FAQ

How do I apply for Pre-College Healthcare Academy? 

Students apply through our online application system and the process is designed to be straightforward. Applicants will complete a short response question and upload a recent transcript or school report. Our admissions team carefully reviews each application to learn more about students’ interests and enthusiasm for exploring healthcare. 

Is the admissions decision binding?

Admission to Pre-College Healthcare Academy is not binding. If accepted, students will have two weeks to decide if they are enrolling by submitting a non-refundable initial payment of $1500. If a student does not enroll by the enrollment deadline, their spot will be offered to the next student on the list, though we encourage you to contact us if you accidentally miss the enrollment deadline. 

I have been accepted; how do I enroll? 

All admitted students must complete an Enrollment Form and a nonrefundable initial payment of $1500 per course to guarantee their place in the program. Students and parents will be sent an acceptance email containing a link to complete the form. At the end of the form, the system will prompt you to submit your first payment and enroll. 

Are scholarships available? 

Yes, we are committed to making the Pre-College Healthcare Academy accessible to students from all backgrounds. We believe financial circumstances should not be a barrier to world-class, pre-collegiate education. Our Scholarship Program aims to improve the availability, access and equity of learning opportunities by providing scholarships based on financial need. 

The Admissions Committee reviews all complete applications holistically. Students who wish to be considered for scholarships must submit a completed program application followed by a scholarship application. 

What payment plans are available and what methods do you accept? 

Students who prefer to pay in installments can set up an automated payment plan at the time they enroll in the program. Automated payment plans will charge a non-refundable initial payment of $1500 per term, followed by equal monthly installments through Spring 2026. 

Accepted payment methods may include: 

• Credit Cards & Debit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa 
• Bank Payment: Checking Account or Saving Account 

What is the refund policy? 

The first initial payment of $1,500 for Pre-College Healthcare Academy is non- refundable. To withdraw from the program for any reason before the start of the term, the student must notify Pre-College Healthcare Academy in writing via email, and, depending on the date of withdrawal, a portion of the tuition and fees previously paid may be refunded. No refunds will be given for early departures from a program once it is underway, whether voluntary or otherwise.

Date of receipt of written cancellation notification	Percentage of program fees refunded (less non- refundable initial payment of $1500)
Within three (3) days of enrollment (when registering with payment)	100% - cancel within three days of enrollment for a full refund (when registering with payment)
Before March 15	50%
On or After May 15	0% (deferral options available if eligible)

*The first initial payment of $1500 and all processing fees are not eligible for refund. 

The application fee is $50 and may be paid online via credit card. This fee is non-refundable. 

 

How will students get to and from the airport? 

The Pre-College Healthcare Academy’s campus is accessible from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Rochester International Airport. Please note, there is a shuttle service available from Minneapolis-St. Paul airport direct to the University of Minnesota-Rochester campus for a fee. Please see details here (Van and Shuttle Services | MSP Airport ). Check airline and transit policies for unaccompanied minors.   

This information is provided for information purposes only. Pre-College Healthcare Academy does not endorse and is not affiliated or associated with any transportation company or agency. 

How do I communicate with the program staff during the program? 

Families receive a Welcome Desk phone line before move-in. An emergency number is given at check-in. Staff can also be reached at studentlife@healthcare.edconic.com 

Who is supervising the students? 

All classes and activities are chaperoned. Residential staff and security are on duty 24/7. 

Are program staff required to have background checks? 

Yes. All staff with regular student interaction complete background checks and Protection of Minors training. 

Is health insurance required? 

Yes, for the entire program. International students often purchase travel insurance with medical coverage. 

How will students travel around Rochester? 

Official activities use public transit with staff. During free time, students may explore the city with peers using our checkout system. Families should discuss guidelines in advance. 

Do students need to purchase public transit rides? 

Yes. Students cover their own transit. Budget $2.00 per round trip. 

When do students need to arrive? 

Mandatory check-in is Sunday, the day before classes begin, followed by orientation and evening activities. 

I have family/friends in the Minneapolis/St. Paul/Rochester area. Can they make arrangements to take my child out for a meal during the program? 

Yes, with a Special Leave Request. Students must return by curfew. 

What are some examples of evening/weekend activities and events? 

Evenings and weekends include community events, curated excursions and optional outings. Activities range from theater shows and museum visits to student-led social nights. 

Are college visits part of the curriculum? 

Not formally. Some classes may visit campuses; optional excursions may also be offered. 

Where do students reside during Pre-College Healthcare Academy? 

Students reside in air-conditioned, traditional-style residence halls within the University of Minnesota-Rochester campus. Each room is equipped with a private en-suite bathroom, ensuring a comfortable and private living environment for all students. 

How are room assignments made? 

We believe the roommate experience is an important part of communal living, helping students build life skills like communication, tolerance, and compromise – often leading to lasting friendships.  

Students are typically roomed according to age/grade and the self-identified gender listed in their Program Form. Assignments are finalized before arrival and shared at check-in, not before.    

Note: While we do our best to be sensitive to individual needs, students will not be able to request room changes upon arrival or during program duration. 

What about food? What if my student has special dietary needs or preferences? 

Meals are included with vegetarian/vegan options. Dietary accommodations can be requested in advance via the Program Form. 

What does the meal plan include? 

Residential students receive breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the program

Can parents visit students? 

Students may meet family off campus during free time. Parents are not permitted in residence halls nor the academic campus. 

Is there a particular dress code? 

The dress code at Mayo College Clinic is business casual or professional. Students are expected to dress appropriately for a professional healthcare environment.

Students must wear:  

• Full-length tops (no crop tops)  
• Pants, skirts, dresses that provide full coverage  
• Closed-toe shoes for the academic day

Students cannot wear:  

• Shorts, beachwear, and sandals without a strap around both front and back of the foot (e.g., fli flops)
• Hats, hoods, or other head coverings, except when needed for work responsibilities, religious, cultural, or medical reasons
• Jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, work-out type clothing, or t-shirts 
• Crop tops
• Clothing with violent, drug, alcohol or inappropriate imagery/language  
• Items that create a hostile/intimidating environment  
• Dangerous accessories or anything that could be used as a weapon  

We expects all students to dress in a way that is appropriate for an academic environment. Students will frequently interact with professionals and in professional environments and should dress as such. Basic Principle: Certain body parts (genitals, buttocks, breasts and nipples) must be covered at all times by opaque clothing.

Will students receive certificates for the program? 

Yes. All students who complete the term in good standing will receive a digital certificate from Pre-College Healthcare Academy at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. 

Will instructors provide feedback to students? 

Yes. Each student who completes the course and is in good standing will receive a narrative evaluation after the term ends. 

How does Pre-College Healthcare Academy benefit my college application? 

Pre-College Healthcare Academy allows students to get a glimpse of the college experience while also exploring possible topics of study. Typically, college admissions officers look favorably on students who continue to enhance their academic portfolio during the summer months. Students will also benefit from receiving a narrative evaluation from their instructor which can be included as part of their college applications. 

What should I bring to Pre-College Healthcare Academy? 

• Clothing: light and cool business casual clothing, jacket or sweater, raincoat, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, a set of nicer clothes (for more formal events) 
• Weather gear: sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, reusable water bottle  
• Academic supplies such as notebook and pen will be provided for each student
• Tech: A laptop is strongly recommended for coursework but tablets with keyboards are acceptable. There are limited Chromebooks for borrowing (first-come, first-served).  
• U.S.-compatible phone/plan, alarm clock, hair dryer, headphones, chargers, adapters (if international)  
• Other: towel, photo ID, copy of insurance card, spending money  
• Toiletries: Body wash/soap, shampoo/conditioner, face/skincare items, haircare items, toothpaste and toothbrush. 

What shouldn’t I bring to Pre-College Healthcare Academy? 

• Flammables: candles, incense, lighters, fireworks  
• Weapons: knives, pepper spray, firearms, laser pointers, etc.  
• Tobacco, alcohol, or unauthorized drugs  
• Pets  
• Vehicles, skateboards, skates, bicycles  
• Kitchen appliances: fridge, microwave, hot plates, toaster ovens  
• USB drives  
• Valuables (program not responsible for lost/stolen items)  
• Bedding is provided, so students need not bring sheets, pillows, or blankets. 

Are there required vaccinations for the program? 

All students must provide health information, including proof of immunization for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Meningitis, through the Program Form after enrollment.  

COVID-19 vaccination is not required, but we strongly recommend that students follow CDC guidance, which advises keeping up to date with vaccines and boosters.  

Pre-College Healthcare Academy reserves the right to require additional vaccinations if recommended by the CDC, FDA, WHO or the housing provider, if necessary to prevent or control communicable disease outbreaks. 

Are there any medical exemptions that Pre-College Healthcare Academy will consider? 

Medical exemptions may be granted in limited cases and are reviewed individually. These may include:  

• Contraindication to specific vaccinations  
• Inability to share a room   
• Other relevant medical conditions  

Exemption requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start of the term. Students will be notified by email if the request is accepted or denied.  

Requests require a signed letter from a licensed medical provider that certifies:  

• The student is their patient  
• The provider has reviewed the student’s medical history  
• The student has a medical condition preventing compliance with one or more requirements above  

Letters must be sent to the designated program email (shared after enrollment). For general questions, contact studentlife@healthcare.edconic.com 

Does Pre-College Healthcare Academy provide mental health counselors during the program? 

The Academy does not provide ongoing counseling. Staff are trained to handle emergencies in line with our mental health safety plans.  

Families should help students prepare for the academic expectations of the program and the experience of living in a new environment. If a student has ongoing mental health support or other care needs, families are encouraged to coordinate plans in advance and indicate any relevant information in the Program Form.