Getting Started
Summer Science Program is one of the oldest residential STEM education programs in the nation. Find out how to prepare for “the educational experience of a lifetime”.
If you’re excited about the idea of spending five weeks with 35 other driven, curious, and inspired teenagers doing research, learning from world-class scientists, socializing with your peers and educators, and exploring a college campus, you should consider applying to the Summer Science Program.
How to Prepare
Applications are open each winter to current high school juniors who have completed or are in the process of completing relevant coursework by June for credit and a grade. Applicants must be at least 15 years old but not yet 19 during program operation. Current freshmen, sophomores, and seniors are not eligible.
We recommend considering the following before starting your application:
- What is your personal motivation for attending the Summer Science Program? Who you are, your interests, and what you bring to and hope to gain from the program are the most important parts of your application.
- Which research track interests you the most? We ask all applicants to choose only one to apply to.
- Have you completed the relevant coursework?
- Who could serve as a reference for you? A teacher, mentor, coach, etc.
Course Requirements
The only academic prerequisite to be eligible to attend the Summer Science Program is to have completed coursework relevant to the research project you’re interested in. These courses must be taken for credit and a grade and be completed by June. We do not require AP or advanced level classes. Self-study does not qualify.
Summer Science Program is not collecting or considering standardized test scores for admission for 2026 (including PSAT, ACT/SAT, and APs). The only exception is for international students who will be permitted to include test scores that demonstrate English proficiency.
Coursework Requirements by Program
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Astrophysics: physics (any level high school physics) + precalculus (or if you don’t have physics, calculus)
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Bacterial Genomics: biology + algebra II
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Biochemistry: biology + chemistry + strong algebra skills
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Cell Biology: biology + algebra II
Applications are currently open for summer 2026. For more information on the application process for 2026, please click here or visit our FAQ and Application Process page for more information.
