RISE: Frequently Asked Questions
The RISE application deadline has passed and applications are now closed.
What year do I need to be entering in fall 2024 to participate in the RISE program?
You need to be entering your senior year of high school in fall 2024.
What is the difference between the Internship and the Practicum?
Internship students are matched with a mentor and work on research projects in a University laboratory, while Practicum students collaborate on computational research projects focused on neurobiology. Practicum research projects are completed under the supervision of instructional staff. Please review the individual Practicum and Internship track pages for more details.
Is RISE a commuter or residential program?
Most students live in the dormitory. However, you can commute from a relative’s home to campus as part of the RISE program.
Can international students participate?
No, only US citizens and legal permanent residents are eligible to participate in RISE.
How do I apply to RISE?
You can find application instructions and a link to the online application on the How to Apply page.
How many students attend RISE?
We expect approximately 130 students to participate in the RISE program. Students live and participate in social activities with High School Honors students, another program that is comprised of approximately 130 students as well.
Is there a specific format for the recommendations?
Yes, your recommenders will be emailed a link to the online recommendation form after you submit your online application.
What if I have not yet taken the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or PreACT?
For summer 2024, we have adopted a standardized test-optional policy. See our How to Apply page for further details.
How competitive is the RISE program? About how many students are accepted?
The Research in Science & Engineering program is highly competitive and selective. In 2023, about 100 students attended RISE.
Can I check to see if my application is complete?
We will send you a confirmation email once your application is complete. You may also call our office at 617-358-3034 or email us at rise@bu.edu to check on your application status.
When is my application considered completed?
Your application is considered complete when we have received your online application, full high school transcript including fall 2023 grades, standardized test scores with your full name listed (optional for summer 2024), a science or math teacher recommendation, a recommendation from a counselor, advisor, or teacher who knows you well, and financial aid documents (if applying for financial aid). Students living abroad will also need to submit a copy of your passport. US permanent residents will need to submit a copy of your legal permanent resident card that is valid throughout the program.
How long after I send in my application should I expect a response?
You will receive a response approximately 6–8 weeks after the application deadline (February 14, 2024).
Once I am accepted into RISE, am I required to go to the program?
You can either accept or decline our offer of admission, but we ask that you inform us of your decision as soon as possible after you receive an offer of admission. Please note that attending students are required to pay a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit to secure a place in the program.
If I am accepted into RISE, how soon do I need to inform the RISE office that I plan to attend the program?
We ask that you let us know one to two weeks after receiving your offer of admission. We will inform you of your specific acceptance deadline by email. Please note that attending students are required to pay a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit to secure a place in the program.
Will I know my research project before I accept my placement in the RISE Internship track?
You will learn about your mentor and their research before you accept your placement, but information about your specific research project will not be available at the time of the admission decision. You will meet your mentor and learn about your specific project during the first week of the program.
What is the cost of RISE?
Please see the Tuition, Aid, & Payment page for a detailed description of the cost of attending the RISE program.
How do I pay?
There are several methods of payment for the RISE program. Please click here for a description of your options.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, there is limited financial aid available. Awards are based on need. View our Tuition, Aid, & Payment page to learn how to apply for financial aid.
Do you take students to visit other colleges?
No, we do not travel as a group to visit area colleges, but you may arrange your own visits within the Boston area during your free time. We do offer a college workshop with the Boston University Admissions office.
Is there a curfew?
Yes. 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 until 1 am during the week and 2 am on weekends.
Are students 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. You 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 a student 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 48 hours before you plan to leave campus and no later than 5 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 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 submitted by your parent or guardian and scheduled during your free time when there are no activities planned. You must return to the dorm before curfew.
In addition, your parent or guardian must submit an electronic leave request form. This request must be received at least 48 hours before you are planning to leave campus and no later than 5 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.
What is the schedule of activities for RISE?
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 fee for visiting Student Health Services?
Yes, there is a $25 fee each time you visit Student Health Services. If you receive blood work or immunizations, you will need to provide your insurance information or have charges billed to your student account.
What are your COVID-19 policies?
In alignment with Boston University COVID-19 guidelines, we strongly recommend that all Summer Term pre-college students remain up to date with all CDC COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. All students must abide by University-wide health and safety policies.
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.
Whom 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.
