Summer programs for high school students provide an incredible opportunity to gain college experience, explore future career paths, and have impressive extracurriculars on your college application! In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best summer programs available, breaking them down by area of interest—from STEM to arts, business, and a popular option among students—medicine.
We’ll also go in-depth on what makes each program unique, how much they cost, and how students like you can apply! Whether you’re looking to learn more about your favorite subjects/passions and conceptualize what you’ll contribute to your future campus, or you’re just eager to try something new, a high school summer program is a beneficial choice!
Let’s check out some summer programs for high school students (by subject) below:
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STEM Programs for High School Students
STEM summer programs help students dive into fields such as science, engineering, and technology. Here are some of the top programs:
1. Harvard Summer School – Secondary School Program
Harvard’s Secondary School Program offers over 200 college-level courses, giving students the chance to earn college credits and explore their academic interests. This is a great opportunity for students to explore subject areas they’re passionate about and get a few steps ahead academically.
- GPA Requirements: A GPA of 3.7 or higher is generally expected for this competitive program.
- Duration: 4 or 7 weeks.
- Cost: $5,500-$11,000.
- How to Apply: Apply online with a transcript, recommendations, and a personal statement.
2. Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) – University of Toronto
DEEP is designed for high school students interested in engineering, science, and technology. This program allows students to explore advanced STEM topics in an academic setting.
- GPA Requirements: While there’s no strict GPA requirement, academic excellence is encouraged.
- Duration: 1-2 weeks.
- Cost: $750-$1,100 CAD per course.
- How to Apply: Registration is online and space is limited.
3. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
MIT’s RSI is a prestigious STEM program where high-achieving students conduct research alongside leading professionals. The best part? It’s free to attend!
- GPA Requirements: Students typically have a near 4.0 GPA, reflecting academic excellence, especially in STEM subjects.
- Duration: 6 weeks.
- Cost: Free, with all expenses covered.
- How to Apply: Submit essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Humanities and Journalism Summer Programs for High School Students
If you’re passionate about writing, history, philosophy (or anything humanities), here are top programs in these fields:
1. Yale Young Global Scholars
YYGS provides an interdisciplinary approach, offering sessions on politics, law, philosophy, and culture (all of which play a major role in any future humanities degree).
- GPA Requirements: Although there’s no strict GPA, successful applicants typically have GPAs between 3.5 and 4.0
- Duration: 2 weeks.
- Cost: $6,500.
- How to Apply: Apply online with essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
2. McGill Summer Academy
McGill’s Summer Academy provides students the chance to engage in university-level courses in various subjects like politics and philosophy while living on campus; thus giving them a ‘preview’ of university life and the chance to discover more about their favourite subjects and passions.
- GPA Requirements: No official GPA requirement, but a strong academic record is preferred.
- Duration: 2 weeks.
- Cost: Around $4,500 CAD.
- How to Apply: Submit essays, transcripts, and a recommendation.
3. Columbia University Summer Journalism Workshop
Columbia’s program offers students hands-on experience in journalism by working with seasoned reporters—which can be an invaluable experience for young adults curious about a fast-paced career in this field!
- GPA Requirements: While no specific GPA is listed, applicants typically have a good academic record, usually around 3.5 or higher.
- Duration: 2 weeks.
- Cost: $5,000.
- How to Apply: Submit transcripts, writing samples, and essays.
Business and Leadership Summer Programs for High School Students
For aspiring entrepreneurs or leaders, these programs will help you gain real-world business and leadership skills.
1. Wharton Global Youth Program
This program at the University of Pennsylvania offers an introduction to business, finance, and leadership.
- GPA Requirements: A GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred, especially for students excelling in math and economics.
- Duration: 2-4 weeks.
- Cost: Around $7,500.
- How to Apply: Submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.
2. Brown Leadership Institute
The Brown Leadership Institute helps students develop leadership skills while exploring topics like social justice and public policy. Programs are available on-campus and online, making this an accessible option! Note that there are several pre-college programs at Brown University.
- GPA Requirements: Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership potential and academic motivation.
- Duration: 2 weeks.
- Cost: $5,500.
- How to Apply: Submit an application, transcript, and a leadership essay.
3. Shad Canada
Shad is one of Canada’s most prestigious leadership and entrepreneurship programs, focusing on STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) for students in grades 10 and 11.
- GPA Requirements: While no strict GPA is listed, Shad participants are typically high academic achievers.
- Duration: 1 month.
- Cost: $6,400 CAD.
- How to Apply: Submit a transcript, essays, and recommendation letters.
Are you preparing a resume to help you get a spot at a summer program? Check out our tips:
Pre-Med and Healthcare Summer Programs for High School Students
For students interested in a career in medicine or healthcare, these programs offer invaluable early exposure to medical fields, in addition to attending a high school medical internship, summer programs an introduce to the rigorous, challenging, and rewarding field of medicine. They can also help students distinguish the differences between roles in medicine – PA vs MD, MD vs DO, and even nursing — so they’ll make the best decision for their future career in the future!
1. Georgetown Medical Institute for High School Students
Georgetown’s Medical Institute offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience in healthcare through lab work and hospital visits. They offer 1 week and 3 week medical immersion programs that aim to introduce students to a variety of specialities, from anesthesiology to emergency medicine and more…
- GPA Requirements: A GPA of 3.5 or higher is typically expected, particularly in science courses.
- Duration: 1-2 weeks.
- Cost: Around $4,500.
- How to Apply: Submit essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
2. UCLA Pre-Med Summer Institute
UCLA’s Pre-Med Summer Institute is ideal for high school students considering careers in healthcare, surgery and/or robotics, offering hands-on medical labs and simulations! Note that UCLA Summer Sessions offers additional high school programs outside of medicine as well.
- GPA Requirements: Typically, students with GPAs of 3.5 or higher in science courses are most competitive for this program.
- Duration: 3 weeks.
- Cost: $6,000.
- How to Apply: Submit an application with transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
3. University of Toronto Medical Youth Summer Program
The Medical Youth Program at U of T offers students a hands-on introduction to medical sciences through lectures, labs, and hospital visits. A part of UHN (Universal Health Network), U of T is renowned for its medical education, making this an incredibly unique opportunity for students interested in studying medicine, and/or applying to U of T.
- GPA Requirements: While no specific GPA is listed, a strong academic record in biology and chemistry is preferred.
- Duration: 1-2 weeks.
- Cost: Approximately $2,000 CAD.
- How to Apply: Submit transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
4. Northern Ontario School of Medicine Health Sciences Summer Program
Known as CampMed, this program is designed for students interested in rural and Northern healthcare (for which there is an extreme demand for healthcare professionals). This summer programs offers workshops and simulations focused on underserved, rural areas.
- GPA Requirements: Although GPA isn’t the primary factor, academic excellence in science is advantageous.
- Duration: 1-2 weeks.
- Cost: Varies based on program details.
- How to Apply: Applications typically include transcripts, personal essays, and teacher recommendations.
Why Should You Attend a High School Summer Program?
Attending a summer program offers numerous benefits, such as gaining real-world skills, preparing for college, and meeting like-minded peers. Working summer jobs and playing sports are great ways to stay busy during the summer, however, don’t always offer (potential) career-related learning experiences.
Here’s why you may want to consider applying, and what these programs offer:
- Academic Enrichment: Many programs are designed to challenge students academically and introduce them to college-level coursework. This means you’ll know what to expect BEFORE entering your first year, which could minimize stress (and help you achieve higher grades).
- Networking Opportunities: Meet peers, faculty, and industry professionals who can guide your future educational and career choices. No matter what industry you hope to work in one day, it’s never too early to make connections. Not only are mentors and friends important, but the phrase, “it’s all about who you know” is exceptionally true when it comes to finding an internship, securing future recommendation letters for college, or finding a volunteer opportunity.
- College Application Boost: Participating in prestigious summer programs can make your college applications stand out. Whether you’ve got your sights set on a BS/MD program or are hoping to study Humanities, you’ll look like a stellar applicant.
- Help with Future Decisions: Many students wonder if med school is right for them, or worry that law school is too hard…or, perhaps they’re unsure whether or not the subjects their passionate about are worth pursuing. Attending a summer program can help clarify some of these ‘what ifs’ and give students an early introduction to their potential future career/field.
High School Summer Programs: A Few Weeks That Can Shape Your Future
Attending a summer program for high school students offers an invaluable opportunity to prepare for college, explore academic interests, and build connections with peers from around the world. Whether you’re passionate about STEM, humanities, business, healthcare, or another field/program not listed here, there are several opportunities out there that will help you grow as both a student and a leader.
Now is the time to take the next step! Explore these opportunities (and check out each program’s individual website to learn more) and make the most of your summer with a life-changing academic experience.
FAQs
1. What GPA do I need to be considered for a high school summer program?
The GPA requirement for high school summer programs varies by program. Prestigious programs like MIT RSI and Harvard Summer School typically expect a GPA of 3.7 or higher, while other programs may not have strict GPA cutoffs but expect strong academic performance. It’s always best to aim for a GPA of at least 3.5 to remain competitive.
2. I’m in high school – can I earn college credits by attending these summer programs?
Yes, many high school summer programs offer the opportunity to earn college credit. Programs like Harvard’s Secondary School Program, UCLA Precollege Institutes, and the University of Toronto’s DEEP program allow students to take college-level courses and earn credit that can potentially transfer to their future universities.
3. Are scholarships available?
Yes, many summer programs offer scholarships or financial aid. For example, Shad Canada and Yale Young Global Scholars both provide financial assistance to help students cover the cost of attendance. Be sure to check each program's website for specific scholarship opportunities and application requirements.
is it hard to get accepted to high school summer programs?
Admission to top high school summer programs is highly competitive. Many of these programs receive applications from students worldwide (depending on whether or not they allow international applicants, of course), and only a small percentage are accepted. Strong academic records, compelling personal essays, and impressive extracurricular achievements are often required to stand out.
5. When should I start applying to high school summer programs?
Application deadlines for summer programs vary, but most open in the fall or early winter and close by late spring. It’s recommended to start preparing your application in the fall of your school year for entrance into next summer’s program. For competitive programs like RSI or YYGS, you should start researching and preparing your application materials (e.g., essays and recommendation letters) early.
6. Are there high school summer programs in Canada?
Yes, there are several prestigious summer programs in Canada, including Shad Canada, McGill Summer Academy, and the University of Toronto’s DEEP program; but there are others not listed in this blog, too. Check with each individual university, as there are dozens that offer unique high school summer programs.
7. Do I need to pay for high school summer programs?
Yes, most high school summer programs come with a cost, but there are exceptions (like MIT). Costs can range from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000, depending on the program.
8. What grade do I have to be in to apply to summer programs?
Generally, these programs target ‘rising seniors’ meaning those who are in grade 11 and about to enter grade 12, but several of them are open to students in grades 9 and 10 as well! Ages 15-17 is the average range, but it’s best to check with each individual program before applying!
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1 Comments
Anika Sharma
Are there any opportunities in India? Or any online programs?
Reply