High School Summer Scholars Program

Explore academic interests

Through our High School Summer Scholars Program, students have the opportunity to enroll in two courses for credit and study alongside undergraduates. Students select from a broad range of stimulating introductory courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics. This program is ideal for students who want to earn college credit, challenge themselves academically and explore courses in a specific major or subject. 

High School Summer Scholars live on campus in one of our top-ranked, air-conditioned residence halls. In addition to coursework, students participate in specialized seminars, workshops, academic support groups, weekend outings, and evening social events.

2021 Dates

Dates for the 2021 summer will be announced in November.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the High School Summer Scholars Program students should:

  • Be a current junior in high school (graduating in 2022).
  • Have an academic average of B+ (3.3/4.0) or better.
  • As an international student, have a TOEFL score of at least 90, IELTS score of at least 6.5 or Duolingo score of at least 115.

 

2021 Courses

Courses are taught by WashU instructors from across campus disciplines and research fields including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics. Course offerings rotate every summer and will be available for viewing beginning in December.

Program Fees

The program fee for High School Summer Scholars is $8,385 which includes all residential and most academic expenses. Need-based scholarship assistance is available.

Learn more about fees and scholarships

Pre-College Community Course

Students participating in our High School Summer Scholars Program are also enrolled in our Pre-College Community Course through Canvas. This course is designed to introduce students to our pre-college community and college life as well as to support students as they make the transition to undergraduate course work. The course includes: orientation materials, academic support and advising, ways to connect with peers, and wellness resources. Students complete a series of required activities as part of the course and earn a certificate of completion at its conclusion.

Through this course students also have the opportunity to earn a series of Learning Badges and a College Readiness Certificate. These optional enrichment activities are a great way for a student to build their resume over the summer and prepare for college success.

Learn More About Our Programs

Residential Life

learn about life on campus

Academic Success

learn about how we support students

College Readiness

develop skills for college success

How to Apply

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

  • $35 nonrefundable application fee
  • Transcript
  • Teacher recommendation
  • International applicants must send a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score report

The deadline to submit an application with essays and all supplemental information is April 1, 2021 at 11:59pm.

Questions about applying? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page.

Applications for 2021 will open November 2020.

As a first-generation college student I am learning the skills in this program that will allow me to be more successful when applying to college. This program is strengthening my college readiness before I enter my senior year. I love this program so much, I already plan to apply again next year!

―King James "KJ"rising junior from Cleveland, OH