Program Overview
High School Summer Institutes allow students to discover a new passion, or dive deeper into an existing one, through a noncredit, interdisciplinary environment. Each institute has a specific theme or focus and includes traditional undergraduate classroom activities like lectures, discussions, small group collaboration and final projects. Students interact with WashU instructors from across a variety of disciplines and examine the connections between these different fields of study and research. Institutes range in length from one to two weeks.
These programs are ideal for students who want to experience undergraduate curriculum without the pressure of a grade and network with a variety of departments and instructors.
High School Summer Institute students live on campus in one of our top-ranked, air-conditioned residence halls. In addition to course work, High School Summer Institute students participate in specialized college readiness, community building, and academic support activities.
Learn more about our enrichment activities
Eligibility
To be eligible for a High School Summer Institute students should:
- Be a current sophomore or junior in high school (graduating in 2024 or 2023).
- As an international student, have a TOEFL score of at least 90. Additional guidelines for international students are available here.
- Meet any prerequisites listed for the institute to which they are applying.
We are looking for mature, academically motivated students enrolled in challenging curriculum which may include honors, advanced placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, if offered by their high schools. Students who are collaborative, intellectually curious, and creative thinkers thrive in our program.
COVID-19 Information
Washington University is taking significant measures to protect the community from COVID-19. Visit WashU Together for more information on WashU's COVID-19 response. We are planning to host in-person programming for the 2022 summer based on current University guidelines. If you are interested in an online experience, please see our online Exploration Courses.
As a condition of employment, enrollment, and/or access to Washington University and affiliated facilities, all University employees, students, and trainees must be immunized by vaccination against COVID-19 unless granted a medical or religious exemption from the University.
Fees and Scholarships
2022 program fees are $2,585 for two-week institutes and $1,285 for one-week institutes. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. Children of Washington University employees and returning students are eligible for a 10% discount. Additional details on fees, need-based scholarships, and discounts are available here.
Grades and Transcripts
At the conclusion of course work, participation in the High School Summer Institutes will be recorded and grades earned become part of a student's record at Washington University. Students may request an official transcript of grades earned. Requests should be made through the Office of the University Registrar.
High School Summer Institutes are noncredit programs. Noncredit programs do not issue a traditional letter grade (A, B, C, D, F). Instead, students will receive an "L" for successful completion/audit or a "Z" for unsuccessful completion/audit. Students are evaluated based on attendance in classes, completion of assignments by deadlines, quality of work produced, participation in discussions, as well as their ability to adhere to academic integrity standards and program policies.
Because High School Summer Institutes are noncredit, no transferable credit is earned.
Participation in a High School Summer Institute does not guarantee acceptance into undergraduate or graduate programs at Washington University.
