Frequently Asked Questions

The Summer Bridge Scholars Program (SBSP) is a 7 week, residential, in-person program that bridges gaps in opportunity created by inequitable systems in education. This invitation-only opportunity allows you to learn to leverage your academic skills in this new environment, begin to make friends and build your community at U-M, and to familiarize yourself with the campus and its resources. 

Created in 1975, the Summer Bridge Scholars Program offers an intensive and supportive academic environment, small class sizes with high levels of faculty attention, and highly individualized academic advising. In addition to the academics, current U-M students (most, if not all, of whom are CSP students and/or Summer Bridge alum) will live amongst you in the residence halls, providing mentorship and supporting building community with your peers. 

Participation in SBSP will allow you to leverage your skills in this new environment and develop new skills that are pivotal to academic success at Michigan. This exclusive opportunity allows you to gain a competitive edge for the fall semester through the following:

• You will take two courses and earn six college credits. All credits will meet specific degree requirements. As this is college coursework, these courses are graded and will be reflected on your official University of Michigan transcript.
• Through courses and mandatory workshops, you will begin to network with U-M staff and faculty and learn how to make the most of your resources on campus. 
• Peer Mentors will live in the halls throughout the summer with you to provide mentorship and plan in-hall programming to help you get to know your peers. Many of our scholars maintain their Summer Bridge friendships and community through their U-M career and beyond.  

You will enroll in 6 credits during the summer half-term. The estimated cost of attendance for the 2025 summer half-term for a full time student (6 - 9 credits) is $9,234 for a Michigan resident and $20,037 for a non-Michigan resident. These estimates include the cost of tuition and mandatory fees, housing and meals, books and supplies, and other personal and miscellaneous expenses. 

Financial aid and scholarships are available to meet or assist with program costs if you qualify. Learn more about both here.

Information about the Summer Bridge Scholars Program was included in your admission packet. Starting in February, we will begin to email you information about the Summer Bridge Scholars Program and items you need to complete prior to enrolling. Through early May, we will spend all information to the email address you used when applying for admission to the University of Michigan. Starting mid-May, we will send all emails to your U-M email address. Additionally, you can contact us at any time at csp-bridge@umich.edu or 734-764-9128 if you have any questions or want additional information. 

During SBSP, you will participate in a few mandatory programs. These events are tentatively scheduled for the following dates. Additional information about mandatory events will be provided upon your arrival on June 27. 

• Orientation: June 27-30
• Adventure Leadership Program: July 10-12
  
• Mandatory Weekend Programming: August 5
• Closing Ceremony: August 18

We will share any changes to these dates by early April. 

In addition, Peer Mentors will host optional, program-provided evening and weekend programming in the residence halls. While these change every year, programs in the past have included movie and game nights, open-mic night, self-defense classes, resume workshops, and crafts like gratitude jars, succulent potting, friendship bracelets, slime-making, and more! 

To support you in getting the most out of your first term at U-M,  you are highly discouraged from obtaining a part-time job during this 7-week program. Due to the requirements and schedule of the program, time to work a part-time job is limited. In addition, there is also no work-study available in the summer term.

If you have financial concerns, please contact the Office of Financial Aid Outreach Team at ofa-outreach@umich.edu as they specifically work with Summer Bridge scholars. 

Your uniqname is your U-M user name. It is used for logging in to U-M websites, online services, systems, and more. After your enrollment deposit is received or waived, you will receive an email invitation to set up your uniqname. This email is sent to the email address that you used to apply for admission to the University of Michigan. 

Your MCard is your official University of Michigan ID card. It has many uses from building and dining hall access to use as an ATM/debit card. We encourage scholars to submit a photo to the MCard office prior to coming to campus. Scholars who submit their MCard photo prior to June 22 will receive their MCard upon check-in to the program on Saturday, June 27. Those who have not submitted a photo prior to June 15 will have a photo taken during orientation which may delay receipt of their MCard and building access. 

We do not recommend bringing a vehicle to campus during the Summer Bridge Scholars Program. While there is no policy against first-year students having cars on campus, first-year students are only eligible for a student storage permit at U-M and finding alternative long-term parking is both challenging and expensive. All summer term classes are within walking distance of your residence hall and near both university and city public transportation to assist you in getting to your destination.

Take some time to review U-M Transportation Services bus routes and schedules, and Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority MRide Program and routes and schedules. 

Staff from the University of Michigan Office of Undergraduate Admissions make determinations for SBSP based on a holistic review of your application, background, and interests. Admitted scholars are among the most competitive applicants from their high school and were strong candidates for admission. Some common reasons may include, but are not limited to, coming from a small town or high school, having limited AP/IB course or ACT/SAT-prep opportunities, or being first generation in your family to attend a 4 year institution.

Summer 2026 is your term of admission and full attendance and living in the residence hall and participation in courses and events are required.

All scholars planning to attend the Summer Bridge Scholars Program and the University of Michigan must submit a $300 enrollment deposit or request a waiver by May 1. 

Directions to request for an enrollment deposit waiver or extension can be found here. 

Final high school grades/transcripts can be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If your school is unable to submit your transcript before June 22, 2026, you can bring a hard copy of your final report card or transcript with you on move-in day on Saturday, June 27. We will need to see some form of final grades to allow you to move in. Admissions representatives will be present to collect these documents. 

Some students and families may be asked to submit additional documents to be considered for need-based U-M grants and scholarships. These can include supplemental forms, copies of federal tax returns, or other pertinent materials. When this is required, they will contact you by email.

Simply sign in to Wolverine Access to view a list of needed documents.

About Wolverine Access: This is a quick, convenient way for students and prospective students to access password-protected personal university information, including financial aid documents, financial aid notices, and student account statements. For more about using Wolverine Access and viewing your documents, visit the ITS website.

Some students who have not received a uniqname from U-M ITS can use a Friend Account to log in to Wolverine Access and view their financial aid information.

Submit your documents by doing one of the following:

• Preferred method: Via Wolverine Access document upload 
  
• In-person at the Office of Financial Aid or by mail:

2500 Student Activities Building
515 E. Jefferson St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316

• Via fax at 734-647-3081

If you have questions about this process, please email ofa-outreach@umich.edu.