Summer /

Summer Start Program for First-Year Freshmen

This Summer, Get a Head Start at Hunter

As a first-time freshman, college can be quite the adjustment, so why not start early and take a summer class? The Summer Start Program is intended to help you get settled into Hunter College by taking a summer course that will count towards your degree prior to attending full-time in the Fall.

hunter freshman girls smiling

"Choose from four different Summer Start courses in English, psychology, music, and geography. Whatever course you choose, it's guaranteed to count towards your Hunter College undergraduate degree."

Program Benefits

Why Should I Apply to the Summer Start Program?

There are plenty of great reasons to apply to the Summer Start Program. Here's just a few:

  • Get acquainted with campus and meet your new classmates before you start school in the Fall.
  • Get a jump start on your degree! Each one of the courses offered will count towards your Hunter degree.
  • Give your study habits a test run and prepare for the Fall semester by taking a summer course.

The application deadline has passed.

Available Courses

Get a Head Start on Your Degree

Choose from four different Summer Start courses in English, psychology, music, and geography. Whatever course you choose, it's guaranteed to count towards your Hunter College undergraduate degree. 

Expository Writing (English)

Most Popular! Required of all students unless exempt, the English 12000 course trains students to analyze, develop and evaluate ideas, and to express themselves clearly and effectively. Introduction to documented research.

  • June 28 – August 16, Monday and Wednesday, 9:50am – 1pm, or
  • June 28 – August 16, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:40am – 1:15pm, or
  • June 28 – August 16, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:50am – 1:04pm, or
  • June 28 – August 16, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 1:30pm – 3:04pm

Introduction to Psychology

An introduction to the problems, methods and concepts of psychology. The course covers a range of topics that characterize the discipline, including history; methodology and professional ethics; biological foundations; perception, motivation and emotion; learning, memory and thinking; individual differences; intelligence; personality; behavior disorders and their treatment; and group processes.

  • July 14 – August 17, Tuesday and Thursday, 12pm – 3:50pm

People and their Environment (Geography)

A broad overview of subjects and ideas in geography, possibly the most internally diverse of the social sciences. This course covers the geographical aspects of topics including weather and climate, landforms, religions, food, cities, economics, culture, politics and much more. While students will be expected to understand the basics of each topic covered, the overarching emphasis will be on understanding the relationships among them. As such, the course builds from one topic to the next, ultimately stressing the sheer geographical complexity and wonder of modern life. Contemporary economic, politi­cal and social patterns and problems will be discussed.

  • July 14 – August 17, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12pm – 1:50pm

A Thousand Years of Listening (Music)

This course covers selected compositions primarily from the European tradition studied with an aim to develop perceptive listening.

  • July 14 – August 17, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6pm – 7:50pm

Algebra for College Students

  • July 14 – August 17, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:15am 11:20am

Tuition and Fees

Cost to Attend the Summer Start Program

As a first-year freshman, you will be charged at the part-time degree-seeking student tuition rate for your Summer Start course:

New York State Residents Out-of-State Residents
$305 per credit + fees $620 per credit + fees

Starting with the Fall semester, your tuition rate will revert to the full-time degree-seeking rate once you have enrolled in a full-time schedule. More information about tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition and Payment website.

Summer Pell Grant

Additional summer funding may be available through the Summer Pell Grant. Contact the Office of Financial Aid or click the link below to learn more.

More About the Summer Pell Grant

Contact Us

Have questions?

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions & Recruitment is here to help with any questions you have about the program. Contact us today!

Difficulty Paying for Summer Start?

Should you need help paying for your Summer Start course, additional options may be available. Please contact us directly at admissions@hunter.cuny.edu to learn more.

Contact Undergraduate Admissions