If the picture on the left looks like your dream summer experience, keep reading. If it’s the one on the right, buy sunscreen, sweet talk your parents, and invite me!
Each year, I receive countless questions from students about what they should do over the summer. "What programs are the best?" "How do I apply?" The list of inquiries is endless—and so are the number of programs available. Applying to these programs can be time-consuming and rigorous. In fact, it can often feel more challenging than applying to college itself. Admission for some of these programs is just as challenging—some with acceptance rates of 3% or less.
Many of these programs are as competitive as admission to an Ivy League school, so plan early and work diligently to submit a strong application. Many programs are either entirely free or may offer generous financial aid packages. However, without aid, some are downright expensive!
Note: the application and decision deadlines and requirements may vary year to year, so always check the program’s official website (links are provided for each program) for the most up-to-date information. I have noted where some programs prefer or require test scores. Again, these factors can change from year-to-year.
The benefits of attending these prestigious programs extend beyond boosting your college application profile. You’ll be challenged to push your intellectual limits, mentored by some of the brightest minds in your field, and surrounded by driven peers who will inspire you to bring out your best.
In this post, I’m highlighting a handful of programs. There are literally thousands of programs of varying quality to consider. Looking through these may help you focus your search in specific areas of study. Finding good opportunities takes time and effort. Remember too, not every student wants to fill their summer with academic activities! There is nothing wrong with choosing the picture on the right or simply filling the summer with other activities such as a part time job.
Do you have to complete programs like this to get into a great college? No, of course not! However, I am asked about things like this so often, I decided to write this post.
TASP is a free, six-week program that invites high school juniors from diverse backgrounds to explore thought-provoking topics through seminar discussions. Students are exposed to rigorous academic curricula and learn how to engage deeply with complex ideas, from philosophy to literature and sociology. Participants live together and collaboratively manage a self-governed community, promoting leadership and interpersonal development.
Admissions Process: The selection process is extremely rigorous, focusing on thoughtful and curious students who demonstrate intelligence, motivation, and compassion. Essays are the cornerstone of the application process, followed by interviews conducted by regional representatives. Teacher recommendations further support the application.
Grade at Application: 11
Deadline: January
Decision: April
Cost: Free (all costs, including travel, are covered)
RSI, hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is one of the most prestigious STEM summer programs for high school students worldwide. The program combines on-campus coursework in scientific theory with hands-on research guided by expert mentors. Students choose their own research topics in fields such as biology, physics, and engineering. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare professional-quality research papers.
Unique Features: Students present their research at the program’s final symposium, gaining experience in both academic writing and public speaking. RSI alumni often go on to win major science competitions and scholarships.
Admissions Process: Applicants should demonstrate extraordinary academic achievements, particularly in STEM subjects, and many participants have previous experience with research or academic competitions.
Grade at Application: 9-11
Test Required: Strong PSAT/SAT or ACT scores are highly recommended
Deadline: January
Decision: March
Cost: Free
PROMYS is a six-week residential program at Boston University designed for mathematically talented students who want to explore advanced topics and the creative process of mathematical discovery. Students engage in intensive problem-solving, collaborative projects, and advanced seminars on topics such as number theory and abstract algebra.
Unique Features: Participants also benefit from interactions with guest lecturers who are professional mathematicians, and the program encourages students to pursue independent mathematical research.
Admissions Process: A challenging problem set forms the cornerstone of the application, alongside teacher recommendations and academic transcripts.
Grade at Application: 9-12
Deadline: March
Decision: May
Cost: Free for families earning under $60,000/year; $2,500 otherwise
SSP provides students with a five-and-a-half-week immersion in experimental science and real-world research. Participants collaborate on a research project in one of three tracks: astrophysics, biochemistry, or advanced mathematics. For example, students in the astrophysics track calculate the orbit of an asteroid using data collected with professional-grade telescopes.
Unique Features: The program operates at multiple locations across the U.S., including New Mexico Tech and Purdue University, each specializing in different tracks. The rigorous curriculum mirrors college-level coursework.
Admissions Process: Successful applicants often excel in advanced math and science courses. Prerequisites for each track include calculus, physics, and chemistry, depending on the focus area.
Grade at Application: 10-11
Deadline: January (international), February (U.S.)
Decision: March (international), April (U.S.)
Cost: Generous financial aid available
Governor’s School is a prestigious summer program offered in many states, designed to give students a unique residential learning experience. Depending on the state, participants may explore diverse subjects, including STEM, social sciences, performing arts, and humanities. Students attend lectures, workshops, and performances, while collaborating with peers and faculty mentors. (Note: The link is for the NC Governor’s School).
Admissions Process: Application requirements vary by state but often include teacher nominations, essays, transcripts, and interviews. Some states focus on specific disciplines, such as the arts or STEM fields.
Grade at Application: Varies by state
Deadline: Varies by state
Cost: Free or sponsored in most cases
The NC School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) offers the Summer Ventures program, a four-week residential experience focused on research and hands-on experimentation. Students tackle cutting-edge STEM projects, often involving computational modeling, data analysis, or laboratory work.
Unique Features: Participants gain access to advanced scientific tools, such as spectrometers and supercomputers, and present their findings at the program’s conclusion.
Admissions Process: Selection is based on academic performance, teacher recommendations, and a demonstrated passion for STEM.
Grade at Application: 10-11
Deadline: January
Cost: Free
CSSSA is a four-week program held at the California Institute of the Arts that focuses on fostering the artistic talents of high school students. Participants specialize in areas such as visual arts, theater, creative writing, or animation, receiving mentorship from industry professionals.
Unique Features: Graduates are recognized as California Arts Scholars and awarded the Governor’s Medallion, the state’s highest honor for young artists.
Admissions Process: Applicants submit a portfolio or audition materials, along with essays and recommendations.
Grade at Application: 9-12
Deadline: Varies
Decision: Varies
Cost: Free or sponsored
Boys State and Girls State
Boys State and Girls State are one-week programs focused on leadership and civic engagement. Participants run mock governments, hold elections, and draft legislation, gaining a deep understanding of how local and state governments function.
Unique Features: The participants from each state are selected to attend Boys Nation or Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., where they engage in federal-level simulations. The number selected varies by state. There are separate links for each program.
Admissions Process: Students are nominated by their schools or local American Legion posts and selected based on leadership, character, and academic achievement.
Grade at Application: 11
Deadline: Varies by state
Cost: Free
WTP, hosted by MIT, is a four-week summer experience introducing female high school students to engineering through hands-on projects and interactive lectures. Students can choose between Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering tracks, each led by MIT faculty and graduate students.
Unique Features: The program is designed for students with little to no prior background in engineering, making it an excellent starting point for beginners.
Admissions Process: Essays, teacher recommendations, and a demonstrated interest in STEM are critical.
Grade at Application: 11
Deadline: January
Decision: April
Cost: Free
MITES is a six-week residential program at MIT for underrepresented or underserved students interested in STEM careers. Participants take rigorous courses in calculus, physics, and biology while working on team-based research projects.
Unique Features: The program emphasizes building a supportive community, providing mentorship opportunities, and inspiring students to pursue advanced degrees in STEM.
Admissions Process: Selection emphasizes academic excellence, essays, and teacher recommendations.
Grade at Application: 11
Deadline: January
Decision: April
Cost: Free (except transportation)
SUMaC is a four-week residential program at Stanford University that brings together mathematically talented high school juniors and seniors from around the world for intensive study in advanced mathematics. Students engage in lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem-solving while receiving mentorship from faculty, teaching assistants, and peers.
Admissions Process: Admission is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on their grades in math courses, teacher recommendations, responses to the "Why SUMaC" essay questions, performance on standardized math exams and contests, and their results on the SUMaC admission exam. The admission exam comprises challenging math problems that applicants complete at home.
Grade at Application: 10-11
Test Required: Standardized test is recommended
Deadline: March
Decision: May
Cost: Financial aid is available
SAMS is a fully paid six-week residential program at Carnegie Mellon University designed to support students from underrepresented communities as they explore STEM-related fields. Students participate in a rigorous curriculum, taught by world-class faculty and staff mentors, that includes both traditional classroom instruction and hands-on projects. Participants also engage with faculty and peers throughout the fall semester for continued learning opportunities.
Unique Features: SAMS participants earn college credit upon completion of the program and are introduced to various academic and career pathways in STEM.
Grade at Application: 10-11
Deadline: February
Decision: Rolling
Cost: Free
HCSSiM is a six-week program designed for mathematically talented high school students from around the globe. Participants engage in intensive, college-level mathematics, focusing on problem-solving, logical reasoning, and deep exploration of mathematical concepts. Days are filled with active participation in seminars, workshops, and group projects.
Unique Features: Students have constant access to faculty and teaching assistants, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment that prepares participants for future studies in mathematics.
Grade at Application: Typically, 9-11 (no restrictions)
Deadline: Rolling admissions (no official deadline)
Decision: Rolling
Cost: Financial aid is available
This six-week summer program encourages motivated high school students to delve into mathematics through rigorous daily lectures, problem-solving sessions, and seminar groups. Guided by the motto "Think deeply of simple things," Ross focuses on fostering critical thinking rather than rote computation.
Unique Features: The program is renowned for its intensity, with little time for recreational activities, creating a highly immersive experience that challenges students to engage deeply with mathematical concepts.
Grade at Application: Ages 14-18
Deadline: March
Decision: Rolling
Cost: Financial aid is available
Founded by the Asian American Journalists Association, JCamp is a six-day program aimed at fostering diversity in journalism. Participants receive hands-on training in broadcasting, photojournalism, online media, and more, producing multiplatform news packages for the program’s news site, JCamp Live. Students learn directly from veteran journalists and media executives.
Unique Features: The program covers all costs, including airfare, housing, and meals. It is open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, regardless of ethnicity.
Grade at Application: 9-11
Deadline: March
Decision: Rolling
Cost: Free
Short for "Serious Mathematics Infused with Levity," MathILy is a five-week residential program at Bryn Mawr College designed for students passionate about advanced mathematics. Participants engage in seminars on topics such as combinatorial optimization, information theory, knot theory, and Markov chain modeling.
Unique Features: In addition to mathematical exploration, MathILy includes discussions on college choices and career paths in mathematics, making it a holistic experience for aspiring mathematicians.
Grade at Application: Ages 14-17
Deadline: April
Decision: Rolling
Cost: Financial aid is available
The Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is an intensive seven-week summer research program for highly qualified high school juniors and seniors. Participants conduct hands-on research across 22 fields of study, including mathematics, music, and engineering, while working one-on-one with faculty mentors.
Unique Features: Only 12 students are selected each year out of 500 applicants, making this program extremely competitive. Students present their research findings in a final symposium.
Grade at Application: 10-11
Test Required: Standardized test recommended
Deadline: February
Decision: May
Cost: Free (students cover transportation)
Established in 1958, HSHSP is a seven-week program where high school juniors conduct in-depth research in science, engineering, or mathematics under the guidance of faculty mentors. Students participate in seminars, classes, and research projects, culminating in presentations of their work. Note: It will not be held in 2025.Â
Unique Features: The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and research, preparing students for future careers in STEM.
Grade at Application: 11
Deadline: March
Cost: Financial aid is available
Hosted by Boston University, RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors that offers two tracks: Internship and Practicum. Internship students conduct individual research in university labs, while Practicum students collaborate on group neurobiology research in a structured setting.
Unique Features: RISE participants work with university researchers and have access to Boston University’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Grade at Application: 11
Deadline: February
Cost: Financial aid is available
PSJP is a free, ten-day program for high-achieving juniors from low-income households. Participants attend workshops and lectures, tour top news outlets, and create their own newspaper by the program’s end. The program also provides college counseling to help students navigate the application process.
Unique Features: PSJP alumni often pursue careers in journalism or media and receive ongoing mentorship from program staff.
Grade at Application: 11, favoring those from low income backgrounds.
Deadline: February
Cost: Free
Summary and Things To Do
These programs represent only a fraction of the opportunities available to high school students. With determination, planning, and preparation, you can make the most of these transformative experiences to advance your academic and career goals.
Class of 2026:Â The application is still open for some of these programs for 2025. If you are interested, give it a shot!
Class of 2027 and Later:Â If you want to apply to programs like these in the future, start looking into them now! I suggest making a spreadsheet keeping track of the programs, admission requirements, and application deadlines. Do it a year ahead and you will be better prepared.
About An Advisor for College
My name is Pirie McIndoe, and I am the founder of An Advisor for College. Having worked with over 350 colleges and universities during my 39 years in the higher education market, I bring a unique perspective to the college admissions process. I know what college admissions officers are looking for as they seek to develop a diverse student body. I’ve helped hundreds of students get admitted to their dream school. I am fully invested in each student’s success; helping them present the best version of themselves for college consideration. Contact me to learn how I can help you navigate this complex and competitive process. wwww.anadvisorforcollege.comÂ
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