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High School Summer Launch is a one week residential program for students looking for a pre-college experience in an accelerated format. This program is ideal for students who want to participate in the development of important college readiness skills.
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High School Summer Launch is a one-week noncredit program designed to challenge and inspire students through innovative lectures, workshops, and seminars. Lectures provide a foundation for future study and academic exploration. Seminars take the confusion out of the college application process, while students create a personalized plan for choosing and applying to college. Interactive workshops allow students to hone specific skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.
This program is ideal for students who want a general introduction to college life and academics and are looking for a full pre-college experience in an accelerated format.
High School Summer Launch students live on campus in one of our top-ranked, air-conditioned residence halls. Specialized college readiness, community, and academic success enrichment activities are included in the program.
High School Summer Launch students start their day with breakfast, independent study and their morning lecture and discussion which meet from 10:00am-12:00pm. After morning session, students have time for lunch, and independent or group study which is then followed by the afternoon session of college advising seminars from 1:00-2:30pm and skills workshops from 2:45-4:00pm.
Evenings are spent in optional enrichment activities and dinner. Community events provide students the opportunity to reflect and relax at the end of a busy day.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the college application and financial aid process.
- Define self-reflection and the role it plays in the college experience.
- Examine the opportunities available through undergraduate education and begin to consider the role these opportunities play in the college search process.
- Gain confidence in the college classroom and community.
- Develop key college readiness skills including communication, critical thinking, and group collaboration.
To be eligible for High School Summer Launch students should:
1 - Be a current freshman or sophomore in high school (graduating in 2026 or 2027).
2 - As an international student, have a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90 or an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5. Additional guidelines for international students are available here.
We are looking for mature, academically motivated students enrolled in challenging curriculum which may include honors, advanced placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, if offered by their high schools. Students who are collaborative, intellectually curious, and creative thinkers thrive in our program.
In order to apply to the High School Summer Launch, students must complete an online application, including short essays, and submit the following supplemental information:
1 - $50 nonrefundable application fee
2 - Transcript
3 - Teacher recommendation
4 - International applicants must send an official TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic score report.
Deadline
Applications for the 2024 summer will open November 1, 2023.
The deadline to submit an application and all supplemental information is April 1, 2024 at 11:59pm CT.
A $50 nonrefundable application fee is due upon submitting an application for a high school summer residential program.
Once a student has been admitted, we require a $500 nonrefundable deposit. The nonrefundable deposit will hold a student's place in the program and is deducted from the total program fee due.
Program fees for residential programs cover:
1 - Tuition for course work as follows:
High School Summer Launch: noncredit course curriculum
2 - Academic success enrichment activities including: tutoring, specialized workshops, advising, and group study sessions
3 - College readiness enrichment activities including: seminars/webinars, panel discussions, informal Q&As, and access to online college readiness course
4 - Community enrichment activities including: social activities and weekend outings
5 - Housing in a secured, air conditioned residence hall on campus
6 - Meal stipend to cover three meals a day
7 - Laundry services
8 - Transportation pass for light-rail and buses
9 - Use of South 40 Fitness Center.
Textbooks, travel to and from the program, personal expenses, or other expenses related to online course work including computers or WiFi are not included in a program fee.
Financial Aid
Need-based Scholarships
We do offer need-based scholarship assistance for all of our programs. In order to be considered for a need-based scholarship, we must receive a completed application for scholarship assistance. Please note that our pre-college programs are not eligible for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships are determined based on family income. There are no income cut-offs for scholarship assistance; all students are welcome and encouraged to apply. Scholarships typically start at $100. Full scholarships are available.
Scholarships do not cover travel to and from campus, personal expenses, or other expenses related to online course work including computers or WiFi access. Scholarship awards are non-transferable between pre-college programs.
Children of Washington University employees and returning students are eligible for a 10% discount.
Application Fee Waiver Request
We are happy to waive our application fee for high school summer residential programs when it presents a financial hardship. If you do qualify, simply indicate so on your program application.
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