Summer Programs for
High School Students
Request a Brochure
Ask a Question
Summer Programs for High School Students
Thank you to our students for making Summer 2018 a great success. Check back on December 15 to learn what is in store for Summer 2019. Sign up for an email reminder.
This summer, prepare for your future in college with exciting and challenging summer programs for high school students at Boston University Summer Term. With five programs to choose from, you can earn college credit, discover a new subject area, perform cutting-edge research in university labs, or immerse yourself in hands-on learning. You will have the opportunity to push yourself academically while experiencing college life, making friends with fellow students, and engaging in social activities around Boston and on campus.
BU Summer Term offers one-, two-, three-, and six-week programs for high school students, with options to live on campus, commute from home, or study online. We invite you to join other motivated teens from 50 states and 87 countries to experience this great introduction to college life and academics.
Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors study two academic topics of their choice and take part in exciting social activities.
ChooseRising juniors and seniors take BU courses and earn college credit while experiencing college life in Boston.
ChooseRising juniors and seniors earn college credit and get the Boston University academic experience wherever they may be.
ChooseEntering freshmen and rising sophomores experience a preview of college life and academics.
ChooseRising juniors and seniors focus intensively on one subject by combining classroom work with hands-on learning activities.
ChooseRising seniors pursue scientific research and gain laboratory experience.
ChooseHigh School Programs at a Glance
| High School Level | |
|---|---|
| High School Honors | Rising juniors and seniors |
| RISE Internship / Practicum | Rising seniors |
| Academic Immersion | Rising juniors and seniors |
| Summer Challenge | Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors |
| Summer Preview | Entering freshmen and rising sophomores |
| Session Dates | |
|---|---|
| High School Honors | Six weeks starting June 30 |
| RISE Internship / Practicum | Six weeks starting June 30 |
| Academic Immersion | Three weeks starting June 30 (Psychology) and July 21 (Medicine) |
| Summer Challenge | Two weeks, starting June 16, July 7, and July 21 |
| Summer Preview | One week starting July 21 |
| Academic Experience | |
|---|---|
| High School Honors | Choose from more than 80 college courses and earn college credit |
| RISE Internship / Practicum | Conduct university-level research |
| Academic Immersion | Spend three weeks immersing yourself in the study of psychology or medicine |
| Summer Challenge | Choose 2 of 20 seminars to expand your academic horizons |
| Summer Preview | Choose a seminar to get a sneak peek of the college experience |
| Earn College Credit | |
|---|---|
| High School Honors | Up to 8 credits |
| RISE Internship / Practicum | |
| Academic Immersion | |
| Summer Preview | |
| Summer Challenge | |
| Format | |
|---|---|
| High School Honors | Commuter, Residential, or Online |
| RISE Internship / Practicum | Commuter or Residential |
| Academic Immersion | Residential |
| Summer Challenge | Residential |
| Summer Preview | Commuter or Residential |
| High School Honors | RISE Internship / Practicum | Academic Immersion | Summer Challenge | Summer Preview | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High School Level | Rising juniors and seniors | Rising seniors | Rising juniors and seniors | Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors | Entering freshmen and rising sophomores |
| Session Dates | Six weeks starting June 30 | Six weeks starting June 30 | Three weeks starting June 30 (Psychology) and July 21 (Medicine) | Two weeks, starting June 16, July 7, and July 21 | One week starting July 21 |
| Academic Experience | Choose from more than 80 college courses and earn college credit | Conduct university-level research | Spend three weeks immersing yourself in the study of psychology or medicine | Choose 2 of 20 seminars to expand your academic horizons | Choose a seminar to get a sneak peek of the college experience |
| Earn College Credit | Up to 8 credits | ||||
| Format | Commuter, Residential, or Online | Commuter or Residential | Residential Only | Residential Only | Commuter or Residential |
Get a Head Start on the College Experience
Boston University’s pre-college programs offer a chance to study at one of the world’s top teaching and research universities. Immerse yourself in college academics and campus life, open your mind to new subjects, bond with high school students from around the country and globe, and experience summer in beautiful Boston—ranked #1 in the U.S. by QS Best Student Cities 2017. Summer Term offers many avenues to success in college. You can take college courses alongside BU undergraduates and earn up to 8 college credits (either on campus or online). You can pursue in-depth STEM research with individual faculty mentors or as part of a group project. Or, you can immerse yourself in a diverse array of stimulating non-credit seminars that blend lectures with experiential learning, discussions, and projects. Your hard work will be balanced with social events and fun activities around campus and throughout Boston, the ultimate “college town.” There is no better place to preview and prepare for the rigors and rewards of undergraduate life.
Boston University’s Pre-College Programs Provide Opportunities to:
- Take on new academic challenges, explore a variety of interests, and consider possible majors
- Preview college and learn how to balance your schoolwork and your social life
- Meet motivated, curious, and bright high school students from all 50 states and 87 countries on six continents
- Experience living in a college dorm
- Become part of a dynamic social community and engage in fun activities on campus and throughout Boston
Residence Life
Students living on campus stay in BU’s Warren Towers, sharing a room, exploring culinary options around campus, and participating in dorm activities. There are typically two students per room, with young men and women living in separate towers. Resident Program Assistants provide guidance, coordinate and lead social activities, and enforce program policies. Safety is our highest priority: Warren Towers has live-in University staff and 24-hour security.
Campus Life
Embracing college life away from home in the midst of Boston’s summer bustle is an exhilarating experience. Whether you live in a BU residence hall or commute to campus, you will get to know the ins-and-outs of college life. To foster a lively social environment and introduce you to our campus and city, we lead a full range of group activities that include improv comedy shows and sunset cruises in Boston Harbor, as well as trips to Faneuil Hall, Fenway Park, and more—and you will still have time for impromptu adventures around Boston!
