If you are a high school student in or near Boston, MA, pre-college programs in the state can help you develop advanced skills in areas such as biomedical research, architecture, psychology, business, or engineering (in an accessible way). Many universities in Boston feature practical lab work, university-style lectures, and teamwork projects, providing you with genuine insight into the topics that interest you most.
Pre-college programs are designed to reflect the academic intensity and structure of actual college courses and programs. You may engage in seminars led by professors, conduct research in university laboratories, or earn college credits based on the specific program.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 12 pre-college programs for high school students in Boston, ranging from free research internships to intensive academic residencies.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT
Cost: Free
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (U.S. and international); high school seniors are not eligible
Every summer, 100 high school juniors worldwide take part in RSI, a free research program that combines intensive academic training with hands-on research at MIT. You’ll begin with one week of intensive STEM lectures led by experts across disciplines like quantum mechanics, molecular biology, and applied mathematics.
The core of the program is a five-week mentored research internship, where you’ll craft and execute a research project, reading current scientific literature, collecting data, and developing insights. You’ll conclude with a formal research paper and conference-style presentation.
2. GROW – Boston University (LERNet Project)
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend of up to $1,500 upon completion
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 28
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in a Massachusetts school and living within 30 miles of Boston; must be at least 16 years old
GROW is a six-week research internship program at Boston University tailored for high school girls with an interest in STEM. As a participant, you will be placed in active university labs, where you will conduct hands-on research alongside BU faculty and graduate students.
Projects span various areas, including molecular biology, biomedical engineering, computer science, and environmental science. You can gain practical skills in data analysis, lab techniques, and scientific communication. The program culminates in a final research presentation, simulating the structure of real academic conferences.
3. Young Scholars Program (YSP) – Northeastern University
Cost: Free
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Massachusetts residents entering 12th grade in Fall; must live within commuting distance of Northeastern; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
YSP is a six-week non-residential summer research program focused on science and engineering. You will engage in an independent project at a Northeastern lab, collaborating across fields such as chemical engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and energy systems, with guidance from faculty and graduate researchers.
The program features a seminar series that explores various engineering fields, offers college and career counseling sessions, and organizes industry field trips to companies like Biogen and the U.S. Army Natick Labs. You’ll develop hands-on lab skills, data analysis techniques, and oral presentation abilities through your final research showcase.
4. TUBERS – Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars
Cost: Free
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Dates: July 1 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students (age 16+ by July 1) residing in Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, or Quincy
TUBERS offers a six-week lab research experience in Tufts’ Biomedical Engineering department, where you’ll conduct hands-on investigations on cellular, tissue, or organ-level biomedical systems. You’ll work closely with researchers, design and execute your own experiments, and learn research protocols and critical thinking skills.
Students can submit projects to major science competitions if they have a mentor’s approval. The program does not provide housing and caters specifically to local students who can commute. With its deep academic focus and direct lab immersion, TUBERS is particularly well suited for students serious about pursuing future careers in biomedical or health sciences.
5. Boston University – High School Honors
Cost: $5,720 (tuition) + $3,445 (room & board for residential students)
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by early May
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This six-week academic program allows you to take two college-level courses alongside BU undergraduates, from over 80 options across disciplines like psychology, economics, computer science, international relations, and more. You’ll earn up to 8 college credits while experiencing the rigors of undergraduate life.
Academic support is provided through advising and faculty mentorship, and you’ll navigate college-level lectures, labs, and assessments. Both residential and commuter formats are available, along with an online option for remote participation.
6. Harvard Pre-College Program
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Dates: Multiple sessions from June 22 to August 1
Application Deadline: Early Application: January 8 | Regular Application: February 12 | Late Application: April 9 (subject to availability)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; must be 16 by June 21 and not turn 19 before July 31
This two-week residential program caters to academically motivated students eager to delve into a college-level subject without the stress of grades. You will select one course each session from nearly 30 offerings in areas such as law, psychology, business, and STEM, all taught by Harvard instructors in seminar-style classes of approximately 15 students.
Daily coursework includes three hours of instruction and 2–4 hours of homework. Though non-credit, each course concludes with a written instructor evaluation and a transcript. The program emphasizes independent living, intellectual exploration, and academic readiness for college-level demands. Limited financial aid is available based on need.
7. Academic Immersion (AIM) – Boston University
Cost: $5,370 (tuition) + $1,800 (room & board for residential students) + $60 application fee
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Dates:
- Psychology & Business: June 29 – July 18 (residential) | June 30 – July 18 (commuter)
- Medicine & Creative Writing: July 20 – August 8 (residential) | July 21 – August 8 (commuter)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This three-week program enables students to delve deeply into one subject area, such as psychology, medicine, business, or creative writing, through a combination of lectures, workshops, field trips, and collaborative projects. You’ll work on real-world simulations, develop research or business plans, and hear from expert guest speakers.
While it is non-credit, you’ll receive an instructor evaluation and certificate of completion. Residential students live in BU dorms and experience college life firsthand, while commuters participate fully in academic sessions.
8. BAC Summer Academy – Boston Architectural College
Cost: Starts at $1,800
Location: Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA (Online option also available)
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Online Track: June 9 | Onsite Track: June 23
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 aged 14 and older
BAC’s Summer Academy introduces you to architecture, interior design, landscape design, and digital fabrication in a hands-on studio setting. You’ll choose between the Exploration Track (ideal for beginners) and the Investigation Track (for students with prior design experience).
Through sketching, model making, digital tools, and guided design challenges, you’ll build a digital portfolio and present your work at the end of the program. You can attend either in person (day program only) or online, with kits provided for virtual participants. A special Urban Design and Planning Studio track is also available on campus for students interested in exploring city planning in depth. Scholarships are available, and program alumni receive a $2,000 credit toward a BAC undergraduate degree.
9. Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP)
Cost: Starts at $4,050
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (also offered online and commuter formats)
Dates: 4-Week Residential: July 13 – August 9 | 7-Week Residential, Online, or Commuter: June 21 – August 9
Application Deadline: 4-Week: February 12 | 7-Week: April 9 (or earlier if full)
Eligibility: High school students entering college in 2025, 2026, or 2027; must be 16 by June 21 and not turn 19 before July 31
The Secondary School Program at Harvard allows high schoolers to enroll in real, credit-bearing college courses over four or seven weeks. You can take courses in topics ranging from neuroscience and international relations to literature and economics, choosing from 200+ courses taught by Harvard faculty.
SSP is academically intensive and provides access to resources such as writing centers, advising, and college preparation workshops. You can experience the pace and expectations of an Ivy League classroom and earn a Harvard transcript upon completion. Residential students live on campus and engage in co-curricular and social activities, while commuter and online options offer flexibility for local and international students.
10. Business Essentials – Tufts University
Cost: Starts at $4225
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 or graduating high school
This two-week non-credit program is designed to introduce high school students to foundational business concepts through interactive case studies, debates, and real-world simulations. Hosted by Tufts’ Gordon Institute, the curriculum explores roles within modern organizations, corporate social responsibility, and how cultural and technological changes, such as artificial intelligence (AI), impact decision-making.
You’ll engage with faculty and business leaders through guest lectures, group projects, and role-playing exercises that develop your problem-solving and collaboration skills. The program is ideal for students interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, or business strategy, offering both residential and commuter options.
11. Engineering Innovation & Design (EID) – Northeastern University
Cost: $6,895 (includes tuition, materials, housing, meals, and activities)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – July 18 | Session 2: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students (grades not explicitly specified; generally rising sophomores through seniors)
This two-week, residential program is designed for high school students interested in applying engineering principles to real-world problems. Through the theme of “Automatic Devices in Service to a Sustainable Society,” you’ll complete a design-build project using Arduino hardware, laser-cut parts, and 3D printing in Northeastern’s state-of-the-art Makerspace.
The curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving, design thinking, CAD, and coding, all while working collaboratively in teams. Daily workshops and technical sessions are paired with structured social activities and access to Northeastern’s campus facilities. Financial aid is available based on need.
12. Entrepreneurship & Innovation for Women – Northeastern University
Cost: $6,895 (includes tuition, housing, meals, materials, and activities)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students (grades not explicitly stated; generally rising sophomores through seniors)
This two-week residential program is designed for high school students eager to transform their passions into purpose-driven initiatives. In collaboration with Northeastern’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business and the Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of Entrepreneurship (WISE), this program integrates lectures, workshops, and mentorship to assist you in crafting a personal passion project.
From launching a podcast or blog to designing a nonprofit or research project, you will build entrepreneurial thinking and communication skills while learning directly from female founders and leaders.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
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