Ivy League Summer Programs: 11 Best Programs for High School Students (2025 Guide)
The Ivy League is an American collegiate athletic conference of eight private research universities in the Northeastern United States. Are you a high school student looking to maximise your chances and learn and grow in the best environment possible and are looking to experience Ivy League academics? A summer program at an Ivy League university can be a game-changer. These programs provide college-level coursework, hands-on research, and networking opportunities with top professors and students from around the world.
In this 2025 guide, we cover 11 of the best Ivy League summer programs, including admission deadlines, costs, and program highlights.
1. Harvard Pre-College Program
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is an immersive, two-week residential summer experience designed for ambitious high school students. Participants explore college-level courses in a non-credit, discussion-based format, helping them develop critical thinking and academic skills. Students live on campus, attend workshops, extracurricular activities, and social events, and get a taste of Ivy League academics. The program is ideal for students looking to experience life at Harvard while engaging in hands-on learning.
Application Deadline: Early March 2025 (exact date TBD).
Program Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions from June–August 2025.
Cost: Approx. $5,300 (includes tuition, housing, and meals).
Learn More: Harvard Pre-College Program
2. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
YYGS is a highly selective academic enrichment program designed for high-achieving high school students from across the world. With sessions in STEM, social sciences, and humanities, students get a deep dive into interdisciplinary learning and global issues. The program includes seminars, hands-on research, guest lectures, and interactive discussions. Participants also collaborate on group projects while networking with peers who share their intellectual curiosity.
Application Deadline: January 10, 2025.
Program Dates: Three sessions in June–July 2025.
Cost: $6,500 (financial aid available)
3. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
The program focuses on students from low-income backgrounds who are interested in journalism. This 10-day intensive residential program allows students to work with professional journalists, attend press conferences, and develop investigative reporting skills. Participants will write and publish articles, visit major news organizations like The New York Times, and receive guidance on the college admissions process. PSJP alumni have gone on to attend top universities and pursue careers in media and communications.
Princeton says: The Laboratory Learning Program is not a summer camp. The Laboratory Learning Program is a program for high school students who live locally. This is a program for minors and transportation and housing are not provided (no exceptions). In additions to not providing housing or transportation, there are no social activities or entertainment. LLP students are not eligible to lease or sublease Princeton University housing.
Application Deadline: February 2025 (exact date TBD).
Program Dates: Late July – early August 2025.
Cost: Free (fully funded, including travel, housing, and meals).
4. Columbia University Summer Immersion Program
Columbia’s Summer Immersion Program is a three-week intensive academic experience that offers high school students the chance to study advanced topics in fields like STEM, law, business, and humanities. Students attend college-level lectures, workshops, and seminars led by Columbia faculty and industry professionals. The program also includes extracurricular activities, career panels, and opportunities to explore New York City. Students can choose between on-campus and online options, making it accessible to those who cannot travel.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (early application recommended).
Program Dates: June–August 2025 (multiple sessions available).
Cost: Approx. $6,400 (financial aid available).
5. UPenn Pre-College Programs
The University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Programs offer high school students the opportunity to earn Ivy League credits while experiencing college life at Penn. Students can choose from a wide range of courses, including business, law, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. With small class sizes, research opportunities, and mentorship from faculty, students gain hands-on experience in their field of interest. The program is ideal for those looking to boost their college applications with Ivy League coursework.
Application Deadline: March 2025 (exact date TBD).
Program Dates: Summer Session I: May 27 - July 2, 2025
Summer Session II: July 3 - August 8, 2025
Cost: Approx. $5,500 – $7,500 (varies by program).
The Pre-College Programs are offered in two distinct formats:
In the Pre-College Residential Program, students reside in campus residence halls and are enrolled in on-campus courses alongside Penn undergraduates. Residential students cannot enroll in online courses.
Learn more about the Pre-College Residential Program >In the Pre-College Online Program, students enroll exclusively in online courses and participate from home. Online students do not have access to or participate in on-campus resources and activities.
Learn more about the Pre-College Online Program >
6. Brown University Pre-College Programs
Brown’s Pre-College Programs offer a flexible and immersive academic experience, allowing students to choose from over 300 courses in a variety of subjects. Unlike many other programs, Brown’s pre-college courses do not include grades or tests, focusing instead on collaborative learning and critical thinking. Students can attend on-campus or online, depending on their preference. The program also includes networking events, college prep workshops, and research opportunities, making it an excellent choice for students looking to explore new fields in a stress-free environment.
From Brown: “If you could take a class in any subject, what would it be? No matter your answer, chances are you’ll find it at Summer@Brown. Choose from more than 230 non-credit courses reflecting the wide range of Brown University’s Open Curriculum that will challenge you with new perspectives on how you work, learn and live.”
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.
Program Dates: June–August 2025.
Cost: Approx. $2,900 – $6,500 per course.
7. Dartmouth Bound Summer Program
The Dartmouth Bound Summer Program is a fully-funded, selective college access program designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Participants experience life at Dartmouth College, engage in admissions workshops, college prep sessions, and networking events, and meet professors and current students. This program is perfect for students who want to learn about the Ivy League admissions process while building strong college applications.
To be notified when the 2025 Dartmouth Bound application becomes available (in Spring 2025), please indicate your interest.
Application Deadline: May 2025.
Program Dates: July 2025.
Cost: Free (travel and lodging covered).
8. Cornell Precollege Studies
Cornell’s Precollege Studies Program offers high school students the opportunity to earn Ivy League credits while studying on Cornell’s campus. Students choose from more than 80 courses in fields like engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences. The program includes small, discussion-based classes, giving students direct access to Cornell faculty and researchers. Participants also get college admissions guidance and can live in Cornell’s dorms while exploring the university’s beautiful campus.
From Cornell: Earn college credit while taking university courses taught by leading Cornell instructors. Study on campus this summer or online this summer or winter!
Application Deadline: May 2025.
Program Dates: June–August 2025.
Cost: Approx. $5,000 – $12,000 (varies by course length).
9. MITES (Not Ivy League, but Highly Prestigious)
Although not an Ivy League program, MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) at MIT is one of the most competitive STEM-focused summer programs for high school students. This six-week, fully-funded program provides students from underrepresented backgrounds with intensive coursework in math, science, and engineering. Participants work on real-world projects, attend college prep workshops, and build a strong academic network with MIT faculty and students.
Application Deadline: February 2025.
Program Dates: June–July 2025.
Cost: Free (fully funded, including housing and meals).
Learn More: MITES at MIT
10. Columbia Business Leadership Academy
The Columbia Business Leadership Academy is designed for students interested in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. Participants take college-level courses in marketing, management, and investment strategies, working on real-world business cases and startup projects. The program also includes networking events, guest lectures from industry leaders, and mentorship opportunities, making it ideal for students looking to pursue careers in finance or entrepreneurship.
Application Deadline: April 2025.
Program Dates: July 2025.
Cost: $6,500.
11. Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP)
Harvard’s Secondary School Program (SSP) is a seven-week college experience where students take Harvard courses for credit, live in Harvard’s dorms, and engage in social and extracurricular activities. Unlike the Harvard Pre-College Program, SSP allows students to earn college credits that can be transferred to future undergraduate studies. The program offers a broad selection of courses, making it an excellent choice for students who want to get a head start on college coursework in an Ivy League environment.
Application Deadline: May 2025.
Program Dates: June–August 2025.
Cost: $3,600 – $11,000 (varies by course selection).
Learn More: Harvard SSP
Final Thoughts
If you're a high school student looking to gain Ivy League experience, strengthen your college applications, and explore new academic interests, these 11 summer programs offer invaluable opportunities. Each program provides unique benefits, from research and business courses to fully-funded college access initiatives.
Pro Tip: Many of these programs are highly competitive—apply early, craft strong essays, and highlight your leadership and academic achievements!
Explore the programs, check deadlines, and start your Ivy League journey today!
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