What’s Covered:
- 20 Free Summer Programs for High Schoolers
- How Impressive Are Summer Programs in High School Admissions?
- Other Ways to Spend Your Summer
Looking for a productive, engaging way to spend your summer? Summer programs are a great option. These enriching experiences cover a variety of themes and topics, allowing you to take college-level courses, pursue a passion, or explore a prospective career.
Sometimes, summer programs are pricey, but we’ve rounded up 20 summer programs that are entirely free.
20 Free Summer Programs for High Schoolers
1. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Dates: July 10-28
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application deadline: April 14
Cybersecurity is one of the most important (and lucrative) fields in our modern world. Through this program, high school students learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer science at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. The mission is to “[break] down barriers that have historically led to the underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM.”
Students who live in New York City or a neighboring city, are highly motivated in STEM, and in 9th-12th grade as of September 2023 are invited to participate.
2. Sadie Nash Summer Institute
Dates: July 5th-August 15th
Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark
Application deadline: N/A
Through this program, self-identified young women and gender-expansive youth currently attending high school, living in New York or Newark, NJ, explore their leadership potential while participating in a community with other “Nashers.”
Students take courses in society, identity, social justice, and other courses to build critical thinking skills. They also attend workshops and field trips, while meeting accomplished leaders.
3. Annenberg Youth Academy (AYA) for Media and Civic Engagement
Dates: June 19-July 14
Location: University of Southern California (USC)
Application deadline: March 31
This four-week academy gives high school students a taste of college through freshman-level courses in media and journalism. 26 students are selected from areas surrounding the University of Southern California (USC) to participate in the program.
During AYA, students will hone their skills in public speech, debate, critical thinking, writing, multimedia production, interviewing, and more, as well as explore careers in media and journalism. Students also have the opportunity to learn about USC and meet the school’s scholars who are advancing issues of race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism.
4. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Dates: Late June-early August
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: February 1
Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program teaches girls and nonbinary students computer science skills necessary to prepare for a career in tech. Participants will also learn about tech jobs and meet professionals in the field. No prior computer science experience is required.
The program is offered on two tracks: the two-week virtual summer immersion program (SIP) and the self-paced program (SPP). As its name implies, participants have two weeks to complete the SIP program, a commitment of approximately five hours a day, while SPP participants have six weeks to complete course projects.
5. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Dates: July 1-August 5
Location: Carnegie Mellon University
Application deadline: March 15
SAMS is an opportunity for students from underrepresented communities in the U.S. to learn about STEM fields, including math, biology, and physics. Students take courses, engage in projects, and receive mentorship from world-renowned faculty at Carnegie Mellon University.
Part 1 of the program provides participants a virtual jumpstart by helping them build the skills needed for success in the in-person program. Part 2 is the in-person, residential part of the program. During Part 2, students take courses, attend meetings, and complete and present their projects at the SAMS Symposium.
6. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Application deadline: N/A
The prestigious RSI takes place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) every year—just 100 high school juniors are selected to participate annually. Through the program, students learn theory in the classroom while gaining hands-on experience in science and technology research.
Participants experience the entire research cycle from start to finish, they review current literature in their field, create a research plan, and present their findings through written and oral reports, all under the guidance of widely respected professors.
7. USC Bovard Scholars
Dates: July 10-29
Location: University of Southern California (USC)
Application deadline: January 13
Bovard Scholars live on the USC campus, getting a taste of college life while learning in a rigorous curriculum. They also receive hands-on support and mentorship from a coach who will guide them through the college admissions process, assisting them with their applications and essays. Following the program, their admissions coach will continue to work with them through the admissions process and offer assistance.
Scholars will take part in career self-assessments and small group activities. Additionally, they’ll attend lectures, hear from special guest speakers, and participate in a variety of social activities.
8. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Dates: June 19-July 12
Location: Camp Pocahontas, West Virginia
Application deadline: February 28
NYSCamp is a residential science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) program in West Virginia’s Monongahela National with the aim of educating and bolstering rising leaders. Two delegates are selected from each state and the District of Columbia, and international delegates are sometimes chosen to participate as well.
The program features world-class lectures, directed studies, and seminars with STEM professionals who impact their fields and the world. Past presenters have included Neil deGrasse Tyson, John Nash, Neil Armstrong, and Julie Robinson.
9. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)
Dates: June 25-July 21
Location: Pomona College
Application deadline: February 27
More than 90 students local to Pomona College are selected to take part in PAYS. Rising sophomores through rising seniors from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups prepare for admission to highly selective colleges and universities through this program. Students take Math & Critical Inquiry courses taught by Pomona faculty and electives taught by Pomona College students serving as TAs. Students also participate in cultural events, workshops, and projects.
10. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Dates: June 27-August 4
Location: Princeton University
Application deadline: February 27
Students interested in journalism should consider PSJP. The hybrid program includes combines virtual workshops and lectures with a ten-day residential experience. Lectures and workshops are taught by program alumni and journalists from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, The Daily Beast, Politico, Sports Illustrated, and CNN, among other media outlets.
Students also participate in weekly discussion groups covering a variety of topics and attend seminars about the college admissions process. PSJP culminates with the publication of the Princeton Summer Journal, a newspaper created by program participants.
11. Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP)
Dates: June 25-August 5
Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland, and University of Michigan
Application deadline: N/A
TASP is a prestigious, six-week program that brings together talented high school sophomores and juniors from around the world to participate in seminars, engage in educational and social activities, join group discussions, attend lectures, go on field trips, and more. Students also have the chance to plan activities for their time outside of the classroom.
12. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Dates: June 18-August 3
Location: Texas Tech University
Application deadline: February 13
This intensive seven-week summer research program is extremely competitive—just 12 talented high school juniors and seniors are selected to participate annually. Students lucky enough to participate in this program gain hands-on research experience working with a faculty member in fields including:
- Biology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics/Business/Finance/Marketing
- Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering
- History
- Microbiology
- Physics
Students also participate in social activities and seminars throughout the program. Not only is this summer program free, but participants receive a $750 tax-free stipend at its conclusion.
13. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Dates: Late June-early August
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application deadline: March 1
This seven-week program is aimed at rising sophomores and juniors in New York City who are interested in STEM. The program provides hands-on opportunities in a variety of STEM fields—including Bio and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics, AI, Computer Science, and Machine Learning—while also covering valuable topics like college-level research, expository writing, scientific methods, professional development, and ethics.
14. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
Dates: June 24-July 21
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Application deadline: January 15
This four-week summer program introduces female rising juniors to engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team-based projects. Participants aren’t required to have a background in engineering, however, they must demonstrate excellence in math and science. This program intends to empower students from traditionally underrepresented and underserved in engineering—such as those who are African American, Hispanic, or Native American. The program is free, but participants must provide their own housing and transportation, making it ideal for local students.
15. Simons Summer Research Program
Dates: June 26-August 11
Location: Stony Brook University
Application deadline: February 10
The Simons Summer Research Program provides motivated local rising juniors with the chance to gain hands-on experience with research in science, math, and engineering at Stony Brook University. Participants are paired with a faculty mentor, join a research team, and assume responsibility for a project, ultimately producing a written research abstract and poster while experiencing what it’s like living and studying at a major university.
16. Santa Clara University Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
Dates:
- Session One: July 9-13
- Session Two: July 16-20
- Session Three: July 23-27 (past participants only)
Location: Santa Clara University
Application deadline: February 26
This five-day summer experience is offered to high school sophomores with an interest in engineering. Through a mixture of lectures and interactive activities, participants learn about engineering while sampling college life. Participants can apply to attend an advanced session the year after their attendance and turn SES into a two-year program to gain a deeper understanding of the engineering fields they’re most interested in.
17. Penn State Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
Dates: June 18-June 30
Location: Penn State University
Application deadline: March 31
BOSS is a free two-week program for students interested in pursuing business in college. Over the course of the program, participants take part in college prep activities and coursework focused on business fundamentals. All program expenses are free—like food, lodging, and events—however, accepted students must pay a $50 registration fee.
18. Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program
Dates: 12 weeks
Location: N/A
Application deadline:
- Spring: February 12
- Summer: April 16
- Fall: May 14
This 12-week program pairs talented high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. Participants gain firsthand experience in their field and develop an independent research paper by the end of the program. Students also work with writing coaches and take part in workshops on the research process to further build their skills.
19. Office of Naval Research Science and Engineering Apprentice Program
Dates: Eight weeks
Location: One of 25 Navy laboratories
Application deadline: N/A
High schoolers with a talent for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics serve as apprentices in one of 25 Navy laboratories for eight weeks through this program. Participants are mentored by research personnel and gain real-world science and engineering research experience. Not only is this program free, but participants are paid. First-year apprentices earn a $3,500 stipend while returning apprentices earn a $4,000 stipend.
20. JCamp
Dates: Six days
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application deadline: March 17
JCamp is a six-day multicultural journalism program for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors provided by the Asian American Journalist Association. The program offers hands-on training in a variety of journalistic mediums, including broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, photojournalism, and online media. JCamp seeks to build diversity in journalism and students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply.
How Impressive Are Summer Programs in College Admissions?
Colleges look for students who explore their interests outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities are an important way to demonstrate your passions.
Extracurricular activities are broken down into four tiers, with Tier 1 representing those that are the most impressive and unique and Tier 4 representing those that are the most common. In general, you should aim to have at least a few Tier 1 and 2 activities mixed in with Tier 3 and 4 activities.
Summer programs fall into different tiers depending on factors like selectivity, theme, and more. While they usually fall into Tier 3 or 4, a particularly prestigious and selective program, such as Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP), could be considered Tier 1 or 2.
Curious how a summer program or extracurricular activity will impact your chances of admission? CollegeVine’s free chancing engine will help you learn your real odds of getting into hundreds of schools across the country, plus give you tips for improving your profile.
Other Ways to Spend Your Summer
Summer break isn’t really a break when you’re preparing for the college admissions process. You should be exploring interests and demonstrating that you’re eager to learn and explore a passion. But summer programs aren’t the only way to do that.
For example, you could take on an independent project, such as writing for your own blog or conducting research. This will look particularly impressive to colleges because it demonstrates initiative.
Internships are another good option. Although most internships are reserved for college students and graduates, you can still find some opportunities for younger people. This, too, will impress colleges, as well as give you a taste of a prospective future career.
Don’t forget about paying jobs. Colleges understand that students may need to earn money. They also know that jobs help students gain important life skills and learn a sense of responsibility.
FAQs
What is the acceptance rate for Tass summer program? ›
Acceptance rates to TASP/TASS were often below 5%, so with this increased access to the program, we're expecting similar, if not more competitive numbers for the Summer Seminars, making them among the most competitive summer programs.
Are Ivy League summer programs worth it? ›Yes, summer programs are definitely worth it! They present a perfect opportunity to explore your field of interest in greater depth, develop relevant skills, meet like-minded students, and – perhaps most importantly – increase your chances of getting into the Ivies.
Do summer programs help college admissions? ›Did you know summer activities can push your college application to the “yes” pile? Colleges want to see that you are committed to extracurriculars throughout the school year, but they also love it when you are making the effort to expand and stretch yourself over summer vacation.
Is the USC Summer Program worth it? ›The USC Summer Programs is an excellent way to prepare you for college, both academically and socially. Being on a college campus and meeting people from all over the world is an opportunity that you won't get as a high school student, so take it while you can!
What is the hardest school program to get into? ›...
Top 10 Hardest Colleges to Get Into.
| School | Location | Acceptance Rate (Class of 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Harvard | Cambridge, MA | 3.19% |
| 2. Columbia | New York, NY | 3.73% |
We welcome nominations from school counselors, teachers, community members, mentors, family members, and Telluride Associates. We also welcome self-nominations from students. Nominations and applications for TASS Summer 2023 are now closed.
What GPA is required for Harvard? ›You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
What GPA do Ivy Leagues want? ›If you're aiming for a top university such as one in the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, or others of the same caliber, a 4.0 GPA — or close to it — is expected.
Does going to Harvard Summer School help you get into Harvard? ›Does attending the Secondary School Program guarantee admission to Harvard? No. However, attending Harvard Summer School and performing well will strengthen your application to any college or university.
Does summer school raise GPA in college? ›Take Summer Classes
Taking summer classes may seem like a drag, but it is one of the best things you can do to boost your GPA. When you retake a course during the summer, you are likely to be in a smaller class.
Do paid summer programs look good for college? ›
Another advantage of summer programs is that they look great on college applications—they demonstrate a love of learning and show a student's desire to immerse themselves in interesting subjects.
Why are summer programs important? ›Summer Learning Programs Help Students Keep Up
It provides structure to children's summer experiences, making it more likely that they will stay engaged and focused and out of trouble. It also keeps their academic skills polished and in some cases, makes it possible for them to get ahead.
SSP accepts students who are at the top of their classes and earning high grades in some of the more advanced science and math courses available. Students are also encouraged to aim for high standardized test scores.
Is it hard to get into USC summer program? ›Application Requirements
The USC Summer Program is one of the best in the nation. So at AdmissionSight we encourage students to apply as early as possible, as spots fill up fast. There's a rigorous admissions process.
Going into high school, many students hear that freshman year is the “easiest” year. Some think that colleges don't consider it as much as they do one's sophomore, junior, and senior years. While this is typically true, it doesn't mean that students should entirely dismiss the importance of their freshman year.
Which high school year is the toughest? ›While junior year is often the hardest year of high school, the transition from middle school to 9th grade can also be tough. To make it easier, don't feel afraid to reach out to your teachers and counselors, and take advantage of the support resources that are available.
What is the hardest high school class in America? ›- Physics 1. As one of the hardest high school classes, this course includes not only algebra but also scientific inquiry and physics. ...
- Environmental Science. ...
- Chemistry. ...
- U.S. Government and Politics. ...
- U.S. History. ...
- Human Geography. ...
- European History. ...
- Statistics.
Application Process
Usually, COSMOS students have a GPA of 3.5 or above. All applicants must complete an online application as well as one personal statement. You're required to have at least one teacher recommendation but a second one is highly suggested.
Who is eligible to apply? All current high school sophomores and juniors (tenth and eleventh grades) are eligible to apply for the program. You do not need to be a United States citizen or attend a US high school to apply.
Is it hard to get into the Columbia summer immersion program? ›As you can imagine, admission to Columbia's summer programs for high school students is highly selective. Though there are no specific GPA requirements, all application materials should establish that the student has the appropriate academic background and ability for the academic focus for which he or she is applying.
What is the highest GPA ever? ›
A GPA higher than 5.0 is rare, but school point systems are occasionally structured so that students taking advanced classes can rack up bonus points. One student even managed to land a stunning 10.03 GPA by taking 17 advanced classes at a school that awarded bonus points.
What is the lowest GPA you can get? ›The lowest possible grade is usually equal to a 0.0 on any scale and most times correlates to an "F" or the failing grade for the course. The scale coverts linearly from the 0.0 to 4.0 with your grade whether you are on a number or letter grading system for the class.
What is the lowest GPA admitted to Harvard? ›Continue to work hard, take difficult classes, and show your passions outside of school! To get to Harvard your GPA has to be at least a 4.0 and even then if you get in your lucky but they require at least a 4.18 GPA only .
What is the lowest GPA an Ivy League will accept? ›None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply regardless of their GPA.
What is the cheapest Ivy League school? ›Cornell University Tuition
Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell boasts the lowest cost of attendance before financial aid at its state-funded schools. Costs for its privately-funded colleges are on par with the rest of the Ivy League.
Smaller universities are likely to view a 3.0 average as the baseline for first round applicant choices, with students who have grade point averages between a 2.5 or higher also being likely to gain acceptance. Other universities might only require a 2.0, and that is also typically the standard for most colleges.
Is it hard to get into Harvard summer Programs? ›The Harvard Summer School study abroad programs seek motivated, independent students who are eager for a unique academic challenge. All programs are selective and have limited enrollment.
What increases your chances of getting into Harvard? ›The best way to improve your chances of acceptance is to have extremely strong academics—and to complete the most challenging coursework available. Competitive candidates to a top-ten school like Harvard have often completed upward of 12 AP courses.
Does Harvard summer accept everyone? ›Harvard Summer School is open to anyone seeking to use their summer to learn something new!
Can I retake classes to raise my GPA in high school? ›BRIEF SUMMARY. Grade replacement refers to the process of repeating a course for credit. This means that the student takes the course for a second time. Grade replacement may be a way that students try to raise their GPA if they have experienced one/some low grades in high school.
What high school year GPA do colleges look at? ›
Your first year and sophomore year affect your cumulative GPA, which is important to most colleges. However, a solid academic record in your junior year is likely to carry more importance with an admissions committee.
Do colleges actually care about high school GPA? ›Most universities will consider your child's overall high school GPA, but will always consider their GPA and transcript together, meaning that an admissions officer will see if your child's grades have improved over time.
Does summer school improve GPA? ›Raise Their GPA
While letting an elective class go and not retaking it is an option, summer school grades replace the failing grade already earned. That will raise your teen's GPA.
Colleges today are looking for students whose strengths and experiences will be an asset to their school. Good grades, a challenging high school curriculum, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, and a strong essay are a few key factors admissions officers assess.
What do you gain from a summer program? ›By attending an academic summer program, students can gain the skills and experiences that colleges and employers consistently look for in applicants, including communication skills, critical thinking skills, and dedication to specific subjects.
What are the benefits of summer school? ›- Develops a Social Understanding. ...
- Increases Confidence and Social Skills. ...
- Develops Academic Skills and Learning. ...
- Summer Education Gives Students An Edge Applying to University. ...
- Promotes Physical Activity. ...
- Creates International Friendships. ...
- ISSOS International Summer Schools.
Summer school is an academic program that takes place during summer break. It might be purely academic or it might include recreational activities as well. Kids who are behind in basic subjects, at risk of not graduating, or need to work on their executive functioning skills might benefit from summer school.
What is the easiest science class in high school? ›- Oceanography.
- Earth/Physical Science.
- Biology.
- Optional Electives ( Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Zoology, Astronomy, etc.)
- Chemistry.
- Physics.
Chemistry is famous for being one of the hardest subjects ever, so it's no surprise that a Chemistry degree is fiercely challenging. Just one topic in Chemistry (for example, organic chemistry) is incredibly complex.
How can I get into summer school fast? ›- Set some summer goals. ...
- Prepare to take great notes. ...
- Retaking a class? ...
- Sync your school calendar with your social calendar. ...
- Form a new study crew. ...
- Visualize your upcoming test. ...
- Take advantage of all your resources. ...
- Take plenty of brain breaks.
Can I get into USC with a 3.5 GPA? ›
For the fall 2022 class, the 25th/75th percentile high school GPA range was 3.82-4.0. This means that the majority of admitted applicants had relatively strong grades, getting mostly or all As and possibly a few Bs. If your GPA is below 3.8, you'll most likely have a more difficult time getting into USC.
What high school GPA do you need to get into USC? ›To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1530 SAT or a 34 ACT. You should also have a 3.79 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.
Are summer school programs worth it? ›A summer school provides a focused academic environment with smaller classes and fewer learning hours. Because the duration of the study is limited, teachers usually set very precise study goals. You will immerse yourself in a subject and gain a solid grounding in the subject matter.
Is taking 2 summer classes too much? ›Most students would take no more than two classes over the summer as they can be incredibly condensed with a greater workload than the traditional semester-long classes.
Is summer school harder than regular school? ›Summer classes are usually comparable or a tad bit less expensive than classes in the school year or semester. Keep in mind, though, that a summer semester is more challenging. Thus, summer classes may be a bit more demanding than classes offered during the regular school year or year.
How many people get into the Naval Academy summer Seminar? ›How many students are accepted? About 2,500 students are selected to attend summer seminar each summer. This is much higher than the 600 students selected to attend the Air Force Academy summer seminar in person.
How hard is it to get into the Naval Academy summer Seminar? ›Very selective program. About 8000 apply and only 2400 spots over three sessions are available (800/session). Not getting into NASS does not mean that one cannot get into Navy.
Is it hard to get into Usafa summer seminar? ›Selection for Summer Seminar is very competitive. For example, there are more than 3,000 applicants each year. The selection team considers the “whole person concept” in making its final decision.
Can summer school bring up GPA? ›Raise Their GPA
While letting an elective class go and not retaking it is an option, summer school grades replace the failing grade already earned. That will raise your teen's GPA.
Take Summer Classes
Taking summer classes may seem like a drag, but it is one of the best things you can do to boost your GPA. When you retake a course during the summer, you are likely to be in a smaller class. That will give you more one-on-one time with the instructor.