12 Research and Summer Programs at Boston University

Boston University College of Arts & Sciences

The top research programs at Boston University for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states here.

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 16, 2024

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

Explore the program

Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

Explore the program

Other programs

RISE Internship / Practicum

See website

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$8,246

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology

Summary

RISE Internship and Practicum program is a two-track program that is conducted at Boston University every summer. At this program, you will spend six weeks conducting lab research and advancing your skills in the field. For the internship, students will be assigned a research project and mentor, and work 40 hours a week. Students on this track will have the opportunity to choose their research topic from a list of many. For the practicum track, students will conduct group research focused on computational neurobiology.

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$6,100

Application Deadline

Mar 15, 2024

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

The Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists, or PROMYS, is a six-week intensive mathematics program designed for students across the globe. The program is held on Boston University’s campus. There are daily “Number Theory” lectures, and a great deal of independence for students to choose their own schedules and decide what they would like to study. In addition to the extensive learning opportunities, there is also “mandatory fun time” built into the weekly schedule so that students are able to have non-math related activities.

Summer Sessions

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$10,000

Application Deadline

Apr 12, 2024

Categories

History, Social Science

Summary

The Emergence of Modern Europe; The Emerging United States; Catastrophe and Memory; among others. Get a real college experience in the heart of Boston, attending class alongside undergraduate students from BU and other colleges around the US and the world. Earn up to 8 college credits that you can apply to your future studies. While at BU, you will share dorm life and social activities with students from the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) program. To help you get to know everyone, and become familiar with the BU campus, and Boston, we plan a variety of fun group events during the first week. After that, each weekend has a planned activity along with some optional activities during the week. Your weeknights are free for homework, impromptu activities, and time with friends until curfew. Take a look at our Program Activities below to see the types of exciting events we plan.

AIM: Creative Writing

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Charles River (MA)

Cost

$5,262

Application Deadline

May 29, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

Intensive three-week writing program. Academic Immersion: Creative Writing is offered in partnership with BU’s MFA Program in Creative Writing, one of the oldest and most prestigious programs in the nation. The program concludes with a “writers showcase,” where you will share one of your own pieces with peers and other members of the BU community. During the program, you will: Learn formal techniques and approaches to writing poetry, fiction, and screenplays Study with accomplished writers who are part of BU’s MFA Program in Creative Writing, one of the most highly ranked programs in the country Practice your craft and hone your style while gaining valuable insight into the writing process Develop confidence in your creative writing abilities through constructive critique and feedback

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Lenox (MA)

Cost

$3610-$9250

Application Deadline

Jan 25, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

A chance to learn from and collaborate with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Tanglewood Music Center at BUTI. Depending on your instrument, you can attend programs ranging in duration from two to six weeks: While at the program, you’ll get to experience a unique community of musicians - both peers and professionals - as well as attend Boston Symphony Orchestra events. In order to gain acceptance at Tanglewood, you have to nail an audition. You may apply for multiple disciplines, but will have to fill out applications and audition for each of them.

Summer Challenge

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$4,750

Application Deadline

Jun 1, 2024

Categories

Arts, Psychology

Summary

Seminars range from Abnormal Psychology to Persuasive Writing among others. A 2-week program It’s called Summer Challenge because it pushes you in so many ways. You will explore your interests, discover new ones, test your academic boundaries, and immerse yourself in the college experience. Along the way, you will make new friends and get to know more about Boston University. Are you up to the challenge?

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Charles River (MA)

Cost

$7225

Application Deadline

May 29, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

Three-week program. AIM’s premedical track will provide you with a broad introduction to the field of medicine, combining coursework in related sciences with experiential learning activities and explorations of the various career possibilities that exist within the field.

BU AI4ALL

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston, MA

Cost

$100

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

AI/ML

Summary

AI4All is a three-week summer program tailored for high school juniors, particularly young women, aimed at delving into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Throughout the program, participants will engage in various AI topics such as robotics, computer vision, and natural language processing. This will be facilitated through team projects, industry field trips, and presentations delivered by guest speakers. The program culminates with a small group research project where participants showcase their findings through presentations to friends and family. Overall, AI4All offers a unique opportunity for young women to immerse themselves in AI exploration and development during their high school years.

The Artemis Project

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston, MA

Cost

$100

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

The Artemis Project is a five-week summer program aimed at rising 9th grade girls, offering a deep dive into computer science. Participants engage with various programming languages including Scratch, AppInventor, HTML, CSS, and Python. They explore diverse topics such as robotics, cryptography, artificial intelligence, and circuits. The program emphasizes practical application, showcasing how computer science concepts are utilized in real-world scenarios through guest speaker sessions and field trips. Led by Boston University undergraduate students, it offers a hands-on learning environment to inspire and empower young women in the field of technology.

High School Honors

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston, MA

Cost

$7130

Application Deadline

May 24, 2024

Categories

Environmental Science

Summary

High School Honors offers high school students the chance to experience college life in Boston, studying alongside BU undergraduates. Participants can earn up to 8 college credits across various subjects like biology, economics, and philosophy. With access to BU's esteemed faculty and resources, students receive academic advising and support. Engaging in social activities, they forge connections with peers from diverse backgrounds. The program, available to both commuters and residents, provides a rich educational and social experience, preparing students for future academic endeavors while fostering lifelong friendships.

Summer Challenge

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston, MA

Cost

$4,750

Application Deadline

May 31, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

The Boston University Summer Challenge is a two-week residential program designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Participants select two seminars from a diverse range of academic topics, engaging in lectures, discussions, projects, and field trips with small class sizes for individual attention. Alongside academic challenges, students partake in an admissions workshop offering insights into the college application process. The program fosters a close-knit community, providing opportunities for social interaction and exploration of Boston. Applicants must submit a personal statement and high school transcript, with admission decisions made on a rolling basis. The program emphasizes academic motivation and offers an immersive college experience, encouraging personal growth and exploration of interests.

Summer Preview

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston, MA

Cost

$1,725

Application Deadline

May 31, 2024

Categories

Environmental Science

Summary

Boston University's Summer Preview program for high school students offers both residential and commuter options. The program includes morning seminars and afternoon activities such as campus tours, aquarium visits, and workshops. Meals are provided with dietary accommodations available. Residential students participate in evening activities until curfew, while commuters have the option to join. COVID-19 guidelines are followed, emphasizing vaccination and university policies. The program provides a glimpse into college life, fostering community building and offering insights into the college admission process through workshops and events.

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