14 Pre-College Summer Programs in Massachusetts
- Stephen Turban
- 32 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Pre-college summer programs can be a great way to explore academic interests in a more focused environment before applying to college. These opportunities allow you to study subjects in greater depth, learn from university faculty, and experience a style of learning that is often different from a traditional high school classroom. They can also help you develop skills such as critical thinking, research, collaboration, and independent learning while exploring potential areas of study.
Massachusetts is home to many universities and educational institutions that offer pre-college programs across a wide range of disciplines. From STEM and business to the arts, humanities, and leadership studies, students can choose from residential, commuter, and specialized academic experiences hosted by some of the state's most well-known colleges and organizations.
Why should I attend a pre-college summer program in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers pre-college programs that give you the opportunity to engage with college-level academics while experiencing campus life and university learning environments. Depending on the program, you might take credit-bearing courses, conduct research, work on projects, participate in laboratory activities, develop artistic portfolios, or explore specialized subjects alongside other motivated students. Whether you live in Massachusetts or are traveling from another state, these programs can help you explore academic interests, build new skills, and gain a better understanding of what college study may be like.
With that, here are 14 pre-college summer programs in Massachusetts.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free or fully funded, including MITES Summer at MIT (fully funded for eligible students), MIT BWSI (fully funded for qualifying families), and Smith College Pre-College Programs (financial aid available), while programs like Harvard Pre-College, WPI Frontiers, and Tufts offer financial aid, making Massachusetts a state with strong accessible pre-college options.
Programs span a wide range of disciplines including STEM and engineering (MITES Summer, MIT BWSI, WPI Frontiers and Launch, UMass Amherst), marine science and leadership (Massachusetts Maritime Academy SSLP and ASLP), visual and studio arts (MassArt Pre-College Studios, MassArt Summer Intensives, Smith College), humanities and social sciences (Harvard Pre-College, Boston College), and interdisciplinary research (Tufts, UMass Amherst lab programs).
Students looking for college credit can apply to UMass Amherst Pre-College Programs, MassArt Pre-College Summer Studios (optional credit), Tufts dual enrollment, and Boston College Summer Experience, all of which offer transferable academic credits alongside the program experience.
Several programs are among the most selective pre-college opportunities in the country, including MITES Summer at MIT (60 to 80 students nationally) and MIT BWSI (requires completion of a multi-month online prerequisite course before selection for the on-campus intensive), both of which carry significant prestige and rigor.
Deadlines for competitive programs fall as early as January and February, with Harvard Pre-College opening priority applications in early January, MITES Summer closing in early February, and MIT BWSI beginning online course registration in January, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to January and February deadline programs first.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Fully funded (free)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (~60–80 students)
Dates: Late June – early August (6 weeks)
Application deadline: Early February
Eligibility: High school juniors (U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
MITES Summer is a highly selective, fully funded pre-college program that immerses you in rigorous STEM and humanities coursework at MIT. You will take five intensive classes designed to prepare you for college-level academics, particularly in science and engineering. Beyond academics, the program includes lab tours, seminars, and workshops that expose you to real-world applications in fields such as machine learning, genomics, and architecture. You will also receive structured guidance and mentorship for college admissions throughout the program. Residential life and group activities help you build strong connections with peers from across the country.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 2; Session II: July 5 – July 17; Session III: July 19 – July 31
Application deadline: Early January (priority), February (regular), April (late)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 16–18)
Harvard’s Pre-College Summer Program offers you a structured introduction to college-level academics through an intensive two-week residential experience. You can choose from nearly 30 courses across disciplines such as STEM, medicine, law, business, and the humanities, allowing you to explore potential academic interests. The program emphasizes discussion-based learning and critical thinking over grades, creating a low-pressure yet intellectually rigorous environment. You will live on campus, gaining firsthand experience of college life and independence. Beyond academics, you will participate in workshops, activities, and social events that foster community and personal growth.
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA (in-person and online options)
Cost: $2,300–$12,800 (varies by program length and format)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Summer (2-week, 3-week, and 6-week options)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
UMass Amherst’s Pre-College Programs offer you a wide range of academic experiences across more than 25 subject areas, including STEM, business, arts, and humanities. You can choose short-term intensives or longer research-focused programs, including six-week lab experiences where you work alongside university faculty. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing you to develop practical skills in areas like biology, design, and engineering. Credit-bearing options are available, allowing you to earn college credits while still in high school. You will also experience campus life through residential programs, complete with access to university facilities and student resources.
Location: Wheaton College, Norton, MA
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Summer (typically July; 4 weeks)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Wheaton College Pre-College Program offers you a flexible academic experience combining college-level coursework with optional athletic training. You can choose one or two courses across disciplines, allowing you to explore potential majors while developing academic skills. The program emphasizes small class sizes and interactive discussions, helping you engage deeply with course material. If you opt for the athlete track, you will train with NCAA coaches while learning about the college recruitment process. Additional workshops focus on time management and college application preparation.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free (fully funded for qualifying families)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Summer (4 weeks on-campus; preceded by online prerequisite course February–June)
Application deadline: Early spring (online course registration opens January–February)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (U.S. citizens or international students attending U.S. high schools)
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) offers you a rigorous, project-based STEM experience hosted at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You will choose from a range of advanced courses covering topics such as autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, quantum software, artificial intelligence, and radar systems. The program follows a two-phase structure: you first complete a free, self-paced online prerequisite course from February through June, and only students who complete this course are considered for the on-campus summer intensive. This design ensures that all participants arrive with a shared foundation, allowing the four-week on-campus program to operate at a genuinely advanced level. Beyond technical coursework, you will collaborate with peers and engage with researchers and engineers affiliated with MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Boston, MA
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available for some programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer (1–6 weeks depending on program type)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Tufts University offers a range of pre-college summer programs that allow you to explore academics through multiple pathways, including dual enrollment, college experience programs, and research opportunities. You can take college-level courses for credit, participate in short-term intensives, or engage in hands-on research projects guided by faculty. The programs cover diverse fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, and social impact. You will also have access to college prep workshops, campus resources, and networking opportunities in the Boston academic environment. Residential options provide a full college-life experience, while commuter formats offer flexibility.
Location: Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA
Cost: $4,020 (+ optional $630 for credit)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 20 – August 14
Application deadline: May 1 (credit); May 31 (registration closes)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The MassArt Pre-College Summer Studios program offers you an intensive four-week experience focused on developing foundational skills in the visual arts. Modeled after MassArt’s first-year curriculum, you will take core courses in 2D Fundamentals, 3D Fundamentals, and Issues & Images, alongside an elective such as animation, illustration, or mixed media. The program emphasizes hands-on studio practice combined with critical thinking and artistic exploration. You will build technical skills while also engaging with conceptual and historical aspects of art. The structured curriculum mirrors a real art school environment, helping you prepare for college-level creative work.
Location: Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA
Cost: $920–$2,040 (depending on format and duration)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 6 – July 17
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12)
MassArt’s Summer Intensives offer you a short, focused introduction to studio art through hands-on classes in a professional creative environment. You can choose from a wide range of disciplines, including animation, photography, fashion design, illustration, and graphic design. The program is designed to help you build technical skills, experiment with new media, and strengthen your portfolio. You will learn directly from practicing artists and educators while working in dedicated studio spaces on campus. Flexible scheduling allows you to enroll in half-day or full-day sessions based on your interests.
Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Cost: $4,495 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 5 – July 17; July 19 – July 31
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The WPI Frontiers program offers you a structured, interdisciplinary pre-college experience combining STEM or business majors with complementary minors in areas like humanities or arts. You will take part in live, faculty-led classes and collaborate with peers on academic projects. The program emphasizes both technical and creative thinking, encouraging you to explore multiple disciplines simultaneously. In addition to coursework, you will participate in college prep workshops, field trips, and social activities that simulate campus life. The residential format allows you to experience living and learning in a university environment.
10. WPI Launch
Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Cost: $795 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 22 – June 26
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
The WPI Launch program offers you a short, intensive introduction to STEM through hands-on learning and lab-based activities. You will explore topics such as robotics, aerospace, and engineering using industry-standard tools and technologies. The program emphasizes experiential learning, with faculty-led demonstrations, projects, and discussions that help you apply theoretical concepts. You will also collaborate with peers who share your interest in STEM, building teamwork and problem-solving skills. The structured daily schedule provides a focused academic experience without a residential commitment.
Location: Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA
Cost: Paid (cost not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 20 – July 24
Application deadline: Typically early summer
Eligibility: High school students
The Sea, Science, and Leadership Program (SSLP) at Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers you a hands-on introduction to marine science, engineering, and leadership within a structured, cadet-style environment. You will participate in interactive workshops using advanced facilities, including ship bridge simulators, engineering labs, and emergency operations centers. The program includes activities like firefighting training, marine safety exercises, and cold-water survival, giving you exposure to real-world maritime challenges. You will also explore topics such as environmental protection and international maritime business. In addition to technical learning, the program emphasizes leadership development, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
Location: Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (regional cohort)
Dates: Summer (2 weeks; dates vary)
Application deadline: Typically, spring
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students (primarily from Cape Cod Collaborative districts)
The Advanced Studies & Leadership Program (ASLP) offers you a college-style residential experience focused on STEM, humanities, and leadership development. You will participate in project-based learning using advanced facilities, including ship simulators and emergency management training centers. The program emphasizes hands-on exploration of real-world challenges while helping you build technical and analytical skills. You will also engage with college professionals and cadets, gaining insight into academic pathways and career options. Residential living on campus provides exposure to college life and peer collaboration.
Location: Smith College, Northampton, MA
Cost: Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 4 – August 1 (varies by program)
Application deadline: Typically, spring
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12; open to all, hosted at a women’s college)
Smith College’s Precollege Programs offer you a range of academically focused summer experiences across disciplines such as science, engineering, creative writing, sustainability, and social sciences. You can choose from multi-week residential programs like the Summer Science & Engineering Program, which emphasizes lab-based learning, or humanities-focused options that explore topics such as gender and representation. The programs are designed to provide a supportive, discussion-driven environment while helping you build academic confidence and independence. You will engage with faculty, collaborate with peers, and participate in campus life through residential activities.
Location: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Cost: Varies by session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session I: June 23 – July 5 | Session II: July 7 – July 19 | Session III: July 21 – August 2
Application deadline: Rolling (apply early)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Boston College's Summer Experience offers you a structured, residential pre-college program combining college-level coursework with guided mentorship on one of New England's most iconic campuses. You can choose two courses from a range of disciplines, earning transferable college credit while gaining a realistic preview of university academics. The program emphasizes discussion-based learning in small class settings, with faculty and peer advisors providing academic and personal support throughout. Living on campus gives you direct exposure to college life, from residence halls to dining facilities and campus culture. College prep workshops and advising sessions are also woven into the schedule, helping you approach your applications with greater confidence and clarity.
Frequently asked questions
What types of pre-college summer programs are available in Massachusetts?
Options include fully funded STEM intensives (MITES Summer at MIT, MIT BWSI), residential university pre-college programs with credit (Harvard Pre-College, Boston College, Tufts, UMass Amherst, WPI Frontiers), short STEM intensives (WPI Launch), studio art and design programs (MassArt Pre-College Studios, MassArt Summer Intensives), marine science and leadership programs (Massachusetts Maritime Academy), science and engineering research programs (UMass Amherst, Smith College Summer Science), and interdisciplinary liberal arts programs (Wheaton College, Smith College).
Are there free pre-college programs in Massachusetts?
Yes, MITES Summer at MIT is fully funded for eligible rising juniors, covering tuition, room, and board. MIT BWSI is fully funded for qualifying families and requires completion of a free online prerequisite course. Smith College Pre-College Programs and several others offer financial aid. Students should check each program's aid page directly, as funding availability can vary year to year.
Which Massachusetts pre-college programs are most selective or prestigious?
MITES Summer at MIT is among the most selective, accepting 60 to 80 students nationally from a competitive pool of rising juniors. MIT BWSI uses a two-phase model requiring students to complete an online course before being considered for the on-campus intensive, ensuring only technically prepared students advance. Harvard Pre-College and Smith College programs are also highly selective with rigorous academic curricula.
Which programs are best for students interested in STEM or engineering?
MITES Summer provides six weeks of intensive STEM coursework at MIT including machine learning, genomics, and architecture. MIT BWSI offers advanced project-based tracks in autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, quantum software, and AI. WPI Frontiers and WPI Launch provide engineering-focused programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. UMass Amherst six-week lab programs place students alongside university faculty in biology, engineering, and design.
Which programs are best for students interested in art, design, or creative fields?
MassArt Pre-College Summer Studios provides a four-week intensive modeled on MassArt's first-year curriculum, covering 2D and 3D fundamentals alongside studio electives. MassArt Summer Intensives offer shorter focused tracks in animation, photography, fashion design, illustration, and graphic design. Smith College Pre-College Programs include humanities and creative writing options alongside STEM offerings.
When should I apply to pre-college summer programs in Massachusetts?
Harvard Pre-College opens priority applications in early January, MITES Summer closes in early February, and MIT BWSI online course registration opens in January. MassArt Pre-College Studios closes May 1 for credit and May 31 for general registration. WPI Frontiers and WPI Launch both close April 30. Boston College and Tufts accept rolling applications throughout the spring. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize January and February deadline programs well before the spring semester.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.