91探花

Academics and Preparation

Do I receive college credit for attending ASPIRE?聽

No. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a formal Certificate of Completion from 91探花. The program is designed to provide insight into college-style STEM learning and enrichment, allowing students to explore new fields and build skills without the pressure of grades or credit accumulation.

Do I need prior experience (like coding or physics) to apply for specific tracks?聽

No. ASPIRE is designed to be an immersion program. We look for curiosity and a willingness to learn rather than mastery of a subject. Unless a specific prerequisite is listed in the course description, beginner-to-intermediate students are welcome in all tracks.

Do I need to bring a laptop?聽

Yes. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a personal laptop for course work, research, and project presentations. If you do not have access to a laptop, please contact us after acceptance, and we will do our best to make arrangements for you.

What if I have an IEP or 504 plan?聽

The Office of Accessible Education recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our campus community. If you are a student with a history of disability (such as an IEP or 504 plan) or believe you will require accommodations to participate in the ASPIRE program, please contact the聽Office of Accessible Education听补迟听access@g.hmc.edu.

Student Life and Policies

Can parents visit or take students off-campus during the weekend?聽

Because ASPIRE is an immersive residential experience with scheduled weekend excursions and group activities, we do not permit parent visits or off-campus leave with family during the program dates. This policy ensures students remain fully engaged with their cohort and the scheduled curriculum.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?聽

The Hoch-Shanahan Dining Commons is well-equipped to handle dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common allergen-free options. There is a section in the enrollment paperwork where you can specify medical dietary requirements so our staff can ensure you are supported.

What is the dress code?聽

The dress code is casual and comfortable (shorts, t-shirts, jeans). However, students must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants during laboratory sessions for safety. We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes for campus tours and field trips. Program t-shirts will be provided for students to wear during field trips.

How much spending money should I bring?聽

Students may want a small amount of spending money for souvenirs, snacks, airport travel, or personal purchases on field trips, but it is not required. All essentials鈥攎eals, lodging, admission tickets, and transportation鈥攁re covered by the program fee.

Residential Logistics

How are roommates assigned?聽

Roommates are assigned based on a housing questionnaire sent to accepted students. We aim to pair students with compatible living habits (e.g., sleep schedules, neatness). To encourage new connections and community building, we generally do not honor requests to room with a specific friend or high school classmate.

Are linens and bedding provided?

No. Students are required to bring their own bedding and towels. The residence halls are furnished with extra-long twin (Twin XL) beds. You should pack Twin XL sheets, a pillow, a blanket or comforter, and bath towels.

Is there laundry on campus?聽

Yes. Laundry facilities are available in the residence halls. Use of the washers and dryers is free of charge, but students must bring their own laundry detergent and dryer sheets. We recommend bringing a laundry bag to transport clothes to and from the machines.

Can I use the gym or athletic facilities?聽

Yes. Students will have scheduled access to the Linde Activities Center (LAC) during designated club hours and downtime. If you plan to exercise, please be sure to pack appropriate athletic wear and sneakers.

Safety and Communication

Is there a curfew?聽

Yes. To ensure students are well-rested and to maintain safety accountability, there is a strict check-in time every evening. Students must be in their residence hall by check-in (typically 10:00 PM), and quiet hours begin shortly after. Residential staff perform nightly checks to account for every student.

Who do I contact in case of an emergency?聽

Families will be provided with a 24-hour emergency contact number for the Residential Director prior to the start of the program. This number is strictly for urgent matters. For non-urgent questions during the program, families can contact the main program email.

Is there a health center or nurse on campus?聽

While we do not have a health center open for the summer academy, our residential staff is trained in first aid and emergency response. For any medical needs or illnesses, students are transported to nearby urgent care or medical facilities. Families must complete medical release forms prior to the program start.

Are cell phones allowed?聽

Yes. Students are welcome to bring cell phones to communicate with family during downtime. However, to ensure a focused and immersive learning environment, cell phone use is not permitted during academic sessions, labs, or guest lectures. Students are expected to be fully present and engaged during all program activities.

Future Planning

Does attending ASPIRE guarantee admission to 91探花?聽

No. Participation in ASPIRE does not guarantee admission to 91探花. However, the program is an excellent way to demonstrate your interest in the college, and the Certificate of Completion is a strong addition to your application. ASPIRE students also get a unique opportunity to interview with admissions counselors during the program to learn how to strengthen their future applications.

What visa do international students need?聽

Visitor categories (no I鈥�20 issued)

B鈥�2 visitors and Visa Waiver/ESTA entrants can usually attend short, noncredit, enrichment programs (language, culture, pre鈥慶ollege, etc.) when the primary purpose of the trip is tourism and the study is incidental.

Students already in the U.S. (F鈥�1, J鈥�1, M鈥�1)

F鈥�1, J鈥�1, or M鈥�1 students in active status at another U.S. institution can typically attend a short, noncredit summer immersion as supplemental activity without a transfer or new SEVIS record, provided they remain in status at their primary school

Other common nonimmigrant categories (H鈥�4, H鈥�1B, etc.)

Dependents in H鈥�4 (of H鈥�1B) and other 鈥渄ependent鈥� categories (e.g., J鈥�2, E鈥�2 dependents) are allowed to study in the U.S., including noncredit short programs such as a 2鈥憌eek immersion.