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High School Summer Launch

Prepare for College Success

Program Overview

High School Summer Launch is a noncredit program designed to challenge and inspire you. Through High School Summer Launch, you will gain a foundation for future study and academic exploration. Seminars take the confusion out of the college application process, while you create a personalized plan for choosing and applying to college. Interactive sessions allow for self-discovery as you learn to hone your growth mindset, curiosity, and critical thinking.

High School Summer Launch is an excellent opportunity to:

  • Gain a general understanding of the college application and financial aid process.
  • Define self-reflection and the role it plays in the college experience.
  • Gain confidence in the college classroom and community.
  • Examine potential majors and career paths.
  • Develop key college readiness skills including communication, time management, and group collaboration.

High School Summer Launch participants commute to campus. We provide a daily schedule that includes classes, lunch, and social activities. 

This program is ideal if you are looking for a general introduction to college life and academics, to build confidence with the college application process, and want a full pre-college experience in an accelerated format. 

Dates

High School Summer Launch is a commuter program offered from July 13-17, 2026. Orientation will take place Sunday, July 12 from 11am-2pm.

Eligibility

To be eligible for High School Summer Launch you should:

  • Be a current high school student (graduating in 2027, 2028 or 2029).

We are looking for mature, academically motivated individuals enrolled in challenging curriculum which may include honors, advanced placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, if offered by their high schools. Individuals who are collaborative, intellectually curious, and creative thinkers thrive in our program.

Fees and Scholarships

The 2026 program fee for High School Summer Launch is $985 which includes all program activities and lunch. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. Children of WashU employees and returning students are eligible for a 10% discount. Visit Fees & Scholarships to learn more about fees, need-based scholarships, and discounts.

Grading and Evaluation

High School Summer Launch is a noncredit program. Participants are evaluated based on attendance and engagement in class activities, completion of assignments, quality of work produced, as well as their ability to adhere to academic integrity standards and program policies. Noncredit programs do not issue a traditional letter grade (A, B, C, D, F). Instead, you will receive an "L" for successful completion/audit or a "Z" for unsuccessful completion/audit. Because High School Summer Launch is noncredit, no transferable credit is earned. At the end of the program, participants may request a transcript of noncredit course work. No certificates are issued for this program.

Acceptance and participation in High School Summer Launch 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.

Program Schedule

Orientation

On Sunday, July 12, admitted students will participate in an in-person orientation from 11am-2pm which will include a campus tour, lunch, ice breakers and program overview. Attendance is mandatory.

Morning Session

Participants should arrive to campus by 9:00am. Each day begins with a quick review of the daily schedule and reflection followed by traditional lecture and discussion offering a glimpse into the various opportunities offered through undergraduate education. You will explore how these enriching experiences can shape your college journey and influence your choices. To enhance your learning experience, pre-readings will be provided for each lecture.

Lunch Break

Participants have a break for lunch each day from 12:00-12:45pm. They will dine at the Danforth University Center (DUC) or on-campus Subway. Participants may also choose to bring their own lunch to campus.

College Advising Workshop

The afternoon begins with our college advising workshops from 1:00-2:30pm. These workshops are purposefully crafted to demystify the college application process. Gain invaluable insights and practical tips for the college application and walk away with a tailored action plan and resources.

Character Building Workshop

As the day at High School Summer Launch winds down we will dive deep into exploring essential traits like growth mindset, curiosity, and leadership, all while uncovering and defining your own unique character strengths. Discover how these powerful attributes are the cornerstones of self-advocacy, effective communication, and college success. Participants should depart campus at 4:00pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect?

While we do provide staff supervision as well as fun, interactive experiences, this is a selective, academic program. Individuals must apply and be admitted and you will receive a transcript at the conclusion of the program.

You are evaluated based on attendance, completion of assignments by deadlines, quality of work produced, active participation and engagement in sessions, as well as your ability to adhere to academic integrity standards and program policies.

You will be evaluated as follows:

  • You must attend all sessions, and complete all assigned pre-readings, unless otherwise excused by the program director.
  • You must create and present your personal "Character Jar."
  • You must participate in daily written discussions via Canvas. You must contribute a 250-word response to a given prompt and respond to at least two of your peers' posts.
  • You must submit a 500-word reflection paper. Details and rubric for this assignment will be available in Canvas.
  • You are to be an active participant in each session. This includes being an engaged listener, participating in class activities, and contributing to discussions.

Can I miss part of the program due to other commitments?

We strongly encourage participants to commit to the full length of the program and to schedule other commitments when the program is not in session. Missing any part of the program can impact the experience. 

What are the topics for the lecture and college advising sessions?

Whether you’re new to the subject or a seasoned explorer, no specific background knowledge or prerequisites are required—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

Lecture topics include:

  • Introduction to Arts & Sciences and a Liberal Arts Education
  • The Study Abroad Experience
  • Pre-Professional Paths
  • Considering Research as You Research Colleges
  • Belonging: The Student Life Experience

College advising seminar topics:

  • Beginning the College Search: Researching and Choosing the Right College for You
  • From Transcripts to Essays: Overview of the College Application Process
  • Telling Your Story: Tips and Tools for the College Admissions Essay
  • Building Relationships: Connecting with College Staff and Faculty
  • Financial Aid Process

Our schedule also includes discussion sessions with undergraduate, recent grads, and graduate students share their personal college journeys and provide valuable advice on how to balance social and academic life, applying to college, choosing a major, pre-professional studies, and college readiness.

I live outside of the St. Louis area. Are there options to live on campus during High School Summer Launch?

While the program is designed as a commuter experience, we do have a select number of residential spots available for students outside of the St. Louis area. The total cost for this residential option is $1,485. If you are interested in residing on campus during the program, please contact our office for additional details.

How to Apply

In order to apply to High School Summer Launch, you must complete an online application, including short essays, and submit the following supplemental information:

  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Transcript
  • Teacher recommendation
  • International applicants for whom English is a second language should provide documentation of their ability to complete coursework in English by providing an official TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English, or GATEWAY English score report. Visit International Students for additional guidelines for international applicants.

The deadline to submit an application and all supplemental information is April 1, 2026 at 4:00pm CT. You can preview the application process here.

Submit your application