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    AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology
    In-person Program

    AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology

    by Boston University Pre-College Programs

    AIM introduces psychology through seminars and supervised team experiments, helping students learn research design, analyze data, and present their findings.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Rising high school juniors and seniors

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16-18

    Location / Region

    Boston, Massachusetts, United States

    Cost

    $7,875; $5,991

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PsychologyScience
    Class size: Up to 50 students
    Accommodation: BU residence halls
    Meals: 19 weekly residential meals; commuter weekday lunch
    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and instructor evaluation
    Academic credit: Noncredit
    Tutors / faculty: BU instructors
    Sessions / cadence: Weekdays: 9:30–11:30 am; 1–4:30 pm

    AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology summary

    AIM treats psychology as a research discipline: students move from classroom concepts to supervised experiments rather than relying on lectures alone.

    Teams design studies, collect and analyze data, create visualizations, and present their findings to peers and the BU community.

    It suits students who want to test their interest in psychology through collaborative academic work and exposure to researchers.

    What is AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology?

    AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology is Boston University Summer Term’s academic immersion course combining psychology seminars with practical research. Students study on BU’s Charles River campus and explore career paths associated with psychology-related fields.

    Morning coursework develops research skills, while afternoons focus on team experiments supervised by BU instructors. Students collect and analyze data, then present their findings to peers and members of the university community.

    Why Succeed highlights AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology

    • Students practice the full research sequence, from experimental design to communicating findings.

    • BU instructor supervision gives team experiments a clear academic structure.

    • Faculty presentations and contact with graduate students and postdocs expose students to active psychological research.

    • A final presentation, completion certificate, and instructor evaluation give students concrete outcomes to reflect on.

    Who is AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology for?

    Best for

    Students curious about psychology who enjoy asking testable questions, working in teams, and explaining what data shows.

    Not ideal if

    You need college credit or financial aid, or prefer an individual project over supervised group research.

    Is AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology worth it?

    AIM is a strong option for testing whether you enjoy psychology’s research methods as much as its theories. Designing an experiment, analyzing its results, and presenting conclusions provides a useful basis for future subject choices.

    The main tradeoff is paying for a noncredit experience without financial aid. Its value rests on the research practice, feedback, and campus experience; families should weigh those benefits against other psychology courses and research opportunities.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $7,875; $5,991; includes Tuition, textbooks, and other course materials., All program-sponsored activities., Commuter option: lunch Monday through Friday., Residential option: housing and 19 meals per week..

    Accommodation

    BU residence halls

    Meals

    19 weekly residential meals; commuter weekday lunch

    Supervision or safety information

    Students attend psychology seminars, then work in teams to design and conduct experiments under BU instructor supervision. They collect and analyze data and present their findings to peers and members of the BU community.

    Provider details

    Review the Boston University Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology need?

    Effort level

    Intensive academic and collaborative work.

    Best started

    Begin preparation four to six weeks before your intended application submission, allowing time for the teacher recommendation.

    Main challenge

    Turning an interesting psychology question into a workable team experiment.

    Typical preparation

    • Gather your full transcript, including the required fall grades.

    • Draft a 500–750-word statement explaining why AIM interests you.

    • Choose an academic teacher and request the recommendation early through BU’s application system.

    • International applicants should allow additional time for English testing, travel authorization, and health documentation.

    Useful if

    You want to experience research before choosing further psychology study.

    What do students do on AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology?

    You combine psychology coursework with the practical work of a research team. The course culminates in presenting your findings to an audience beyond your own group.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend morning psychology seminars to develop research skills.

    2. 2

      Work with teammates to design an experiment under BU instructor supervision.

    3. 3

      Collect observational or experimental data in the field.

    4. 4

      Analyze results and create clear visualizations.

    5. 5

      Present your findings to peers and members of the BU community.

    AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Succeed does not have a separately listed public date for this cycle yet.

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Entering junior or senior high school year in fall 2027.

    • International students are eligible.

    • Applicants should follow a college preparatory curriculum.

    • International applicants must provide a current valid passport.

    • English scores required for international applicants unless native English speakers.

    • Commuters must stay with family or another approved adult, 18+.

    • All participants must have medical/health insurance.

    How much does AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology cost?

    Commuter program fee

    $5,991 — 2026 total with tuition and weekday lunch.

    Funding or discounts

    • Residential program fee: $7,875 — 2026 total with tuition, housing, dining, and fees.
    • Application fee: $75 — Separate nonrefundable fee paid by credit card.
    • Financial aid: None

    What's included

    Tuition, textbooks, and other course materials., All program-sponsored activities., Commuter option: lunch Monday through Friday., Residential option: housing and 19 meals per week.

    How to apply to AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology

    1. 1

      Use the official AIM application instructions to access the student’s online application.

    2. 2

      Upload a full high school transcript beginning in Grade 9 and including fall 2026 grades.

    3. 3

      Submit a 500–750-word personal statement explaining why you want to attend AIM.

    4. 4

      Request one academic teacher recommendation through BU’s emailed form as early as possible.

    5. 5

      International applicants must upload a valid passport and applicable English proficiency scores.

    6. 6

      Pay the $75 nonrefundable application fee and submit the application yourself.

    7. 7

      Track materials in the Applicant Portal until BU verifies the application as complete.

    8. 8

      If admitted, respond within one week and complete the required enrollment steps.

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    What does AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Psychology foundations

    Morning seminars introduce psychology and develop the skills needed for research.

    Research design

    Teams design and conduct observational and experimental studies with instructor supervision.

    Data analysis and visualization

    Students collect research data, analyze results, and create visualizations.

    Research communication

    Students build communication skills by presenting findings to peers and the BU community.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology?

    A typical day during the program.

    Psychology seminar

    Morning coursework develops psychology knowledge and research skills.

    Lunch

    Students eat in a campus dining hall.

    Experiential learning

    Psychology students conduct supervised team experiments and analyze data.

    Evening activities

    Evenings allow social activities, free time, and homework; commuters may join evening activities.

    Who teaches on AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology?

    BU instructors supervise students as they design and conduct team experiments. Students also attend research presentations by BU faculty and professionals and interact with undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs in the psychological sciences.

    Each AIM course accommodates up to 50 students.

    Where do students stay on AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology?

    Residential plan

    • BU residence halls: Students live together in residence halls with air-conditioned bedrooms and common areas.
    • Campus dining: The residential meal plan includes 19 meals per week.
    • Supervision and security: Residence halls have 24-hour security, BU residential staff, and live-in program assistants.
    • Residential curfew: Students return by 11 pm Sunday–Thursday and midnight Friday–Saturday.

    Non-residential plan

    • Approved commuter option: Commuters need office approval and must stay with family or another approved adult aged 18 or older.
    • Commuter meals and activities: Weekday lunch is provided, and commuters may participate in evening activities.

    Rooms typically house two or three students and share floor bathrooms; roommate requests are not accepted.

    What happens after AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Complete a team psychology research project.

    Present findings to peers and the BU community.

    Receive a certificate of completion.

    Receive a written instructor evaluation.

    Explore career paths in psychology-related fields.

    AIM does not award college credit.

    Where does AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology take place?

    Psychology seminars take place on Boston University’s Charles River campus in Boston, Massachusetts. Campus life includes university libraries, shared student spaces, and social activities introducing students to Boston.

    International participants should follow AIM’s noncredit visitor-status guidance rather than college Summer Term student-visa requirements.

    AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology FAQs

    Students attend psychology seminars, then work in teams to design and conduct experiments under BU instructor supervision. They collect and analyze data and present their findings to peers and members of the BU community.

    No. AIM is noncredit, but students receive a certificate of completion and a letter of evaluation from their instructor after completing the program.

    Yes, subject to Summer Term Office approval. Commuters must stay with a family member or another approved adult aged 18 or older and complete the Commuter Permission Form and Dining Plan Agreement.

    Residential students receive 19 meals per week. Commuter students receive weekday lunch, and campus dining offers vegetarian and vegan options with support for allergies and dietary restrictions.

    Residence halls have 24-hour security, BU residential staff, and live-in program assistants. Residential curfew is 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday.

    No. AIM does not offer financial aid.

    AIM does not qualify for F-1 student sponsorship. BU directs participants to appropriate temporary visitor status, including a B-2 visa or ESTA with WT status for eligible Visa Waiver Program travelers.

    Applicants need a full high school transcript, a 500–750-word personal statement, and one academic teacher recommendation using BU’s emailed form. International applicants also need a passport copy and English proficiency scores unless English is their native language.

    Alternatives to AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology

    Compare these options if your interests extend to neuroscience, broader biological sciences, or studying psychology online.

    Alternatives to AIM Introduction to Experimental Psychology

    Online Psychology Course
    Upcoming

    Psychology study in an online format.

    Psychology
    03 Aug 2026
    From £2895
    13-24
    Online
    Online

    Best for

    Students seeking psychology study without campus travel.

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

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    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Academic Student Services | Boston University Summer Term
    • Student Conduct | Boston University Summer Term
    • Information for Parents & Guardians | Boston University Summer Term
    • Enrollment Procedures | Boston University Summer Term
    • AIM: Information for International Students | Boston University Summer Term
    • AIM: Housing & Dining | Boston University Summer Term
    • Academic Immersion (AIM) High School Program | Boston University Summer Term
    • AIM: Calendar & What to Expect | Boston University Summer Term
    • AIM: Frequently Asked Questions | Boston University Summer Term
    • AIM: How to Apply | Boston University Summer Term
    • AIM: Tuition & Payment | Boston University Summer Term
    • Contact Summer Term | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Term Forms | Boston University Summer Term
    • Course Additions, Drops & Withdrawals | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Term Course Codes & Numbers | Boston University Summer Term
    • Adults & Professionals Summer Courses | Boston University Summer Term
    • High School Student Application Information | Boston University Summer Term
    • Visiting International Student Registration | Boston University Summer Term
    • Visiting US Student Registration | Boston University Summer Term
    • Current BU Student Registration | Boston University Summer Term
    • BU Summer Term Registration | Boston University Summer Term
    • Frequently Asked Questions | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Session Tuition & Fees | Boston University Summer Term
    • AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology | Boston University Summer Term

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page reviewed

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Application materials checked

    • Historical fee options verified

    • Housing and meals checked

    • Completion credentials verified

    • International guidance reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.