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
RISE Internship/ Practicum
Conduct university-level STEM research in a laboratory setting
Academic Immersion
Spend three weeks immersing yourself in the study of psychology, business, medicine, or creative writing
Business: June 29–July 18
Medicine: July 20–August 8
Creative Writing: July 20–August 8
Summer Challenge
Expand your academic horizons over two weeks, choosing 2 of 19 seminars
Session 2: July 6–18
Session 3: July 20–August 1
Summer Preview
Choose a seminar to get a sneak peek of the college experience
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 2025.
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 one of Boston University’s residence halls, 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: each residence 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!
