View of Saint Joseph Hall, a stone building with terra cotta roof tiles, through the trees

Summer Transition Program

First Year Real College Experience

Chestnut Hill College’s First Year Real-College Experience Program is a free, four-week summer transition program open to all admitted students from Pennsylvania that helps those students adjust to Chestnut Hill by providing academic enrichment, community building, and experiential learning activities.

Summer Transition Program 2026 Dates and Highlights

The Summer Transition Program for 2026 runs from July 12th – August 6th and offers both a part-time residential (experience campus life firsthand) or 100% online option.

Hybrid (SOCI 101): Includes one week on campus and three weeks online with courses taken Monday-Thursday between 9AM – 12PM
Fully Online (CHEM 103): Includes a four-week fully remote program that is offered Monday-Thursday between 6 – 9PM

The cost of the program is fully covered for PA students.

Through this program, students will:

Earn College credit – complete one 3-credit academic course plus get access to a free financial literacy course
Build your network – form lasting bonds with faculty, staff, and a supportive peer cohort
Master college life – gain essential skills in critical thinking, goal setting, and effective study habits
Better understand academic expectations and college culture.
Career exploration – go behind-the-scenes with weekly tours of top regional companies and professional networking

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Summer Transition Program Cost Anything?

Nope! Chestnut Hill College will cover all fees associated with the Summer Transition Program including tuition and housing.

Will I Earn College Credit for the Courses I Take as Part of the Program?

Yes! Students will earn three credit hours per course taken as part of the Summer Transition Program. These courses and grades are part of your permanent transcript and are the beginning of your college grade point average.

How is Course Enrollment Determined?

Students will be enrolled in classes based upon test scores and transfer credits that are available by the start of the summer program. This means that all transcripts and placement, AP, and/or IB test scores must be available before the start date of the program to determine class enrollment.

What Resources are Available to Me as Part of the Program?

Students in the Summer Transition Program will have access to student resources including Career Development, Learning Resource Centers (tutoring & study skills, math, writing, and disability centers), the Logue Library, and more!

Don’t just start college – ignite your future. Apply for the FYRE program today!

For more information on the Summer Transition Program, contact Charlene Zengeya, Ph.D., Director of Student Outreach and Success, at summertransition@chc.edu OR 215-248-7045.

To learn more about Admissions at Chestnut Hill College, please contact admissions@chc.edu OR 215-248-7001.