Notebooks on desk

Programs

Continue on your path of academic excellence

Please note: for the 2021 summer all programs will be offered online.

Students may choose from one of the following summer programs:

  • High School Summer Academy 
    • 11th grade (graduating in 2022)*
    • Enroll in one undergraduate course for credit and one noncredit research development course
    • Create an original research project 
    • June 14-July 16, 2021
  • High School Summer Scholars Program
    • 11th grade (graduating in 2022)*
    • Enroll in two undergraduate courses for credit 
    • July 19-August 19, 2021
  • Early College Scholars Program
    • 11th grade (graduating in 2022)* 
    • Enroll in one undergraduate course for credit
    • June 14-July 16 or July 19-August 19, 2021
    • New for 2021! Early College Scholars Program: Language, Arts, & Culture Session
      • Special selection of courses focused on foreign language, art, and culture
      • See web page for course listings and dates
  • High School Summer Institutes 
    • 9th, 10th, and 11th grade (graduating in 2022, 2023, or 2024)
    • Interdisciplinary, noncredit programs with a focused theme
      • Healthcare Continuum Institute; June 14-25, 2021
      • Creative Immersion Institute; June 28-July 9, 2021
  • Exploration Courses 
    • 9th, 10th, and 11th grade (graduating in 2022, 2023, or 2024)
    • Noncredit courses that explore a specific topic more in depth
    • See web page for 2021 courses and dates
  • Middle School Summer Challenge
    • 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students during the 2020-2021 academic year
    • Arts/humanities and STEM courses combined with leadership and team building activities
    • See web page for 2021 session dates

*Current 9th and 10th graders (graduating in 2023 or 2024) are welcome to apply. We may ask for additional supplemental information based on the student's academic record.

Why WashU?

This is a question we often hear from parents and students. There are many reasons a pre-college program at WashU stands apart from other universities:

Commitment to academic success

Whether students choose to attend a for credit or noncredit program the benefits are the same. Students gain invaluable experience managing time, studying for exams, writing papers, and collaborating with peers.

Learn more about our academic success curriculum

Development of college readiness skills

Through our challenging and innovative programming, students develop skills that prepare them for college success, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Learn more about our college readiness curriculum

Collaborative and supportive community

All of our students, whether in-person or virtual, are part of our pre-college community a network of students and staff from across the country and around the world.

Learn more about our community curriculum
Student studying in library

Dedicated One-on-one Support

We know that attending a pre-college program can be an exciting, but sometimes challenging experience. We also recognize that each student will have their own individual needs during the program. This is why we assign each student a program assistant to provide academic and social support. Students meet regularly with their program assistant to discuss questions and concerns, provide insight on campus resources, and encourage social involvement.

Not sure which program is right for you?

Let us help!