Program Overview
High School Summer Launch is a noncredit program designed to challenge and inspire you as you build a foundation for future study and academic exploration. You will attend lectures with WashU instructors introducing you to the undergraduate classroom and scholarly inquiry. College advising workshops take the confusion out of the college application process, while you create a personalized plan for choosing and applying to college. Interactive afternoon sessions allow for self-discovery as you learn to hone specific skills such as growth mindset, curiosity, and leadership.
High School Summer Launch is an excellent opportunity to:
- Gain confidence in the college classroom and community.
- Examine potential majors and career paths.
- Gain a general understanding of the college application and financial aid process.
- Develop key college readiness skills including communication, time management, and group collaboration.
High School Summer Launch participants may choose to reside on campus or commute. 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.
2026 Dates
High School Summer Launch is offered from July 12-18, 2026. The schedule is as follows:
- July 12: Residential student move-in; orientation for all participants
- July 13-17: Daily sessions from 9:00am-4:00pm
- July 18: Residential student move-out
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 for commuters and $1,485 for residential participants. 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.
