Summer Programs for
Pre-College Students

Launch yourself into the college experience this summer at BU.


BU’s long-running Summer Term pre-college offerings include a choice of one-, two-, three-, and six-week programs that prepare you for success in college. With five exciting and challenging pre-college summer programs to choose from, you can earn college credit, discover a new subject area, perform cutting-edge research in University labs, or immerse yourself in hands-on learning. Summer is a great time to push yourself academically while adapting to college life, making new friends, and engaging in fun, social activities around Boston and on campus. We invite you to join other motivated teens from 50 states and 87 countries in our summer programs for high school students—and take the leap into college life and academics.

5 pre-college summer programs:

High School Honors

Choose from more than 80 college courses and earn college credit

Who
For Rising Juniors and Seniors
When
6 weeks: June 30–August 9
Where
Residential, Commuter, or Online

RISE Internship/ Practicum

Conduct university-level STEM research in a laboratory setting

Who
For Rising Seniors
When
6 weeks: June 30–August 9
Where
Residential or Commuter

Academic Immersion

Spend three weeks immersing yourself in the study of psychology, business, medicine, or creative writing

Who
For Rising Juniors and Seniors
When
Psychology: June 30–July 19
Business: June 30–July 19
Medicine: July 21–August 9
Creative Writing: July 21–August 9
Where
Residential or Commuter

Summer Challenge

Expand your academic horizons over two weeks, choosing 2 of 20 seminars

Who
For Rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
When
Session 1: June 16–28
Session 2: July 7–19
Session 3: July 21–August 2
Where
Residential

Summer Preview

Choose a seminar to get a sneak peek of the college experience

Who
For Rising 8th Graders, Freshmen, and Sophomores
When
1 week: July 21–26
Where
Residential or Commuter

Ready to Apply?

Start the Countdown to Your College Future with Our Summer High School Programs

Experience pre-college summer study at one of the world’s top teaching and research universities. Immerse yourself in college academics, open your mind to new subjects, and bond with high school students from around the country and globe—right in the heart of beautiful Boston, ranked #1 in the US by QS Best Student Cities 2024. You can take college courses alongside BU undergraduates and earn up to 8 college credits (either on campus or online). You can pursue in-depth STEM research with individual faculty mentors or as part of a group project. Or, you can immerse yourself in a variety of stimulating noncredit seminars that blend lectures with experiential learning, discussions, and projects. Your hard work will be balanced with social events and fun activities around campus and throughout Boston, the ultimate “college town.”

Boston University’s Summer Pre-College Programs Enable You to:

  • Take on new academic challenges, explore a variety of interests, and consider possible majors
  • Preview college and learn how to balance your schoolwork and social life
  • Meet highly motivated high school students from all 50 states and 87 countries on 6 continents
  • Experience living in a college dorm
  • Become part of a dynamic social community and engage in fun activities on campus and throughout Boston

Residence life

If you live on campus, you will stay in a residence hall in BU’s Warren Towers, sharing a room, exploring culinary options around campus, and participating in dorm activities. There are typically two students per room. Resident program assistants provide guidance, coordinate and lead social activities, and enforce program policies. Safety is our highest priority: Warren Towers has live-in University staff and 24-hour security.

Campus life

Embracing college life is an exhilarating experience. Whether you live on campus or commute, you’ll get to know the ins and outs of college and city life. We lead a full range of group activities that include improv comedy shows and cruises in Boston Harbor, as well as trips to Faneuil Hall, Fenway Park, and more—and you’ll still have time for your own impromptu adventures around Boston!

Parents & Guardians

An amazing summer is ahead! Find out what pre-college life at BU will be like for your student.

Learn more

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