Boston University Pre-College Programs
Boston, United States
About Boston University Pre-College Programs
Boston University Pre-College Programs is part of BU Summer Term and offers four summer options for high school students: High School Honors, RISE Internship/Practicum, Academic Immersion, and Summer Challenge. Its two-, three-, and six-week programs span college-credit coursework, university-level STEM research, and noncredit experiential learning. Students can experience campus life in Boston through residential or commuter study, with online study also available through High School Honors.
Teaching style
Teaching varies by option: students can take college courses alongside BU undergraduates, conduct STEM research with individual faculty mentors or in group projects, or attend noncredit seminars combining lectures, experiential learning, discussions, and projects.
Reputation & Succeed take
The programs are operated by Boston University, an accredited research university and invited member of the Association of American Universities. BU describes its faculty as including Fulbright Scholars, academy members, and leading scientists, authors, and researchers. These are institutional credentials; the supplied evidence does not include independent reviews or provider-wide pre-college outcome data.
Our take
BU is a strong option for motivated high school students who want to combine academic exploration with a preview of university life in Boston. Its range supports different goals, from college credit to focused research or shorter noncredit study. Choose by credit requirements, subject interest, grade eligibility, and preferred study format; international eligibility and financial aid vary by program.
BU's portfolio offers a choice between credit-bearing college courses, noncredit research, focused academic immersion, and shorter seminar-based exploration. Program lengths range from two to six weeks, and residential and commuter options are available alongside an online High School Honors option. This gives students several ways to match academic goals and time commitments within one university provider.
Who this provider suits
Who should choose them
Motivated rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking academic challenge and an introduction to college life should consider BU, subject to each program's grade requirements. The portfolio suits students interested in earning college credit, exploring possible majors, conducting STEM research, or learning through projects and discussions. Residential students can also experience dorm life and organized activities in Boston.
Who it may not suit
Students seeking a primarily recreational summer experience may find the academic focus a poor fit. Students who need college credit should avoid choosing AIM or RISE for that purpose, since both are noncredit. International students should exclude RISE, which is restricted to US citizens and legal permanent residents. Students requiring financial aid should check individual options carefully: AIM offers none, while RISE offers limited need-based aid.
Accreditations & Recognition
New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Contact
Frequently asked questions
Programs by Boston University Pre-College Programs
AIM: Creative Writing
Organised by Boston University Pre-College Programs
Location
Multiple locations
Duration
3 weeks
AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology
Organised by Boston University Pre-College Programs
Location
Multiple locations
Duration
3 weeks
High School Honors
Organised by Boston University Pre-College Programs
Dates
June to August 2027, 2 sessions
Location
Multiple locations
Cost
From $75
Duration
6 weeks
RISE Internship Track
Organised by Boston University Pre-College Programs
Dates
June to August 2027, 2 sessions
Location
Multiple locations
Duration
6 weeks
RISE Practicum Track
Organised by Boston University Pre-College Programs
Dates
June to August 2027, 2 sessions
Location
Multiple locations
Duration
6 weeks