students about security threats on campus. These include additional security measures in our residential areas (video surveillance at building entrances and door peephole viewers in every residential hall room); a messaging system that can instantaneously send a short message to the computers and cell phones of students, faculty, and staff; and an Emergency website and telephone hotline. We have an excellent university police department (WUPD) that is state certified and trained to deal with emergency situations, and coordinates with other law enforcement and emergency responders throughout the region.

WashU Safe App

WashU Safe was developed by the WashU Public Safety department and the Office of Operations and Technology Transfer, with software assistance from AppArmor Mobile. The app addresses and promotes student, faculty and staff safety through important safety alerts and access to campus safety resources. Download the app today on Android or iOS.

It is important to note that acceptance and participation in pre-college course work and activities does not imply or guarantee acceptance into a degree program at WashU. Our pre-college programs and undergraduate admission process are entirely separate.

Pre-college participants do receive a fee waiver for the undergraduate application and can choose at any time to opt out of communications from the Undergraduate Admissions office.

We encourage students with questions about the undergraduate admission process to contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Curious about campus? Take a virtual tour before you arrive and learn more about WashU!

Our Continued Mentorship Program is designed to provide academic year support and engagement for our summer program participants. This program allows you to stay connected with program staff and resources throughout the year, fostering both academic and personal growth. All activities are held virtually to allow flexibility for you to participate from anywhere.

The 2026-2027 Continued Mentorship Program is open to 8th-12th grade students who attended a 2026 Summer Arts & Sciences Pre-College Program free of charge.

Learn more about the Continued Mentorship Program

You are welcome to run on campus beginning at 7:30am. There are pathways available throughout campus and our staff can help advise you on routes to take.

Keep in mind that you will receive funds for meals, cost of laundry (including laundry detergent), and all social events/weekend outings are all covered by the program fee. If you would like to bring additional funds, we recommend no more than $50-$75 a week. Keep in mind that campus is cashless (as are most local businesses) so you should bring a credit card, debit card, or VISA/Mastercard giftcard for purchases.

Your orientation course will provide you with details on accessing your classroom location.

WashU has a Campus Circulator shuttle, which offers complimentary transportation around the WashU campus. The Circulator makes several stops around the campus, including: South 40 residential area, Mallinckrodt Student Center (where the Campus Bookstore is located), Brookings Hall, and the Village.

Metro St. Louis provides transportation around the St. Louis region by bus and MetroLink light rail. Metro Buses provide convenient transportation to several off-campus locations, including the Medical School, Galleria shopping mall, Target, Schnucks grocery store, and the Delmar Loop. Buses depart from the drive next to Mallinckrodt Student Center. There are also two MetroLink stops conveniently located on campus. The buses and MetroLink are a part of Metro St. Louis and are available to the St. Louis community as a whole. A Metro Pass is required in order to ride the buses and MetroLink. We will have MetroPasses available for use during the program.

There are also a number of places within walking distance of campus: 
•    The Delmar loop (restaurants and shops)
•    Walgreens and CVS pharmacies
•    Schnucks and United Provisions grocery stores

Disability Resources is the official resource for students on the Danforth Campus who have disabilities or suspected disabilities. They work to ensure that every student with a disability will have equal access to our campus and academic programs. Please contact our office at precollege@wustl.edu to discuss the process for requesting accommodations.

Yes. You are welcome to bring a bike to campus. Bike racks are located throughout campus. You should bring a bike lock with you or you can purchase one through WUPD for $25.