High School Honors: Frequently Asked Questions
The High School Honors application deadline for international students and financial aid has passed. We are no longer accepting applications for international students or financial aid.
What year do I need to be entering in fall 2024 to participate in the High School Honors program?
You need to be entering your junior or senior year of high school in fall 2024. Qualified juniors need to be in Honors and/or AP courses.
Is High School Honors 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 High School Honors program. There is also the opportunity to enroll in several online courses through our High School Honors Online program.
Can international students participate?
Yes, international students are welcome to join the program, but you need to obtain an F-1 student visa in order to enroll in in person classes. You can find more Information for International Students on our website.
Am I permitted to take online courses?
Yes, you can take up to eight credits of online courses. The only exception pertains to residential students, who must take at least one course on campus. International students on a BU-sponsored visa must enroll in two in person courses. For more information, please visit the High School Honors Online webpage.
How do I apply to High School Honors?
You can find application instructions and a link to the online application on the How to Apply page.
How many students attend High School Honors?
Approximately 130 students attend the program each summer. Students live and participate in social activities with Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) students, a program also comprised of about 130 students.
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. Note that this does not apply to English language proficiency exams, which are still required for international applicants. See our How to Apply page for further details.
What are the admissions criteria?
Admission decisions take into consideration your high school grades, rigor of courses taken, standardized test scores (optional for summer 2024), personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Attending students from recent summers had an average 3.76 unweighted GPA. Positive recommendations, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a well-written personal statement can also influence admission decisions. See the How to Apply page for details.
Can I check to see if my application is complete?
We will send you an email confirmation once your application is complete. You may also call our office at 617-353-1378 or email us at summerhs@bu.edu to check your application status.
How long after I send in my application should I expect a response?
We typically email admission decisions within three weeks of our receipt of your completed application.
Once I am accepted into High School Honors, am I required to go to the program? Is acceptance binding?
Acceptance is not binding. You can either accept or decline our offer of admission. We ask that you inform us of your decision as soon as possible after you receive your offer of admission.
What courses will be offered in the 2024 High School Honors program?
Click here to view a full list of over 80 courses.
What is the schedule for classes in High School Honors?
Your schedule depends on the courses you choose. You can find the days and times of courses listed at the end of each course description. Please visit the Calendar & What to Expect page for more information.
How long is each class meeting in High School Honors?
Class times vary in length depending on how many days per week they meet. The hours each class meets are listed at the end of each course description.
How many courses do High School Honors students take?
Residential students take two courses. At least one of these courses must meet on campus. Commuter students can opt to enroll in either one or two courses for a minimum of 4 credits. International students on a BU-sponsored visa are required to enroll in two in person courses for 8 credits.
How many credits do High School Honors students earn?
You can earn between 4 and 8 credits, depending on the number and type of courses you take.
What is the cost of High School Honors?
Please see the Tuition, Aid, & Payment page for a detailed description of the cost of attending High School Honors.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Please note that awards are based on a combination of need and academic merit. Please click here to learn how to apply for financial aid. Students who enroll in only one 4-credit course (commuter or online) and international students are not eligible for financial aid.
How do I pay?
There are several methods of payment. Please click here for a description of your options.
Do you offer any SAT preparation courses during the summer?
No, we do not offer them.
Will the credits I earn in High School Honors be transferable?
Most colleges will accept BU credit for courses in which students have earned a grade of C or higher. You should speak directly with schools you may attend for confirmation.
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. You may not miss class to visit colleges in the area. We do offer a college workshop with the Boston University Admissions office.
Is there a curfew?
Yes. Students 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. 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 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, your parent or guardian 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 High School Honors?
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.
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.
