Official Transcript 
Recent Grades Report 
Counselor Report 
Several Essays 
English Test C1-C2 
Online Application From 
Application Fee 
Parent/Guardian Consent 
Application is closed. The next cycle will start in December
An academically rigorous on-campus program for exceptional high school students. The Harvard Pre-College Program is exclusively on campus and offers around 100 non-credit courses. You’ll thrive in a dynamic, immersive and supportive academic environment alongside peers from around the world.
Non-credit
Residential
Accepts International Students
Financial Aid
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 subject 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.
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is a two-week program during which you will live on the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During these two weeks, you’ll experience what it’s like to live on a college campus, attending classes every day, studying, and participating in program activities. Each summer, we offer three two-week sessions so you can find the program that fits into your summer schedule.
With almost 30 courses to choose from in each session, you’re sure to find a topic that piques your interest.
You take one course during a session, and although courses are non-credit and do not have letter grades, they are rigorous.
At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your instructor, as well as a Harvard transcript with a grade of AR or NM (“requirements met” or “requirements not met”). This is a great way to supplement your college application. Please note: You need to attend every class in its entirety to receive a passing grade of “Met All Requirements.”
Explore the 2023 course catalog or browse courses by topic below.
Speech, Writing and Literature
Psychology, Medicine, and Public Health
Law, Politics, Philosophy, and History
Business and Leadership
Race, Gender, and Ethics
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).
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
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
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
Our Pre-College Program is open to rising juniors and seniors. To be eligible for Summer 2024, you must meet both of the following criteria:
- Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2025 or 2026.
- Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024.
Official Transcript
Recent Grades Report
Counselor Report
Several Essays
English Test C1-C2
Online Application From
Application Fee
Parent/Guardian Consent
Complete an online application and provide supplemental materials, including:
1 - The $75 nonrefundable application fee.
2 - Counselor report: You can request a link be sent to your counselor in the application.
3 - Transcripts from 9th grade to fall 2023 grades: This can include progress reports, report cards, and educational summaries from your high school.
4 - Rules and Media Release online form: You can request a link be sent to your parent or legal guardian in the application.
5 - If English is not your native language, submit scores from the TOEFL iBT or IELTS language proficiency exam along with your application. The scores of successful applicants are typically above 103 on the TOEFL with 25 on the written section; IELTS are at least a 7.5 score with 7 on the written section. We do not accept Cambridge English Exam or TOEFL iTP test scores. Be sure to schedule your test appointment as early as possible, so that the test does not delay your application. You can also submit an interview and writing sample from InitialView to supplement your application, but these cannot replace the TOEFL or IELTS scores.
6 - You will be asked to write short essays as part of your application. Therefore, we advise using a desktop or laptop computer to complete your application.
7 - International Students:
According to US State Department guidelines, international students participating in the Pre-College Program do not qualify for F-1 student visas as this is a non-degree program that requires less than 18 hours per week in the classroom.
Participants should apply for the B-2 tourist visa (citizens of some countries may not need visa stamps but will need pre-approval through the ESTA system) which allows for brief stays—usually less than six months—that may include participation in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree.
Deadline
Applications for Summer 2024 open on December 1.
Jun 23 - Jul 05
2 weeks
Residential
Jul 07 - Jul 19
2 weeks
Residential
Jul 21 - Aug 02
2 weeks
Residential
The total fee for a Harvard Pre-College Program session is $5,300. The program fee includes tuition, room and meal plan, and activity costs for the full two weeks.
Application fee (nonrefundable): $75
Financial Aid
A limited number of scholarships are available to assist students who demonstrate financial need. Awards vary based on need, and a typical award covers a portion of the tuition. If needed, we encourage you to seek other sources of funding as well.
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.
Official Transcript
Recent Grades Report
Counselor Report
Several Essays
English Test C1-C2
Online Application From
Application Fee
Parent/Guardian Consent
Application is closed. The next cycle will start in December
Useful Resources
Great!
Your subscribe request has successfully sent to the Harvard University
Sehr gut!
Ihre Anfrage wurde erfolgreich abgesendet an Harvard University
Tell us your
opinion about us