Imagine being able to sit down to write your college essays with no trepidation at all. When you read the prompts listed on the application, your mind already starts humming with examples of scenarios from your recent past: witty yet illustrative anecdotes about your persistence and tenacity; vivid memories of overcoming fierce challenges; poignant dialogues with mentors that gave you fresh new perspective on life. As your fingers fly over the keyboard, your brain still plays out the details of your rich and eventful life, and the writing is second nature to you.
How do you become this person? What does it take to get to this point? In addition to practicing your creative nonfiction writing skills on the side, you need to get out there and experience the world as much as possible. There’s no shortcut to this kind of development. You can, however, do this by taking intellectual risks, exploring outside your comfort zone, and utilizing every learning opportunity available to you as a high school student. While the school year schedule is often extremely hectic for those involved in clubs, classes, sports, and other campus activities, the summer break provides a unique chance to delve deeper into your interests free from traditional structures. High-achieving students know the summer is a rare chance to gain a precious competitive edge.
Today, we’ll give you a shortlist of the best summer programs for high school students, as well as the key dates and details you need to apply on time. When it comes to the top competitive academic summer programs for teens, many tasks creep up in the fall semester: with deadlines falling in early 2025, there’s no time to waste.
Start Now: Fall Semester
Believe it or not, you should start planning your summer now. Yes, now! With the earliest deadlines falling in the first week of the new year, you’ll want to get started as soon as the application windows open over the next few months to avoid a rush.
What are you up against?
The best summer programs for high school students are extremely competitive—in some cases, even more competitive than the universities themselves, with acceptance rates ranging from 3-10% of the total students who apply. Thus, for ambitious students (and those hoping to put themselves on the track for the Ivies come senior year), these incredibly selective programs are a serious source of currency. Being able to list these exclusive opportunities on your application not only boosts your acceptance chances, it provides an outlet for a highly competitive nature and demonstrates serious dedication at a young age.
As we mentioned, there’s no time to waste; the deadlines for these competitive programs approach quickly, and you’ll want to take plenty of time to prepare and review your application materials before submitting. Staying organized is going to be key to following through with your plans for next summer.
33 Best Summer Programs for High School Students
Our list of programs are arranged in order by state, but you could alternatively choose to search by subject, requirements, or cost to find the best-fit program for you. Ultimately, the best program for you is the one that will allow you to thrive and grow as a student during your summer break.
1. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
- Location: California
- Description of the Program: A four-week summer program designed for gifted students to explore advanced science and math topics.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Varies by campus, including biology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20%
- Cost: $3,200 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students (grades 9-12) with strong records in math and science.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early February.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
- Location: California
- Description of the Program: A research internship program allowing students to work in labs at Stanford School of Medicine.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Biomedical research methodologies, laboratory techniques, and data analysis.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (around $3,000)
- Eligibility Requirements: Rising juniors and seniors with an interest in biomedical sciences.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in mid-January.
3. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
- Location: California
- Description of the Program: A rigorous summer program focused on advanced mathematical topics for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Topics may include number theory, combinatorics, algebra, and geometry, along with problem-solving strategies.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20%
- Cost: $4,500 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with a strong math background; typically rising juniors and seniors.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early February.
4. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorships Program
- Location: California
- Description of the Program: A program designed to provide high school students with research opportunities at UC Santa Barbara.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Research methodologies in various fields such as biology, chemistry, and environmental sciences.
- Acceptance Rate: Varies by program (generally competitive)
- Cost or Stipend: Free; stipends available for selected participants.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students interested in research.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendation letters.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early April.
5. Northwestern’s Medill Cherubs Program
- Location: Illinois
- Description of the Program: An intensive summer program focused on journalism, debate, and theater arts for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Reporting, writing, editing, public speaking, and performance.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%
- Cost: $6,000 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with interests in journalism and performance.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, writing samples, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in January.
6. Fermilab’s Quarknet Summer Research Program
- Location: Illinois
- Description of the Program: A summer research opportunity for high school students at Fermilab, focusing on particle physics.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Particle physics, data analysis, experimental design, and scientific research.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (around $1,500)
- Eligibility Requirements: Rising juniors and seniors interested in physics and mathematics.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in February.
7. Iowa Young Writer’s Studio
- Location: Iowa
- Description of the Program: A summer writing program for high school students focusing on creative writing.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, with workshops and individual feedback.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20%
- Cost: $1,650
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with a passion for writing.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, writing samples, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in March.
8. National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program (NIH-SIP)
- Location: Maryland (primarily at NIH facilities)
- Description of the Program: A summer internship at NIH for students interested in biomedical research.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Molecular biology, biochemistry, and clinical research techniques.
- Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (approximately 5-10%)
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (around $2,000)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school juniors and seniors with an interest in biomedical research.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in March.
9. LaunchX Young Entrepreneurs Summer Program
- Location: Massachusetts (Boston), Pennsylvania (UPenn), Illinois (Northwestern), Michigan
- Description of the Program: A summer program focused on entrepreneurship and startup creation for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Business fundamentals, idea validation, product development, and pitching.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20-30%
- Cost: $5,000 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with a passion for entrepreneurship.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early February.
10. Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
- Location: Massachusetts
- Description of the Program: A program designed to increase diversity in engineering and science fields by providing research experiences.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Engineering principles, scientific research, and mentoring in STEM fields.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
- Cost or Stipend: Free; includes housing and meals.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early January.
11. Program for Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
- Location: Massachusetts
- Description of the Program: An immersive mathematics program for high school students to explore mathematical research.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Topics include number theory, combinatorial game theory, and advanced problem-solving.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20%
- Cost: $6,000 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with a strong interest in mathematics.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in mid-January.
12. The Research in Science and Engineering Program (RISE)
- Location: Massachusetts
- Description of the Program: A program providing high school students with research opportunities in science and engineering fields.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Various scientific disciplines, hands-on research, and exposure to lab techniques.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15-20%
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (around $1,200)
- Eligibility Requirements: Rising juniors and seniors with a strong interest in science and engineering.
- Application Materials Required: Application, essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early February.
13. Research Science Institute (RSI)
- Location: Massachusetts
- Description of the Program: A prestigious program that combines coursework in scientific theory with hands-on research.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology through individual research projects.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
- Cost or Stipend: Free; includes housing and meals.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students who have completed their junior year.
- Application Materials Required: Application, essays, recommendations, and research proposal.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early January.
14. Tanglewood Institute at Boston University
- Location: Massachusetts
- Description of the Program: A program for young musicians to study music performance and composition at Tanglewood.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Instrumental performance, composition, music theory, and ensemble work.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20%
- Cost: $2,000 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school musicians with a strong background in music.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, audition video, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early March.
15. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) Program
- Location: Massachusetts
- Description of the Program: A summer research program focused on biomedical engineering for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Research methodologies in biomedical engineering, hands-on lab work, and data analysis.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (around $1,000)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with an interest in engineering or the sciences.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in late March.
16. High School Honors Science Program (HSHSP)
- Location: Michigan
- Description of the Program: A research program for high school students focusing on scientific research methodologies.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Various scientific fields with an emphasis on hands-on research and mentorship.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%
- Cost or Stipend: Free; includes housing and meals.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students in their junior year.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early March.
17. Interlochen Center for the Arts
- Location: Michigan
- Description of the Program: A summer arts program for students in music, theater, visual arts, and creative writing.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Intensive training in chosen arts disciplines, workshops, and performances.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20-25%
- Cost or Stipend: Varies by discipline (generally around $5,000)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to students ages 11-18 with a passion for the arts.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, audition or portfolio, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in late February.
18. The Summer Science Program (SSP)
- Location: New Mexico (and other locations)
- Description of the Program: An immersive program focusing on astronomy and physics research for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Astronomy, physics, and hands-on research projects.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%
- Cost: $3,500 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with strong STEM backgrounds.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early March.
19. Juilliard Summer Intensives
- Location: New York
- Description of the Program: A prestigious summer arts program focusing on music, dance, and drama.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Intensive training in performance, composition, and theater arts.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
- Cost: Varies by program (generally around $3,000)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to students with strong backgrounds in their respective disciplines.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, audition or portfolio, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early January.
20. Simons Summer Research Program at Stonybrook
- Location: New York
- Description of the Program: Research internships focusing on mathematical and scientific research for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Various fields in mathematics and science through individual research.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (around $3,000)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school juniors and seniors.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early March.
21. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
- Location: New York (and other locations)
- Description of the Program: A seminar-based program focused on critical thinking and discussion for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Social sciences, philosophy, and leadership topics.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%
- Cost or Stipend: Free; includes housing and meals.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with strong academic records.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in late January.
22. Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program
- Location: New Jersey
- Description of the Program: A program for high school students interested in laboratory research at Princeton.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Laboratory techniques, research methodologies, and scientific inquiry.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (around $1,000)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school juniors and seniors.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in mid-February.
23. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
- Location: New Jersey
- Description of the Program: A journalism program for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Reporting, writing, editing, and media ethics.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
- Cost or Stipend: Free; includes housing and meals.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in late February.
24. Ross Mathematics Program
- Location: Ohio
- Description of the Program: A program focused on advanced mathematics for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Topics include number theory, combinatorics, and advanced problem-solving techniques.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%
- Cost: $1,500 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with a strong interest in mathematics.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in late February.
25. Carnegie Mellon’s AI Scholars and CS Scholars Pre-College Programs
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Description of the Program: A summer program focused on artificial intelligence and computer science for high school students.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: AI concepts, programming, and ethical considerations in technology.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15%
- Cost: $3,500 (financial aid available)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with an interest in computer science.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early February.
26. Clark Scholars
- Location: Texas
- Description of the Program: A summer program for high school students focusing on engineering and science research.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Research projects in various engineering fields and mentorship.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10-15%
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (around $1,000)
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with strong academic records.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early April.
27. Boys State / Girls State
- Location: Multiple states
- Description of the Program: A program designed to teach students about government and civic responsibilities.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: American government, civic engagement, and leadership skills.
- Acceptance Rate: Varies by state (typically competitive)
- Cost or Stipend: Generally free; some states may have fees.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school juniors.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Varies by state (generally in early spring).
28. Boys Nation / Girls Nation
- Location: Multiple states
- Description of the Program: A leadership program for students who have completed Boys State or Girls State.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Advanced civic engagement, leadership, and government operations.
- Acceptance Rate: Varies by state (very competitive)
- Cost or Stipend: Generally free; funded by the American Legion.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to students who attended Boys State or Girls State.
- Application Materials Required: Typically requires nomination from state leaders.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Varies by state.
29. Governor’s School
- Location: Multiple states
- Description of the Program: A summer program focusing on advanced studies in various disciplines.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Varies by state, including arts, humanities, and sciences.
- Acceptance Rate: Varies by state (generally competitive)
- Cost or Stipend: Generally free or low-cost; varies by state.
- Eligibility Requirements: Varies by state.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Varies by state.
30. Advanced Summer Research Program (ADSRP)
- Location: Multiple institutions
- Description of the Program: A program offering research experiences in various disciplines.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Varies by institution; includes hands-on research projects.
- Acceptance Rate: Varies by institution (generally competitive)
- Cost or Stipend: Varies; some may offer stipends.
- Eligibility Requirements: Varies by institution.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Varies by institution.
31. Army-funded Engineering Internships (AEOP)
- Location: Multiple locations
- Description of the Program: A summer program offering engineering internships funded by the Army.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Engineering principles, hands-on projects, and mentorship.
- Acceptance Rate: Varies by location (competitive)
- Cost or Stipend: Paid internship (amount varies)
- Eligibility Requirements: Varies by location; generally open to high school students interested in engineering.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Varies by location.
32. Girls Who Code
- Location: Multiple states
- Description of the Program: A summer program aimed at closing the gender gap in technology by teaching girls coding skills.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Programming, web development, and project design.
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20-30%
- Cost or Stipend: Free
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to girls in grades 11-12.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, essays, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Typically in early April.
33. J-camp
- Location: Multiple states (location rotates)
- Description of the Program: A journalism program for high school students interested in media and reporting.
- Brief Summary of Topics Covered: Reporting, writing, multimedia skills, and ethics in journalism.
- Acceptance Rate: Varies by location (competitive)
- Cost or Stipend: Typically free or low-cost; varies by location.
- Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students with a passion for journalism.
- Application Materials Required: Application form, writing samples, and recommendations.
- Application Deadline for 2025: Varies by location.
How to Apply to the Best Summer Programs
Applying for one of these immersive educational experiences is great practice for packaging your narrative and applying for college. Similarly, you’ll need strong grades and test scores, cohesive extracurriculars, compelling essays, and one or more letters of recommendation. As there are multiple components, it can be really helpful to have some guidance through this process. Let’s review the basics.
Your Summer Prep Timeline
For juniors and seniors:
Start researching your options now, in the fall semester. Keep in mind that applications often open a few weeks or months prior to the submission deadline, so you can view the application questions and begin preparing your application materials. For each of these programs, you would apply at the end of 2024 or in early 2025 in order to attend a program in the summer of 2025.
For younger students:
If you have time, research a list of summer programs that align with your interests or intended major. This is an excellent way to explore different majors or specializations you may want to pursue in high school, and beyond!
Standing Out from the Competition
The best of the best students compete for a chance at these experiences. Because a lot of summer programs for high school students focus on niche and advanced topics, admitted students usually have a mission-driven extracurricular profile outside of school.
Additionally, letters of recommendation from teachers are valued strongly in the most competitive summer programs’ application process. Applicants need to ask teachers who will enthusiastically endorse them and can speak to their genuine interest in the relevant academic field. Make sure to give your recommenders plenty of advance notice; the fall semester is when teachers are asked to write college letters of recommendation, as well, and they are sure to have their hands full.
Written Components of Your Application
Summer programs will usually inquire as to why you’ve selected their program, and often another essay field will ask about the history and evolution of your academic interest in the topic. Be sure to show through experiences, examples, and personal anecdotes how your answers are true. It’s your job to help the program staff get to know you on a personal level! Most importantly, the essays help organize your application into a narrative and allow admissions officers to understand your perspective. In a personal statement, you have the opportunity to explain why you care about the topic and why you deserve a spot in their program.
Your Overall Strategy for the Best Summer Programs
When it comes to standing out in competitive summer program applications, strategic approaches can make a difference.
Firstly, make sure to research the program thoroughly and align your application with its objectives and values. Tailoring your application to the specific program demonstrates your genuine interest and dedication. When you’re ready to apply, showcase your unique qualities and experiences that set you apart from other applicants. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, and any relevant projects or initiatives you have undertaken. When you write, consider which major challenges or wins have helped shape your views, and write as authentically as you can.
To unlock the secrets to success in competitive summer program admissions, it is crucial to pay attention to the application details. Follow instructions carefully and ensure that all required documents, essays, and forms are submitted accurately and on time. By implementing these strategies and secrets, you can enhance your chances of securing a spot in a competitive summer program and embark on an enriching and transformative experience.
Overwhelmed?
Don’t be. It is also advisable to seek feedback from trusted mentors or teachers to polish your application materials. If you want to continue the conversation, you can always talk to Empowerly. Our team spends on average 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor, and 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. We are here to help walk you through every step of the way.
