Frequently Asked Questions
Admission and General Information
Yes, congratulations! Students admitted via the Summer Scholars Program are WKU students who will complete a summer transition program (known as the Summer Scholars Program) beginning in July. You’ll need to complete two courses and earn at least a “C” in both courses to continue as a degree-seeking student in the fall at WKU.
The Summer Scholars Program is designed to help students successfully transition to college. You’ll take two summer courses, live in an on-campus residence hall, and receive specialized resources from a team of faculty and staff.
Your unweighted high school GPA is between 2.0 and 2.49, which indicates that you would benefit from a preparatory program to help you effectively transition to college. After you successfully complete both summer courses by earning at least a “C” in both courses, you will have fulfilled the requirements of the Summer Scholars Program.
Yes, in order to accept your spot in the incoming fall class, you must complete the requirements of the Summer Scholars Program.
Submit the enrollment form to confirm your participation in the Summer Scholars Program.
Submit an updated official high school transcript to the Office of Admissions. After WKU has processed your new transcript, your start date will automatically move from the summer to the fall term. However, you are still welcome to join us for the Summer Scholars Program! To participate in this innovative program, even though you obtained a higher GPA, please email admission@wku.edu to confirm your enrollment.
Courses and Summer Schedule
Yes, to continue as a degree-seeking student in the fall at WKU, you must earn at least a “C” in both courses taken through the Summer Scholars Program.
You’ll take two courses that will count toward WKU’s 120-hour graduation requirement. Course selection will be guided by factors such as intended major, test scores, and course capacity. You’ll review your summer and fall course options with an Academic Advisor during your Topper Orientation Program (TOP).
Yes! If you successfully complete both courses, you’ll earn six hours of college credit in only five weeks.
The Summer Scholars Program team is still finalizing the schedule. You’ll receive a copy when you arrive to your Topper Orientation Program (TOP). In the past, the schedule has included:
- Required classes and study hours Monday – Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Required meetings with your Academic Advisor outside of the times above
- Optional social events during evenings and weekends
Due to the requirements of the program, the Summer Scholars Program team encourages you to participate only in the Summer Scholars Program and avoid any other outside activities. Focusing on your summer courses will help set you up for success at WKU!
Cost and Financial Aid
WKU will award you a one-time scholarship that will help cover the cost of summer tuition, textbooks, housing, and meals. You’ll pay no more than $750 for the entire program, and the amount may be less if you qualify for additional federal financial aid. Make sure you complete the 2023-24 FAFSA!
The program cost includes:
- Tuition for six credit hours (two courses)
- Required course textbooks
- On-campus housing in a residence hall (double occupancy)
- Ten meals per week
- Summer membership to the Preston Health and Activities Center
- One-on-one advising and academic support through the Advising and Career Development Center
- Social activities/outings for evening and weekend entertainment
We are confident that you can be successful at WKU, so we’re awarding a one-time summer scholarship to reduce the cost of this summer program to no more than $750. Keep in mind that you will be required to complete the 2023-24 FAFSA, which could reduce the out-of-pocket cost to $0.
The program cost does not include the housing application fee, TOP registration fee, or any personal items such as school supplies, clothing, or toiletries.
Yes! You are required to complete both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 FAFSA. Federal financial aid for the summer is determined by the 2023-24 FAFSA, while federal financial aid for the fall/spring is determined by the 2024-25 FAFSA. Please submit both to ensure you receive the maximum amount of grants, loans, and scholarships!
Housing and Residence Life
Yes! The live-on experience is an essential part of your education at WKU. You’ll live with a roommate in one of the residence halls for the duration of the program.
Yes! Please submit a housing application for the upcoming academic year through the WKU Housing Portal. A $75 application fee is required. You do not need to submit an application for the summer term.
If you are eligible to live off campus, request a housing exemption through the WKU Housing Portal. Remember, you will live on campus during the Summer Scholars Program, no matter your housing status for the upcoming academic year.
Housing assignments are made in date-received order. The WKU Housing Portal will be updated with room and roommate information once summer assignments have been finalized, typically in late May or June.
All students will live in Minton Hall over the summer. The WKU Housing Portal will be updated with room and roommate information once assignments have been finalized.
No, you’ll need to pay $75 when you submit your housing application. Application instructions are available on the WKU Housing Portal.
No, you may park in select exterior campus lots at no cost for the summer. Refer to the summer parking map for specific lots. To learn more about parking in interior campus lots for an additional cost, please contact Parking and Transportation Services.
Most students will have different room assignments between the summer and fall terms. Roommate requests, Living Learning Community participation, and availability all impact housing assignments. Check the WKU Housing Portal to identify your housing assignment for the fall term.
You’ll move into the residence hall on July 8th. More details will be available soon.
You’ll move out of the residence hall during the last week of the program. Housing and Residence Life will provide more information at a later date.
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is a transition program available to all first-year students that includes information sessions, group discussions, and socials. It’s optional, but strongly encouraged! M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan takes place after the Summer Scholars Program, before the first day of the fall term. If you’re interested, register for M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan after you submit your housing application or housing exemption.
Topper Orientation Program (TOP)
Yes, WKU will offer a Topper Orientation Program (TOP) on July 8th exclusively for students in the Summer Scholars Program. Registration instructions are available on the TOP reservations page. When you register, select the fall term option, even though you technically start in the summer.
No, you’ll need to pay $75 when you register for TOP. Registration instructions are available on the TOP reservations page. When you register, select the fall term option, even though you technically start in the summer.
No, because the TOP on July 8th includes important information specific to the Summer Scholars Program, you may not attend a different orientation.
Plan to arrive in the morning and stay for the entire day on July 8th. More information will be available soon.
Billings and Payments
You can pay your summer term bill using cash, check, or money order in person at the WKU Office of Student Billing and Account Services located in Potter Hall 208. You can also pay online using a credit/debit card or electronic payment from a checking or savings account. Refer to the payment options website for more information.
All billing is electronic. You’ll receive an account statement through your TopperMail email account, unless you specify a separate billing email address.
If you have a balance from the Summer Scholars Program, you’ll receive an electronic bill between May and July. Please submit your payment to the Office of Student Billing and Account Services by the deadline listed. By default, electronic bills are sent to your TopperMail email account, unless you specify a separate billing email address.
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