A Unique and Unforgettable College Experience

Harvard offers two academically rigorous 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. 

Through the Secondary School Program and Pre-College Program, students can take challenging courses taught by Harvard faculty and visiting faculty, meet peers from around the world, and experience what it is like to learn and live in a university environment.

Whether your student is ready for a residential experience, prefers to commute from home, or needs the flexibility of online learning, Harvard Summer School offers options to fit a range of academic goals and personal circumstances.

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For-Credit Secondary School Programs
(4 and 7-Week)

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, enroll in an SSP Commuting to live at home and take classes on campus or online, or complete the program 100% online, for both the 4 and 7-Week programs. Extracurricular activities such as talent shows and college admissions panels round out the experience.

The program is a strong fit for students who are ready to challenge themselves academically, explore subjects that may not be available at their high school, and practice managing the responsibilities of a college student.

2026 Dates & Deadlines

  • 2026 Program Dates, 7-Week SSP: June 20 – August 8, 2026

  • 2026 Program Dates, 4-Week SSP: July 12 – August 7, 2026

    The application for Summer 2026 is closed. Stay tuned for information on Summer 2027 coming soon!

2026 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, 2027, or 2028
  • Are at least 16 years old by June 20, 2026, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2026
2026 Cost & Aid

In 2026, the cost of the SSP program ranges from $4,180 for one course taken in SSP Online or SSP Commuting to $15,735 for SSP Residential +$75 app fee.

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

How to Apply

Applications are now open

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 2025 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.

Non-Credit Program: Pre-College
(2-Week)

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.

Students enroll in one rigorous, non-credit course taught by Harvard faculty and visiting faculty. Without the pressure of college grades, students can explore an academic interest, participate in discussions and activities, and experience living on campus with peers from around the world.

The Pre-College Program is a good fit for students who want a shorter summer experience, are beginning to explore their academic interests, or would benefit from a structured introduction to life on a college campus.

2026 Dates & Deadlines

Choose from 3 Sessions in 2026:

  • June 21 – July 2
  • July 5–17
  • July 19-31
The application for Summer 2026 is closed. Stay tuned for information on Summer 2027 coming soon!
2026 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 2027 or 2028
  • Are at least 16 years old by June 20, 2026, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2026
2026 Cost & Aid

In 2025, the Pre-College Program cost $6,100 +$75 app fee. 

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

How to Apply

Applications are now open.

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 2025 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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