Commuting Scholars

If you are a talented high school student who lives within commuting distance of Northwestern, you may opt to apply as a Commuting Scholar. This alternative to the on-campus residency program is designed to make College Prep available to the entire Northwestern University community, including local residents from Chicago and its suburbs, as well as to visiting students who are staying with relatives living nearby.

The same exciting activities and cultural events that are planned for residents will enhance your summer experience as a Commuting Scholar. You will be able to take advantage of the same academic and social benefits as the residents, including the Get Ready Series and all excursions. With your WildCARD - Northwestern's student identification card - you can get your own Northwestern e-mail account, use the University's libraries and computer labs, work out at the athletic facilities and play volleyball on the private beach. Because the College Prep program includes both Residential and Commuting Scholars, the same program fee applies to both groups of students.

Commuting Scholars are also able to purchase meal plans for the campus dining halls, where you can take your meals with other College Prep and Summer Session students. The dining halls offer a great variety of options from pizza and burgers to stir fry and vegan dishes. A dietician is on staff to help students with special dietary requirements.