Summer Programmes

Looking to make plans for your summer that are both fun and educational? Participating in a summer programme held by a US university could be a great opportunity. Summer programmes are a good way for students to get a taste of American college life: they can reveal even more about a university than a visit, and are therefore a great way to assess whether a university is a good fit! They also give students a chance to focus on and expand an academic passion, and there are options for students interested in everything from drama to STEM to law. 

What are summer programmes like?

There is a wide range of summer programmes, most of which take place between June and August and last for a week or a few weeks. UK-based students must check programme dates carefully as many of them start in June, when UK schools are still in session. Students will need to pay fees for most programmes, although some do offer financial aid, and a few are free. Prices vary, but usually range from around £1k-6k depending on the length of the programme. Some programmes, like the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio and the PROMYS maths programme , focus closely on one subject, but others, like Oxford Royale and Harvard Pre-College Program , offer a wide course catalogue. 

Example programmes

It can be beneficial to think closely about what kind of summer programme is best for each student, as there are so many options. For example, if a student is deeply interested in science, think about narrowing the subject. Are they interested in medical science? If so, the Stanford Institute of Medicine or Oxford Royale (based in the UK) could be a good fit. Do they want hands-on research experience? Then, MIT’s Research Science Institute would work well. 

For students interested in the social sciences and in social justice, the TASS is a unique programme. Similarly, the John Locke Institute offers dynamic UK-, US- and Singapore-based programmes in history, philosophy, politics, economics and law.

Creative students also have a range of great options, like the Steinhart School at NYU programmes, and the New York Times Summer Academy . 

Whichever programme students choose, having concrete evidence of exploring specific academic interests that they intend to pursue at university level is a great addition to college applications; it is also an intellectually enriching and fun experience. 

Some students may not yet have a defined niche, and that’s okay too! Programmes like Harvard , Stanford , and Cornell ’s summer programmes, and Johns Hopkins’ Center for Talented Youth offer a range of courses that can give students an opportunity to investigate what they might enjoy pursuing at college level and to learn more about a Liberal Arts style curriculum.

When should I do a summer programme?

The summer before year 13 tends to be the time that most students choose to complete a summer programme, but they can also be done earlier. This allows them to move toward a more finalised college list by the end of the summer, which will set them up for success in their applications. However, students of a range of ages can take part in summer programmes. The Interlochen Arts Camp has options for students in years 4-13, and the Ithaca Young Writers’ Institute is open to students 14 and older. 

Admission 

For some summer programmes, places can be booked until the programme fills up. But for many others, there is an application process. The applications can be quite comprehensive, and resemble US university applications in that the application will include a short personal essay, information about grades and/or activities, and a reference from a teacher. The application forms for some programmes can be lengthy, so it is good to set aside time for filling them in. 

Many programmes offer financial aid, but there can be more forms to fill in and an earlier deadline for students seeking aid, so it is important to plan ahead in this case. By thinking about summer programmes in autumn of the year before they want to attend, then applying in December and January, students should be able to complete everything in time.

For more information on summer programmes and advice on the general US admissions process, you can book a free call with an expert counsellor at www.ueseducation.com/free-call .