As a chill gathers in the air and families begin their holiday preparations, summer plans are the last thing on many students’ minds. However, applications to the most prestigious and competitive summer programs are due within the coming weeks.
Applying to and attending a prestigious summer program is a great way to strengthen a student’s resume and college applications. Colleges and universities want to know how students spend their free time over the summer, and participation in a rigorous program will effectively demonstrate that they have further pursued their passions, academic interests, or developed their leadership skills outside of school.
Most importantly, admission to a competitive program indicates to colleges and universities that a student is a competitive applicant who can rise to the demands of professional work or challenging collegiate-level coursework. These qualifications will translate on their college applications.
Merit-based programs are competitive, and have thorough application processes requiring students to submit letters of recommendations and essays. If you intend to enroll in a merit-based program, you will likely need to apply to more than one to increase your chances of acceptance. Given the extensive application process and competitive applicant pool, being strategic and planning ahead is essential. If students choose to pursue a competitive summer program, it is important that they compile application materials well in advance of the fall and winter deadlines.
For these ten prestigious, merit-based programs, deadlines are quickly approaching—take a look and apply now before it’s too late!
1. Bank of America Student Leaders (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 11th-12th graders
- Application Deadline:
- January 15th, 2025
- Topic: Paid Internship Program with Local Nonprofit Organizations
- Session Dates:
- 8 weeks plus a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July 21st-26th, 2025)
- Ideal for: Students interested in community service who want to gain practical work and life experience through a paid internship with local nonprofit organizations.
2. Yale Young Global Scholars (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders (between 16-18 years old by July 20th, 2025)
- First time participants only
- Application Deadlines:
- Early Application: October 20th, 2024 (Notification December 16th, 2024)
- Regular Decision: January 10th, 2025 (Notification March 10th, 2025)
- Topics:
- Session Dates:
- Session I (June 22nd – July 4th, 2025)
- Session II (July 6th – July 18th, 2025)
- Session III (July 20th – August 1st, 2025)
- Ideal for: Students interested in gaining leadership skills and collaborating with a globally diverse group. The program offers a wide range of topics, so make sure to choose carefully.
3. Notre Dame Leadership Seminar (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 11th graders (At least 16 years-old by or on August 1st, 2025)
- Application Deadline: January 22nd, 2025
- Topics:
- Session Dates:
- July 21st – 30th, 2025
- Ideal for: High school juniors who have demonstrated leadership initiative and wish to continue developing their leadership skills in the realms of finance, climate policy and activism, or international diplomacy.
4. UMich Ross School of Business Summer Business Academy (in person)
*2025 dates coming in November
- Eligibility: Current 11th graders with 3.0+ GPA
- Application Deadline: January 14th, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. EST
- Topics: Business
- Session Dates:
- June 14th – 28th, 2024
- Ideal for: Students wanting to experience the life of a student at Michigan Ross and explore business “from the inside out.”
5. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders
- Application Deadline: December 3rd, 2024
- Interview Notification: February 19th, 2025
- Interview Period: late February to mid-March 2025
- Winner Notification: March 26th, 2025
- Topics:
- Critical Black Studies offers seminars that explore topics within history, politics, literature, art, and other intellectual and cultural contributions from people of African descent.
- Anti-Oppressive Studies considers systems of power and oppression including white supremacy, patriarchy, and classism, and considers ways to transform society.
- Session Dates:
- June 22nd, 2025 – July 26th, 2025
- Ideal for: Students with critical thinking skills and desire to create community impact by studying topics in social structures, politics, cultures, and literature.
6. MIT THINK (remote)
- Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders residing in the U.S.
- Application Deadline: January 1st, 2025
- Semifinalists announced: January 30th, 2025
- Finalists announced: February 5th, 2025
- Topics: STEM projects
- Session Dates:
- February-June
- Ideal for: Students who have conducted extensive research—whether independently or through a class or school project—in a STEM-related topic and would benefit from structure and guidance to launch their ideas.
7. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders (at least 16 years old at start of program)
- Application Deadlines: January 3rd, 2025
- Topics: Biomedical research
- Session Dates:
- June 23rd – August 7th, 2025
- Ideal for: High school juniors and seniors who are interested in exploring a topic in the field of biomedical research within the context of the Rockefeller laboratory and community of mentors.
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (in person)
- Current 11th-12th graders
- *Preference will be given to local Bay Area residents
- Application Deadlines: App Opens December 15th, 2024 and closes February 22nd 2025
- Topics: Medical research
- Session Dates:
- June 9th- July 31st, 2025
- Ideal for: Students with demonstrated interest in the biological sciences and medicine, as well as a strong interest in understanding of scientific research methods with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers.
9. UPenn Leadership in the Business World (in person)
- Eligibility: Current 11th graders with 3.5+ GPA, International applicants welcome
- Application Deadlines:
- On-Campus Summer Programs
- Priority deadline: January 29th, 2025 (Decisions released March 12th, 2025; Management and Technology Institute [M&TSI] April 9th, 2025)
- Final deadline: April 2nd, 2025 (Decisions released April 9th, 2025; M&TSI decisions released on a rolling basis)
- Online Programs
- Priority deadline: April 2nd, 2025 (Decisions released April 23rd, 2025)
- Final deadline: May 1st, 2025 (Decisions released May 14th, 2025)
- Location-Based Summer Programs
- Priority Deadline: January 29th, 2025 (Decisions released March 12th, 2025)
- Final Deadline: May 1st, 2025 (Decisions released May 14th, 2025)
- On-Campus Summer Programs
- Topics: Business
- Session Dates: TBD
- Ideal for: Rising seniors who plan to major in business or related fields, with a desire to gain leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
10. Summer Science Program
- Eligibility: Current 11th graders
- Application Deadlines: (Decisions released Mid-April 2025)
- International applicants: January 24th, 2025
- International applicants: January 24th, 2025
- Topics: Astrophysics, Biochemistry, or Genomics Research
- Session Dates: Mid-June 2025
- Ideal for: Ideal for: Students who have completed rigorous coursework in math and science (depending on the particular track, prerequisite coursework in calculus, physics, and chemistry may be required) and who are interested in an immersive and experimental science program with tracks in astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics.
*Summer 2025
Making the most of your summer as a high school student requires strategy, forethought, and early planning. If you are still considering your options for the summer of 2025, check out Command Education’s comprehensive guide to summer activities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do summer programs impress colleges?
Yes, summer programs can impress colleges—but not all summer programs will carry the same weight on your application. Rigorous, merit-based summer programs in your core area of interest will convey your preparedness for collegiate study in your field. Additionally, it will signal to the admissions committee that you have been evaluated and selected by a knowledgeable committee at an elite institution, which will add credibility to your application.
Do Ivy League summer programs help?
Attending Ivy League summer programs can positively impact your college application, but they’re not a guaranteed ticket to admission. These programs offer prestigious experiences and help you develop specific academic skills, which can enhance your profile if leveraged well in your application. Colleges value your insights and growth from these experiences rather than the name alone. Ultimately, any rigorous summer program will benefit your odds of admission insofar as you approach the experience with thoughtfulness, intentionality, and self-motivation.
How hard is it to get into a summer program?
Competitive programs, especially those hosted by top universities or centered around specialized fields, may have acceptance rates as low as 5-10%. Admissions are often based on academic performance, recommendations, essays, and sometimes standardized test scores, so the application process can be similar to that of a college application.
When should I apply to an academic summer program?
Late fall is the ideal time to begin compiling application materials for competitive summer programs, as most programs have deadlines in January and February and applications typically open in October/November. However, this timeline can vary, so be sure to check each program’s deadline and requirements.
What are the most competitive summer programs?
Rigorous academic programs at reputable institutions—such as those listed above—are particularly competitive. Competitive summer programs exist in every single field of study, from writing to medicine, engineering, arts, theater, and music. No matter where your interests lie, be sure to start researching summer programs early and make a detailed timeline to complete each of your summer applications on time. If you can’t find programs in your field or are unsure of which programs you want to apply to, schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you plan an impactful summer!
