Common Questions

The application for the newest cohort will open in mid-December of this year and close at the end of January in the new year. Log in to the CPP Portal to begin your application.

Freshmen in high school:

• Whose family’s total household income is $75,000 or less per year
• Students who are first-generation college students (your parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree)
• Students who reside in the St. Louis region
• Students with a minimum 2.5 unweighted cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Students who would like to receive college guidance and coaching
• Students who can commit to attend CPP’s Summer Academy for three consecutive summers, as well as attend a minimum of two academic sessions each semester during the academic year

To complete the online application, students need to create an account and submit the following:

• General information about student and household
• Personal reflection questions
• An unofficial high school transcript showcasing 1st semester fall grades
• A completed recommender form

We take a holistic approach when reviewing applications. That means we look at your academics, reflection questions, activities, recommendations and how you will engage in the College Prep Community.  

We expect your application materials to be an honest representation of your own work. It is fine to use outside resources to check your work for spelling or clarity. You might share your essays with a teacher or counselor, or use editing or AI tools, for this purpose. However, your application essays and other written materials should accurately represent your writing skills. We discourage you from using AI tools like ChatGPT as the main source of your essay’s content. Whether you’re sharing your achievements, activities, or skills, AI tools should not be the primary author.

If you have trouble submitting your application, please contact our team for help at collegeprep@wustl.edu.

After applications are reviewed, students will be notified by email if they are invited to interview. Invited students will select a time for their in-person interview in March. Enrollment decisions are based on both the application and interview, students are notified in early April.

• Attend CPP’s Summer Academy for three consecutive summers, including the residential experience during the third summer.
• Meet with their assigned CPP mentor as specified.
• Attend a minimum of two sessions each semester for a total of four sessions an academic year. Sessions are traditionally held on Saturdays.
• Uphold the College Prep Program policies and expectations and Washington University in St. Louis policies and procedures as outlined in the scholar’s enrollment packet and scholar handbook.

As a CPP scholar, you’ll engage in experiences that support your academic growth, personal development, and preparation for life after high school. These include:

• Academic & Enrichment Programming: Held throughout the fall and spring semester, these sessions focus on building the skills you’ll need for college preparation and career readiness. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities that strengthen life skills, support personal growth, and promote overall well-being.
• Pre-College Year Meetings & Mentorship: Before your senior year, you’ll connect with your assigned CPP mentor who will support you throughout your high school journey, college application process, and your transition to higher education.
• Summer Academy: An immersive summer experience where you’ll explore academic and career interests, experience campus life, earn college credit, and build community with fellow scholars.
• Alumni Network: After graduating from the program, you’ll join the CPP alumni network and continue your connection to resources, opportunities, and support as you move into college and beyond!