Harvard’s College Programs for High School Students
At Harvard Summer School, advanced high school students can take part in immersive summer programs and asynchronous, exploration-focused programs that build academic confidence.
In our enriching summer programs — lasting 2, 4, or 7 weeks — students can live and learn like a college student, making deep friendships with peers from around the globe while gaining independence and strengthening their college application. With our asynchronous Harvard Digital Discovery program, high school students can take non-credit Harvard classes at their own pace, discovering topics that excite them and building skills for college readiness.
The 7- and 4-Week Secondary School program offers an opportunity to earn college credit.
The 7-Week modality has flexible options: residential, commuting, or online. Learn alongside high school and college students from around the world.
The 2-Week non-credit Pre-College program is exclusively on campus and has three, 2-week sessions you can choose from over the summer.
Learn alongside peers from a wide range of nations in these non-credit but academically rigorous courses.
Harvard Digital Discovery offers online asynchronous non-credit courses. Discover what excites you most.
With over 17 faculty-led courses and 25 workshops and lectures, choose as many as you’d like to take throughout the year. Learn online, at your own pace, and explore future interests on your schedule.
Program Dates for 2027
- For Credit Programs
- 7-Week SSP: June 21 – August 6
- 4-Week SSP: June 14 – July 8 and July 12 – August 5
- Non-Credit Programs
- 2-Week Pre-College: June 21 – July 2, July 12 – July 23, and July 26 – August 6
- Harvard Digital Discovery: 12 months from the date of registration
Eligibility for 2027
The admissions committee is looking for mature, academically motivated students who meet both 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.
Application Timeline
Families should plan ahead to allow time to gather transcripts, request a counselor report, review course requirements, complete financial aid materials if applicable, and submit required parent or guardian forms.
Important deadlines include:
- Early application and priority financial aid deadline: January 13, 2027
- Regular application and financial aid deadline: February 10, 2027
- Late application deadline: March 31, 2027
Late applications may have fewer available course and housing options. Some courses or residential spaces may fill before the final application deadline.
Harvard Digital Discovery does not require an application.
What Students Gain from the Secondary School and Pre-College Experience
Harvard Summer School is designed to give students more than a classroom experience. Students have the opportunity to:
- Explore subjects that may not be offered at their high school and find what you want to study in college
- Learn from Harvard faculty and visiting faculty
- Develop greater confidence managing college-level work
- Practice organizing their time and balancing academic and social commitments
- Build friendships with students from different backgrounds and countries
- Experience the independence and responsibility of university life
- Participate in activities, events, discussions, and community programs
- Access Harvard’s libraries, academic spaces, and other campus resources
A Supported Residential Experience
For many students, living on campus is one of the most meaningful parts of the summer. Residential students live in Harvard housing, eat in campus dining facilities, attend classes and activities, and experience many of the routines and responsibilities of university life.
Students live with peers and are supported by Resident Deans and residential proctors. Proctors help students navigate daily life, answer questions, encourage participation in the community, and respond to concerns that may arise. Resident Deans provide additional support with academic questions, roommate concerns, homesickness, personal challenges, and other issues.
Residential staff are available to help students adjust to a new environment while encouraging them to develop confidence and independence. Students are given increasing responsibility for their schedules and daily decisions, with experienced adults available when guidance is needed.
Residential life may include:
- Shared student housing
- Campus dining
- Residence hall community activities
- Social events and study breaks
- Academic and college-related programming
- Social events, performances, and other activities
- Support from residential staff and Resident Deans
Health, Wellness, and Student Support
Student well-being is an important part of the Harvard Summer School experience.
Students receive information about available health, safety, and wellness resources during orientation. Depending on their needs, students can seek support through program staff,
Resident Deans, residential proctors, Harvard University Health Services, mental health resources, and campus safety services.
Students should communicate with program staff about relevant medical, accessibility, dietary, or wellness needs as early as possible. Families will receive additional information about required health forms, medications, accommodations, emergency contacts, and related procedures during the application and enrollment process.
Parents can also help prepare their students by discussing:
- How to ask for help
- How to manage medications and personal health needs
- How to respond if they feel sick or overwhelmed
- How to navigate roommate or community concerns
- How and when they will communicate with home
- What to do in an emergency
The transition to a residential college environment is different for every student. Our staff are available to help students work through challenges while building the confidence to manage them more independently.
FAQs
Does my student need a minimum GPA?
No, there is no minimum GPA requirement for either the Secondary School or Pre-College programs. The admissions committee reviews the complete application, including transcripts, counselor information, course preparation, and other submitted materials.
Will my student receive college credit?
Students in the Secondary School Program take approved courses for undergraduate credit and receive grades and a Harvard Summer School transcript.
The Pre-College Program is non-credit and provides a certificate of completion.
How much independence will my student have?
Students are expected to manage many aspects of their daily schedules, coursework, and personal responsibilities. Residential staff are available to provide guidance, answer questions, and respond to concerns.The experience is designed to help students practice independence within a structured and supportive community.
What happens if my student struggles academically?
If your student struggles academically while at Harvard Summer School, they can seek support from faculty, teaching assistants, Resident Deans, tutors, and student success coaches. Academic advising is available before and during the program.
Students should communicate early if they are struggling with course material, workload, time management, or another academic concern.
What happens if my student becomes sick?
If your student becomes sick, they should notify program staff or residential staff if they are ill or need medical assistance. Families will receive information about health services, required health forms, emergency contacts, and health-related procedures during the enrollment process.
Is residential life required?
Residential participation depends on the program. The Pre-College Program is residential. The Secondary School Program offers residential, commuting, and online options for eligible students.
Does attending Harvard Summer School help with college admission?
Participation in a Harvard Summer School program does not guarantee admission to Harvard or any other college or university, but it can help make your college application stronger regardless of where you apply.
Harvard Summer School provides students with the opportunity to experience college-level academics, develop greater independence, and explore their interests.
Give Your Student a Summer of Learning, Growth, and Discovery
Harvard Summer School can help students take meaningful steps toward their academic and personal goals. Whether your student wants to earn college credit, explore a new subject, experience residential life, or connect with a global community of peers, Harvard Summer School offers an opportunity to learn in a challenging and supportive environment.
Explore the programs, review the requirements, and find the experience that is right for your student.
