Summers are a pivotal time where every move counts when it comes to impressing college admissions officers.

When you are out of school, you are able to show how you are able to spend your time independently to make progress towards your goals.

One of the best ways to do this is to participate in enriching summer programs.

If you wish to so do, what better thing to do than pick the most prestigious programs out there?

These immersive experiences offer you the chance to dive deep into your passions, work alongside brilliant minds, and tackle real-world challenges way beyond the scope of your typical classroom.

But here's the catch, and you know the deal – many of these programs are notoriously competitive, with single-digit acceptance rates.

The rewards can be invaluable: a taste of collegiate-level rigor, a community of like-minded peers who'll push you to new heights, and a resume-boosting accomplishment.

Don't worry, there are numerous blog guides on the website that you can read to learn how to craft an application for these programs.

The Programs Business Bank of America Student Leaders Hosting institution: Bank of America Application deadline: January 12th Cost: Free Format: In-person (Various and a week in Washington, D.

C. ) This program equips high school juniors and seniors with the skills to make a positive change in their communities.

Participants are paired with local nonprofits to complete an 8-week internship addressing community issues.

The program concludes with an all-expenses-paid Student Leader Summit in Washington, D.

C. , where students explore the connection between business, nonprofits, and government in problem-solving.

They also meet with their Congressional representatives to discuss pressing issues in their communities.

UT Austin’s McCombs Business School Summer Program Hosting institution: University of Texas at Austin Application Deadline: January 31st Cost: Free Format: In-person (Austin, TX) This free 6-day program allows high school students to gain new business skills.

Participants engage with industry representatives, McCombs students, and faculty.

You can choose from one of three programs: the McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA), Academy for Rising Leaders, and Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers.

Medicine/Biology Anson L.

Clark Scholars Program Hosting institution: Texas Tech University Acceptance rate: <3% Cost: Free Format: In-person (Lubbock, TX) Application deadline: Mid-February This intensive 7-week program offers exceptional high school students interested in biology the opportunity to work with outstanding professors at the University's General Health Sciences Center.

The program is research-based but also includes weekly hands-on seminars, discussions, and field trips.

It's very competitive, but its zero-cost and academic rigor make it a standout option.

Carl B. & Florence E.

King Foundation High School Summer Program Hosting Institution: MD Anderson Cancer Center Cost: Free Format: In person (Houston, TX) Application deadline: Mid-January This program is a dream opportunity for aspiring doctors.

Texas high school seniors participate in a research project under the guidance of an MD Anderson faculty member.

Students gain valuable experience in basic scientific research principles through hands-on lab work.

While only open to Texas students, this program makes biomedical research accessible to underrepresented communities.

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) Hosting institution: Stanford University Acceptance rate: 3-6% Cost: Free + paid stipends ($500-$1,500) Format: In-person (Stanford, CA) Application deadline: February 25th Primarily for Bay Area high school juniors and seniors, SIMR matches participants with Stanford faculty and postdoctoral fellows to work on medically-oriented research projects in top labs.

You can choose from 8 areas of research, including immunology, neurobiology, cancer, bioengineering, stem cell, cardiovascular, bioinformatics, and genetics.

While there are no dorms included, the program offers stipends to offset housing costs.

Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) at University of Pennsylvania Hosting institution: University of Pennsylvania Cost: Free Format: In person (Philadelphia, PA) Application deadline: May This highly competitive 4-week program is only available to Philadelphia high school students.

Accepted students participate in an immersive summer program hosted by UPenn's Perelman School of Medicine and Nursing School.

Participants gain valuable research experience under the guidance of esteemed faculty. (Virtual) Research Training Program (VRTP and RTP) Hosting institution: Seattle Children's Research Institute Cost: Free Format: Online or in-person (Seattle, WA) Application deadline: April 2nd This free 1-week program is designed for rising juniors and seniors from historically underrepresented communities.

The program features online lectures and lab demonstrations on biochemistry, immunology, and global health, as well as discussions on career and college options led by PhD-level scientists and educators.

For those living near Seattle, a 3-week in-person program with a stipend to offset transportation costs is also offered.

This hands-on program allows participants to gain practical lab experience.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) AI4ALL / UW Hosting institution: University of Washington’s Taskar Center for Accessible Technology Cost: Free Format: In-person (Seattle, WA) Application deadline: March 31st This free 2-week workshop introduces high school students from traditionally underrepresented groups to data science and artificial intelligence.

Participants learn how to understand, analyze, interpret, and discuss real-world applications of data science and machine learning, empowering them to understand the impact of technological decisions.

DSI Summer Lab Hosting institution: The University of Chicago Cost: Free + paid internship Format: In-person (Chicago, IL) Application deadline: February 12th This 10-week program is an immersive paid internship for high school (and undergraduate) students at the University of Chicago.

Participants are paired with a data science mentor in various domains, including computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research.

You'll gain valuable research skills in methodology, practices, and teamwork.

There's also the possibility of being selected for projects in their Social Impact Track.

No prior research experience is required to apply.

Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Program Hosting institution: Girls Who Code Cost: Free Format: Online Application deadline: April This program offers hands-on experience in computer science for female and non-binary high school students.

Participants choose between a 2-week intensive program or a more flexible 6-week self-paced version.

The curriculum covers beginner to intermediate CS concepts, the iterative design process, UX design basics, and even game design.

This program is a great way to gain valuable tech skills and connect with a supportive community of women in the field.

Laboratory Learning Program Hosting institution: Princeton University Cost: Free Format: In-person (Princeton, NJ) Application deadline: Mid-March This intensive 5-6 week summer program offers high school students the opportunity to work alongside prestigious Princeton faculty and research staff on ongoing research projects in engineering and natural sciences.

Students gain valuable research experience and submit a 2-page research summary at the program's conclusion.

This paper can be a strong asset for college applications and future research endeavors.

MITES Summer Hosting institution: MIT Cost: Free Format: In-person (Cambridge, MA) Application deadline: February 1st This challenging 6-week residential program is geared towards rising high school seniors from historically underrepresented and underserved communities.

Participants attend seminars with esteemed STEM professionals, tour local companies that employ MITES alumni, and engage with an extraordinary support network.

Many MITES alumni go on to study at top universities like MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Brown, and Stanford.

Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) Hosting institution: Carnegie Mellon University Cost: Free Format: In person (Pittsburgh, PA) (with an online “pre-course”) Application deadline: March 9th This 5-week program is a great opportunity for high school students to delve deep into engineering.

Participants explore math, science, attend seminars, writing workshops, and participate in small group mentoring sessions.

The program fosters collaborative learning and provides guidance on financial aid and college admissions.

This fully funded program is designed to increase access to STEM fields for traditionally underrepresented communities.

UC Irvine’s Math ExpLR Summer Research Program Hosting institution: University of California Irvine Cost: Free Format: In-person (Irvine, CA) Application deadline: March This 6-week program in mathematical biology brings together teams of high school and undergraduate students to work on research projects.

Students present their findings at the end of the program.

Workshops and guest lectures cover topics such as Matlab programming, mathematical modeling, giving research presentations, and writing a research paper.

Project themes vary each year.

Women’s Technology Program (WTP) Hosting institution: MIT Cost: Free Format: In-person (Cambridge, MA) Application deadline: January 15th This rigorous 4-week program is designed for female students interested in engineering.

Participants solve problems and gain exposure to electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering.

It's a great program for students who are new to engineering but have a strong interest in the field.

While there is no dorm provided, students commute to the program location.

Humanities and Social Science Princeton’s Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) Hosting institution: Princeton University Cost: Free (all expenses covered) Format: Online and in-person (Princeton, NJ) Application deadline: End of February Founded by Princeton alumni to increase diversity in newsrooms, PSJP offers a unique blend of online learning and a 10-day residential program at Princeton.

Participants engage in discussion-based classes on humanities, arts, culture, and history with renowned educators and journalists.

You'll also tour major news organizations, conduct your own investigative reporting, collaborate on a group blog, and have your work published in the program's Princeton Summer Journal.

USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement Hosting institution: University of Southern California Cost: Free Format: In-person (Los Angeles, CA) Application deadline: Early March This 3-week program strengthens high school students' skills in writing, critical thinking, public speaking, multimedia production, interviewing, and ethnography.

Led by professional journalists, the program introduces participants to various media formats, like news reports, radio programs, and podcasts.

Students also explore the role media plays in civic engagement.

This program is a great choice for students interested in journalism, media, or communications careers.

Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) Hosting institution: Various colleges and universities across the US Cost: Free (all expenses covered) Format: In-person (Residential seminar at various locations) Application deadline: Early February This unique program offers a 6-week residential seminar experience on a different college campus each year.

Highly selective, TASS brings together a diverse group of intellectually curious high school students to discuss great works of literature, history, and philosophy with exceptional faculty.

This program is a great option for students who enjoy lively discussions and challenging themselves with complex ideas.

Multidisciplinary NYU’s Free High School Programs Hosting Institution: New York University Cost: Free Format: Varies (Online and in-person) Application deadline: Varies by program NYU offers a diverse range of free summer programs for high school students.

Programs cover a variety of topics, including global affairs, creative writing, law, medicine, business, and public policy.

These programs often last a week or two and are led by NYU faculty and industry professionals.

This is a great option for students who want to explore specific academic interests in a shorter summer program.

Pomona Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) Hosting Institution: Pomona College Cost: Free Format: In-person (Claremont, CA) Application deadline: Mid-February This 6-week program is designed to prepare high school students from underrepresented backgrounds for college success.

Through workshops, seminars, and college application guidance, PAYS equips students with the academic, social, and financial literacy skills needed to thrive at a four-year institution.

This program is a great option for students who want to strengthen their college applications and gain a head start on their academic journey.

Conclusions If you have looked through this list of programs, it is clear that you are interested in continuing to enrich yourself academically.

If you are inclined towards STEM subjects, I would suggest that you learn about other options through Rishab’s Ultimate STEM Student Guide, which is available to anyone completely for free.

It has 50+ competitions for you to consider, as well as research opportunities, a guide to internships and research, as well as cold email templates.

About Eashan Iyer:I am a founding member of The Qurios Institute (the company that runs this blog) and an incoming student at Brown University.

In 2023, I co-authored a research paper in the field of theoretical physics.

I am also an Eagle Scout and a senior at The Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering in Rockaway, NJ.

Learn more about me at my website and LinkedIn.