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    Summer Challenge
    In-person Program

    Summer Challenge

    by Boston University Pre-College Programs

    Summer Challenge combines introductory academic seminars, hands-on projects, and final presentations with a taste of college life at Boston University.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Summer Challenge at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    Boston, Massachusetts, United States

    Cost

    $5,245; $3,989

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    20 June-2 July 2027

    Save program
    BiologyComputer ScienceHumanitiesMedicine
    Class size: Typically 10-30 students
    Accommodation: BU dorms; 2-3 students per room
    Meals: 19 weekly; commuter weekday lunches
    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and two instructor evaluations
    Tutors / faculty: Experienced college instructors
    Sessions / cadence: Weekdays: two 2-hour seminars; residential homework 9-11 pm
    Assessment style: Projects and final class presentations

    Summer Challenge summary

    Summer Challenge lets students explore two academic interests through introductory seminars taught by experienced college instructors.

    Lectures and discussions lead into individual work, group projects, and final class presentations, with organized activities adding a taste of college life.

    It suits curious students who want to test possible fields of study and practice learning alongside new peers.

    What is Summer Challenge?

    Summer Challenge is Boston University Summer Term's introductory academic program built around two noncredit seminars. Students choose one morning and one afternoon subject, then learn through lectures, discussions, individual and group work, projects, and field trips.

    The seminar catalogue spans health and life sciences, business, law and politics, technology and engineering, communication and media, and humanities. Campus activities and an admissions workshop complement the academic work, while each seminar concludes with a class presentation.

    Why Succeed highlights Summer Challenge

    • Choosing two introductory seminars makes it useful for comparing academic interests before specializing.

    • Seminars typically contain 10-30 students, supporting interaction with experienced college instructors.

    • Final presentations give students a concrete reason to organize and communicate what they learn.

    • A certificate and evaluations from both instructors provide a record of participation and academic engagement.

    • The admissions workshop connects the campus experience with practical preparation for college.

    Who is Summer Challenge for?

    Best for

    Curious students who want to explore two subjects, participate in discussion and projects, and experience a structured college community.

    Not ideal if

    You need college credit or prefer an unstructured vacation, since seminars, assignments, and many organized activities require participation.

    Is Summer Challenge worth it?

    Summer Challenge can be worthwhile if you want to compare possible academic interests and practice college-style learning with instructor support. The two-seminar structure, projects, and presentations give the experience more substance than a campus visit alone.

    Its main limitation is that introductory, noncredit study serves exploration rather than advanced specialization or credit accumulation. Families should weigh that benefit against the program fee and the residential rules, including mandatory activities and curfew.

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    Founder, Succeed

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

    Cost and what is included

    $5,245; $3,989; includes Tuition, textbooks, and academic materials., All sponsored program activities., Residential housing and 19 meals per week., Commuter lunch Monday through Friday..

    Accommodation

    BU dorms; 2-3 students per room

    Meals

    19 weekly; commuter weekday lunches

    Supervision or safety information

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

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    2 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.

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    How much preparation does Summer Challenge need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high for an introductory program.

    Best started

    Allow 4-6 weeks to prepare application materials and several months before your chosen session for international travel planning.

    Main challenge

    Sustaining academic effort while adapting to a new social and campus routine.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose two seminars whose activities match what you want to explore.

    • Gather your transcript and draft the 500-750-word personal statement before submitting.

    • Arrange passport, English proficiency, and health documentation early if required.

    • Prepare a laptop or tablet and any equipment specified for your selected seminars.

    Useful if

    You want to test subject interests and practice greater independence.

    What do students do on Summer Challenge?

    You take two introductory seminars and work toward a final presentation in each. Between classes, assignments, academic workshops, and organized activities give you experience of both college study and campus life.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Choose one morning and one afternoon seminar.

    2. 2

      Attend lectures and contribute to discussions.

    3. 3

      Complete individual work, group tasks, and subject-specific projects.

    4. 4

      Participate in academic workshops and organized campus activities.

    5. 5

      Present your work to each seminar class.

    6. 6

      Receive a certificate of completion and evaluations from both instructors.

    Summer Challenge dates and deadlines

    Residential Session 1

    20 June-2 July 2027

    Dates pending approval.

    Upcoming

    Commuter Session 1

    21 June-2 July 2027

    Dates pending approval.

    Upcoming

    Residential Session 2

    11-23 July 2027

    Dates pending approval.

    Upcoming

    Commuter Session 2

    12-23 July 2027

    Dates pending approval.

    Upcoming

    Residential Session 3

    25 July-6 August 2027

    Dates pending approval.

    Upcoming

    Commuter Session 3

    26 July-6 August 2027

    Dates pending approval.

    Upcoming

    Applications open

    17 December

    Date not confirmed

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Enter sophomore, junior, or senior year in fall 2027.

    • Be at least 14 for residential participation.

    • Submit the application personally.

    • Provide required transcripts and a personal statement.

    • International applicants provide a valid passport copy.

    • Provide English proficiency scores unless English is your native language.

    • Commuters stay with family or an approved adult aged 18+.

    • Have medical or health insurance.

    How much does Summer Challenge cost?

    Program fee

    $3,989; $5,245 — 2026 commuter and residential totals, respectively.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $75 — Paid by credit card when submitting; nonrefundable.
    • Scott Simenas Award Fund: Need-based scholarship and stipend — Preference for students from Boston Public High Schools.

    What's included

    Tuition, textbooks, and academic materials., All sponsored program activities., Residential housing and 19 meals per week., Commuter lunch Monday through Friday.

    How to apply to Summer Challenge

    1. 1

      Use the program's How to Apply page to access the online application.

    2. 2

      Complete the application yourself using accurate student and parent or guardian contact details.

    3. 3

      Upload your full transcript, including fall 2026 grades and Grade 8 results if currently in Grade 9.

    4. 4

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

    5. 5

      Upload passport and English proficiency documents if required.

    6. 6

      Pay the nonrefundable $75 application fee by credit card and submit.

    7. 7

      Monitor your Applicant Portal and email the office when uploading additional materials.

    8. 8

      After admission, respond within one week and complete the Participation Agreement and deposit steps if attending.

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    What does Summer Challenge cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Health and life sciences

    Explore psychology, anatomy and physiology, medicinal chemistry, infectious diseases, neuroscience, or nutrition.

    Business, law, and politics

    Study business plans, criminal justice, economics, finance, international politics, or the US court system.

    Technology and engineering

    Practice programming concepts or investigate electrical engineering through lighting technologies and experiments.

    Communication and media

    Develop reporting, communication projects, or an original photography portfolio.

    Humanities

    Explore creative writing, film and literature, philosophical debates, or original drawings and paintings.

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

    What is a typical day on Summer Challenge?

    A typical day during the program.

    Morning seminar

    Attend your first seminar for two hours.

    Afternoon seminar

    Attend your second seminar after lunch.

    Activities and free time

    Organized activities use the 3-5 pm or evening blocks, with weekend events too.

    Residential homework

    The residential timetable reserves this block for assignments.

    Who teaches on Summer Challenge?

    Experienced college instructors teach the introductory seminars, with small classes supporting individual attention. Both seminar instructors provide evaluation letters after the session.

    Seminars typically have 10-30 students.

    Where do students stay on Summer Challenge?

    Residential plan

    • University residence halls: Typically two or three students share an air-conditioned room.
    • Dining-hall meals: The residential meal plan includes 19 meals per week.
    • Security and residential support: 24-hour security, full-time residential staff, and live-in program assistants support students.
    • Activities and curfew: Organized outings accompany an 11 pm weekday and midnight weekend curfew.

    Non-residential plan

    • Approved commuter option: Commuters must stay with family or an approved adult aged 18 or older.
    • Lunch and evening participation: Lunch is provided, evening activities are welcome, and dinner may be purchased.
    • Commuter forms: Accepted commuters complete a Commuter Permission Form and Dining Plan Agreement.

    Bathrooms are communal, and roommate requests are not accepted.

    What happens after Summer Challenge?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Receive a certificate of completion.

    Receive evaluation letters from both seminar instructors.

    Build presentation experience through two final class presentations.

    Create subject-specific work such as a writing or photography portfolio.

    Learn college-application strategies through the admissions workshop.

    The program does not award college credit.

    Where does Summer Challenge take place?

    Summer Challenge takes place at Boston University in Boston, with campus libraries, dining halls, and residence halls forming part of the experience. Organized activities introduce the city, while campus free time can include the BU Beach overlooking the Charles River.

    Off-campus free time requires a companion, staff notification, and compliance with program boundaries.

    Summer Challenge FAQs

    Summer Challenge is noncredit. Students receive a certificate of completion and evaluation letters from both seminar instructors.

    All seminars are introductory and require no previous experience or coursework.

    Students take two seminars: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each culminates in a final class presentation.

    Commuting requires Summer Term Office approval and staying with a family member or another approved adult aged 18 or older. Commuters receive lunch and may join evening activities.

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

    There is no general financial aid. The Scott Simenas Award Fund provides an annual need-based scholarship and stipend to one or more enrolled students, with preference for Boston Public High Schools students.

    Yes. Students must bring a laptop or tablet to access course materials through Blackboard Learn; the Photography seminar also has specific camera and storage requirements.

    Dining halls offer vegetarian and vegan options. Staff can help accommodate food allergies and other dietary restrictions, and students with special requirements should contact the program.

    Alternatives to Summer Challenge

    Compare these options if you prefer a broader online experience or a more focused subject program.

    Alternatives to Summer Challenge

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    Sean Stevens

    Content 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.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Enrollment Procedures | Boston University Summer Term
    • Family & Friend Visits | Boston University Summer Term
    • Student Conduct | Boston University Summer Term
    • Information for Parents & Guardians | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Challenge: Seminars | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Challenge: Information for International Students | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Challenge: Housing & Dining | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Challenge: Frequently Asked Questions | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Challenge: How to Apply | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Challenge: Tuition & Payment | Boston University Summer Term
    • Summer Challenge: Calendar & What to Expect | 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
    • Summer Challenge | 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 program pages reviewed

    • Eligibility and application requirements checked

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Historical fees distinguished

    • Scholarship provision checked

    • Housing and supervision 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.