AIM: Frequently Asked Questions
The 2024 session of AIM 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 2025 to participate in the AIM program?
You need to be entering your junior or senior year of high school in fall 2025.
Is AIM a commuter or residential program?
AIM is open to both commuter and residential students.
What AIM tracks are offered in 2025?
During summer 2025, BU Summer Term High School Programs is offering four Academic Immersion tracks: AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology, AIM: Introduction to Medicine, AIM: Creative Writing, and AIM: Business. Please visit the individual pages for more information.
Can I earn college credit by participating in AIM?
No, AIM is noncredit. After the program concludes, you will receive a certificate of completion and evaluation from your instructor.
What is the cost of AIM?
Please visit the Tuition & Payment page for a detailed description of the cost of attending the AIM program.
How do I pay?
There are several methods of payment. Please click here for a description of 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 AIM?
You can find application instructions and a link to the online application on the How to Apply page.
What are the admissions criteria?
We’re looking for motivated high school students who are taking a college preparatory curriculum. Your high school transcript, a positive recommendation, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a well-written personal statement (plus a writing sample for AIM: Creative Writing applicants) can also influence admission decisions. See the How to Apply page for details.
How many students attend AIM?
Approximately 50 students will participate in both AIM: Introduction to Medicine and AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology. The cohorts of Creative Writing and Business may be smaller.
Do you have a specific format for the teacher recommendation?
Yes, your teacher will be emailed a link to the online recommendation form after you submit your online application.
Is there financial aid available?
There is no financial aid for the AIM program.
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 buaim@bu.edu to check on your application status.
When is my application considered complete?
Your application is considered complete when we have received your online application form, full high school transcript (including fall 2024 grades), teacher recommendation, and writing sample (Creative Writing applicants only). 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. Decisions will be emailed to you within one month of our receipt of your completed application.
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 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. Residential students 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. Residential students 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 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 AIM?
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 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.
