Frequently Asked Questions

Who will my roomate be?

We have both single and double rooms; upon enrollment, please indicate which type your prefer. Roommates are matched by pairing girls who are in the same grade and who are taking different academic tracks. The online student profile helps us match roommates. Our dorms have many floors and halls; we place girls on halls by age. We will do our best to accommodate roommate requests. Staff members live on each hall to provide 24-hour supervision as well as wake upcalls. Because community living is a big part of the GirlSummer experience, we rarely make roommate changes once the session begins.

What happens during free time?

During free time, students may use the computer labs, swim in the pool, use the gym and track, play games, hang out, watch a movie, read, or rest. Students can also participate in organized fun! The resident advisors never lack for ideas for afternoon free time activities. After dinner, students participate in organized evening activities which round out the day.

Will I have access to computer labs?

During afternoon free time and in the evenings, girls can use the computer lab for e-mailing, Instant Messaging, surfing, and researching.

Will I be able to call family and friends?

Students do not have phones in their rooms but may call home from their cell phones or the Program Office at appropriate times. Without compromising the extra level of safety that cell phones may provide, we have designed a strict policy surrounding their use so that students get the most out of their experience on campus. Cell phones are collected at registration and kept by the RAs. Students may use their phones every third night to call home. Students may also take cell phones on all off-campus trips.

It is our daughter’s first sleep-away experience; is the program right for her?

Yes. For many of our younger students, GirlSummer is their first overnight experience. We keep the girls so fully engaged and academically challenged that they have little time to be homesick. The resident advisors act as role models, confidants, comforters, and advisors. They are new students’ best resource.

It seems very academic; will it be fun?

We know that the students are on summer break and that they need to have fun, especially if they are going to learn. We offer plenty of activities, movies, games, and after-hours events; students and staff have a fantastic time.

I noticed there are single and double rooms; which is right for me?

Each hall features a mix of both singles and doubles, and girls are assigned rooms based on age, grade, and student profile. By evaluating each student profile, we are able to place girls in rooms where they will be comfortable; but our girls are so busy that they don’t spend many waking hours in their room!

How do I get there?

Emma Willard School is located in Troy, NY, just 15 minutes from the Albany International Airport and the Albany/Rensselaer AMTRAK station. We also recommend the train from Manhattan; it is a beautiful run up the Hudson River. Driving distance from either Boston or Manhattan is approximately two and a half hours. For an additional charge we also offer safe and convenient pick-up and drop-off service from the Albany airport.

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