15 Courses for High School Seniors

TL;DR

Here you'll find 15 pre-college programs for seniors finishing high school, spanning STEM, business, medicine, writing, and the arts. Options split between free, fully-funded residencies like MIT's six-week MITES program and paid courses costing thousands of dollars, with locations across US campuses and abroad. Most target rising and current seniors aged 14 to 19 who want to test a potential major before college, and Brown's Summer@Brown alone offers more than 230 courses to choose from. Immerse Education's Pre-University Summer School, open to students aged 13 to 18 with bursary support available, is one of the international options featured here.

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As a high school senior, you are approaching a transition from structured school learning to a more independent academic environment. If you already have a potential major in mind, a university-level course can help you understand what studying that subject actually involves beyond your school curriculum. Senior high school courses can introduce you to advanced concepts, subject-specific research, university teaching methods, and practical academic work before you begin college.

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Depending on the subject, you might analyze data, work through complex problem sets, conduct laboratory activities, develop a research project, write and critique original work, or discuss ideas in a seminar-style classroom. For a student preparing for college, experiencing this environment can also clarify what you want from your next stage of education. You may discover that a subject you expected to study is not the right fit, or you may develop a more focused interest after working with university faculty, researchers, and peers..

How do you choose the right courses for high school seniors?

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Choosing among courses for high school seniors means looking beyond the name of the university. Consider whether the academic content matches your interests, whether the level is appropriate for your preparation, and whether the course gives you opportunities to apply what you learn through discussion, research, laboratory work, projects, or assessed coursework.

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For more guidance, read our guide on how to choose the right pre-college program.

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Below is a curated list of 15 courses for high school seniors that cover different academic areas, from undergraduate courses and STEM study to business, medicine, writing, art, and interdisciplinary subjects. The list includes programs offered by universities and established academic organizations, with an emphasis on opportunities that provide direct exposure to university-level teaching and campus life.

15 Courses for High School Seniors

1. Yale Summer Session

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT

Cost: Tuition varies by course

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Session A: May 25th – June 26th | Session B: June 29th – July 31st

Application Deadline: Priority: February 20th | Regular: March 13th | Rolling deadlines vary by session and course format

Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors entering their senior year and current high school seniors entering college who are at least 16 years old by the program start date | International students are eligible

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You study alongside Yale undergraduates and visiting college students in credit-bearing courses taught by Yale faculty and experienced instructors. With more than 180 offerings across the humanities, sciences, engineering, arts, and social sciences, you can choose subjects that align with your academic interests. 

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Courses follow the same standards as Yale's regular academic year, giving you a genuine college classroom experience. Depending on the course, you can attend in person or online. If you want to challenge yourself before college, this program lets you experience Yale's academic environment firsthand.

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Why it stands out: You earn Yale academic credit while learning in the same rigorous courses taken by Yale undergraduates.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, London, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto

Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class

Dates: 2 weeks during the summer

Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students across the globe aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

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The Pre-University Summer School lets high school students experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups with an average of 7 participants per class, and learn from tutors from eminent top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. You can explore a wide range of subjects, spanning over 20 options, including Architecture, AI, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, Philosophy, and more. 

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The courses are experiential and focus on hands-on learning. You may find yourself conducting dissections in medicine, designing a robotic arm in engineering, participating in a moot court for law, or building creative writing portfolios and business case studies. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start at university life and academics because the program includes an independent project, discussion-based classes, and living at a college campus.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote ,  you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

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The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! 

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You can choose research topics from subjects such as English, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here. 

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Why it stands out: You get 1-1 mentorship with a Ph.D. mentor and produce an independent research project by the end.

4. Harvard Pre-College Program

Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Cost: $6,250 + $75 application fee 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Session I: June 21st - July 2nd | Session II: July 12-23 | Session III: July 26th - Aug 6th

Application Deadline: Early: January 13th | Regular: February 10th | Late: March 31st (or earlier if waitlists fill)

Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 20th but not yet 19 by July 31st | International students are eligible

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Harvard's Pre-College Program gives you the chance to spend two weeks living and learning on campus while taking one college-level, non-credit course. You choose from subjects ranging from science and engineering to the humanities, law, and the arts. 

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Small discussion-based classes encourage you to engage with instructors and classmates in an active learning environment. Outside the classroom, you take part in co-curricular activities that help you experience college life and build connections with students from around the world. It is an ideal way to explore your academic interests before applying to college.

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For more information, go through our deep dive on Harvard’s pre college program.

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Why it stands out: You experience Harvard's academic and residential life in small, discussion-driven classes without the pressure of earning grades.

5. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

Location: Penn State Smeal College of Business, University Park, PA

Cost: $1000 program fee

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 28 students

Dates: June 13-25

Application Deadline: March 26th

Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors from the United States and Puerto Rico who are interested in pursuing business | International students are not eligible 

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BOSS gives you a two-week introduction to college business education while living on Penn State's University Park campus. You take business fundamentals and college preparation courses taught by Penn State faculty, helping you understand what studying business at the university level is like. 

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The program also includes company visits, leadership activities, and opportunities to interact with motivated peers who share your interests. Living in the residence halls lets you experience campus life beyond the classroom. If you are considering a future in business, this program offers you a practical look at both college academics and career possibilities.

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Why it stands out: You combine classroom learning with corporate visits and a full residential college experience in just two weeks.

6. High School Honors

Location: Boston University, Boston, MA

Cost: Commuter: $7,245 | Residential: $11,565 | Financial aid available 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 130 students each summer

Dates: June 27th - August 6th

Application Deadline: May 29th (Domestic applicants) | March 14th (International applicants)

Eligibility: Open to students entering 11th or 12th grade | International students are eligible to apply

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High School Honors lets you experience college academics by enrolling in two Boston University undergraduate courses for up to eight college credits. You study alongside BU undergraduates while choosing from more than 80 subjects across a wide range of disciplines. 

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Beyond the classroom, you receive academic advising and can participate in workshops, social activities, and college preparation events throughout the six-week program. You also have the flexibility to attend as a residential, commuter, or online student. 

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Why it stands out: You take Boston University undergraduate courses for credit while experiencing campus life with students from around the world.

7. Tufts Engineering with Artificial Intelligence

Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA

Cost: Commuter: $4,425 | Residential: $5,950 | Limited need-based scholarships available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Session 1: July 5-17 | Session 2: July 19-31

Application Deadline: May 1st

Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 10-12 or recent high school graduates | International students are eligible to apply

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You explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming engineering through a blend of lectures, hands-on coding, and real-world applications. The program introduces you to data analysis techniques, modern AI platforms, and the ethical questions surrounding emerging technologies. You also hear from university faculty and industry professionals who are actively developing AI systems. 

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Throughout the two weeks, you build practical programming skills while learning how AI can solve engineering problems. If you already have coding experience, this course helps you apply it in an exciting new direction.

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Why it stands out: You gain both technical AI experience and an understanding of the ethical challenges that come with developing intelligent technologies.

8. Health and Society Institute

Location: Barnard College, New York, NY

Cost: Commuter: $8,160 | Residential: $10,771

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: July 20th - August 7th

Application Deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors | The program welcomes both U.S. and international students

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Health and Society Institute invites you to examine medicine through a broader lens by connecting health with public policy, ethics, equity, and community well-being. 

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Through seminars, case studies, and interdisciplinary discussions, you explore how social forces shape healthcare systems and health outcomes. The program encourages you to think critically about questions that extend beyond the clinic and into everyday life. Living or studying in New York also adds opportunities to engage with a diverse community of peers. 

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Why it stands out: You investigate health not only as a scientific issue but also as a social, ethical, and public policy challenge.

9. Bossgirls

Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY

Cost: Free 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: June 29th – July 30th

Application Deadline: February 28th

Eligibility: Open to current high school girls and nonbinary students in grades 9-12 who reside in the New York tri-state region and can commute to the CCNY campus | International students are not eligible

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Bossgirls introduces you to entrepreneurship by guiding you through the process of identifying a problem and turning it into a business opportunity. Working in teams, you use a human-centered design approach to research customers, develop solutions, and build a business concept from the ground up. 

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Along the way, you receive guidance from entrepreneurs and mentors while strengthening your communication and collaboration skills. The program concludes with a pitch presentation where you showcase your idea to an audience. 

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Why it stands out: You learn entrepreneurship through hands-on teamwork and mentorship while developing and pitching your own startup idea.

10. MITES Summer 

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free (all educational, housing, meal, and activity costs are covered)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 80 students

Dates: Late June–Late July (exact dates announced each year)

Application Deadline: Early February

Eligibility: Open to high school juniors (rising seniors) who attend school in the United States or U.S. territories | Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or students with DACA status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | International students are not eligible

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MITES Summer is a six-week residential program that immerses you in college-level STEM coursework on the MIT campus. You take rigorous classes in subjects such as mathematics, science, and humanities while working on hands-on projects that strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills. 

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Beyond academics, you participate in lab tours, workshops, mentoring sessions, and college admissions guidance. You also become part of a close-knit learning community that encourages collaboration and curiosity. 

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Why it stands out: You experience MIT's demanding academic environment at no cost while receiving mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.

11. Alpha Workshop for Young Writers

Location: University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Greensburg, PA

Cost: $1,950 | Financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: July 15–26

Application Deadline: March 1st

Eligibility: Open to students 14-19 years old who are currently enrolled in high school or have recently graduated | International students are eligible

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Alpha Workshop for Young Writers brings together aspiring fiction, fantasy, and science fiction writers for an immersive residential experience. You attend lectures by published authors, participate in small-group workshops, and spend dedicated time developing your own original work. 

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Throughout the program, you receive detailed feedback from instructors and peers while refining your storytelling techniques. Evening activities and discussions create opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow young writers who share your interests. If you want to strengthen your creative voice in a supportive community, this workshop offers both mentorship and meaningful practice.

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Why it stands out: You learn directly from acclaimed speculative fiction authors while workshopping your writing with a close-knit community of passionate young writers.

12. College Edge: Academic Year 

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost: $2,672 per credit point (3 points typically equal one course)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: September 8th - December 23rd (Fall term) | January 19th - May 14th (Spring term)

Application Deadline: July 29th (Fall) | December 2nd (Spring)

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 11 and 12 with a minimum cumulative 3.3 GPA who meet the program's academic requirements | While international students are not eligible for the Academic Year program, they may participate in the College Edge Summer program

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The College Edge: Academic Year lets you enroll in the same credit-bearing courses as Columbia undergraduates while still in high school. You study on Columbia's Morningside campus, receive academic advising, and take part in professional development opportunities throughout the term. 

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The coursework follows university expectations, so you develop the study habits and independence expected in college. Because you learn alongside degree-seeking students, you experience the pace and rigor of a real Columbia classroom. If you want to begin earning college credit before graduation, this program offers a direct pathway.

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Why it stands out: You earn Columbia college credit while taking the very same classes as Columbia undergraduates.

13. Summer@Brown

Location: Brown University, Providence, RI

Cost: Varies by course length and format

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: June 15th - July 25th (program sessions vary by course length and format)

Application Deadline: May 15th 

Eligibility: Open to students completing grades 9-12 who are 14-18 years old by June 14th | International students are eligible to apply

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Summer@Brown lets you explore college-level subjects through more than 230 courses spanning the humanities, sciences, engineering, business, arts, and social sciences. You choose a course that matches your interests while learning in small classes led by instructors who emphasize curiosity over grades. 

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Outside the classroom, you join workshops, campus activities, and community events that help you experience student life at Brown. The program encourages you to think independently, manage your time, and engage with classmates from around the world.

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Why it stands out: You can tailor your experience by choosing from hundreds of courses while enjoying Brown's collaborative, student-centered approach to learning.

14. RISD Pre-College 

Location: Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI

Cost: Commuter: $9,595 | Residential: $12,495 | Scholarships available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: More than 500 students participate each year 

Dates: June 26th - July 31st

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions | Applications open in November, and decisions are released on a rolling basis until spaces are filled

Eligibility: Open to students 16-18 years old who have completed their 10th or 11th year of high school (or the equivalent) | International students are eligible 

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At RISD Pre-College, you spend five intensive weeks following a college-level studio curriculum while living and learning on campus. You choose a major in art or design and devote your time to day-long studio classes, critiques, and creative projects led by experienced teaching artists. 

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Along the way, you visit the RISD Museum and Nature Lab, build a portfolio, and receive detailed feedback that strengthens your artistic practice. The workload mirrors the pace of undergraduate study, giving you a realistic preview of art school. If you are serious about pursuing art or design, this program helps you grow both creatively and academically.

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Why it stands out: The five-week studio curriculum, critiques, portfolio development, and campus resources provide a sustained introduction to undergraduate art and design education.

15. Stony Brook Pre-College Summer Program

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Cost: Varies by course type

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Session One: June 27th – July 2nd | Session Two: July 4-9 | Session Three: July 11-16 | Session Four: July 18-23

Application Deadline: Applications open in January

Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors who are 15-17 years old, in good academic standing, and U.S. residents | International students are not eligible

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The Stony Brook Pre-College Summer Program lets you explore college-level subjects through immersive, hands-on courses while experiencing life on a major research university campus. You can choose a residential or commuter option and spend one or more weeks investigating areas that match your interests. 

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Classes emphasize practical learning, allowing you to build new skills while discovering what different fields are really like. Outside the classroom, you take part in activities that introduce you to campus life and help you prepare for college.

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Why it stands out: You can explore potential majors through hands-on learning while experiencing the rhythm of college life on New York's flagship public research university campus.

Frequently asked questions: Courses for High School Seniors

What are the best summer courses for high school seniors?

The best summer courses for high school seniors match your academic interests and the level of commitment you're ready for. If you're drawn to STEM, programs like MIT's MITES or Tufts' Engineering with Artificial Intelligence offer coding projects and lab work. For business or entrepreneurship, Penn State's BOSS and CCNY's Bossgirls combine coursework with pitch presentations. Writers can apply to Alpha Workshop for mentorship from published authors, while RISD Pre-College suits students building an art portfolio. Narrow your options by subject first, then compare cost, length, and whether you want college credit.

Do pre-college summer courses give you college credit?

Yes, several pre-college courses for high school seniors award transferable college credit, though not all of them do. Boston University's High School Honors lets you earn up to eight credits across two undergraduate courses, and Columbia's College Edge places you in the same credit-bearing classes as Columbia students. Other programs, including MIT's MITES and Harvard's Pre-College Program, are non-credit and focus instead on project work, mentorship, and college-level exploration. For more options, go through our list of college credit programs for high school students.

Will taking a pre-college course help you get into college?

A pre-college course won't guarantee college acceptance, but it can meaningfully strengthen your application. Completing an independent project, working alongside university faculty, or earning college credit shows admissions officers you've already tested your academic interests before applying. Programs with a defined final output, such as a pitch presentation, a research shadowing report, or a portfolio review, give you something concrete to reference in your essays. Treat the experience as something worth doing for its own sake first, and an application boost second.

What age do you need to be for a pre-college summer course?

Age requirements vary widely across pre-college summer courses for high school seniors. Alpha Workshop for Young Writers accepts students from 14 to 19 years old, while Yale Summer Session requires you to be at least 16 by the program start date. Immerse Education's Pre-University Summer School sets a broader range, open to students aged 13 to 18 who are currently enrolled in middle or high school. Check each program's eligibility section closely, since a few weeks' age difference can determine whether you qualify.

Can international students apply to pre-college summer courses for seniors?

Yes, most pre-college summer courses for high school seniors accept international applicants, though a handful restrict enrollment to US residents. MITES and the Stony Brook Pre-College Summer Program are limited to US citizens, permanent residents, or specific visa statuses, while Yale Summer Session, Summer@Brown, and RISD Pre-College all welcome students from abroad. Immerse Education's Pre-University Summer School is also open internationally, with locations across Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto. Always confirm a program's international eligibility before you start your application.

What's the difference between a credit-bearing and non-credit pre-college course?

Credit-bearing courses place you directly inside a university's own curriculum, where you earn transferable credit that can count toward a future degree, as with Columbia's College Edge or Boston University's High School Honors. Non-credit courses, like Harvard's Pre-College Program or MIT's MITES, skip formal credit in favor of workshops, lab shadowing, or independent projects that build your portfolio instead. Credit-bearing options generally cost more and require stronger transcripts, while non-credit programs are often more accessible and exploratory. Decide based on whether you're after credit or discovery.

Getting a head start on university life

Senior year often feels like the last stretch before everything changes, and the right course can make that transition less overwhelming than it first appears.

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Whether you want a lab bench, a writing workshop, or a pitch competition, courses for high school seniors preview a chosen field firsthand.

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Credit, mentorship, and campus life all teach different lessons, so matching a program to your goals matters more than chasing a famous name.

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If you're still weighing your options, University Preparation blogs have more guidance to help you choose the right course with real confidence.