The Harvard Pre-College Summer Program is a highly sought-after opportunity for rising juniors and seniors to experience college life and academics at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. While the exact acceptance rate for this program is not publicly available, it is estimated to be around 55%, making it a competitive but accessible option for motivated high school students.

To be eligible for the Harvard Pre-College Program, students must meet specific criteria. They must be a rising junior or senior in high school who will graduate and enter college in 2025 or 2026. Additionally, they must be at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024. Meeting these requirements ensures that students are ready for the academic rigor and independence required for this pre-college experience.

The admission process for the Harvard Pre-College Summer Program typically involves submitting an online application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Once applications are reviewed, selected students may be invited for an interview as part of the final selection process. The program aims to provide a diverse and talented group of students with a transformative educational experience that will prepare them for success in college and beyond.

The Harvard Pre-College Summer Program is a highly sought-after opportunity for high school students looking to experience college-level academics and campus life. With an estimated acceptance rate of around 55%, the program offers a chance for rising juniors and seniors to immerse themselves in a prestigious academic environment.

To be eligible for the Harvard Pre-College Program, students must meet specific criteria. Here is a complete list of requirements to be considered for acceptance:

Eligibility Criteria for Harvard Pre-College Summer Program:

Requirements:

• Must graduate from high school and enter college in 2025 or 2026.


• Must be at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024.


• Must not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024.

The Harvard Pre-College Program offers a variety of courses in different subjects, allowing students to explore their academic interests and gain valuable college experience. The program’s curriculum is designed to challenge students and help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Students who are accepted into the Harvard Pre-College Program can expect to engage in rigorous coursework, participate in extracurricular activities, and interact with like-minded peers from around the world. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to grow academically and personally while preparing for the college application process.

In conclusion, the Harvard Pre-College Summer Program offers a competitive yet accessible opportunity for high school students to experience college life and academics. With an estimated acceptance rate of around 55%, the program provides a valuable learning experience for motivated and ambitious students.

Application Deadline

Financial aid is limited and subject to availability of funds. If you require financial aid, please complete your application as soon as possible. 

Application Type	Application Period	Decision Released
Early Decision and Priority Financial Aid Submit your application by this date to receive a decision before course registration begins. If you would like to apply for a need-based scholarship, please fill out the financial aid section of the program application.	December 2 through January 31 at noon	February 25 by 5 p.m.
Regular Decision and Financial Aid Submit your application by this date to receive a decision before the full-payment deadline. If you would like to apply for a need-based scholarship, please fill out the financial aid section of the program application. Financial aid will be awarded subject to availability of funds.	January 31 through March 13 at noon	April 7 by 5 p.m.
Late Decision Full payment is due upon registration for all accepted students. Financial aid is not available to late applicants.	March 13 through May 15 at noon (or earlier if all course waitlists are full)	Decisions released on a rolling basis within 3 weeks of completed application.

Selection Process

We will evaluate all information submitted—including transcripts, current grades, counselor reports, and your short essays—when considering your application.

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.

Consult the US embassy or consulate in your country if you have any questions about visas, country-specific policies, or the necessary documentation for your visit.

Harvard University: Two-Week Program for High School Students

Overview

The Harvard Pre-College Program is an immersive, collaborative, and transformative residential experience. Alongside peers from around the world, you’ll thrive in a dynamic and supportive academic environment.

Learn without limits: Pursue your interests in courses focusing on physics, law, writing, philosophy, and a dozen other subjects. In our noncredit classes, we dispense with grades so that you can fully commit to your growth as a student.

Live at Harvard: When you attend the Pre-College Program, you’ll live in an historic undergraduate House, near Harvard Square.

Thrive outside the classroom: The Pre-College Passport: Guide to Life Outside of the Classroom is an integral and required part of the program. You use a “passport” to keep track of your attendance at events over the course of the two weeks. You choose two events in each of these four categories: academic exploration, college readiness, social events, trips and recreation.

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.

Pre-College Program Admissions

Harvard is known for its rigorous academics. If you’re planning on going to Harvard, you better be as smart as a whip. But did you know that if you’re planning on going to Harvard, you might find the perfect academic fit at [name of program]?

If you love math, or are fascinated by science, or want to go into the medical field someday—[name of program] has all of those areas covered. Not only will your scholarship cover all your tuition costs, it’ll also give you a stipend so you have some spending money. Best of all, it’s a great way to meet people who have similar interests as you and might go on to be in the same program at Harvard as you. That’s right! Gaining admission to this pre-collegiate program can help your chances of getting admitted to Harvard!

Eligibility for admission

The admissions committee is looking for mature, academically motivated students who meet both of the following criteria:

• Will graduate from high school and enter college in the coming year.
• Are at least 15 years old upon application and will not turn 19 years old before commencement of the program.

How to apply

Do not complete the application on your smartphone. Please use a laptop or PC. Keep in mind that you may only apply for the Pre-College Program or the Secondary School Program. 

Complete an online application and provide supplemental materials, including:

• The $75 nonrefundable application fee
• Counselor report: You can request a link be sent to your counselor in the application
• Transcripts from 9th grade to fall 2019 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

The account must be created, and the application must be completed, by the prospective student and not by parents/guardians, agents, counselors, or anyone else.

Application Tips

• No fee is required to start your application. You will be asked to pay the nonrefundable application fee only upon submitting the application. 
• Review expectations for TOEFL and IELTS Academic tests (non-native English speakers only). 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.
• Choose your program before you start. Keep in mind that you may only apply to one program: the Pre-College Program or the Secondary School Program.
• Use a desktop or laptop when completing your application. You will be asked to write short essays as part of your application. This may be challenging to do on a mobile phone. Therefore, we advise using a desktop or laptop computerfor completing your application.
• Watch your inbox—you’ll receive an email prompting you to log in to check your application status after you’ve completed your application.

Admissions decisions are only valid for the summer term in which you apply. You may not defer admission to the program to a subsequent summer term. 

Cost and Session Information

The total fee for a Harvard Pre-College Program session is $4,750. The program fee includes tuition, housing, and required activity costs for the full two weeks. The breakdown of costs and additional fees is outlined below. In addition, we awarded a limited number of scholarships to students on the basis of financial need.

Application fee (nonrefundable): $75
Full program fee: $4,750
Health insurance fee: $100

Course Offering

With over 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.

From Stars to Planets: Are We Alone in the Universe?
The Science of Politics: An Introduction to Coding and Statistical Analysis
Speaking with Power, Passion, and Purpose
Introduction to Quantum Physics Law and Philosophy
Why Haven’t We Cured Cancer Yet? Insights from Evolution, Ecology, and Paleontology
The Power and Politics of Fairy Tales
Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
Game Theory and Strategic Decisions
On the Witness Stand: Scientific Evidence in the American Judicial System