Boston UniversityHow to Apply for Summer Challenge

Admissions

We consider applicants who are entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in 2012. Admission is based on a combination of high school grades, courses taken, and a personal statement.

How to Apply

  1. Complete online application.
    • When using the online application, you will submit a 500-750 word personal statement describing why you want to attend the Summer Challenge Program.
    • Submit the application fee:
      • A $50 non-refundable application fee, paid by credit card, needs to be made at time of submission of the online application.
  2. Email, mail or fax:
    • An official copy of your complete high school transcript including your fall 2011 grades.

Note: Email is the primary form of communication through the application and admission process. Please ensure that both parent and student emails are entered correctly on the application. Also, please inform our office immediately if there is a change in either email address.

Mailing Address:
Boston University Summer Term
Summer Challenge Program
755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 105
Boston, MA 02215

Email: summerhs@bu.edu
Fax: 617-353-5532

Application Deadline

There is no application deadline, however, students are encouraged to apply early to ensure receiving the session and course selection of their choice. Admissions are made on a rolling basis, and only completed applications are reviewed.

We will begin reviewing applications in the beginning of January. Allow three weeks after we have received your completed application for an admission decision to be emailed to you. We encourage students to call our office to confirm that we have received your completed application.

International Students

Summer Challenge is an excellent opportunity for international students to engage in new academic challenges, immerse themselves in the American culture, experience university life in the US, and improve English language skills. We have students join us from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and the Americas.

International Students must complete and include an additional form with their application.

Since Summer Challenge is a short term and non-credit program, international students should enter the United States in a visitor status instead of F-1 student status. For citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter the US, participants should obtain a B-2 "Visitor for Pleasure" visa to come to the US which will allow them to engage in their tourist-related plans as well as to participate in Summer Challenge. Citizens of countries who enjoy the benefits of the Visa Waiver Program should enter the US in WT "Waiver Tourist" status which permits the same activity.

Although results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are not required for registration, English is the language of instruction at Boston University, and a high degree of competency is assumed. Most academic programs require a minimum score of:

  • 550 on the paper-based TOEFL (PBT)
  • 84 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)
  • 7 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Contact Us

For any further questions or comments, contact the program staff at 617-353-1378, or email at summerhs@bu.edu.