Secondary School Program
Program · Harvard Summer School · Cambridge, MA + online
Take Harvard Summer School courses for credit alongside college students. Open enrollment.
Our take
The college credit is real. The Harvard name on your transcript is not what admissions offices think it is.
“Helps an application” is our read on how much an admissions reader is likely to weigh it: Strong means getting in or placing is a real achievement, Solid means it shows real interest and effort, and Light usually means most students who apply and pay can attend. It’s our opinion, not a ranking from any college, and a light one can still be a great summer.
The details
- Run by
- Harvard Summer School
- Type
- Program
- Format
- Format varies, Cambridge, MA + online
- When
- Summer, 7 weeks
- Who can apply
- 10th–11th grade
- How hard to get in
- Open
- Cost
- Over $5k, with financial aid or fee waivers
- Deadline
- Usually closes in April or May.
- Subjects
- Any subject
Dates, costs and rules change every year. Check the official site before you apply. Last checked October 18, 2026.
Questions
Is Secondary School Program worth it?
The college credit is real. The Harvard name on your transcript is not what admissions offices think it is. On how much it helps a college application, we rate it light.
How much does Secondary School Program cost?
It costs more than $5,000. Financial aid or fee waivers are available. Check the official site for this year’s price.
When is the Secondary School Program deadline?
Usually closes in April or May. Exact dates change every year, so confirm on the official site.
Who can apply to Secondary School Program?
Students in 10th–11th grade. It is open, so most students who apply and pay can attend.
Want a list picked for you?
Clarity Prep members get opportunities matched to their grade, interests and state in the app, plus a mentor who helps them decide what’s worth applying to and checks in every week until the applications are in.
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