Gateway to the American University

This Program Is For

• International high school students, age 15-17
• Interested in Boston as an education destination
• Planning on applying to college or university in the United States

Program Features

• Guidance on successfully applying to a U.S. college or university and obtaining scholarships
• Academic classes to experience an American university classroom
• Private meeting with the BU Board of Admissions and Boston-area university visits including Harvard University and MIT
• Meeting with a panel of Boston-area international students for Q&A
• Opportunity to live on the BU campus in supervised residence halls
• Cultural activities around Boston including museums, historical sites, shopping, and more

Curriculum

• Introduction to different institution types including private and public universities and help on choosing best-fit, reach, and safety schools
• Classes covering the Common Application and its components including standardized testing with the SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
• Workshops on writing an effective college application essay/personal statement, creating a digital profile, and identifying scholarships for international students
• Sample university classes in a range of subject areas popular with undergraduate students in the U.S.

Two Program Options: 2-Weeks or 3-Weeks

• 2-Week Program includes all of the college preparation content above as well as one academic class
• 3-Week Program adds two additional academic classes, preparation for admissions interviews, one additional university campus visit, and a team presentation project to develop teamwork, intercultural competency skills, and presentation and public speaking skills

Class Schedule

Students participate in a class, workshop, activity or field trip 5 days per week in the morning and afternoon, and a study hall or social activity 5 days per week in the evening. On weekends students participate in day trips for cultural and social activities in the Greater Boston Area.

Sample Weekly Schedule

Days and times are approximate and subject to change throughout the year.

Program Requirements

Required Proficiency Level

• Intermediate (CEFR B1) or above. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email celop@bu.edu.
• CELOP will administer the online Pearson Versant English Language Placement Test to all applicants approximately one month before the start of the program.

Admission Requirements

• High school student, age 15-17
• Copy of your passport and visa