Summer Schools In The USA – Top Competitive Programmes For High School Students

In a country as large as the USA, it is often a challenge to find the ideal summer school programme that can both stand out on a student’s college application and also give them the exposure to something that they may not have had the chance to study in their own school.

While all universities will offer summer school programmes of some sort, the purpose of this article is to profile a few of the most competitive and exclusive summer courses that US universities offer.

SUMaC – Stanford University

About: The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a programme targeted at rising Grade 11 or Grade 12 students who excel in mathematics and wish to go beyond their school curriculum to explore further. Through lectures, guided research, and problem solving, they will have the chance to enrich their minds and dig deeper into important mathematical concepts.
Course of Study: Advanced Mathematics
Dates: June 25 – July 21
Fees: Residential = USD 8250; Online = USD 3550
Accommodation: Participants are housed in supervised Stanford residences. Tuition includes meals in Stanford dining halls at no additional charge. Participants receive linens and towels as part of their housing.
Link: https://sumac.spcs.stanford.edu/sumac-admissions
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023

LBW – University of Pennsylvania

About: Leadership in the Business World (LBW) is an intensive summer programme exclusively for rising Grade 12 students who wish to explore the world of business and build their leadership, teamwork, and networking skills
Course of Study: Business
Dates: June 4 – August 5 (multiple sessions)
Fees: USD 9899
Accommodation: On-campus at the University of Pennsylvania
Link: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/leadership-in-the-business-world/
Application Deadline: January 25, 2023 (Priority); April 5, 2023 (Final)

CTY – Johns Hopkins University

About: The Center for Talented Youth (CTY) programs allow young scholars of various age groups the chance to engage in rigorous academic work, alongside motivated peers and world class faculty so that they can explore their interests in greater depth. Course of Study: Courses range from Science and Engineering to Humanities and Social Sciences.
Dates: June 25 – July 14 (dates vary based on courses)
Fees: Fees range from USD 2999 to USD 6199
Accommodation: Residential (on university campus) or Commuter
Link: https://cty.jhu.edu/programs
Application Deadline: May 19, 2023

MMSS – University of Michigan Ann Arbor

About: The Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS) program is a chance for rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders to be introduced to current developments in the world of math and science and encourage them to pursue research to build upon it.
Course of Study: Science and Math
Dates: June 25 – August 4 (multiple sessions)
Fees: USD 2500
Accommodation: Residential (on university campus) or Commuter
Link: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/mmss/
Application Deadline: Rolling – Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible

Studying at some of the universities mentioned above is a dream for a lot of young students. If you do get the opportunity, make the most of it. Build on this experience to fulfill your dreams and create a pathway to a successful international education.

Rikhil Parsram, is Head of Undergraduate Services at OnCourse Vantage. A graduate of Bentley University in Finance and Psychology, with 10 years of experience advising students on how to navigate college admissions, discover their academic interests, and make important decisions for their future careers.