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Take a UNH Course as a High School Student

UNH CATS Program

  • Get a jump on your college education
  • Explore an academic area not offered by your high school
  • Earn college credits
  • Experience the college academic environment
  • Find out about college professors’ expectations

What is the CATS Program?
CATS stands for “Challenging Academically Talented Students” and is open to highly motivated and academically strong high school seniors and juniors who want to enrich their academic experience with a college level course.

CATS supplements the high school curriculum; it cannot be used to replace courses offered at the high school.

Students may choose from credit courses offered at the freshman level (400-500 numbered courses).

How do I apply?
Fill out the front portion of the CATS application. Include a brief statement explaining why you wish to take a course and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Have your guidance counselor provide a brief recommendation and grade-point average/rank information on the reverse side of application.

Return the completed application, an official high school transcript, and SAT Critical Reading and Math scores (if available) to the Office of Admissions. You will be notified in writing of the decision. You cannot register for a course until you receive written approval.

What are the criteria for approval?

  • Enrollment in a strong and balanced selection of college preparatory coursework, including mathematics, laboratory sciences, and foreign language.
  • An overall “B” average and rank in approximately the top 25% or higher of your class.
  • A combined SAT Critical Reading and Math portion score of 1120 or higher.

CATS Registration Process
CATS students register through continuing education. For more information on continuing education policies, course registration, tuition rates, and schedules, go to http://www.learn.unh.edu or call (603) 862-2015. Course schedule info is accessible at http://myunh.unh.edu (click on Time & Room schedule). Spaces fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is recommended. You should bring a completed registration form, along with your CATS approval, to Registration in Stoke Hall, 11 Garrison Avenue or mail it in with a copy of your CATS approval.

Cost
CATS students pay the continuing education per-credit cost for courses. For the 2007-08 academic year, a four-credit course will cost $1,072 for NH residents and $1,180 for non-residents. In addition to the cost of the course, CATS students are required to pay a registration fee of $20 and a technology fee of $14.50 (1-4 credits) as well as lab fees and the cost of required text(s). You may wish to check with your Guidance Counselor to see if your school can offer financial support.

Academic Resources
Dimond Library – www.library.unh.edu

Center for Academic Resources – www.cfar.unh.edu

Robert J. Connors Writing Center (CWC) – www.unh.edu/writing/aboutWC

If you have additional questions, please contact the Office of Admissions.