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Pre-College Program

United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge

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Ivy League University

Competitiveness: 2/5

Requirements

Official Transcript

Recent Grades Report

Counselor Report

Several Essays

English Test C1-C2

Online Application From

Application Fee

Parent/Guardian Consent

Jun 25 - Jul 07

Jul 07 - Jul 21

Jul 23 - Aug 04

Application is closed

Need Help?

Learn more about the application process in the Blog or by scheduling a free consultation with the Summer Program adviser

Pre-College Program

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Key Facts

An exciting glimpse into the college experience. With over 100 courses of The Harvard Pre-College Program to choose from, you’ll thrive in a dynamic and supportive academic environment. Challenge yourself in a college-level course taught by Harvard faculty, without the pressure of grade.

Interest Areas:

Biology & Medicine

Computer Science

Economics & Finance

Engineering

Entrepreneurship & Business

Humanities, Literature, Philosophy

Journalism, Media, Communication

Law, Government, Politics

Leadership

Math/Statistics

Natural Sciences & Ecology

Physical Sciences

Pre-college

Social Sciences

STEM

Technology & Innovation

Exploration, Interdisciplinary programs

Grade:

Grade 11

Grade 12

Other features:

Non-credit

Residential

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Academics

The Harvard Pre-College Program is exclusively on campus and offers over 100 courses. You’ll thrive in a dynamic, immersive, and supportive academic environment alongside peers from around the world.

Test your intellect without the pressure of letter grades. You will be challenged by Ivy League scholars as you immerse yourself in one subject in a small class of approximately 15 students.

Live a balanced (college) life. When class is not in session, you can participate in creative and social activities. Join in co-curricular activities that stimulate your mind. And take time to have fun and get to know your peers.

Discover your passions. Whether you’re undecided about potential areas of study or want to take a deeper dive into subjects you love, the Pre-College Program can help you find what really excites you.

In this collegial setting, you will practice the art of healthy debate, learning to communicate clearly and diplomatically on complex topics.

Format

The two-week on-campus program includes college-level courses, structured co-curricular activities, college readiness workshops and social events.

Reviews

The small class sizes offered in the Pre-College Program allowed for a very niche and specialized experience. Not only was I given the opportunity to have one-on-one teaching with my instructor, I worked with all my peers. This is a unique component of the Pre-College Program as it differs from a conventional high school classroom. As all students came from different cultural backgrounds and carry their own personal stories, I learned so much more from my interactions with each student in my class

Alexandra Boushey

Oct 2022

After only two weeks of classes, I feel much more knowledgeable and open to critical thinking. Through assigned readings, discussions, and projects, I got to taste what the college experience would look like. After completing the Harvard Summer School’s Pre-College program, I feel ready to embark successfully on my next academic journey, which is going to college

Kristina Nasteva

Nov 2022

The most impactful part of my Harvard Summer School experience was the people I met. Harvard Summer School not only gave me the chance to learn from people, but it also created a space where I could question, solve, and discuss with people. I had the chance to engage with problems around the world and the people working on solving these problems. I was able to challenge the current status quo, explore daring solutions, and discuss the ideas and passions that shape the people I met. With all of my professors, peers, and mentors at Harvard, I was able to step forward with an expanded perspective of the world

Christine Sinn

Oct 2022

Eligibility

Graduation Date:

Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2023 or 2024

Age:

Are at least 16 years old by June 18, 2022, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2022

Application Components

Official Transcript

Recent Grades Report

Counselor Report

Several Essays

English Test C1-C2

Online Application From

Application Fee

Parent/Guardian Consent

• The $75 non-refundable application fee
• Counselor report: You can request a link be sent to your counselor in the application
• Transcripts from 9th grade to fall 2021 grades: This can include progress reports, report cards, and educational summaries from your high school
• Rules and Media Release online form: You can request a link be sent to your parent or legal guardian in the application
• If English is not your native language, submit scores from the TOEFL iBT or IELTS language proficiency exam along with your application (non-native English speakers only):

TOEFL 103+, 25 on the written section/ IELTS 7.5+, 7 on the written section.

We do not accept Cambridge English Exam or TOEFL iTP test scores.

You can also submit an interview and writing sample from InitialView to supplement your application, but these cannot replace the TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Deadline

Applications Open December 1, 2022. Early application and priority financial aid deadline January 25, 2023. Regular application and financial aid deadline February 22, 2023. Late application deadline Wednesday, April 26, 2023 or earlier

Tuition & Aid

Harvard Pre-College Program: Session 1

Jun 25 - Jul 07

2 weeks

Residential

$5300

Harvard Pre-College Program: Session 2

Jul 07 - Jul 21

2 weeks

Residential

$5300

Harvard Pre-College Program: Session 3

Jul 23 - Aug 04

2 weeks

Residential

$5300

The program fee includes tuition, room and board, and activity costs for the full two weeks. The is a non-refundable $75 application fee and $100 health insurance.

Financial Aid

A limited number of scholarships are available to assist students who demonstrate financial need. Awards typically cover only a portion of the program cost, not its entirety. To be eligible as a student, you must be either:
• A US citizen or permanent resident
• OR granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status
• You must complete the application and other requirements on time