Program Overview
High School Summer Launch is a one-week noncredit program designed to challenge and inspire students through innovative lectures, workshops, and seminars. Lectures led by Washington University instructors from across campus disciplines and research fields will provide a foundation for future study and academic exploration. Seminars take the confusion out of the college application process, while students create a personalized plan for choosing and applying to college. Interactive workshops allow students to hone specific skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.
This program is ideal for students who want a general introduction to college life and academics and are looking for a full pre-college experience in an accelerated format.
High School Summer Launch 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 activities.
Learn more about our enrichment activities
Dates
High School Summer Launch is a one-week program from July 30-August 5, 2023.
Eligibility
To be eligible for High School Summer Launch students should:
- Be a current freshman or sophomore in high school (graduating in 2025 or 2026).
- As an international student, have a TOEFL score of at least 90. Additional guidelines for international students are available here.
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 2023 program fee for High School Summer Launch is $1,385. 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 High School Summer Launch 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 Launch is a noncredit program. 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, 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 Launch is noncredit, no transferable credit is earned.
Participation in High School Summer Launch does not guarantee acceptance into undergraduate or graduate programs at Washington University.
