Application deadline
15 May 2026
Historical general deadline published on Brown's Apply page.
In-person Program
Habitable Worlds: Possible Places for Life in the Solar System and Beyond
Explore how scientists assess possible life beyond Earth through planetary science, astrobiology, creative assignments, and independent research in Brown University's Habitable Worlds course.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Habitable Worlds Possible Places at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Grades 9–12; Algebra I and science
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$5,786; $4,482
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
BiologyScienceSpace & physics
Accommodation: Single, double, or triple residence-hall rooms
Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate and Course Performance Report
Campus experience: Workshops, activities, and fitness facilities
Tutors / faculty: Oliver Carey and Jessica Nelson
Class schedule: Monday–Friday, 12:15 to 3:05 p.m. ET
Independent work: At least 2–3 hours daily
Habitable Worlds Possible Places summary
Habitable Worlds asks how scientists identify environments that might support life, from extreme places on Earth to moons, planets, and exoplanets.
Guided examples, creative assignments, and scientific-paper comparisons make it a strong fit for students who enjoy connecting biology with space science and explaining scientific ideas.
What is Habitable Worlds: Possible Places for Life in the Solar System and Beyond?
Habitable Worlds is a Brown University Pre-College course exploring where life could exist beyond Earth. It brings together planetary science, astrobiology, astronomy, geology, biology, physics, and chemistry to examine what makes a planet or moon habitable.
Students learn through topic introductions, guided examples, creative assignments, and class discussions on Brown's campus. Coursework develops independent research and science communication, including critical comparisons between scientific papers and their popular coverage.
Why Succeed highlights Habitable Worlds Possible Places
Habitability gives students a concrete question that connects biology, astronomy, geology, physics, and chemistry.
Creative assignments turn scientific concepts into explanations students must construct for themselves.
Comparing research papers with news coverage develops useful habits for evaluating scientific claims.
The instructional team can individualize learning beyond the course material for students with different levels of subject experience.
Who is Habitable Worlds Possible Places for?
Best for
Students curious about life beyond Earth who enjoy linking scientific disciplines, researching questions, and communicating ideas creatively.
Not ideal if
You need college credit, expect an undergraduate admissions advantage, or prefer a lightly scheduled summer experience.
Is Habitable Worlds Possible Places worth it?
This course is worth considering if you want to test a serious interest in astrobiology through active scientific work. Its combination of research, creative communication, and interdisciplinary questions offers more substance than simply attending astronomy talks.
The value depends on using that experience to clarify your interests and improve your thinking. It is non-credit, requires substantial independent work, and should be judged on learning rather than an assumed advantage in Brown undergraduate admissions.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$5,786; $4,482; includes Two-week course instruction., Residential housing and three daily meals., One daily dining-hall meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report..
Accommodation
Single, double, or triple residence-hall rooms
Meals
Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 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 Habitable Worlds Possible Places need?
Effort level
High for a short introductory course.
Best started
Allow four to six weeks before a future application deadline for the essay, grades, and any language testing.
Main challenge
Balancing independent research and assignments with campus activities.
Typical preparation
Review Algebra I and your high school science foundations.
Practice comparing a scientific article with a news report about the same finding.
Prepare academic records and draft your application essay in your own words.
Plan travel, family communication, and any accommodation requests well before arrival.
Useful if
You want to develop scientific judgment and confidence explaining unfamiliar ideas.
What do students do on Habitable Worlds Possible Places?
You work through scientific questions about habitability using guided examples and creative assignments. The emphasis is on investigating evidence and communicating what it can tell us about possible life beyond Earth.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Read an introduction to each lesson's scientific topic.
- 2
Work through guided examples to apply the concepts.
- 3
Complete creative assignments using research, simulations, drawings, or scientific comparisons.
- 4
Discuss astrobiology questions and special topics selected by the class.
- 5
Explain your scientific work through mixed media.
Habitable Worlds Possible Places dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
22 June-2 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College's verified application cycle.
Campus check-in
21 June 2026
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET at Sayles Hall.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 22 June-2 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Campus check-in | 21 June 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Completing grades 9–12.
Ages 14–18 by June 14, 2026.
Completed Algebra I.
Completed one year of high school science.
Strong English proficiency.
Admission to Brown Pre-College before separate course enrollment.
How much does Habitable Worlds Possible Places cost?
Residential program fee
$5,786 — Two-week course with housing and three daily meals.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $4,482 — Two-week course with one daily meal and campus resources.
- Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required after admission; Brown's cancellation exception applies.
- Scholarship support: Need-based and eligibility-specific schemes require a separate process.
What's included
Two-week course instruction., Residential housing and three daily meals., One daily dining-hall meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report.
How to apply to Habitable Worlds Possible Places
- 1
Create one applicant account in Brown's Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the application form and a 250 to 500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.
- 4
Provide any required English test results and any recommendation you elect to submit.
- 5
Pay the $80 application fee or request an eligible waiver.
- 6
Monitor the portal for additional material requests and your admission decision.
- 7
After admission, confirm course suitability, submit the $500 deposit, and enroll separately.
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What does Habitable Worlds Possible Places cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Habitability and life's requirements
Examine habitable zones and the factors that could make planets or moons suitable for life.
Extreme environments and the Solar System
Explore extreme habitats on Earth and possible environments for life elsewhere in the Solar System.
Exoplanets and observations
Learn how exoplanets are discovered and what telescopic observations reveal about their possible habitability.
Scientific research and communication
Practice independent investigation and mixed-media explanations while comparing research papers with popular science coverage.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Habitable Worlds Possible Places?
A typical day during the program.
Course meetings
Monday through Friday, 12:15 to 3:05 p.m. ET, within the published course dates.
Independent study
Plan for at least two to three hours of homework, research, or project work.
Campus activities
Optional workshops, activities, and events fit around academic commitments.
Residential check in
Face-to-face check-in is at 10 p.m. ET, followed by remaining on the residence floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Habitable Worlds Possible Places?
Oliver Carey and Jessica Nelson are named as the instructors for Section 10177. The instructional team can work with students to individualize learning beyond the course material.
Where do students stay on Habitable Worlds Possible Places?
Residential plan
- Residence hall rooms: Single, double, or triple rooms include furniture, wireless internet, and portable or central air conditioning.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Residential support: Trained staff provide nightly check-ins and 24/7 on-call support.
- Campus facilities: Residential fees include access to fitness, athletic, and aquatics centers.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Students attend in person and use campus resources and activities without a campus room.
- Commuter meals: One daily dining-hall meal is included, with additional meals available to purchase.
- Commuter transport: A Brown ID provides free RIPTA transportation access for the course duration.
Roommate requests are not honored, and students should bring their own linens; students may explore Rhode Island independently under program rules.
What happens after Habitable Worlds Possible Places?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn a digital CeCertificate after successful completion.
Receive an instructor Course Performance Report.
Build scientific explanations through mixed-media coursework.
Develop a foundation for further study in planetary science and related fields.
Use habitability questions as a starting point for independent exploration.
The course awards no college credit and does not provide a special undergraduate admissions pathway.
Where does Habitable Worlds Possible Places take place?
The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Campus check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and families arrange their own transportation to and from Brown.
Review carrier rules for unaccompanied minors before booking travel.
Habitable Worlds Possible Places FAQs
You will study habitability, extreme environments on Earth, possible habitats elsewhere in the Solar System, and exoplanets. The course combines planetary science, astrobiology, astronomy, geology, biology, physics, and chemistry.
Previous study of habitability or planetary science is not required. You do need Algebra I and one year of high school science.
Examples include annotated planetary-sky drawings, orbital-resonance simulations, science-fiction discussions using astrobiology concepts, and comparisons between scientific papers and news coverage.
Summer@Brown students should plan for at least two to three hours of homework daily. Habitable Worlds also uses creative assignments and independent research.
Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with one dining-hall meal daily, campus resources and activities, and fitness facilities. The commuter option does not include a campus room.
The course is non-credit. Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion, and two-week Summer@Brown courses provide an instructor Course Performance Report.
Trained residential staff provide nightly check-ins, with multiple tiers of staff on call around the clock. Students are expected to manage their time independently and may travel within Rhode Island under program rules.
Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admissions. The course can help you explore an academic interest, but it should not be treated as an admissions advantage.
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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 and verification
Source types reviewed
- Scholarships | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- CeCertificate Access | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
- Habitable Worlds: Possible Places for Life in the Solar System and Beyond - Pre-College Course Catalog"
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)
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Academic prerequisites reviewed
Historical dates verified
Pricing tiers distinguished
Housing and meals reviewed
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How Succeed uses this information
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Habitable Worlds: Possible Places for Life in the Solar System and Beyond
by Brown Pre-College Programs
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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