Summer Preview: Frequently Asked Questions
You need to be entering eighth grade or your freshman or sophomore year of high school in fall 2025.
Is Summer Preview a commuter or residential program?
Summer Preview is open to both commuter and residential students. To stay in the dorms, students must be 14 years or older before the program begins. All rising eighth grade students, regardless of age, must commute to Summer Preview.
Can I earn college credit by participating in Summer Preview?
No, Summer Preview is noncredit. After the program concludes, you will receive a certificate of completion and a letter of evaluation from your instructor.
What is the cost of Summer Preview?
Please visit the Tuition & Payment page for a detailed description of the cost of attending the Summer Preview program.
How do I pay?
There are several methods of payment. Please click here for a description of your options.
How do I apply for Summer Preview?
You can find application instructions and a link to the online application on the How to Apply page.
What are the admissions criteria?
Admission decisions are based on a combination of middle/high school grades and a 500 to 750-word personal statement. See the How to Apply page for details.
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.
Is financial aid available?
There is no financial aid for the Summer Preview program.
When is my application considered complete?
Your application is considered complete when we have received your online application form and full transcript (including your previous two years of school and fall 2024 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 by email.
What seminars are offered as part of the Summer Preview program?
You can find seminar descriptions on our Seminars page.
How many students attend Summer Preview?
There are typically between 25 and 30 students in each seminar.
What is the schedule of activities for Summer Preview?
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 Friday. You are then free to visit with friends in the common areas until 1 am during the week and 2 am on Friday.
Am I free to leave campus?
All planned activities are mandatory. However, during free time, residential students can leave campus as long as you are accompanied by your program assistant.
Is there a fee for visiting Student Health Services?
Yes, there is a $25 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 during Summer Preview, who will also be living in a residence hall on campus.
Who can I contact at BU if I have more questions?
We are happy to help you. You can find all of our information on the Contact Us page.
