Most students dream of studying at Harvard University because it’s one of the most prestigious schools in the country. So, to secure a spot in this top school, students can get a headstart by applying to Harvard programs for high school students as part of their college preparation.
Early application and preparation for any Harvard college program are key. Motivated students will also participate in college prep activities like taking a combination of classes at Harvard that are offered to high school students. Read this guide to learn more about Harvard programs for high school students.
Why High School Students Should Attend a Harvard Program
High school programs provide opportunities for aspiring college students to learn about the academic environment and campus life at Harvard University. The pre-college program experience at Harvard will let participants have a glimpse of their college life and future careers. These school programs are already college-level courses that will strengthen your qualifications when you apply for a college course at Harvard.
High School Student Requirements for Harvard Program
Applicants should submit their school transcripts with their online application during the admissions process for summer programs. For non-native English speakers, a passing score from TOEFL and IELTS is also required. Applicants must be high school students who are expected to join the college in the year 2023 or 2024.
Can High School Students Attend a Harvard Program Online?
Yes, Harvard high school programs offer three learning formats, which are residential, online, and commuting. All these formats include online classes. Students will get a chance to join exciting online program activities, such as musical theater listening parties, open mic night, journal club, and more fun events.
How High School Students Can Get Into a Harvard Program
- Prepare all the requirements. During the application process, you need to submit several requirements, such as your transcripts from grade nine to fall 2021 grades.
- Complete the TOEFL and IELTS academic tests. If English is not your native language, you’re required to submit your scores from the TOEFL iBT or IELTS exam.
- Create your student account on the Harvard website. Visit the Harvard official website to create your account, and remember to use a PC when submitting your application. Your guardian or parents will then receive the Rules and Media Release online form as part of the application process.
- Look for available programs for high school. Find the most suitable program for your preference and carefully read the descriptions and requirements.
- Wait for the admissions committee’s response. Always check your inbox to see if the admissions committee has shared details about your application status.
Harvard Departments
Department of Economics
The Department of Economics at Harvard teaches several fields of study, such as financial economics, behavioral economics, public economics, industrial organization, and political economy. This department offers both pre-college and secondary school programs for high school students.
Popular High School Programs
- Principles of Economics: Microeconomics
- Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business
- International Political Economy
Department of Psychology
This department’s areas of study include developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology. You can choose to apply for high school online or on-campus programs under Harvard’s Department of Psychology.
Popular High School Programs
- Introduction to Psychology
- The Psychology of Eating
- The Philosophy of Psychology
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
This department covers science and engineering fields of study like computer science, electrical engineering, applied physics, applied mathematics, and environmental science. You can also earn college credit from high school programs under this department.
Popular High School Programs
- Sustainable Product Design and the Innovation Ecosystem
- Problem-Solving and Project Design
- Environmental Science
Popular Harvard Programs for High School Students
| Program | Cost | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Media: Society, Culture, and Economics | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
| Economics and Law | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
| Introduction to Data Science With a Focus on Visualization | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
| Introduction to Scientific Programming in Python | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
| Internet Folklore and Digital Storytelling | Four-credit course: $3,500 Eight-credit course: $7,000 |
Online | Seven weeks |
| Invention, Innovation, and Markets | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
| Journalism Now | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
| Math and Social Justice | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
| Mathematical Elements of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
| The Science of Politics: An Introduction to Coding and Statistical Analysis | $4,950 | Harvard University | Two Weeks |
The Best Harvard Pre-College Programs
Digital Media: Society, Culture, and Economics
- Discipline: Digital Media
- Learning Method: On-Campus
Knowledge of digital media is fundamental in any college degree program, and in this course, program participants learn how the Internet affects society and economics. Through group work, verbal communication, and writing about this subject, you’ll have the chance to enhance your core skills. You’ll also be participating in virtual field trips at the university.
Economics and Law
- Discipline: Economics
- Learning Method: On-Campus
This summer school program will teach students the economic analysis of law or the efficiencies of rules and regulations. Discussions in this program will cover topics like criminal law, contract law, and property concerning economics. When students complete class assignments in this course, they will learn legal concepts of economics.
Introduction to Data Science With a Focus on Visualization
- Discipline: Computer Science
- Learning Method: On-Campus
This Harvard summer program is divided into parts. The first one is about learning how to use Python in data visualization and the second part dives deeper into visualization using JavaScript. During the first week, students will be given a mini project regarding COVID-19 data. They’ll also learn computational data analysis collaboratively, which includes data cleaning and web scraping.
Introduction to Scientific Programming in Python
- Discipline: Computer Science
- Learning Method: On-Campus
This course teaches students basic programming concepts, as it aims to provide a strong foundation in programming. Here, they’ll develop skills for applying programming in quantitative fields, such as mathematics and economics. Applicants are not required to have coding experience, but they must bring their personal computer with installed Python 3 Anaconda.
Internet Folklore and Digital Storytelling
- Discipline: Anthropology
- Learning Method: Online
This Harvard summer school is about the impact of Internet folklore on the community, social change, and political engagement. In this course, you’ll study the comparison of ancient story folklore to the digital online culture. You’ll learn deeper about memes, urban legends, viral videos, and other folk beliefs.
Invention, Innovation, and Markets
- Discipline: Economics
- Learning Method: On-Campus
This summer program focuses on the impact of innovation on economics. Students will discover both the negative and positive effects of technologies on businesses, government, and people. You’ll also explore how the advancement of medicine, automation, and engine technologies affect the economy.
Journalism Now
- Discipline: Journalism
- Learning Method: On-Campus
If you love writing and dream of becoming a journalist, you should consider enrolling in this course. This Harvard pre-college program will let you experience the basic process of writing a compelling story. You’ll learn about identifying topics, researching subjects, conducting interviews, and catching your target reader’s attention. You’ll receive writing exercises, so you can apply your journalism skills hands-on.
Math and Social Justice
- Discipline: Mathematics
- Learning Method: On-Campus
In this summer program, you’ll learn about the role of mathematics in socially relevant topics, such as racism, climate change, and other issues regarding social justice. You’ll work on projects that will enable you to apply your knowledge in mathematics to social justice concepts.
Mathematical Elements of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Discipline: Mathematics
- Learning Method: On-Campus
This summer program helps students learn about artificial intelligence and data science from a mathematical lens. Fundamentals of calculus and basic knowledge of programming language are prerequisites for this program. Students will use Python programming in their final project, so they must use computers that are compatible with Python 3.
The Science of Politics: An Introduction to Coding and Statistical Analysis
- Discipline: Statistics
- Learning Method: On-Campus
In this Harvard summer school program, you’ll use R programming in statistical analysis. You’ll learn how to apply data analysis in answering political science research questions and how to determine the accuracy of their hypotheses. Before applying to this course, you must have taken Algebra II.
Next Steps After Your Harvard Program for High School Students
After your Harvard program for high school students, you’re on your way to getting into Harvard, as you can use this to boost your college application in this prestigious school. Through a Harvard pre-college program, you’ll experience what it’s like to be a Harvard student and discover what your college life would look like.
Harvard high school programs and summer schools will also help choose the right career path for you early on. That way, you can get a head start on that application for Harvard Medical School.
Harvard Programs for High School Students FAQ
Yes, Harvard accepts international students for its summer class. It offers sponsorship of F1-student visas for those who will join on-campus programs. Please note that applying for a student visa will require you to request a Form I-20 at Harvard. Check this out to know the requirements you must submit to get a copy of Form I-20.
Yes, Harvard offers financial aid for eligible high school students. This financial aid is available for both Harvard secondary school and pre-college programs, and only US citizen applicants are eligible. However, if you have a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, you can also be qualified.
Harvard doesn’t accept cash payments. You can pay your program fee via debit card, credit card, checks, or automated clearinghouse and wire transfers. Payment must be given on or before the deadline.
All pre-college programs at Harvard cost $4,950. SSP residential costs $13,200. For secondary school programs (SSP) like SSP Commuting and SSP Online, four-credit courses cost $3,500 while eight-credit courses cost $7,000.
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