Summer Challenge

Boston University Summer Challenge is a two-week precollege program on BU's Boston campus for high school students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year. Students pick two noncredit seminars, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, from 21 options grouped into health and life sciences; business, law, and politics; technology and engineering; communication and media; and humanities. Classes are small and taught by college instructors, mixing lectures, discussions, group projects, and field trips, and each seminar ends with a final presentation. Participants also attend a college admissions workshop and receive a certificate of completion plus evaluation letters from both instructors. Students can attend as commuters or live on campus. Tentative 2027 sessions run June 20 to July 2, July 11 to 23, and July 25 to August 6, with dates still pending approval. In 2026 the total charge was $3,989 for commuters and $5,245 for residential students, and BU says 2027 rates will be posted December 17. There is no financial aid, though a need-based scholarship is available.

Open to students entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in fall 2027; residential students must be at least 14 when the program starts. International students are welcome. Apply online with a full high school transcript (including fall 2026 grades), a 500 to 750 word personal statement, and a $75 application fee. Applications and 2027 deadlines open December 17.