Harvard’s Summer College Programs for high school students are intensive programs designed to give students a glimpse of college and the opportunity to challenge themselves in college-level academics. You’ll meet new friends from around the world and build important life skills that can make your future college experience a success — all while strengthening your college application.
The Secondary School program offers over 200 for credit college courses in total between the 4- and 7-week programs.
The Pre-College program is exclusively on campus and has three, 2-week sessions you can choose from over the summer.
Experience what it’s like to be a college student for 4 or 7 transformative weeks.
The Secondary School Program provides high school students an opportunity to earn college credit, get a true feel for college life, and learn alongside high school students, college students and adults from around the world.
The Secondary School Program is suitable for mature, academically motivated high school students ready to excel in college courses for college credit.
Hear all about the Harvard Summer experience directly from some of our students.
An academically rigorous on-campus program for exceptional high school students.
The Pre-College Program is a non-credit two-week residential program designed to give high school students a glimpse of college life on the Harvard campus. Students take college-level courses alongside peers from around the world.
This program is suitable for mature, academically motivated high school students interested in exploring a potential major or finding out what college is really like.
Hear all about the Harvard Summer experience directly from some of our students.
Which Harvard Summer Program is right for you?
While there are many similarities between the two programs, they are quite different. You can apply to only one, so you’ll need to understand what each program offers — and choose which one is right for you — before you submit your application.
The good news is that whatever program you choose, your summer at Harvard will be a truly special experience.
Harvard’s summer programs for high school students will help prepare you for success in college. Whether you participate in the Secondary School or Pre-College program, you will have the opportunity to build core life skills like time management, career planning, and living on your own.
Participating in either program will also help you expand your academic skills at the college level and to thrive outside your comfort zone.
Harvard’s Summer programs affords you the opportunity to learn from and be among top students from around the world — making connections and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.
