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

  • 2025 Program Dates, 7-Week SSP: June 21 - August 9, 2025

  • 2025 Program Dates, 4-Week SSP: July 13 - August 8, 2025

    Applications open December 2, 2024

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, 2026, or 2027
  • Are at least 16 years old by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025
Cost & Aid

In 2025, the cost of the SSP program ranges from $4,050 for one course taken in SSP Online or SSP Commuting to $14,950 for SSP Residential +$75 app fee.

Need-based scholarships available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents

How to Apply

Applications open December 2, 2024

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 2024 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 2025:

  • June 22-July 3
  • July 6-July 18
  • July 20-August 1 
Applications open December 2, 2024
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 2026 or 2027
  • Are at least 16 years old by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025
Cost & Aid

In 2025, the Pre-College Program costs $5,800 +$75 app fee. 

Need-based scholarships available to U.S. 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 2024 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

Ana Mims_Parent Testimonial

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