What is the Secondary School Program?
Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program (SSP) is a 4- or 7-week academic program for motivated high school students ready to excel in academically rigorous college courses for college credit.
In the context of Harvard Summer School, “secondary school” refers to a credit-bearing summer program designed specifically for high school students who are ready for college-level academics and interested in exploring courses that feed a passion or a potential career interest.
Within the SSP, you can choose between taking one 4-week course — offered in residential, online, or commuting formats — or enrolling in our 7-week session, which allows for one or two courses across residential, online, or commuting options.
Over the summer, you’ll gain the confidence to do well in college that comes from successfully navigating a healthy balance between advanced coursework, extracurricular activities, and new friends.
Program Options
Students may choose between 4-week and 7-week sessions and enroll in one or two 4-credit courses, with options to study on campus, online, or while commuting.
Below are how the different program options vary so you can compare and choose the one that works best for you.
| Format | Residential (4 or 7 Weeks) |
Online (4* or 7 Weeks) |
Commuting (4 or 7 Weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Credit Hour Requirements | 4-Week: 4 credit hours 7-Week: 8 credit hours |
4-Week: 4 credit hours 7-Week: 4 or 8 credit hours |
4-Week: 4 credit hours 7-Week: 4 or 8 credit hours |
| Participate in Activities | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Visa sponsorship for international students** | Yes | No (Visa not needed for SSP Online) |
Yes |
| Financial aid eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents only |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tutoring and Writing Center access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Limited courses are available for the 4-Week online offering.
**International SSP students on an I20 sponsored by Harvard Summer School cannot take online classes.
International students should review their options on the International Students Guidelines page.
Important Deadlines
- Application Opens: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
- Early Application & Priority Financial Aid Deadline: Wednesday, January 13, 2027
- Regular Application & Financial Aid Deadline: Wednesday, February 10, 2027
- Late Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 31, 2027 (or earlier if all course waitlists are full)
Courses
With more than 200 college-credit courses offered, students can choose from a wide-range of academic disciplines from molecular, cellular Biology, and psychology, to entrepreneurship, law, and sociology — and everything in between.
Each course, taught by Harvard faculty or distinguished visiting faculty, is designed for motivated high school students while maintaining the academic rigor and expectations of a college-level Harvard Summer School course.
Apply to the Secondary School Program
Eligibility Requirements
The Harvard Secondary School Program admissions committee is looking for mature, academically motivated students who are interested in experiencing what college is really like while exploring a potential major, future career, or topic they are passionate about.
To be eligible for Summer 2027, you must meet both of the following criteria:
- Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2027, 2028, or 2029.
- Are at least 16 years old by June 13, 2027, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2027.
Program Activities
The Secondary School Program gives you time to connect with a diverse group of peers based on common interests. See what types of activities you could attend.
The SSP Advantage
Earn College Credit
Earn college credit and experience what it’s like to be a college student for 4 or 7 transformative weeks.
Inspiring Faculty & Small Class Size
Learn from renowned faculty alongside other SSP students, plus college students and adults from around the world.
Live a Balanced (College) Life
Balance responsibility with independence and gain the confidence to do well in college. When class is not in session, you plan the rest of your day choosing whether to participate in creative and social activities, sports or studying.
Discover Your Passion
Delve into a subject area of interest to confirm your college major or discover a future career path.
Cost & Aid
The total cost of the Secondary School Program depends on the number of courses taken and which format. All applicants pay a non-refundable $75 application fee.
- 7-Week Online or Commuting: $4,180 (4-credits) or $8,160 (8-credits)
- 7-Week Residential: $15,980 (8-credits)
- 4-Week Online or Commuting: $4,180 (4-credits)
- 4-Week Residential: $9,260 (4-credits)
FAQs
Is Harvard’s Secondary School Program Worth It?
At Harvard’s Secondary School Program for high school students, you will expand your academic skills and demonstrate your ability to study at an Ivy League level. Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a letter grade and can request a Harvard transcript that lists your course or courses.
You’ll also begin to build core life skills — such as time management, career planning, and living on your own— that will prepare you for success in college. You will be among a global student body to learn from and have fun with. And you’ll learn that you can thrive outside your comfort zone while making connections and memories that will last a lifetime.
Can High School Students Attend Harvard Summer School?
Yes, high school students can attend Harvard Summer School. The Secondary School Program is designed for motivated high school students — typically rising juniors and seniors — who are ready for academically rigorous, college-level coursework. Students should be prepared for a fast-paced learning environment, independent study, and a significant workload both in and outside the classroom.
Learn more about the Harvard Summer School Experience as a high school student.
Is Harvard’s Secondary School Program Hard to Get Into?
Due to the high volume of applications, standing out positively will benefit you.
The Admissions Committee also seeks students who are not only enthusiastic about challenging themselves, but also who can manage the academic load of college-level courses. If your current school does not offer higher-level or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the Admissions Committee will take that into consideration.
Do Secondary School Program Students Earn College Credit?
Yes, you earn college credit as a Summer School student in the Secondary School Program. Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program is a credit-bearing summer program designed specifically for high school students who are ready for college-level academics and interested in exploring courses that feed a passion or a potential career interest.
Are Harvard’s Secondary School Program Courses Difficult?
Summer school classes at Harvard are college-level courses, and therefore academically rigorous. But it is the challenge of these courses that attracts our students to the Secondary School Program. You will be proud of all you have accomplished at the end of the summer.
At SSP, high school students enroll in credit-bearing Harvard Summer School courses that are designed for motivated high school students while maintaining college-level academic standards.
You’ll be enrolled in the same courses taken by college students and other adult learners. Courses are condensed and intensive, so the work will feel different from high school classes.
Faculty at Harvard Summer School expect a significant commitment of time outside of class for reading and assignments. On average, the work required outside of class time is 8-12 hours per week per four-credit course, but this varies by course and depending on the assignments for the week.
Check out a few of our most popular courses:
What Is the Difference Between Secondary School Program and Pre-College?
The differences between the Secondary School Program and Pre-College program include program length, modality, cost, and credit-bearing status.
Pre-College Program
The Harvard Pre-College Program is designed for students who want a structured introduction to college academics. Students take one non-credit course over a two-week session while living on campus, and receive support through advising, co-curricular activities, and a guided daily schedule.
Secondary School Program
The Secondary School Program offers a more independent academic experience. You can choose from a wide range of Harvard Summer School for-credit courses and study alongside adult and college students over four or seven weeks. Students have the option to study on campus or online in the 7-week session. The 4-week option will include a second section and will offer modality options for residential, commuter, and limited online course options.
Check out our guide to help you decide which Harvard Summer School Program is right for you.
Do Secondary School Programs Help with College Admissions?
Participation in Harvard’s Secondary School Program does not guarantee admission to Harvard College, but it can help make your college application stronger regardless of where you apply.
Completion of the program shows that you can succeed in a rigorous college class and that you are a motivated and dedicated student who is ready for life on a college campus.
Previous Harvard Summer School students have gone on to attend college at institutions such as Harvard College, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Boston University, and Brown University. In fact, 20 percent of respondents to a 2024 survey reported attending an Ivy League institution after attending Harvard Summer School.
The Secondary School Program also offers activities designed to help you navigate the daunting college admissions process. You can meet admissions officers from a variety of US colleges and universities at our college fairs and visits, for example, as well as work on your essays and responses at our college readiness workshops.
When you complete the Secondary School Program, you’ll have an amazing experience to add to your application, and you’ll be ready to get your applications underway.
Why Choose Harvard’s Secondary School Program?
Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Prepare for your future at Harvard’s Secondary School Program. Challenge yourself academically, meet new friends from around the world, and expand your perspective and horizons!
