Accepted into the Pre-College or Secondary School Program? This page will guide you through important deadlines and next steps. Please check back frequently for updates and reminders.
Before proceeding with any task on this page, you must accept your offer to the program.
Deadline to accept your offer:
- Early Admission: February 17, 2026
- Regular Admission: March 24, 2026
- Late Admission: Within two weeks of offer of admission
Stay Notified: Please add PreCollege@Summer.Harvard.edu or SSP@Summer.Harvard.edu to your email contact list to ensure that you receive important updates. Be sure to check your spam and junk folders so that you do not miss important information from our staff.
Review Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
Please see the full High School Programs Calendar for all important deadlines.
| Materials | Dates and Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Residential requirements and payment deadline Pre-College: Pay your balance in full by this date. If you do not, you risk being dropped from all courses and waitlists. Registration with immediate full payment remains open through the course registration deadline. SSP: Residential students must be registered in an eligible course load (8-credits for 7-Week and 4-credits for 4-Week) and paid in full by this date. Payment includes the program fee, room & meal plan, and tuition. If you do not, you risk being dropped from the residential program. | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 |
| Commuting and Online payment deadline Commuting and Online students must be registered in course(s) by this date to make the full payment. Payment includes the program fee and tuition. If you do not, you risk being dropped from all courses and waitlists. If admitted after this date, full payment is due immediately upon registering for your course(s). Registration with immediate full payment remains open through June 15, or June 1 for on-campus courses. | Monday, May 11, 2026 |
| Submit immunization documents You may be dropped from courses, even after classes begin, if you do not upload your documentation. | Submit proof to HUHS within 3 weeks of registering |
| Submit medical history and consent form | Submit proof to HUHS within 3 weeks of registering |
| Pre-College Only: Course registration deadline Last day to register for courses and pay your balance in full. Late registration is not permitted after this date. | Monday, June 1, 2026 |
| Course changes deadline Pre-College: Course changes require staff approval after April 27 SSP: Course changes require staff approval after June 21 (7-Week) and July 12 (4-Week). | Pre-College: Session I: Thursday, June 11 Session II: Thursday, June 25 Session III: Thursday, July 9 7-Week: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 4-Week: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 |
Complete Next Steps for Admitted Students
1. Enroll in your program
Once you respond “yes” to your offer of admission, an email will be sent to you with next steps.
Approximately one hour after accepting your offer, you will be able to log into your MyDCE account to register and pay for your course(s).
2. Log in to your MyDCE Portal
MyDCE is the student portal where you will complete all of your post-acceptance requirements. You can access MyDCE by logging in using your DCEKey or HarvardKey login credentials. You should be able to access MyDCE one hour after you’ve accepted your admissions offer and received your “Complete Your Harvard Pre-College/Secondary School Program Next Steps” email.
3. Register for course(s) and submit payment
You must accept your offer of admission before registering.
Pre-College Program students are only permitted to register (or waitlist) themselves for one course per session.
Visit Course Registration for detailed instructions on registration, including pre-registration and payment. You will be required to complete pre-registration (available February 19), which will confirm that your student and contact information are up-to-date prior to registering for your course(s).
Pre-College: The session you attend is based on your course registration. Please view the “Meeting Info” section of each course description to determine the session it’s being offered during.
Confirming your registration: To confirm that your registration submitted successfully, log in to your MyDCE account and view the “My Courses” box on your dashboard. Any courses that you’ve successfully registered — or waitlisted — yourself for will appear here.
Payment: Log in and pay in the Student Finance Portal in MyDCE with a credit card. Once you have selected your course(s), you will submit full payment for the program. For residential students, it will take 1-2 business days for charges for housing and meal plan to populate after registering for a course.
You can designate an authorized user, who can access your financial account information online — to view your student account details and submit a payment directly to your account via credit card or electronic check (U.S. bank accounts only). If you would like more payment information, please visit the payment options page.
You must pay for all courses for which you have registered or placed yourself on the course waitlist prior to the payment deadline. Harvard Summer School reserves the right to remove you from courses for nonpayment. If you intend to only attend one course, please drop yourself from all other courses and waitlists prior to the payment deadline.
4. Claim your Harvard Key
You’ll receive your HUID number and instructions on how to claim your HarvardKey 48 hours after you register. You can then use your HarvardKey to complete the remaining steps on the checklist.
HarvardKey is your login and password for most University web applications, including the Patient Portal used by Harvard University Health Services to review required vaccination documentation. You will also use your HarvardKey to upload your ID card photo. Check your email regularly (including spam/junk folders) for communication on claiming your HarvardKey and setting up two-step verification with your HarvardKey account.
5. Comply with vaccination & medical requirements
All Summer School students are required to provide documentation to Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) that they are fully vaccinated against certain communicable diseases. Students who are unable to provide this proof risk being unable to participate in on-campus activities/courses for Summer 2026. Please refer to the HUHS Immunization Form for more information about this requirement.
Attend Orientation
Pre-College Sessions I, II, & III
Attend the Student and Family Orientation via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, from 7–8 p.m. ET.
An invite will be emailed to you closer to June 11. The orientation will be recorded and emailed about a week after the event takes place.
7-Week Online
Attend the Student and Family Orientation via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET.
A Zoom invitation was sent to students in late-May. The orientation will be recorded and emailed about a week after the event takes place.
7-Week Commuting
Attend the Student and Family Orientation via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. A Zoom invitation was sent to students in late-May. The orientation will be recorded and emailed about a week after the event takes place.
Attend the Commuter Student Orientation on campus on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET. More information, including the location of the orientation, will be emailed to you in late-May.
7-Week Residential
Attend the Student and Family Orientation via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
A Zoom invitation was sent to students in late-May. The orientation will be recorded and emailed about a week after the event takes place.
Attend the On-Campus Student Orientation in person on Saturday, June 20, 2026, following check-in. More information, including timing and location, will be emailed to you in late-May.
4-Week Residential
Attend the Student and Family Orientation via Zoom on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET. An invite will be emailed to you in June.
The orientation will be recorded and emailed about a week after the event takes place.
Attend the On-Campus Student Orientation in person on Sunday, July 12, 2026, following check-in. More information, including timing and location, will be emailed to you in June.
Plan Your Arrival to Campus
We are excited to welcome you to campus! Review the tips below then check the check-in information for your program and modality.
- We do not provide airport shuttles, but transportation information is available along with directions to campus. Travel to campus should be scheduled so that you can check in during regular check-in hours on Opening Weekend. Early arrival and check-in are not permitted. Check local advisories for potential delays and road closures.
- View the Campus Map to find Opening Weekend locations.
- Keep in mind, people not yet 21 years of age are prohibited by law from checking into a hotel unaccompanied by an adult.
- After you arrive, see the Accessibility Services Office if you have requested accommodations for a disability or have questions about services.
Please review our arrival guides for more information.
Pre-College Sessions I, II, & III
Travel Arrangements: Plan your travel to campus only after you have registered for your course(s). If you are an international student, we recommend that you do not make travel arrangements until after you have received your tourist visa (B1/B2) or ESTA visa waiver.
H-Ticket: Approximately one week prior to your check-in, you will have access to your H-Ticket in MyDCE. The H-Ticket includes specific information about where and when to check in, your on-campus room assignment, and any other requirements you need before your arrival. You have the option of displaying it on your mobile device (recommended) or printing it in advance. You must show your H-ticket and a government-issued photo ID to check in. If you are living in Lowell House, you can leave your luggage with staff before checking in at McKinlock Hall Leverett House.
Check-In and Move-In: Check-in is on the Sunday before courses begin (June 21, July 5, and July 19) between 1:30 and 3 p.m. ET at McKinlock Hall (Leverett House). In an effort to keep all our students healthy and safe, only students will have access to campus buildings. We encourage you to pack lightly, as you will need to move your own belongings into the Houses. On-campus student orientation events, including campus tours, proctor-led activities, and first floor meetings, will begin immediately following check-in.
Check-Out and Move-Out: Check-out is no later than 8 p.m. ET on the final day of your session (Thursday, July 2; Friday, July 17, and Friday, July 31). As noted above, you must attend and participate in every class in its entirety, including the last one. Please plan travel accordingly, as construction may delay your arrival at Logan Airport.
7-Week Commuting
H-Ticket: Approximately one week prior to your check-in, you will have access to your H-Ticket in MyDCE. The H-Ticket includes specific information about where and when to check in and any other requirements you need before your arrival. You have the option of displaying it on your mobile device (recommended) or printing it in advance. You must show your H-ticket and a government-issued photo ID to check in.
Check-In: Pick up your Harvard University ID card between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The location of check-in will be in your H-Ticket. Your HUID card will give you access to campus resources, such as classroom buildings and libraries. You can check in before or after attending Student and Family Orientation.
7-Week Residential
Travel Arrangements: Plan your travel to campus. If you are a student attending on an F-1 student visa, we recommend that you do not make travel arrangements until after you have received your F-1 visa.
Housing: A housing request has already been entered on your behalf. You do not need to take any action to request housing. You will receive more information about your housing assignment 1–2 weeks before the start of the program. For more information about your room on campus and what to bring, read about your room.
If you need an accommodation or would like to request gender inclusive housing, please review the Housing Request page for more information.
H-Ticket: Starting the week before your program’s check-in you will have access to your H-Ticket in MyDCE. The H-Ticket includes specific information about where and when to check in, your on-campus room assignment, and any other requirements you need before your arrival. You have the option of displaying it on your mobile device (recommended) or printing it in advance. You must show your H-ticket and a government-issued photo ID to check in.
Check-In and Move-In: Check-in and move-in is Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 12–4 p.m. You may not check in or enter the dorms before 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. Pick up your key and move into your room before checking in elsewhere. Your key pick-up location will be listed on your H-ticket.
Cars will be allowed access to Harvard Yard during check-in. If you will be arriving after the designated check-in time, please contact the SSP team so that we can coordinate your arrival with the residential staff.
Received a Form I-20 from the Harvard Summer School? Check in with the Harvard International Office (HIO): You must check in with the Harvard International Office (HIO) if you received a Form I-20 from the Harvard Summer School. Consult the instructions provided to you by HIO with your electronic Form I-20 on how to prepare for entering the U.S., and review emailed instructions from HIO on how to register your arrival in the U.S. remotely or in person.
- To register your arrival in person with HIO, bring your passport, printed Form I-20, F-1 visa, a copy of your I-94 arrival record, and H-ticket to check-in, if you were unable to do so remotely. Check-in location will be noted on your H-Ticket.
- You must register your arrival with HIO either remotely or in person before you can pick up your Harvard ID card.
Move-Out: The last day to move out is Saturday, August 8, 2026 by 9 a.m. You may move out and go home after you have completed your last academic requirement; you do not need to stay until August 8.
4-Week Residential
Travel Arrangements: Plan your travel to campus. If you are a student attending on an F-1 student visa, we recommend that you do not make travel arrangements until after you have received your F-1 visa.
Housing: A housing request has already been entered on your behalf. You do not need to take any action to request housing. You will receive more information about your housing assignment 1–2 weeks before the start of the program. For more information about your room on campus and what to bring, read about your room.
If you need an accommodation or would like to request gender inclusive housing, please review the Housing Request page for more information.
H-Ticket: Starting the week before your program’s check-in you will have access to your H-Ticket in MyDCE. The H-Ticket includes specific information about where and when to check in, your on-campus room assignment, and any other requirements you need before your arrival. You have the option of displaying it on your mobile device (recommended) or printing it in advance. You must show your H-ticket and a government-issued photo ID to check in.
Check-In and Move-In: Check-in and move-in is Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 12–4 p.m. You may not check in or enter the dorms before 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Pick up your key and move into your room before checking in elsewhere. Your key pick-up location will be listed on your H-ticket.
Cars will be allowed access to Harvard Yard during check-in. If you will be arriving after the designated check-in time, please contact the SSP team so that we can coordinate your arrival with the residential staff.
Received a Form I-20 from the Harvard Summer School? Check in with the Harvard International Office (HIO): You must check in with the Harvard International Office (HIO) if you received a Form I-20 from the Harvard Summer School. Consult the instructions provided to you by HIO with your electronic Form I-20 on how to prepare for entering the U.S., and review emailed instructions from HIO on how to register your arrival in the U.S. remotely or in person.
- To register your arrival in person with HIO, bring your passport, printed Form I-20, F-1 visa, a copy of your I-94 arrival record, and H-ticket to check-in, if you were unable to do so remotely. Check-in location will be noted on your H-Ticket.
- You must register your arrival with HIO either remotely or in person before you can pick up your Harvard ID card.
Move-Out: The last day to move out is Saturday, August 8, 2026 by 9 a.m. You may move out and go home after you have completed your last academic requirement; you do not need to stay until August 8.
What to Do If Your Travel is Delayed
Your travel to campus should be scheduled so that you can check in and arrive during your designated check-in time. We understand, however, that delays en route may be unavoidable. In Massachusetts, people not yet 18 years of age are prohibited by law from checking into a hotel unaccompanied by an adult. Therefore, if you arrive after check-in closes:
- As a Pre-College Student: Proceed to your House where staff will be able to assist you.
- If you miss orientation on check-in day, please contact your proctor. You will be required to attend a make-up session hosted by a Resident Director the Monday after your check-in day at 7:30 p.m. in the Lowell Screening Room.
- As a Secondary School Student: Proceed to Harvard Yard, where staff will be able to assist you.
If you anticipate a delay, you should contact PreCollege@Summer.Harvard.edu or SSP@Summer.Harvard.edu with your updated arrival time.
Prepare for Your Course
The Pre-College and Secondary School programs are an extraordinary opportunity for you to stretch yourself academically and intellectually.
Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth start to your Harvard experience:
- Ensure you arrive on time for your check-in and first class meetings.
- Find your classroom by viewing My Courses in MyDCE or on your syllabus. Check for classroom changes right before classes begin.
- Taking an online course? Review technology guidelines for taking an online course.
- Log into Canvas to review your course syllabus. You must log in using your HarvardKey.
- Make plans to visit the Harvard COOP when you arrive to purchase any required textbooks or course materials. See which textbooks you need by checking course syllabi or websites (linked in course descriptions) or use the Harvard COOP textbook search.
- Note the deadlines for course and credit status changes, drops, and withdrawals.
- Pre-College Students: To make any changes now, upload the Pre-College Course Registration Changes Form to MyDCE for Pre-College Program Office approval.
Course Waitlists
Pre-College Program students are only permitted to register (or waitlist) themselves for one course per session. We are unable to predict if/when a student will be moved off of the waitlist for their course.
To ensure you will be able to join us this summer, we strongly encourage you to register for courses with open spaces, as there is no guarantee a space will open up.
Students on waitlists must also meet the immunization requirements and pay in full for their course(s) by the payment deadlines.
Activities Beyond the Classroom
Pre-College Program
The Pre-College Passport: The Guide to Life Outside the Classroom helps you make the most out of your two weeks on campus. You will have opportunities to engage with faculty, develop critical college skills, and explore sights around New England.
These events will be offered in-person and virtually for Summer 2026.
Co-Curricular Activities Registration Information:
Two weeks prior to your arrival you will receive an email to go into MyDCE and complete an assigned task to register for activities. We encourage you to review available activities in MyDCE before registering to ensure there are no course conflicts. Please note, you will register for weekend trips during your Pre-College session.
Passport Co-curricular Activities Sign-Up Periods:
- Session I: Wednesday, June 10 – Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Session II: Wednesday, June 24 – Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Session III: Wednesday, July 8 – Wednesday, July 15, 2026
It is your responsibility to successfully sign up, attend, engage, and get your “passport” stamped at two Academic Exploration events and one event in each of the following categories: College Readiness, Social, and Trips and Recreation.
- Academic Exploration: Lectures and discussions with Harvard scholars to give you a taste of the questions that drive various academic disciplines.
- College Readiness: Workshops to help you develop and practice critical academic skills to support transition and success in college.
- Social: Events hosted on campus to create a sense of belonging for you and other participants in the program. Past events include trivia, campus scavenger hunt, and Pre-College Prom.
- Trips and Recreation: Outings on and off campus to give you an opportunity to explore Cambridge, Boston, and Southern New England.
- Virtual Admissions Sessions: We are pleased to offer a variety of online panel presentations, some by Harvard staff and others in cooperation with a number of selective universities. Please note that admissions events are optional.
You have the freedom to choose the events you attend, but also the responsibility to challenge yourself by learning new skills and engaging with new ideas. We hope that each opportunity is a rich and rewarding one for you.
Secondary School Program
The Summer School and the Secondary School Program offer a rich array of free virtual and in-person activities and events for all students.
If you are a commuting student, please make sure to update your “physical address” to Cambridge, Massachusetts when you complete pre-registration to ensure that you are able to view on-campus activities.
Athletics. There are many ways to remain active around campus: Work out at Harvard gyms, participate in a basketball or soccer tournament, or join Weld Boathouse and row on the Charles River.
Music. Students may participate in a variety of musical opportunities, which in previous years has included the Harvard Summer Pops Band and the Harvard Summer Chorus.
Culture. Harvard museums and libraries are world famous and close at hand. Dance, music, and theater flourish in and around Cambridge, and the city of Boston itself has many world-class cultural, historic, and scientific institutions. Some highlights include:
- Harvard Art Museums
- Arnold Arboretum
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
- Museum of Science
- Peabody Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology
- Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East
Excursions. On weekends, the Summer School sponsors day-long outings, including boat tours and whale watches, trips to Cape Cod and area beaches, trail hikes with sweeping vistas of Boston, and visits to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in western Massachusetts.
Additionally, the Secondary School Program organizes several of its own activities, and these have included:
- College Admissions Programming (a series of events to help prepare you to apply to college)
- Ask questions of current college students and experienced advisors
- Join a Virtual Admissions Panel to hear from representatives across a variety of colleges and universities
- Prepare to write your college application essay
- Gain an understanding of how to apply for financial aid
- Learn about the Harvard admissions process from a Harvard Admissions officer
- Dances
- Talent Show (try-out near the end of the summer)
What to Bring
You will participate in a variety of events both on and off campus. Here is some advice to consider when packing. Visit the Your Room page for more information.
- You may dress casually for class. You are sometimes required to give presentations, so you may prefer to bring a business casual outfit for these occasions.
- Pre-College Only: You may want to bring a semi-formal outfit for the Pre-College Prom.
- Some classes include a lab visit, so please bring long pants and closed-toe shoes, which are often required to enter labs.
- Bring a laptop with a camera and headphones to campus with you.
- Pre-College Only: In some cases, courses and Pre-College Passport activities may be held online, and guest speakers may require the use of a computer.
- For some courses, a laptop is required to participate in person as well, so check specific course prerequisites. Please refer to the technology requirements for courses for computer specifications.
- Pre-College Only: During each session, we typically plan a trip to the beach or amusement park, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a bathing suit, and a towel.
- You will need Twin XL linens. We suggest a flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillow, and blanket for your comfort.
Additional Resources
Accessibility Services: If you have a need for academic, residential, or dietary accommodation due to a disabling condition, please be sure to complete the registration process with the Accessibility Services Office by Tuesday, April 7 (for housing and meal plan accommodations) and/or Monday, May 11 (for academic accommodations).
This video provides information on the Accessibility Services request process.
Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan (Pre-College & Residential SSP Students Only): A Harvard Summer School accident and sickness insurance plan is included in your program fee as secondary coverage to your own health insurance plan. Read how and when you can use this coverage.
Pre-College Housing: All Pre-College students are residential, therefore you do not need to take any action to request housing. Resident Directors and Proctors (Proctors are similar to Resident Advisors) live in the Pre-College Houses all summer. Our staff are on-call 24/7 and walk around the buildings multiple times each evening. Pre-College students have to check in with their assigned proctor on their floor by 10:59 p.m. every night and remain on their floor until the next morning. For more information about your room on campus and what to bring, read about your room.
Residential SSP Housing: Students in the Secondary School Program have the option to live on campus in Cambridge. After you have registered for courses (8 credits for 7-week and 4 credits for 4-week), a housing application will be submitted on your behalf by the Secondary School Program. Charges will post to your account within two business days of when you registered for your course(s). This will only happen for residential students; online and commuter students will not have housing applications made on their behalf or receive housing charges. See the Housing Eligibility page for more information and next steps.
Meals (Pre-College & Residential SSP Students Only): All Pre-College and SSP residential students receive a meal plan and enjoy a comprehensive dining program. Your meal plan allows you to eat with peers in your designated dining hall and enjoy menus that reflect the international character of the Summer School. Grab-and-go options are available for quick and convenient access to meals or snacks. Harvard Dining Services will prepare a special bagged meal for Pre-College weekend off-campus trips. Please see our dining services page if you would like additional information.
Specific High School Programs Information: In order to promote the well-being of students, and to provide a safe and peaceful environment for learning, social activities, and personal growth, Harvard Pre-College and Secondary School Programs have additional policies for all students. These include curfew, guests, and the “do the smart thing” alcohol and other drugs policy.
Student Policies and Regulations: The Harvard Summer School Policies and Regulations web pages include academic policies and rules of conduct that apply to resident and nonresident Summer School students. It also describes resources available at Harvard and opportunities available in the Greater Boston area that will help make your summer a rewarding one. Please read our policies carefully and refer to them throughout the summer.
