Summer Challenge: Frequently Asked Questions
The 2025 session of Summer Challenge was a great success. Please check back on December 15 for details about next summer’s program and to submit an application. Sign up for an email reminder.
What year do I need to be entering in fall 2026 to participate in the Summer Challenge program?
You need to be entering your sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in fall 2026.
Is Summer Challenge a commuter or residential program?
In summer 2025 all Summer Challenge participants were required to live in the dorms on campus, but a commuter option will be added for summer 2026. You must be 14 years old by the time the program begins in order to participate as a residential student.
Can I earn college credit by participating in Summer Challenge?
No, Summer Challenge is noncredit. After the program concludes, you will receive a certificate of completion and letters of evaluation from your seminar instructors.
What is the cost of Summer Challenge?
Please visit the Tuition & Payment page for a detailed description of the cost of attending the Summer Challenge program.
How do I pay?
There are several methods of payment. Please click here for a description of your options.
Can international students participate?
Yes, international students are welcome to join the program. You can find more details about applying as an international student on our Information for International Students page.
How do I apply for Summer Challenge?
You can find application instructions and a link to the online application on the How to Apply page.
What are the admissions criteria?
We are looking for motivated high school students who are taking a college preparatory curriculum. Your high school transcript and personal statement are both taken into account when admission decisions are made. See the How to Apply page for details.
Is financial aid available?
There is no financial aid for the Summer Challenge program.
When is my application considered complete?
Your application is considered complete when we have received your online application form and full high school transcript (including fall 2025 grades). For international students, the International Student Data Form and a copy of your passport are also required.
How long after I send in my application should I expect a response?
You will receive an email confirmation once your application is complete. Within three weeks of our receipt of your completed application, we will send an admission decision via email.
What classes are offered as part of Summer Challenge?
Summer Challenge students enroll in two seminars. Click here for a list of our 2025 seminars.
How many students attend Summer Challenge?
The number varies by session, typically ranging from 200 to 400 students. There are typically between 10 and 30 students in each seminar.
What is the schedule of activities for Summer Challenge?
The full schedule of activities will be emailed to participants two weeks in advance of the program. You can find out more information about the types of activities we offer here.
Is there a curfew?
Yes, there is a curfew for residential students. You must be in the dorm by 11 pm during the week (Sunday through Thursday) and midnight on weekends (Friday and Saturday). You are then free to visit with friends in the common areas on the fourth floor until 1 am during the week and 2 am on weekends.
Am I free to leave campus?
You are allowed to leave campus during your free time as long as you let a program assistant know you are leaving. However, you are not permitted to leave campus by yourself—you must be accompanied by at least one other student in your program or by a program assistant. Residential students must be back in the dorm before curfew or the start of any mandatory activity. You may not leave the city of Boston without the permission of your parents and our program. Our program reserves the right to restrict your access to any part of Boston for security or other concerns.
Can a parent visit me during the program?
If a parent or guardian is in town and would like to spend time with you, that visit must be scheduled during your free time when there are no activities planned. They are welcome to visit with you anywhere within our campus boundaries.
If a parent or guardian would like to take you off campus, they must submit an electronic leave request form. This request must be received at least 72 hours before you are planning to leave campus and no later than 3 pm on Friday. Your parent or guardian will need to provide details about the visit, including the time that you will be picked up and dropped off at campus and the mobile phone number of the relative or family friend you will be with. You are authorized to leave only after our office sends your parent or guardian approval via email. You must return to the dorm before curfew.
Can I visit with relatives or family friends in the Boston area during the program?
If you would like to visit relatives or family friends within city limits, that visit must be approved by your parent or guardian and scheduled during your free time when there are no activities planned. You must return to the dorm by curfew.
In addition, your parent or guardian must submit an electronic leave request form. This request must be received at least 72 hours before the student is planning to leave campus and no later than 3 pm on Friday. Your parent or guardian will need to provide details about the visit, including the time that you will be picked up and dropped off at campus and the mobile phone number of the relative or family friend you will be with. You are authorized to leave only after our office sends your parent or guardian approval via email.
Is there a fee for visiting Student Health Services?
Yes, there is a fee each time you visit Student Health Services and there may be additional charges for medical supplies or immunizations. These charges will be billed to your student account. If you receive blood work, you will need to provide your insurance information as the laboratory will directly bill your insurance.
Can I request to room with a friend?
No, we believe that learning to live with someone new is an important part of the pre-college experience. Program activities and free time provide plenty of opportunities to hang out with friends, who will also be living in a residence hall on campus.
Who can I contact at Boston University if I have more questions?
We are happy to help you. You can find all of our information on the Contact Us page.
