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10 Prestigious U.S. Summer Programs for International High School Students
10 Prestigious Summer Programs in the US
Table of Content
- Prestigious Summer Programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- 1. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT
- 2. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech University
- 3. PROMYS – Boston University
- 4. Summer Science Program (SSP)
- Prestigious Summer Programs in Pre-Med & Biomedical Science
- 5. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)
- 6. Biomedical Research Academy – University of Pennsylvania
- Prestigious Summer Programs in Engineering
- 7. SHAPE – Columbia University
- Business & Finance
- 8. Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW) – University of Pennsylvania
- Prestigious Summer Programs in Arts & Literature
- 9. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
- 10. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio – University of Iowa
- Bon Voyage! Best of Luck on Your International Study Adventure!
If you're a high schooler from outside the U.S. and are interested in a top university, prestigious summer programs can be a valuable way to get ahead. They offer a taste of college life and rigorous academics, and also strengthen your college applications by proving you’re a student with initiative, academic passion, and global readiness.
We’ve identified ten top-tier U.S. summer programs that welcome international students and provide serious value for competitive college applicants. You’ll find them below, organized by category so you can find the best fit for your interests. Depending on your strengths or interests, you’ll find something that catches your eye in STEM, Pre-Med, Engineering, Business/Finance, or Art & Literature.
Prestigious Summer Programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
1. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT
Dates: Late June to early August 2025 (6 weeks)
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: U.S. applicants: January 15, 2025; International: March 15, 2025
Cost: Fully funded
Format: On-campus (residential), approx. 6–7 weeks
Key Features: RSI is one of the most selective science programs. Each summer, around 100 of the globe's brightest STEM students head to MIT for an immersive research experience. Students take advanced STEM classes, work under top researchers, and complete original research projects. Even better? It’s completely free.
Website:cee.org/programs/research-science-institute
2. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech University
Dates: June 22 – August 7, 2025 (7 weeks)
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Application Deadline: February 24, 2025 (11:59 PM CST)
Cost: No program fee; room and board, meals, seminars covered; $750 stipend; applicants pay $25 fee and personal travel/medical costs
Format: On-campus (residential), approx. 7 weeks
Key Features: This fully funded research program selects just 12 students each year. Scholars work one-on-one with professors on intensive research across fields like biology, engineering, or computer science. It’s prestigious, competitive, and a would look great on any college application.
Website:depts.ttu.edu/clarkscholars
3. PROMYS – Boston University
Dates: Early July to mid‑August (~6 weeks)
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Application Deadline: Generally mid‑April; specific date may vary (not explicitly found)
Cost: Tuition, room & board covered for qualified applicants; others pay fees (financial aid available)
Format: On-campus (residential), approx. 6 weeks
Key Features: PROMYS offers an intense and rewarding summer, especially for students with a deep love for mathematics. You'll dive into number theory, explore challenging proofs, and work alongside other mathematically gifted students. It’s hard work, but should be fulfilling for the right student and will look great on an application.
Website:promys.org
4. Summer Science Program (SSP)
Dates: Late June to early August (5½ weeks) (based on prior years)
Location: Multiple U.S. host universities (e.g. Berkeley, NM Tech)
Application Deadline: Typically mid‑March (varies by year)
Cost: $6,500 tuition and room/board; financial aid available
Format: On-campus (residential, held at several U.S. universities), approx. 5.5 weeks
Key Features: SSP is an inquiry-based, team-driven program where students complete real research in astrophysics, biochemistry, or genomics. Think lab work, data analysis, and collaboration. It’s a great way to experience what doing science actually looks like.
Website:ssp.org
Prestigious Summer Programs in Pre-Med & Biomedical Science
5. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)
Dates: July (approx. 2 weeks) (based on past offerings)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (also offered online)
Application Deadline: Typically early to mid‑May
Cost: $1,500–$3,000 (varies by year); scholarships available
Format: On-campus or online, approx. 2 weeks
Key Features: If you're aiming to become a doctor, this program gives a hands-on look into clinical medicine. You'll learn to suture & observe trauma simulations, and more. The CSI program is fast-paced and is an exciting way to explore the healthcare field.
Website:med.stanford.edu/csi.html
6. Biomedical Research Academy – University of Pennsylvania
Dates: July (approximately 3 weeks)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: Typically late February to early March
Cost: $3,000–$4,000 program fee; some scholarships available
Format: On-campus (residential), approx. 3 weeks
Key Features: This academy introduces students to the foundations of biology, genetics, and disease through lectures and lab work. You'll even get to analyze real research papers with mentorship from Penn scientists. It’s a great stepping stone for students considering pre-med.
Website:hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/biomedical
Prestigious Summer Programs in Engineering
7. SHAPE – Columbia University
Dates: July (3 weeks)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY (commuter program)
Application Deadline: Typically March–April
Cost: ~ $5,000–$6,000 (includes tuition, access; excludes housing)
Format: On-campus (commuter only), approx. 3 weeks
Key Features: SHAPE is Columbia Engineering’s pre-college program, offering specialized tracks in robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, and more. You'll tackle projects, hear from industry experts, and get a feel for what studying engineering at the college level is really like.
Website:outreach.engineering.columbia.edu/content/shape-summer-high-school-academic-program-engineers
Business & Finance
8. Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW) – University of Pennsylvania
Dates: July (3 weeks)
Location: Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: Usually early March
Cost: $5,500–$6,500 (tuition, room & board; financial aid available)
Format: On-campus (residential), approx. 3 weeks
Key Features: Hosted by Wharton, one of the world’s top business schools, LBW lets students explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and finance. You’ll participate in case studies, hear from professionals, and pitch ideas in a capstone project. It’s ideal for future business leaders.
Website:globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/summer-high-school-programs/leadership-in-the-business-world
Prestigious Summer Programs in Arts & Literature
9. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Dates: Early June to mid‑July (5 weeks)
Location: Varies by host campus (e.g. Cornell, Antioch College)
Application Deadline: Typically March 1
Cost: Fully funded (includes travel subsidy for those accepted)
Format: On-campus (residential), approx. 5 weeks
Key Features: TASS combines academic challenge with meaningful social conversation. Students will get a chance to explore tricky topics like race, identity, and culture through sessions taught by faculty from universities. It’s fully funded and intellectually rigorous.
Website:tellurideassociation.org/our-programs/high-school-students
10. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio – University of Iowa
Dates: June (2 weeks) (multiple sessions often offered)
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA; also online option
Application Deadline: March 1 (for Pre‑College)
Cost: ~$1,750 for on‑campus; ~$900–$1,200 for online ($125 non‑refundable deposit)
Format: On-campus or online, approx. 2 weeks
Key Features: A fantastic option for aspiring writers. Be part of an immersive writing group, choosing a focus from poetry, fiction, playwriting, and so on. Workshops and mentorship from published writers help sharpen your voice and build a portfolio of creative work.
Website:iyws.clas.uiowa.edu
Bon Voyage! Best of Luck on Your International Study Adventure!
Each of these programs offers a powerful opportunity to challenge yourself, explore your academic interests, and gain an edge in the college admissions process. If you’re looking to try out biomedical research, conduct real-world engineering projects, or pitch a business idea at Wharton, one of these programs should be a perfect fit for you.
If you're unsure which of these prestigious summer programs aligns best with your goals or need help preparing a competitive application, the experienced consultants at Solomon Admissions Consulting are here to help. We've guided students through the process of applying to the world’s top summer programs and universities. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take the next step in your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a summer program “prestigious,” and why does that matter for college admissions?
The prestigious summer programs we've listed all tend to be highly selective, academically rigorous, and often hosted by top universities. Participating in one can demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, and the ability to thrive in a challenging academic environment—qualities that competitive colleges look for in international applicants.
Can international students actually apply to all of these programs?
Yes, every program listed in this guide welcomes applications from international students. Each has its own eligibility requirements, so it’s important to review each program’s website carefully before applying.
Do I need to be fluent in English to attend one of these summer programs?
Most programs require a strong command of English, as coursework and communication will be conducted in English. You won’t necessarily need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores, but you should feel confident participating in college-level discussions and completing reading and writing assignments.
Are there financial aid options for international students in these programs?
Some of the most prestigious summer programs, like RSI and TASS, are fully funded and don’t charge tuition. Others might offer scholarships or need-based aid. If you have any concerns about cost, prioritize programs with financial support options clearly outlined.
Does a prestigious summer program help with admissions into a top college?
While attending one of these programs won’t guarantee admission, it can definitely strengthen your application. Colleges see participation in selective summer programs as evidence of your academic drive, passion for a subject, and readiness for campus life in the U.S.
How early should I start preparing my application for one of these programs?
Most applications open in the fall or winter and close in early spring. Since prestigious summer programs can be competitive, it's a good idea to begin preparing several months in advance. That includes gathering all materials - recommendation letters, writing personal statements, etc. - and reviewing any required test scores or transcripts.