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 explore the connections between different fields of study as they examine scholarly text and engage with WashU instructors. These programs are designed for students to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and consider new ideas.
2024 institute themes include:
- Ancient Studies
- Creative Immersion
- Healthcare Continuum
- Environmental Studies
- Research Development
These two-week programs are ideal for students who want to experience college-level curriculum without the pressure of a letter grade. Class sizes are small (typically between 15-20 students) to ensure students receive personalized feedback from instructors.
High School Summer Institute students live on campus in one of our top-ranked, air-conditioned residence halls. In addition to course work, students participate in specialized college readiness, community, and academic success enrichment activities.
Learn more about our enrichment activities
Dates
The High School Summer Institutes are two-week programs from July 14-27, 2024.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a High School Summer Institute, students should:
- Be a current sophomore or junior in high school (graduating in 2026 or 2025).
- As an international student, have a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90 or an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5. 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.
Fees and Scholarships
The 2024 program fee for a High School Summer Institute is $3,185. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. Children of WashU 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
Although institutes are noncredit, they are rigorous. At the conclusion of course work, enrollment in a High School Summer Institute will be recorded and become part of a student's record at WashU. Noncredit courses 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 can request a transcript from the Office of the University Registrar.
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.
Acceptance and participation in High School Summer Institute course work and activities does not imply or guarantee acceptance into a degree program at WashU. For questions about the undergraduate admission process, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.
