Summer Programs for High School Students
This summer, prepare for success in college and discover new horizons at Boston University Summer Term. With five exciting and challenging high school summer 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.
High 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 and Creative Writing) |
| 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, medicine, or creative writing |
| 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 and Creative Writing) | 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, medicine, or creative writing | 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, while laying the foundation for high achievement in college academics and campus life. Immerse yourself in new subjects, bond with other high school students from around the country and globe, and experience summer in beautiful Boston—the top U.S. city for students (QS Best Student Cities).
Summer Term offers many paths 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 in labs 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 expand your horizons 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—the perfect place from which to explore culinary options around campus or participate in organized 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 from home, you will get to know the ins-and-outs of campus life. We also take advantage of our location in the heart of Boston to explore the city. We like to foster a lively social environment, so 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 your own impromptu adventures around "Beantown"!