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Summer Programs Frequently Asked Questions
Application
Application FAQs
- How do I apply?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- When is the Application Deadline?
- When will I receive an Admission decision?
- If I am only interested in Test Prep, do I have to submit a full application?
- I participated in Choate Summer Programs in 2023. How do I apply?
- I participated in Choate Summer Programs PRIOR TO 2023. How do I apply?
- I am a current Choate academic year student. How do I apply?
- I am applying for both Choate Summer Programs and the Choate academic year. What do I need to do?
- What if I need to change information in my Student Account Portal?
- I’m an international student, do I need a B1-Visa?
How do I apply?
See instructions on how to apply or register.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Summer Programs Financial Aid is available for Middle and High School Academic Enrichment Program students.
The priority deadline to submit a completed Summer Programs Financial Aid application with accompanying IRS documentation is January 31, 2024.
After the priority deadline, it is still possible to submit the Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid application and upload IRS documents for consideration of any funds that remain available.
Please note that financial aid helps cover on-campus program fees, but does not cover transportation costs or health insurance and is not available for Test Prep, Young Artist, Visual Arts Lab, or Summer Music Festival. Because of limited funds, financial aid is primarily available to U.S. residents filing IRS income tax returns.
Financial information provided to the Choate Admission Office by current Choate students and applicants for the academic year is not shared with Summer Programs.
Current Choate students who receive aid during the school year and academic year applicants still need to complete and upload the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and supporting IRS documentation.
When is the Application Deadline?
We have a rolling admission process from mid-November through early June, while space remains.
Applicants whose admission materials are complete are typically notified of a decision within two to four weeks.
Registration for Academic Enrichment courses and programs begins in early February for students who have accepted our offer of admission, signed the Enrollment Contract, and paid the non-refundable Enrollment Deposit.
When will I receive an Admission decision?
Admission Decisions
Once the Summer Programs application is submitted and all required materials received, the admission committee reviews the file and releases a decision in the Summer Programs Account Portal. Students will be notified via email when a decision is posted.
To claim their spot, accepted students must:
- Submit the Admission Decision Reply Form;
- Upload the Enrollment contract signed by all parents/guardians;
- Pay the non-refundable deposit, as applicable.
These steps must be completed within 2 weeks of acceptance to the program. Choate Summer Programs courses and programs fill quickly, so we encourage students to apply and enroll early while spaces remain.
Financial Aid Decisions
Financial Aid decisions are released following the January 31, 2024 priority deadline. Information on financial aid decisions is included in the acceptance letter and, as applicable, on the Course Registration Form.
Waitlisted Students
Students who are offered a place on the Waitlist receive a link to the Waitlist Reply Form in their decision letter. Those who choose to remain on the Waitlist are notified of any opportunities to enroll as spaces become available.
If I am only interested in Test Prep, do I have to submit a full application?
Students who only intend to enroll in Test Prep are not required to submit transcripts, current grades, or recommendations. The Summer Programs Application and application fee are still required, and in the personal statement text box, applicants should enter “Test Prep Only”—they do not need to write a full personal statement.
Please contact the Summer Programs Office by phone at (203) 697-2365 or by email at choatesummer@choate.edu to waive the materials not required.
I participated in Choate Summer Programs in 2023. How do I apply?
Applicants who completed our Academic Program in 2023 have a simplified application process and are only required to:
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Verify 2023 information prepopulated on the application form and fill in any other updates
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Indicate which 2024 courses and programs are of interest
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Upload transcript (with Current Grades or program of study)
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Pay Application Fee if applying after January 1. The $100 application fee is waived for students who completed our 2023 Academic Enrichment Program and who submit their 2024 application by January 1, 2024
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If applying for financial aid, 2023 AcademicProgram participants must complete and upload the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and supporting IRS documentation.
I participated in Choate Summer Programs PRIOR TO 2023. How do I apply?
Applicants who participated in Summer Programs prior to 2023 are required to submit the following:
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The application form and application fee
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Personal Statement
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School Official Recommendation
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Transcript (with Current Grades)
Past participants do not need to submit Teacher Recommendations, Supplemental Recommendations, or upload additional information. If applying for financial aid, past participants must complete and upload the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and supporting IRS documentation.
I am a current Choate academic year student. How do I apply?
Current Choate students applying for Summer Programs admission are only required to submit the Summer Programs application and Personal Statement (they do not need to pay an application fee, request recommendations, or upload transcripts).
If applying for Summer Programs Financial Aid, current Choate students need to upload the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and supporting IRS documentation to the Summer Programs Application Portal.
Note: Matriculating and current Choate students who wish to take an eligible course to fulfill an academic year Choate diploma requirement, or a prerequisite for the academic year, must first notify the Registrar, registrar@choate.edu, as part of the application and enrollment process for Summer Programs, and must then comply with all attendance and course expectations. The Registrar will determine final eligibility, as applicable, for diploma credit and prerequisite fulfillment based upon the student’s successful completion of the course.
I am applying for both Choate Summer Programs and the Choate academic year. What do I need to do?
Summer Programs applicants who are also applying to Choate for the academic year need to submit the Summer Programs Application, including the Personal Statement, but do not need to submit recommendations, transcripts, and current grades (we can obtain those materials from the Admission Office).
If also applying for Summer Programs Financial Aid, the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and supporting IRS documentation need to be uploaded to the Summer Programs Application Portal (financial information is not shared between the two offices).
What if I need to change information in my Student Account Portal?
I’m an international student, do I need a B1-Visa?
Please check with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the requirements to obtain a B-1/B-2 Visa (tourist visa) to enter the U.S. for our program. You do not need an I-20 or an F1-Visa (student visa) to attend Choate Summer Programs.
We recommend starting the B-1/B-2 Visa process before or at the same time you start the application for our program.
The State Department has changed scheduling policies for tourist visas. If you require a visa to enter the United States of America, please schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Here are some helpful resources:
Enrollment & Tuition
Enrollment and Tuition Payment FAQ
- How do admitted students enroll?
- When are Health Forms due for on campus programs?
- How are tuition refunds processed?
How do admitted students enroll?
Applicants receive an email prompting them to view their decision on their Summer Programs Account Portal.
Admitted applicants for on-campus programming are asked to:
- Use the Admission Decision Reply Form to accept the admission offer.
- Have all legal parents/guardians sign the Enrollment Contract, upload the contract back to the Summer Programs Account portal, and pay a non-refundable $1500 deposit within two weeks of acceptance. *Flywire student id #P000099999.
- Refer to the Summer Programs Account Portal checklists for required paperwork and forms.
- Register for courses using the Course Registration Form posted in the Registration Checklist on the Summer Programs Account Portal. Tuition can be paid in full at the time of registration, with all balances due no later than May 1, 2024. If registering for courses after May 1, tuition payment needs to be paid in full at the time course selection is made.
Admitted applicants for online Test Prep only are asked to:
- Use the Admission Decision Reply Form to accept the admission offer.
- Have all legal parents/guardians sign the Enrollment Contract, upload the contract back to the portal status page, and pay a non-refundable $1500 deposit within two weeks of acceptance.
- Register for Test Prep using the Course Registration Form posted in the Registration Checklist on the Summer Programs Account Portal.
When are Health Forms due for on campus programs?
Health forms must be received by Choate Health Services by April 15, 2024 for all students enrolled in on-campus programs. If enrolling after April 15, health forms must be submitted ASAP. Please email health documents to healthservices@choate.edu or fax to (203) 697-2294. To contact Health Services with any questions, call (203) 697-2203 or email healthservices@choate.edu.
How are tuition refunds processed?
As part of the process of enrolling, students and families read and sign our Enrollment Contract and pay a non-refundable deposit to secure their spot in the program. Tuition payments can be paid at any time after being admitted, and accounts must be paid in full by May 1, 2024. Please refer to your 2024 Enrollment Contract for details regarding the refund policy.
- 50% of the paid tuition balance will be refunded if the student withdraws on or before May 24, 2024
- 30% of the paid tuition balance will be refunded if the student withdraws on or before May 31, 2024
- There is no tuition refund if the student withdraws after May 31, 2024
Programs & Courses
Program and Course FAQ
- What are the grade levels for the Summer Academic Enrichment Program?
- What is the difference between Session I and Session II?
- Can I enroll in more than one 2-week Workshop?
- What is the average class size?
- How quickly do courses fill?
- What is the attendance policy?
- Can I apply to and enroll in more than one program on campus or Test Prep online?
- Can I take Test Prep if I am also taking courses on campus?
- What does a typical class day look like?
- What are the homework guidelines?
- How will grades work and when do students receive grade reports?
- Are students recognized or awarded for outstanding participation?
- How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
- What equipment or software is required for Invention and Design Lab (IDL), Beginner Robotics, and Intermediate Robotics?
- How do I access the Summer Parent Portal?
What are the grade levels for the Summer Academic Enrichment Program?
What is the difference between Session I and Session II?
Can I enroll in more than one 2-week Workshop?
What is the average class size?
How quickly do courses fill?
What is the attendance policy?
Students are required to attend all classes, meetings, and afternoon weekday activities, and they are required to honor other commitments such as individual appointments with teachers or members of the Summer Programs Office.
Faculty and staff are asked to report all absences and tardies, the Deans’ Office keeps track of attendance, and deans follow up with students who accumulate absences. Though students are not required to participate in weekend trips and activities sponsored by the Student Activities Center, they are encouraged to take advantage of the full array of fun and informative recreational programming provided each summer.
Can I apply to and enroll in more than one program on campus or Test Prep online?
Yes! You can apply to and enroll in more than one age-appropriate program as long as the class periods and/or the dates of the programs do not overlap.
If you received your Summer Programs admission acceptance for the on campus program and wish to enroll in an additional program, please contact the Choate Summer Programs Office at (203) 697-2365 or choatesummer@choate.edu.
Can I take Test Prep if I am also taking courses on campus?
Yes! Students who are enrolled in on-campus programs as boarders or day students can also enroll in SSAT or SAT Test Prep.
Students in 5-week programs on campus take Test Prep courses in person. Students in 2-week or 4-week programs on campus take Test Prep online (for continuity of instruction when not on campus).
Test Prep classes run in the early evening during Period 6 (6:45-7:45 p.m. ET Mondays and Thursdays for High School students and 6:15-7:15 p.m. ET for Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Middle School students).
There is also a first-period SSAT Test Prep option for students who are online only and not enrolled in an in-person program on campus.
What does a typical class day look like?
Check out the Campus Life page for examples of class day schedules and more.
What are the homework guidelines?
Middle School Programs
In general, the guideline for homework for middle school is 60 minutes per night per course. Students enrolled in workshops and multi-class programs which meet for more than one period can expect a comparable amount of homework, based on how many hours their workshop or program meets during the day. Test Prep courses average 60-90 minutes of additional out of class work per week. Making good use of nightly Study Hours, daytime Study Halls, and Free Periods will enable students to complete their assignments and be prepared for class.
High School Programs
In general, the guideline for homework for high school is 60 minutes per night per course. Students enrolled in workshops and multi-class programs which meet for more than one period can expect a comparable amount of homework, based on how many hours their workshop or program meets during the day. Test Prep courses average 60-90 minutes of additional out of class work per week. Making good use of nightly Study Hours, daytime Study Halls, and Free Periods will enable students to complete their assignments and be prepared for class.
Matriculating and current Choate students who sign up for courses that are eligible for Choate diploma credit or which have the potential to satisfy academic year prerequisites may be assigned additional work. This extra requirement ensures that any course taken for the purpose of credit or placement will closely reflect the academic year version of these courses.
How will grades work and when do students receive grade reports?
H = Honors
HP = High Pass
P = Pass
LP = Low Pass
F = Fail
Note: Students in Immersion Geometry receive a traditional letter grade which will be included on the Summer Transcript for current and matriculating Choate students.
Students who are enrolled only in Session I courses and programs will receive reports by July 12, 2024.
Students who are enrolled in the following courses and programs will receive reports by August 2, 2024:
- 4-week and 5-week courses and programs
- Session II 2-week courses and programs
- Both Session I and Session II courses and programs, i.e., 4-week courses and programs
Are students recognized or awarded for outstanding participation?
Students who exhibit exemplary integrity, respect, and compassion are recognized with a Citizenship Award.
This award honors students who foster social relationships and a love of learning which inspire peers and teachers, and whose contributions serve as a model for others while enriching the experience of everyone involved with Choate Summer Programs.
How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
Once students are enrolled and have been assigned a Choate Summer email account, they will have access to the Summer Student Portal which contains the Student Handbook, dates to remember, school resources, and program highlights.
What equipment or software is required for Invention and Design Lab (IDL), Beginner Robotics, and Intermediate Robotics?
Each student will need to purchase an Arduino robot starter kit prior to the start of the program. Information on ordering the kit will be provided by the Summer Programs Robotics faculty. No other advanced materials are needed, but a list of recommended supplies will be sent out prior to the start of the course (scissors, glue, tape, rubber bands, scrap cardboard, popsicle sticks, etc).
How do I access the Summer Parent Portal?
Once a student is enrolled, parents will be notified of a password to access the Summer Parent Portal on our website. This is where parents and families can find important additional information about our program, including virtual events, dates to remember, and program highlights.
The Summer Parent Portal is available to parents of students in the Middle and High School Academic Enrichment Program, Young Artist Program, and Summer Music Festival.
General (On Campus)
General (On Campus) FAQ
- What is the COVID-19 Policy?
- When are Health Forms due for on campus programs?
- How do I access the Summer Parents Portal?
- How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
What is the COVID-19 Policy?
Informed by the School’s mission and the guiding principles to create the most Choate-like experience possible—academically, residentially, and professionally—our policies regarding COVID-19 are built upon the understanding that the safety and well-being of our community are of utmost importance. Science, technology, education, and partnership are the cornerstones of how we live and learn together safely. Our planning for Summer 2023 is predicated on the fact that COVID-19 vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Those participating in Summer Programs are required to have received either the initial COVID-19 vaccine series + one booster dose (any kind) OR at least one dose of a COVID-19 bivalent vaccine (original and omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains) prior to their arrival on campus. We recognize that this is not a possibility in every country. If a student is unable to access this dose, we will make arrangements for the student to receive the vaccine soon after arrival. Requiring vaccination for our students, faculty, and staff is the most powerful tool we have for protecting our community and creating a normal summer programs environment.
Choate will continue to follow local, state, and federal public health guidelines related to COVID-19. Students and families will receive detailed information about how to submit required health forms and vaccination records, as well as information related to campus health protocols, via the Summer Programs Account Portal shortly after being admitted to Summer Programs 2023.
When are Health Forms due for on campus programs?
Health forms must be received by Choate Health Services by April 15, 2024 for all students enrolled in on-campus programs. If enrolling after April 15, health forms must be submitted ASAP. Please email health documents to healthservices@choate.edu or fax to (203) 697-2294. To contact Health Services with any questions, call (203) 697-2203 or email healthservices@choate.edu.
How do I access the Summer Parents Portal?
Soon after students enroll, parents receive access to the Summer Parents Portal where they can find important additional information, including:
- Important Announcements
- Parent Calendar
- Student Handbook
- Health Forms
- Virtual Events
- Program Highlights
- Airport Ground Transportation
- What to Bring
- Laundry and Linen Rental
- Music Practice Room requests
- Housing Model
- And more!
The Summer Parents Portal is available to parents of students in the Middle and High School Academic Enrichment Program, Summer Music Festival, Visual Arts Lab, and Young Artist Program.
How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
Once enrolled students have been assigned a Choate Summer email account, they have access to the Summer Student Portal which contains the Student Handbook, dates to remember, school resources, and program highlights.
Online Test Prep
Test Prep FAQ
- What are the Test Prep options if I enroll in programs on campus?
- Can I add a Test Prep class after I'm already enrolled in programs on campus?
- Can I take Test Prep if I am not enrolled in courses on campus?
- Will I need specific equipment or software to participate in Online Test Prep courses?
- Are Online Test Prep classes synchronous or asynchronous?
- Will I get to interact live with classmates and teachers in Online Test Prep courses?
- How do I access my Online Test Prep classes?
What are the Test Prep options if I enroll in programs on campus?
If you enroll in a 5-week program, you can add a Test Prep course on campus, in person.
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On Campus, In-Person SAT HS; Period 6 Monday/Thursday 6:30-7:30 PM
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On Campus, In-Person SSAT HS; Period 6 Monday/Thursday 6:30-7:30 PM
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On Campus, In Person SSAT MS; Period 6 Tuesday/Wednesday 6:15-7:15 PM
If you enroll in Workshops, Visual Arts Lab (VAL), Summer Music Festival (SMF), or Young Artist (YA) on campus, you can add Test Prep online only.
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On Campus, Online SAT HS: Period 6 Monday/Thursday 6:30-7:30 PM EDT; Workshops, VAL, SMF, YA
On Campus, Online SSAT HS/MS; Period 6 Tuesday/Wednesday 6:15-7:15 PM EDT; Workshops, VAL, SMF, YA
Can I add a Test Prep class after I'm already enrolled in programs on campus?
Can I take Test Prep if I am not enrolled in courses on campus?
Yes! Students who are not enrolled in programs on campus can choose to enroll in online Test Prep courses:
- Online Upper Level SSAT HS/MS Combined Class: Period 1 Monday/Thursday 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. ET
- Online SAT HS: Period 6 Monday/Thursday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. ET
- Online Upper Level SSAT HS/MS Combined Class: Period 6 Tuesday/Wednesday 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. ET
Will I need specific equipment or software to participate in Online Test Prep courses?
To participate in Choate Summer Programs Online, students need an internet connection and a device that supports live video and audio communications. The minimum requirement for a device is a computer, iPad, or Chromebook equipped with a web camera as well as speakers and microphone/headphones.
We provide access to the following programs: Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, and Canvas.
It is important for students to have reliable internet access and to be mindful of data charges if planning to participate via devices that are not on Wi-Fi.