Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a well-known school for undergraduate and graduate students. There are various MIT programs for high school students available, and students interested in pursuing their post-secondary education at MIT opt for their pre-college programs.
There are currently 11,934 students at MIT studying in programs such as artificial intelligence, medicine, life sciences, and business. This guide includes the various summer activities and programs that partner organizations run at MIT. Learn how to apply and which MIT pre-college programs will help you set up the next steps for your future.
Why High School Students Should Attend an MIT Program
Students in grades nine through 12 should attend an MIT program to get a sense of what it’s like to study in college. They’ll have access to great mentors and peers that will encourage creative thinking. In addition, MIT programs for high school students will expose them to different topics that could set them up for their future careers whether it’s an engineering, science, technology, coding, law, or medical career.
High School Student Requirements for MIT Programs
Other than paying a fee and filling out an application form, you must contact the education coordinator to check the current requirements to enter an MIT pre-college program. Some programs are available for eighth-grade students and above but some have higher age requirements so it’s important to understand the complete requirements before applying.
Can High School Students Attend an MIT Program Online?
High school students can attend an MIT program online as long as they meet the requirements. There are many options available to 12th-grade students. MIT and Harvard created edX online classes that include classes for high school students. They include age-specific and fun virtual presentations. Some summer programs can also be done online.
How High School Students Can Get Into an MIT Program
- Research available programs. Before applying, consider your skills, passions, and desired career path. Then, read about the various pre-college program offerings on the MIT website to find the right program for your goals and timeline.
- Check eligibility. Some programs have specific requirements, such as having a minimum grade-point average (GPA), being passionate about a certain field, or being at a specified grade level.
- Save the dates. Research and understand the dates that applications open and when they close to prepare and submit your application early for a better chance of acceptance. Missing the deadline will result in not being accepted into the program for that year.
- Fill out the application form. Fully complete the application form, providing all required information. This could include personal information such as address and contact details or financial information.
- Pay fees. There may be a registration fee or application fee for certain programs. Be sure to check out if a program requires an application fee while researching the program.
Popular MIT Programs for High School Students
| Program | Cost | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Science Institute | Free | Massachusetts | 6 weeks |
| Women’s Technology Program | Free | Online | 4 weeks |
| Summer Science Program (SSP) | Depends on what your family can afford but it will not be more than $7,950 | North Carolina, Colorado, New Mexico, Indiana | 6 weeks |
| Beaver Works Summer Institute | Free | Online | 4 weeks |
| Entrepreneurship Summer Program | $5,980 | Online | 4 weeks |
| Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers | Free | Cambridge | 2 weeks |
The Best MIT Pre-College Programs
Research Science Institute
- Discipline: Science and Engineering
- Learning Method: In-person
In the MIT Research Science Institute program, students will see the entire research cycle from the beginning. They’ll be exposed to cutting-edge topics while being equipped to make and execute a detailed research plan. Students will be tutored and guided by accomplished professors and will deliver conference-style written and oral presentations regarding their findings.
Women’s Technology Program
- Discipline: Technology
- Learning Method: Online
This women-focused engineering program aims to empower students from various underrepresented and underserved communities. The program encourages applicants who are the first to attend college in their families and those from high schools with limited access to STEM programs. Hispanic, Native American, or African American students are also encouraged to attend.
Undergraduate students teach these classes at MIT. There are two tracks for this program. One of which is Electrical Engineering Computer Sciences (EECS), and the other in Mechanical Engineering (ME). For EECS, students who don’t have a background in programming are encouraged to attend. The ME track focuses on engineering design processes used in mechanical engineering.
Summer Science Program
- Discipline: Science
- Learning Method: On-site in various locations
The Summer Science program’s curriculum is centralized around a significant research project in astrophysics or biochemistry. Each team designs a small molecule that inhibits an enzyme from a fungal crop pathogen for the biochemistry program. Students will also determine the orbit of a near-earth asteroid for the astrophysics program from direct astronomical observations.
Beaver Works Summer Institute
- Discipline: Technology
- Learning Method: Online
This is a four-week intensive technological solutions program for high school juniors. It offers courses on autonomous underwater vehicles, quantum software, and serious game design with AI. This program encouraged applicants who are the first in their families to attend college.
Entrepreneurship Summer Program
- Discipline: Business
- Learning Method: Online
In this business program, students learn from industry experts and work with peer co-founders to build products and solve business challenges in viable and meaningful ways. The program teaches the structure of a startup, the steps involved, and the community around you. Students will learn about the five stages of making and executing an idea as well as market research, multiple iterations of prototypes, and user testing.
Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers
- Discipline: Mathematics
- Learning Method: In-person
The Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction program is for incoming high school seniors who want to acquire essential hands-on experience in building small radar systems. High school juniors will be challenged to create a Doppler radar and a range radar. These hands-on classes encourage participants to become creative problem-solvers as they complete team-based projects with talented engineers and scientists.
Next Steps After Your MIT Program for High School Students
At the end of your MIT program, it’s time to decide which career path you want to take. If you are not graduating soon, you can use the time to explore the field you want to specialize in, whether it’s mathematics, engineering, or entrepreneurship. Students can also opt to attend coding bootcamps to familiarize themselves with technology and programming languages.
MIT Programs for High School Students FAQ
No, attending high school MIT pre-college programs does not automatically guarantee admission to MIT. The summer programs help students to familiarize themselves with college life, including what’s required academically, and what life is like in a college environment.
The topics included in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) summer program include engineering, robotics, science, and technology. The MIT summer academic program prepares students to become competitive and confident college students.
Yes, there is an online learning platform at MIT. However, the use of the platform depends on MIT or the partner organization. If you can’t attend a summer school program in person, MIT and Harvard collaborated to introduce edX, an online platform that includes classes for high school students.
Yes, summer programs are good if you want to pursue careers in science. They expose you to different research areas, including biology and chemistry. Summer programs give you a hands-on learning experience that will help you explore different career options and help direct your focus when applying to college.
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