Like “cheese-ick” (it rhymes with Cheese-Its, a favorite snack of Chesick Scholars!)
First-Generation/Low-Income Students Navigation
John P. Chesick Scholars Program forFirst-Generation/Low-Income Students
Frequently Asked Questions
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- General
- First In
- Horizons & Arriving on Campus
General
- How do you pronounce “Chesick”?
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Who gets invited to be a Chesick Scholar?
Any entering student with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $7500 or less, as determined by Haverford’s Financial Aid department, and/or students whose parents do not have a US Bachelor’s degree. Some additional students who do not meet these exact guidelines are also invited.
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Can I sign up for some, but not all, of the parts of the Chesick Scholars Program?
Yes, you can choose to sign up for those parts that you think will be most useful to you.
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Are there any extra costs associated with being a Chesick Scholar?
No – on the contrary, you will gain access to many totally free resources as a Chesick Scholar!
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Do Chesick Scholars get to work on research with faculty members?
While it is not guaranteed, yes, many Chesick Scholars have successfully joined research programs, even in their first year. Both First-In and Horizons will give more details on how this works, and how to get funding for term-time and summer research.
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Why should I spend time this summer to participate in Reading & Learning Groups and come to campus before Customs for Horizons?
Many students find the academic culture on campus takes some getting used to, and having a supportive group of scholars makes it easier to transition to College-level work. The Reading and Learning Groups also give you a head-start on what to expect in the classroom and allow you to get to know some professors on campus!
Chesick Scholars have told us that one of the most important aspects of the program is the friendships they’ve made over the summer and during Horizons.
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Can I still be a Chesick Scholar if I don't participate in any of the summer programs (First-In, Summer Reading & Learning Groups, Horizons)?
Yes—there's lots more to being a Chesick Scholar than these introductory summer programs. While we hope you'll attend at least one of them, if you choose not to, we'll still reach out to you about joining the other parts of the Chesick program (e.g. Mentoring, FLIing Squirrels Family Dinners, etc.) that take place during the academic year.
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What is a FLI student?
FLI (also known as FGLI) stands for First Generation/Low-Income. First Generation means that neither parent of the student has attained a US-based Bachelor’s degree. Low-income status is determined by the student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the Haverford’s Office of Financial Aid. Note that not all students who identify as first generation also identify as low income, and vice versa. FLI students’ stories, like all students’ stories, are complex and unique and allowing students to self-define is central.
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I’m a Questbridge Scholar. Can I also be a Chesick Scholar?
Yes! As long as you are a first-generation and/or low-income student, you are a Chesick Scholar at Haverford. We have many Questbridge Scholars in the Chesick family (in addition to Philadelphia Fellows, Gates Millennium Scholars, etc.).
Horizons and Arriving on Campus
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I want to attend Horizons. When should I plan to arrive?
Horizons will take place Friday, August 23-Wednesday, August 28 (the first day of Customs). We ask that all students attending Horizons arrive on campus on Friday, August 23 between 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Can I come early to Horizons?
Unfortunately, student dorm rooms will not be available prior to August 23. You are welcome to stay in a hotel or with acquaintances in the area before arriving on campus on the 23rd.
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Can I come late to Horizons?
If you will not be able to arrive by 1pm on Friday, August 23rd, but still want to attend Horizons, contact Chesick staff (hc-chesickscholars [at] haverford.edu) to set up a plan. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate students who aren’t able to arrive before Saturday morning.
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Does it make sense to take the SEPTA trains to Haverford when I’m traveling with lots of luggage?
The SEPTA train to/from the Philadelphia International Airport is a good, inexpensive option once you are set up and established on campus, but not when you arrive for the first time, if you have lots of luggage. Since you have to change trains at 30th Street, you’ll need to carry your luggage from one platform to the next. And, there is a 15 minute walk from the Haverford train station to your dorm.
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What does a taxi/Uber/Lyft cost from the airport to Haverford?
Prices have been rising lately, from the usual $50 plus tip, and can be as much as $75 depending on availability.
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Can my family stay with me in the dorm?
No, it is not permitted for family members or other guests to stay overnight in your dorm room during move-in.
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Can my family visit with me during Horizons?
No, we ask family members to leave after the 2:00p.m. reception on Friday. Horizons has a packed schedule, and during unscheduled times, you’ll be wanting to hang out with other students.
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Will there be meals provided?
Yes, all of your meals will be provided during Horizons and Customs.
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Who can I ask for help in arrival/transportation questions?
Please reach out to Chesick Staff with any transportation questions at hc-chesickscholars [at] haverford.edu.
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Where are some inexpensive hotels near campus?
There aren’t any hotels within walking distance to campus! There is a Hilton Homewood Suites on City Avenue about a 15 minute drive from Haverford – prices vary. There is also a Fairfield Inn in Broomall, which is also about 15 minutes by car. Villanova University, also about 15 minutes from campus, rents accommodations in dorms and apartment-style rooms. There are many budget-priced hotels in Plymouth Meeting (about 20 minutes away by car).
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Where are close-by stores to get last-minute items?
- There’s a CVS and Rite Aid Pharmacy, both open 24 hours, within a few blocks of campus.
- There’s a WAWA convenience store, open 24 hours, a few blocks from campus.
- The closest “regular” supermarket to campus is ACME located in Bryn Mawr on Lancaster Ave, about 1 mile from campus. But there’s a Trader Joe’s supermarket in Suburban Square in Ardmore (which is an open-air shopping mall, and has other, mostly expensive stores.) This is about 1.5 miles from campus, an easy walk.
- There’s a Target on Monument Road about 6 miles from campus.
- During Horizons, we will make a group trip to a local shopping center that has a Walmart, DSW, Five Below, and other handy shops.
- This year, we've partnered with Dormify, the one-stop shop for college, to help you easily find everything you'll need for your room. From bedding + dorm bundles to storage essentials + trending decor, we've curated all of the school-approved items you'll need to make your transition to college easy. Start shopping + get ready for move-in day by visiting haverford.dormify.com/move-in.
- Haverford’s ReUse Store also has free used/upcycled items available – anything from mini fridges to fans to hangers and room decor. Horizons students can make a visit there on move in day. You may also reserve items ahead of time through a form sent out from the ReUse store this summer.