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7-Week SSP & 2-Week Pre-College Program are still accepting applications until April 10, or earlier if all course waitlists are full. 4-Week SSP Application is closed.

The application for Summer 2024 is open.

Summer 2024 Session ISummer 2024 Session IISummer 2024 Session III
June 23–July 5, 2024July 7–July 19, 2024July 21–August 2, 2024

Eligibility For 2024

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 2025 or 2026
  • Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024

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.

Certain email domains have historically been difficult for our automated processes to reach (ex., @qq.com, @163.com). If you primarily use one of these email addresses, we request that you use an alternative email address to complete your application and in your correspondence with Harvard Summer School.

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 one program each summer, either 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 2023 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, IELTS, or Duolingo language proficiency exam along with your application

You can view your in-progress application or application status by logging into the application portal.

Important Application Deadlines

All deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time unless otherwise specified.

Application and Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines: Application and Materials DeadlineDecision ReleasedApplicant Response Deadline
Online program and financial aid application availableFriday, December 1, 2023
Early application and priority financial aid deadline*
Complete 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.
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Tuesday, February 6, 2024 by 5 p.m. ETTuesday, February 20, 2024
Regular application and financial aid deadline*
Complete your application by this date to receive a decision before the payment deadline. If you would like to apply for a need-based scholarship, please fill out the financial aid section of the program application. Need-based scholarships will be awarded subject to availability of funds.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Tuesday, March 12, 2024 by 5 p.m. ETTuesday, March 26, 2024
Late application deadline*
Full payment is due upon registration for all accepted students. Financial aid is not available to late applicants.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 or earlier if all course waitlists are fullOn a rolling basis within 3 weeks of completed application following the regular decision release on March 12thWithin 2 weeks of offer of admission

*All materials (application including essays, counselor report, transcripts, current grades, online rules and media releasefrom parent/guardian, TOEFL ibt/IELTS/DuoLingo scores if English is not your native language, and application fee) must be submitted in order for an application be considered complete.

See the Pre-College Calendar for all important dates and deadlines.

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, IELTS, and Duolingo Academic tests (non-native English speakers only). The scores of successful students typically score above 103 on the TOEFL with a 25 or above on the writing section, 7.5 or above on the IELTS with a 7.0 or above on the writing section, and 135 or above on Duolingo. 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, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.
  • When you apply, choose your program thoughtfully. You may apply to only one of Harvard Summer School’s college programs for high school students per year.
  • 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 computer to complete your application.
  • Walk through the applicationin this video, we go through the application and provide guidance on how to fill it out.
  • 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.

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.

Please visit the US Embassy website to locate the embassy in your country.