Overview
As a CPS student participating in the Summer College Bridge program, you will enroll in one course at the University of Chicago during our Summer Session. The course you take will be determined in close consultation with the Director of College Bridge. Tuition, fees and textbooks are paid for by the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement.
Courses
You will be receiving college credit for the course you take through College Bridge, therefore the course cannot count toward your high school graduation requirements. The following departments are offering courses for summer enrollment: Biological Sciences, English, Foreign Languages (placement test required if the language has been taken previously, beginning a new language does not require a test. See below for a list of languages offered), Anthropology, History, Math, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Physical Science and Humanities courses in Art/Music/Art History/Theater/Creative Writing. In many cases, in order to enroll in a class in a particular subject area you must have completed the most advanced course in that subject (typically, an AP or IB course) at your high school with a minimum grade of B. View a list of Summer 2016 offerings. Pay close attention to the prerequisites for each class. Days/times and course descriptions can be found on the Summer Session website (use the filters at the top of the page to choose courses by subject or department code). Final decisions on courses will be made by the Director and the Summer Session office after meeting with students for interviews.
Languages offered Summer Bridge 2017: Arabic, Aymara, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Ancient Greek, Korean, Japanese, Latin, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Hyde Park campus. Ventra student discount passes are provided by the program.
Eligibility/Selection Process
Rising Juniors and Seniors in CPS high schools are eligible to apply for Summer Bridge. An unweighted GPA of 3.6 or higher is required. You must also have a 95% attendance rate at your school. You must have met any prerequisites listed on the summer course list. An interview is required for final selection and a parent/guardian must be present at that time.
Requirements Once Admitted
Calendar
Summer Session courses are taught in short blocks. Courses last between three and five weeks long. Courses are spread out throughout the summer from late June to late August. Some subjects may only be available in one or two blocks. The College Bridge Advising Team will discuss your availability and its impact on course choice with you at your interview.
As mentioned above, classes are very short and therefore move very quickly. The class will cover material equivalent to that taught in one quarter (11 weeks) of a regular school year. You will be expected to focus solely on your course while you are participating in College Bridge - you are not permitted to be simultaneously enrolled in another program, and outside commitments should be kept to a minimum.
Meetings
A mandatory orientation will be held prior to the start of Summer Session. Also, students are required to meet weekly with the College Bridge Advising Team.