As a chill gathers in the air and families begin their holiday preparations, summer plans are the last thing on many students’ minds. However, applications to the most prestigious and competitive summer programs are due within the coming weeks.
Applying to and attending a prestigious summer program is a great way to strengthen a student’s resume and college application. Colleges and universities want to know how students spend their free time over the summer, and participation in a rigorous program will effectively demonstrate that they have further pursued their passions, academic interests, or developed their leadership skills outside of school.
Most importantly, admission to a competitive program indicates to colleges and universities that a student is a competitive applicant who can rise to the demands of professional work or challenging collegiate-level coursework. These qualifications will translate on their college applications.
Merit-based programs are competitive, and have thorough application processes requiring students to submit letters of recommendations and essays. For example, the Summer Science Program only accepts 10% of applicants, so if you intend to enroll in a merit-based program, you will likely need to apply to more than one to increase your chances of acceptance. Given the extensive application process and competitive applicant pool, being strategic and planning ahead is essential. If students choose to pursue a competitive summer program, it is important that they compile application materials well in advance of the fall and winter deadlines.
For these eleven prestigious, merit-based programs, deadlines are quickly approaching—take a look and apply now before it’s too late!
Bank of America Student Leaders
in-person
Ideal for: Students interested in community service who want to gain practical work and life experience through a paid internship with local nonprofit organizations.
Eligibility
Current 11th-12th graders
Application Deadline
Jan 13th, 2023
Topic
Paid Internship Program with Local Nonprofit Organizations
Session Dates
8 weeks plus a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July 17 – 24, 2023)
Yale Young Global Scholars
in-person
Ideal for: Students interested in gaining leadership skills and collaborating with a globally diverse group. The program offers a wide range of topics, so make sure to choose carefully.
Eligibility
Current 10th-11th graders (Only first-time applicants)
Application Deadline
Regular Decision – Jan 10, 2023
Session Dates
Session I (June 18 – June 30)
Session II (July 2 – July 14)
Session III (July 16 – July 28)
Notre Dame Leadership Seminar
in-person
Ideal for: High school juniors who have demonstrated leadership initiative and wish to continue developing their leadership skills in the realms of finance, climate policy and activism, or international diplomacy.
Eligibility
Current 11th graders
Application Deadline
January 23, 2023
Session Dates
July 22 – August 2, 2023
The Summer Science Program (SSP)
in-person
Ideal for: Students who have completed rigorous coursework in math and science (depending on the particular track, prerequisite coursework in calculus, physics, and chemistry may be required) and who are interested in an immersive and experimental science program with tracks in astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics.
Eligibility
Current 10th-11th graders with coursework prerequisites
Application Deadline
International applicants:
February 3, 2023
U.S. citizens and permanent residents:
March 3, 2023
Topics
Astrophysics, Biochemistry, or Genomics Research
Session Dates
Mid-June to end of July 2023
UMich Ross School of Business Summer Business Academy
in-person
Ideal for: Students wanting to experience the life of a student at Michigan Ross and explore business “from the inside out.”
Eligibility
Current 11th graders with 3.0+ GPA
Application Deadline
January 6, 2023
Topics
Business
Session Dates
June 18th-30th, 2023
Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
in-person
Ideal for: Students with critical thinking skills and desire to create community impact by studying topics in social structures, politics, cultures, and literature.
Eligibility
Current 10th-11th graders
Application Deadline
Nominations due December 1st, 2022. You may nominate yourself or students you know to receive an application.
Applications due Jan 4th, 2023
Topics
Critical Black Studies and Anti-Oppressive Studies
Session Dates
June 25th-August 5th, 2023
MIT THINK
remote
Ideal for: Students who have conducted extensive research—whether independently or through a class or school project—in a STEM-related topic and would benefit from structure and guidance to launch their ideas.
Eligibility
Current 9th-12th graders
Application Deadline
January 1st, 2023
Topics
STEM projects
Session Dates
February – June
Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
in-person
Ideal for: High school juniors and seniors who are interested in exploring a topic in the field of biomedical research within the context of the Rockefeller laboratory and community of mentors.
Eligibility
Current 10th-11th graders
Application Deadline
January 6th, 2023
Topics
Biomedical research
Session Dates
June 26th–August 10th, 2023
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
in-person
Ideal for: Students with demonstrated interest in the biological sciences and medicine, as well as a strong interest in understanding of scientific research methods with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers.
Eligibility
Current juniors and seniors can apply
Preference will be given to local Bay Area residents
Application Deadline
December 15, 2022 – February 25, 2023
Topics
Medical research
Session Dates
June 12- August 3, 2023
UPenn Leadership in the Business World
in-person
Ideal for: Rising seniors who plan to major in business or related fields, with a desire to gain leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
Eligibility
Current 11th graders with 3.5+ GPA
Application Deadline
Priority deadline: January 25, 2023
Final deadline: April 5, 2023
Topics
Business
Session Dates
Jun 4th – Jun 24th, 2023
Jun 25th – Jul 15th, 2023
Jul 16th – Aug 5th, 2023
The Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference
in-person
Ideal for: Students interested in developing their creative writing skills through workshops, courses, and a community of peers and mentors who share their interests.
Eligibility
Current 9th-11th graders
Application Deadline
Rolling, review begins in February 2023
Topics
Creative writing
Session Dates
TBA
Programs listed above are for summer 2023.
