Application deadline
3 February 2027
11:59 p.m. Eastern time; application, recommendations, supplemental materials, and aid requests.
In-person Program
RISE Practicum Track
by Boston University Pre-College Programs
RISE Practicum Track combines instructor-led science lessons with collaborative lab research and a final poster presentation, offering a structured introduction to university research.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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RISE Practicum Track at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
US citizens or permanent residents
Age range / Year group
Ages 17-18
Location / Region
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Cost
$10,735; $6,415
Duration
6 weeks
Format
In-person
NeuroscienceComputer ScienceStatistics
Accommodation: BU residence halls
Meals: 14 or 19 meals weekly
Certificate / Outcome: Completion certificate and instructor evaluation
Sessions / cadence: 2-hour morning lectures; 4-hour afternoon research
Tutors / faculty: BU instructor-led group research
Main output: Research poster and symposium presentation
Campus experience: Weekly workshops and biotech visits
RISE Practicum Track summary
RISE Practicum is Boston University's structured route into collaborative scientific research, combining instructor-led teaching with group laboratory work.
Students follow research protocols, build computational skills, attend scientific workshops, and present a research poster at the concluding symposium.
It suits students who want substantial research practice with clear instruction and a shared project structure.
What is RISE Practicum Track?
RISE Practicum Track is Boston University Summer Term's instructor-led scientific research program. Students collaborate in a university laboratory setting, combining research-intensive lectures with supervised group projects. The 2026 study options were Computational Neurobiology and Data Science; the 2027 options will be announced separately.
The Practicum uses a set syllabus and clearly outlined protocols while leaving the scientific outcome uncertain. Students learn to collect and interpret data, discuss research through workshops, and connect their work with the local scientific community. They finish by presenting their research alongside RISE Internship students at the Poster Symposium.
Why Succeed highlights RISE Practicum Track
A clear lecture-and-lab structure gives students guided practice in how university research works.
Structured protocols still leave research outcomes uncertain, encouraging careful interpretation rather than a predetermined answer.
Weekly workshops connect technical work with research ethics, reading papers, and scientific communication.
The final poster presentation gives students a concrete way to explain and reflect on their research.
An instructor evaluation and completion certificate document participation without implying college credit.
Who is RISE Practicum Track for?
Best for
Students who enjoy quantitative science and want collaborative research with clear protocols, instructor guidance, and regular teaching.
Not ideal if
You want an individually matched faculty internship, college credit, or a light academic commitment.
Is RISE Practicum Track worth it?
RISE Practicum offers substantial value if you want to test your interest in scientific research through sustained, supervised work. The combination of teaching, group investigation, workshops, and a poster presentation provides several ways to develop and explain what you learned.
Its value depends on whether you want this structured approach and can justify the financial commitment. It is noncredit, and the Practicum does not provide the individually matched laboratory placement offered by the Internship track. Compare the academic experience and practical arrangements before treating the university name as the main benefit.
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Cost and what is included
$10,735; $6,415; includes Textbooks and academic materials, All sponsored program activities, Residential tuition, housing, and fees in the 2026 total, 19 meals per week in the 2026 residential total.
Accommodation
BU residence halls
Meals
14 or 19 meals weekly
Supervision or safety information
Practicum students conduct collaborative computational research under instructional staff supervision. Internship students are matched with a mentor for research in a university laboratory.
Provider details
Review the Boston University Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
6 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.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does RISE Practicum Track need?
Effort level
High.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before the February application deadline to prepare essays, records, and a recommendation.
Main challenge
Explaining a clear scientific interest while coordinating every application document.
Typical preparation
Draft the three essays separately, respecting the 300-, 250-, and 200-word limits.
Gather your full high school transcript, including the required fall grades.
Identify an eligible recommender early and send the portal request promptly.
Review laptop requirements and discuss residential, commuter, and financial aid plans with your family.
Useful if
You want to practice sustained research and communicating uncertain findings.
What do students do on RISE Practicum Track?
You move between instructor-led teaching and collaborative research, using a structured syllabus to investigate scientific questions. Workshops and industry interactions help connect the lab experience with communication, ethics, and careers.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Learn research concepts and methods during morning lectures.
- 2
Conduct supervised group research during afternoon laboratory sessions.
- 3
Collect, measure, analyze, and interpret data according to the project protocols.
- 4
Join weekly academic and professional skills workshops and industry interactions.
- 5
Prepare and present your research at the concluding RISE Poster Symposium.
RISE Practicum Track dates and deadlines
Upcoming
RISE Practicum Track 2027 residential
27 June-6 August 2027
Residential attendance dates; pending approval.
RISE Practicum Track 2027 commuter
28 June-6 August 2027
Commuter attendance dates; pending approval.
Student orientation
28 June 2027
Residential and commuter orientation; pending approval.
Poster Symposium
6 August 2027
Final research presentations and program conclusion; pending approval.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 3 February 2027 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
RISE Practicum Track 2027 residential | 27 June-6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
RISE Practicum Track 2027 commuter | 28 June-6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Student orientation | 28 June 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Poster Symposium | 6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Enter senior year of high school in fall 2027.
Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident.
Submit your own application as the prospective student.
Commuters need approval and must stay with an approved adult.
How much does RISE Practicum Track cost?
2026 commuter program fee
$6,415 — Published total for commuter participation.
Funding or discounts
- 2026 residential program fee: $10,735 — Includes tuition, housing, 19 weekly meals, and fees.
- Application fee: $75 — Separate, nonrefundable charge.
- Financial aid: Need-based — Limited awards; request aid with the program application.
What's included
Textbooks and academic materials, All sponsored program activities, Residential tuition, housing, and fees in the 2026 total, 19 meals per week in the 2026 residential total
How to apply to RISE Practicum Track
- 1
Use the official RISE application instructions and complete the online application yourself.
- 2
Request one recommendation from an eligible STEM teacher, counselor, or research supervisor through the portal.
- 3
Upload your full high school transcript and the three required essays.
- 4
Add optional test scores and, if requesting financial aid, the required financial documents.
- 5
Pay the nonrefundable application fee and submit the application.
- 6
Confirm that all supplemental materials and the emailed recommendation form have been received.
- 7
If admitted, respond to the offer and pay the nonrefundable deposit within one week.
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What does RISE Practicum Track cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Computational Neurobiology
Study neuroscience from cellular biology and genetics to computational modeling, programming, and wet lab experiments.
Data Science
Practice statistical thinking, coding, computational modeling, uncertainty quantification, and reproducible scientific computing.
Scientific communication and ethics
Learn to read research papers, understand research ethics, present findings, and network within the scientific community.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on RISE Practicum Track?
A typical day during the program.
Instructor led lecture
Two hours of research and methods teaching.
Group research
Four hours of supervised collaborative research.
Skills workshops
Shared academic and professional skills workshops with Internship students.
Industry interactions
Off-site or on-site interactions with biotech or pharmaceutical companies.
Who teaches on RISE Practicum Track?
A BU instructor delivers research-intensive morning lectures and supervises afternoon group work. Practicum projects are completed under instructional staff supervision, and students receive a written evaluation from their instructor.
Where do students stay on RISE Practicum Track?
Residential plan
- Residence hall rooms: Typically two or three students share an air-conditioned room.
- Campus dining: Choose 14 or 19 meals weekly, with vegetarian, vegan, and dietary support.
- Residential supervision: 24-hour security, live-in program assistants, and full-time BU residential staff.
- Community and activities: Share campus life and social activities with other BU pre-college students.
Non-residential plan
- Approved commuting: Commuters need permission and must stay with family or another approved adult.
- Commuter dining: non-residential
- Commuter campus life: Join scheduled social events and access residence halls during designated hours.
Bathrooms are shared, and roommate requests are not accepted.
What happens after RISE Practicum Track?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Present a collaborative research project at the RISE Poster Symposium.
Receive a certificate of completion.
Receive an instructor's written evaluation.
Develop research-paper reading and scientific presentation skills.
Explore scientific careers through workshops and industry interactions.
RISE is noncredit.
Where does RISE Practicum Track take place?
The program takes place at Boston University, with weekly site visits or industry interactions connecting students to the Boston and Cambridge scientific community. Campus life includes access to BU libraries, shared pre-college activities, and supervised opportunities to explore Boston.
Students must follow program boundaries, outing rules, and residential curfews.
RISE Practicum Track FAQs
Practicum students conduct collaborative computational research under instructional staff supervision. Internship students are matched with a mentor for research in a university laboratory.
Yes, subject to Summer Term Office approval and a Commuter Permission Form. Commuters must stay with a family member or another approved adult aged 18 or older.
No. Students receive a certificate of completion and a letter of evaluation from their instructor.
Limited need-based financial aid is available. Applicants must upload the aid request and supporting financial documents with their program application.
A Windows, Mac, or Linux laptop with at least 10GB of free space, 4GB of RAM, 64-bit x86 architecture, and permission to install custom software is required. Chromebooks cannot run the required software.
Residence halls have 24-hour security, full-time BU residential staff, and live-in program assistants. Residential curfew is 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday.
Campus dining offers vegetarian and vegan choices. Dining staff can assist with food allergies and other dietary restrictions, and residential students can choose 14- or 19-meal weekly plans.
Students complete a collaborative research project and present their results at the RISE Poster Symposium. The research follows structured protocols, but its final scientific outcome is not predetermined.
Alternatives to RISE Practicum Track
Compare these options if you want a different scientific focus or a different balance between research and classroom study.
Alternatives to RISE Practicum Track
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In-person psychology and neuroscience course in New York
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Best for
Students exploring psychology alongside neuroscience
Online biochemistry course from Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies
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Best for
Students seeking online biological science study
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Information for Parents & Guardians | Boston University Summer Term
- Family & Friend Visits | Boston University Summer Term
- Planned Program Activities & Free Time | Boston University Summer Term
- Student Conduct | Boston University Summer Term
- Enrollment Procedures | Boston University Summer Term
- RISE: Housing & Dining | Boston University Summer Term
- RISE: Calendar & What to Expect | Boston University Summer Term
- RISE Internship/Practicum | Boston University Summer Term
- RISE: Admissions Timeline | Boston University Summer Term
- RISE: Frequently Asked Questions | Boston University Summer Term
- RISE: How to Apply | Boston University Summer Term
- RISE: Tuition, Aid, & 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
- RISE Practicum Track | 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)
Application deadline checked
Eligibility reviewed
Historical fees identified
Provisional dates identified
Daily teaching hours checked
Financial aid reviewed
Housing and supervision reviewed
Certificate and credit checked
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.
RISE Practicum Track
by Boston University Pre-College Programs
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May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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