Frequently Asked Questions

How many students will participate in FSY?

The FSY cohort size is 96 students.

How and why was I invited to FSY?

FSY is designed to prepare first-generation low-income (FGLI) students for the transition to Yale by providing early access to Yale’s resources and opportunities. Students who have been admitted to Yale and have completed their financial aid application may receive an invitation to join FSY for a variety of reasons. For example, some students may not have had access to mentors, family, or friends who have attended college. Mentorship, preparation, and good advice can be critical to success in college, and FSY is designed to help provide those resources to allow all students the foundation for a successful transition.  Much like the Yale admissions process, students are selected for FSY based on a holistic review that assesses whether a student is a strong match for the program and will contribute positively to the discourse and community throughout the program.

I wasn’t invited to FSY, but can I apply to attend the program?

There is no application as FSY is an invitation-only program. Yale offers a range of resources to incoming first-year students to ensure their smooth transition to college, including a residential college dean, first-year student counselors, academic adviser, and pre-orientation and orientation programming. In addition, FGLI students will receive communications and information regarding opportunities to connect with the FGLI student community and support resources in the fall. 

Non-FSY students who would like to begin their academic journey during the summer are welcome to apply to Yale Summer Session as individual applicants.

When is FSY?

FSY runs June 21 to August 1. The first week of FSY (June 21-25, 2026) consists of online programming held during the evenings (Eastern time). The on-campus portion will begin with move-in on Fri., June 26, 2026 and will end when students move out on Sat., August 1, 2026.

What does the program schedule include?

Students will attend classes Monday through Friday.  In addition to class meetings and related coursework, during the weekdays, students will attend academic support meetings and workshops, explore campus resources, and participate in counselor group events and social activities. Some of these events are required, while others are encouraged but optional. Some weekends include field trips and full cohort events while others have no programming. 

I am still taking exams and participating in my high school graduation the first week of FSY. Can I still participate?

Yes, the first week consists of online programming, which allows you to finish your high school experience before leaving for FSY.  These online events are required for all FSY participants.  Students will move in for the campus portion on Friday, June 26. If you have any questions about the programming timeline, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. 

I would like to participate in FSY but I need to leave early/late or have another date conflict.

The FSY program is a full-time, on-campus residential experience involving coursework and scheduled program activities. As such, students are required to attend the entirety of the program and cannot arrive late or leave early. Students are expected to attend all required activities but may go off-campus or have family visitors during unscheduled free time. 

What will I do when I’m not in class? Is there time to have fun?

Yes! While this will be a rigorous academic experience, the FSY summer staff will plan events, activities, and field trips. Students also need ample time to unwind and recharge during summer months so there will be free time every day for First-Year Scholars to relax and hang out. 

During unscheduled free time, students are permitted to go off-campus to explore New Haven or other local areas but are expected to let their Counselors know so we can account for everybody in the case of an emergency. 

Do I get to choose the classes I will take?

Each First-Year Scholar will enroll in a section of English S1014, which is a popular Yale writing seminar that covers a variety of topics. Scholars will be given the chance to rank their topic preferences, however we will assign each student to a specific section of English S1014 to keep the class size of each section at 12 students.  Students will also be assigned a Quantitative Reasoning (QR) course. Placement will be based on students’ quantitative reasoning assessments as well as their particular interests in the STEM disciplines. 

Do the classes I take in FSY count toward my Yale degree?

Yes, these are real Yale classes that count as 1.5 credits toward your degree and are also included in your GPA. 

Are the classes difficult?

These are credit-bearing courses taught at Yale’s expected rigor level. ENGL S1014 is a standard course taught during the academic year and FSY condenses this semester-long course into five weeks, so it is fast paced. While these are academically rigorous courses, FSY students are provided lots of support through tips and strategies, office hours, writing partners and undergraduate learning assistants (ULAs), personal librarians, and more.

How much does it cost?

FSY is free!  All costs – housing, meals, tuition, textbooks, planned trips/activities, and travel - are covered. In addition, First-Year Scholars will receive a $350 stipend, and Yale will waive the summer share portion of their financial aid package. 

Outside scholarships may affect the summer share credit so please contact yss.funding@yale.edu to understand how this credit will be calculated and applied.

How do I get to and from campus for FSY?

All travel arrangements are coordinated by the FSY program on behalf of our students. 

Unlike fall move-in which is a campus-wide event led by the residential colleges, FSY check-in is low-key, and most students travel to and from FSY unaccompanied. While family members are always welcome, please know that we are unable to cover costs, arrange tickets, or provide accommodation for traveling family members.

By plane – For those who will fly, we will provide instructions to students about working with our travel agent who will arrange flights and purchase tickets. Students must show acceptable identification at airport checkpoints. Students will be provided with extra money in their stipend to cover the average cost of one (1) checked bag. All travelers will be going through Bradley Airport (Hartford, CT) or John F. Kennedy Airport (NYC), and shuttles will be provided for all FSY students to get to/from the airports and campus.

By bus or train – For those who live close to nearby bus or train stations and choose to travel by public transportation, we will purchase tickets for those students.

By car – For those who live locally, they may arrive and depart campus by car. We will provide the specific address you can use and there is street meter parking available. Students will be reimbursed for the round-trip mileage – up to a limit – after the program concludes. 

Where do we live during FSY and will I have a roommate?

All incoming students are assigned to one of fourteen residential colleges, and these assignments are announced during the summer. During the summer months, residential colleges are used for a variety of special programs where FSY students will all live and eat together in one residential college. In 2026, FSY will be housed in Ezra Stiles College. 

Students are generally housed in suites with other students of the same gender. Most students will share a room with one other student. Students will be asked to share any accommodation needs or preferences to assist with the process of assigning housing. Assignments are not shared with students prior to their arrival on campus. 

What should I bring?

Residential college rooms include a twin extra-long bed and mattress, as well as a desk, chair, and bureau.  We encourage students to pack lightly for summer -- you do not need to bring as much stuff as you will bring for the academic semester. We will provide FSY students with a packing list and we will also arrange for students to go shopping on day two for any essentials they may need. 

At the end of FSY, students will be able to store any bulky items that can be difficult to travel with – e.g., a fan or trash bin – and pick them up when moving into their residential college. 

What if I don't have a computer to bring to FSY?

Yale will provide a rental laptop computer for students who need them (at no charge) for use during the FSY program.

Why should I choose FSY?

If you have been invited to FSY and are available, we strongly encourage you to join us for the summer!  Students will have early exposure to Yale’s academics, campus, social connections, faculty and staff, and resources, helping students in their transition to university life at Yale. 

By the end of FSY, participants often describe feeling more confident and prepared for the year ahead. Check out what these 2026 & 2025 FSYers said: 

I gained a sense of Yale as my ‘home.’ I was able to ask all of the questions I wanted, leaving me feeling incredibly prepared for the school year. I feel like I have an incredible network already, and I feel as if I know so many people who I know will help me no matter what. I also was able to address imposter experience earlier than the school year and was able to prove to myself that I am capable. I am just so grateful for the head start that I got from FSY. It's genuinely such an incredible program and there is no other way that I would have rather spent my summer. – 2026 FSYer

During FSY, I gained a better understanding of what college life at Yale will actually look like, both academically and socially. I learned how to navigate campus resources, manage my time, ask for help when I need it, and build community with other FGLI students. FSY helped me feel more prepared and less overwhelmed going into the fall because I now know more about expectations, support systems, and how to advocate for myself.  – 2026 FSYer

I've gained countless experiences and skills that help me feel better prepared for Yale. This program truly changed how I see myself and how much more confident I feel to start the semester. There are not enough words to capture how impactful this program has been and will continue to be on my Yale journey. – 2025 FSYer

FSY was fun and very well-executed. Had I not had the FSY experience, I feel that I wouldn't have been as prepared to succeed in my first year at Yale. – 2025 FSYer

How can I attend FSY and earn the student share portion of my financial aid award?

Students who receive an invitation to participate in FSY and want to participate should accept their invitation and then await further instructions from the FSY program staff in Yale Summer Session. Yale will waive the first year summer student share for all First-Year Scholars. This means an additional $1,600 in Yale Scholarship will be added to your financial aid award for your first year. 

Outside scholarships may affect the Student Share credit so if you are receiving an outside scholarship, please contact yss.funding@yale.edu to understand how this credit will be calculated and applied.

Will I still be able to participate in Camp Yale programs if I attend FSY?

Absolutely! Orientation programs (e.g., Cultural Connections, FOCUS, FOOT, Harvest) begin after FSY ends. Please note that it is not possible for FSY students to remain on campus for the week(s) between FSY and Camp Yale. 

What are the rules students are expected to follow during FSY?

FSY is administered as a summer program under the umbrella of Yale Summer Session (YSS). As such, all FSY students are expected to read and follow the rules and policies outlined in the YSS Student Handbook. 

I still have questions. Who do I contact?

Please do not hesitate to contact us by reaching out to fsy@yale.edu.