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 Research 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 ten prestigious, merit-based programs, deadlines are quickly approaching—take a look and apply now before it’s too late!
1. Bank of America Student Leaders (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 11th-12th graders
- Application Deadline:
- Jan 17th, 2024
- Topic: Paid Internship Program with Local Nonprofit Organizations
- Session Dates:
- 8 weeks plus a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July 22 – 27, 2024)
- Ideal for: Students interested in community service who want to gain practical work and life experience through a paid internship with local nonprofit organizations.
2. Yale Young Global Scholars (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders (between 16-18 years old in July)
- First time participants only
- Application Deadlines:
- Early Application: November 1st, 2023
- Regular Decision – Jan 10th, 2024
- Topics:
- Session Dates:
- Session I (June 23rd – July 5th)
- Session II (July 7th – July 19th)
- Session III (July 21st – Aug 2nd)
- 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.
3. Notre Dame Leadership Seminar (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 11th graders
- Application Deadline: January 22nd, 2024
- Topics:
- Session Dates:
- July 20th – July 31st, 2024
- 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.
4. UMich Ross School of Business Summer Business Academy (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 11th graders with 3.0+ GPA
- Application Deadline: Jan 6th, 2023
- Topics: Business
- Session Dates:
- June 14th-28th, 2024
- Ideal for: Students wanting to experience the life of a student at Michigan Ross and explore business “from the inside out.”
5. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders
- Application Deadlines:
- Nominations due December 1st, 2023. You may nominate yourself or students you know to receive an application.
- Applications due Jan 3rd, 2024
- Session Dates:
- June 23rd-August 3rd, 2024
- Ideal for: Students with critical thinking skills and desire to create community impact by studying topics in social structures, politics, cultures, and literature.
6. MIT THINK (remote)
- Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders
- Application Deadlines January 1st, 2024
- Topics: STEM projects
- Session Dates:
- Feb-June 2024
- 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.
7. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders
- Application Deadlines: Jan 5th, 2024
- Topics: Biomedical research
- Session Dates:
- June 24th–August 8th, 2024
- 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.
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (in person)
- Current juniors and seniors can apply
- *Preference will be given to local Bay Area residents
- Application Deadlines: APP OPEN Dec. 20th, 2023 and close February 24th, 2024
- Topics: Medical research
- Session Dates:
- June 10th- August 1st, 2024
- 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.
9. UPenn Leadership in the Business World (in person)
*2024 dates coming soon
- Eligibility: Current 11th graders with 3.5+ GPA
- Application Deadlines:
- Priority deadline: January 25, 2024
- Final deadline: April 5, 2024
- Topics: Business
- Session Dates:
- Jun 9th – Jun 29th, 2024
- Jun 30th – Jul 20th, 2024
- Jul 21st – Aug 10th, 2024
- Ideal for: Rising seniors who plan to major in business or related fields, with a desire to gain leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
10. Summer Science Program
- Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders
- Application Deadlines:
- International applicants: February 16th, 2024
- Topics: Astrophysics, Biochemistry, or Genomics Research
- Session Dates: Mid June to end of July 2024
- 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.
*Dates and Information for 2024
