Warren Summer Bridge Program

College is different from high school in ways that students often don’t anticipate. The Bridge program is designed to help students identify and hone the skills they will need to navigate the transition to college-level work with confidence. Whether you have a course of study in mind or just want to explore, Bridge is an excellent place to start your Northwestern journey. First-generation students, students from lower-income backgrounds, and students who attended high schools with limited or no AP/IB preparation are especially encouraged to apply. The program is free to attend.
Program Overview
Explore the program classes:
Although Bridge classes vary in terms of content, they each share the goals of fostering community, preparing students for the pace and rigor of the quarter system, and teaching or honing effective study habits and other essential skills that transcend disciplines.
Bridge courses are taken for a letter grade. Unless they choose not to participate, Bridge students are automatically enrolled in the Arch Scholars Peer Mentoring program starting in the fall quarter.
Social Connections and Mentorship
In addition to coursework, Bridge students will participate in social hangouts with their classmates led by the program counselors. Counselors are former program participants who will give you honest, meaningful advice on how to succeed at Northwestern University. In these conversations you will learn more about the true college experience, your classmates, and yourself.
Faculty
Bridge instructors are among the most dedicated - and popular - in the university. The following faculty members participated in 2024.
- Veronica Berns (Chemistry)
- Justin Brown (Neurobiology)
- Santiago Cañez (Mathematics)
- Lisa Del Torto (Cook Family Writing Program)
- Ava Thompson Greenwell (Journalism)
- Chad Horne (Philosophy)
- Almaz Mesghina (Psychology)
- Scott Ogawa (Economics)
- Gayle Ratliff (Physics & Astronomy)
- Melissa Rosenzweig (Anthropology)
- Mérida M. Rúa (Latina and Latino Studies)
- Hilary Truchan (Molecular Biosciences)
Program Dates
Students should plan to be on campus for the full five weeks of the program. Students will live together in a residence hall on campus during weeks 1-4 and will move to their fall housing assignment during week 5; a meal plan will be provided.
Benefits
- There is no charge for tuition - the program is free to attend.
- We will arrange and pay for airfare/train tickets for students who live more than a 3-hour drive (about 150 miles) from campus.
- Preferred admission into NU Bioscientist, our research preparatory program for first-year students.
- Enrollment in the Arch Scholars peer mentoring program for first-year students.
- Early move-in to fall housing.
How do I apply?
We are no longer accepting applications for the summer of 2024.
Questions?
Contact Rebecca Enright Siroky, Assistant Director for Undergraduate Academic Affairs.