A Unique and Unforgettable College Experience

Harvard offers two amazing programs that allow high school students to live and learn like college students, meet new friends from around the world, and strengthen their college applications. 

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4-Week or 7-Week, For-Credit Secondary School Program

Harvard’s Secondary School Program (SSP) offers for-credit college courses, taught by Harvard faculty and visiting faculty. Your student will be in the same classroom with other SSP students, as well as Harvard College students, as they challenge themselves in a rigorous, yet engaging course. Experience what college life is like as a Residential student living on campus for 4 or 7 weeks, enroll in 7-Week SSP Commuting to live at home and take classes on campus or online, or complete the  7-week program 100% online. Extracurricular activities such as talent shows and college admissions panels round out the experience.

Dates & Deadlines
  • 2024 Program Dates, 7-Week SSP: June 22-Aug 10, 2024
  • 2024 Program Dates, 4-Week SSP: July 14-August 10, 2024

Applications open December 1, 2023

Eligibility
The admissions committee is looking for mature, academically motivated students who meet both the following criteria:
  • Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2024, 2025, or 2026
  • Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024

Please Note: Harvard Summer School is unable to sponsor F-1 student visa applications for the 4-week summer term. International students should review their options on the International Students Guidelines page.


Cost & Aid

In 2023, the cost of the SSP program ranged from $3,600 for one course taken in SSP Online or SSP Commuting to $13,750 for SSP Residential +$75 app fee. Program costs for 2024 will be available in October.

Need-based scholarships available to US citizens or permanent residents

How to Apply
Applications open December 1, 2023
Your student must complete the application online and submit the following:
  • $75 nonrefundable application fee
  • Counselor report: Your student can request a link be sent to their counselor in the application
  • Transcripts from 9th grade to fall 2023 grades: This can include progress reports, report cards, and educational summaries from your student's high school
  • Rules and Media Release online form: We require a link to be sent to a parent or legal guardian in the application
  • If English is not your student's native language, submit scores from the TOEFL iBT or IELTS language proficiency exam along with your application

There is no minimum GPA requirement. When considering your application, we evaluate all information submitted—including transcripts, counselor reports, and your GPA. Your student is welcome to submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT test scores, but they are not required.

2-Week, Non-Credit Pre-College Program

Harvard’s 2-week Pre-College Program is exclusively on-campus and is non-credit. In this program you will take a rigorous academic course, taught by Harvard faculty and visiting faculty, but without the pressure of letter grades. Take transformative steps toward your college education alongside exceptional high school students like yourself, and enjoy opportunities to participate in college readiness workshops, social events, and co-curricular activities.

Dates & Deadlines

Choose from 3 Sessions in 2024:

  • June 23 - July 5
  • July 7 - July 19
  • July 21 - August 2 

Applications open December 1, 2023

Eligibility
The admissions committee is looking for mature, academically motivated students who meet both the following criteria:
  • Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2025 or 2026
  • Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024
Cost & Aid

In 2023, the Pre-College Program cost $5,300 +$75 app fee. Program costs for 2024 will be available in October.

Need-based scholarships available to US citizens or permanent residents

How to Apply

Your student must complete the application online and submit the following by the application deadline:

  • $75 nonrefundable application fee
  • Counselor report: Your student can request a link be sent to their counselor in the application
  • Transcripts from 9th grade to fall 2023 grades: This can include progress reports, report cards, and educational summaries from your student’s high school.
  • Rules and Media Release online form: You can request a link be sent to a parent or legal guardian in the application
  • If English is not your student’s native language, submit scores from the TOEFL iBT or IELTS language proficiency exam along with your application

“I was thrilled that my daughter had an opportunity to taste the college experience. As a parent, it gave me a chance to see her ability to independently handle her schedule, workload, social gatherings, managing money, and all the things that will be very real for her in less than two years. A great program that I highly recommend parents consider if their high schoolers are interested in Ivy Education.”

- Ana M., Parent of Harvard Summer School student

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