Harvard Pre-College Program 2026
Are you a high school student or in your first year of a bachelor’s degree, and do you want to dig deeper into a subject at a leading university over the summer through Harvard’s pre-college programs: the Pre-College Program (non-credit) and the Secondary School Program (Harvard college credit)? These enrichment programs in Cambridge, Massachusetts offer an immersive experience lasting 2 to 7 weeks. You explore a subject in depth, spend time on a prestigious campus and strengthen your application for an international bachelor’s degree.
Harvard Pre-College Program: official booking
Enrollment, on-campus housing and YDS support are coordinated through our partner La Route des Langues.
The program at a glance
The Harvard Pre-College programs in Cambridge, Massachusetts are run by Harvard University (Harvard Summer School: Pre-College Program and Secondary School Program). Typical format: residential, with on-campus student housing, meals included, and teaching and supervision by faculty or doctoral students. Admission is selective and based on an application (transcripts, a personal statement, and sometimes a letter of recommendation and an interview).
Who is this program for?
Students in their final two years of high school and first-year undergraduates planning to apply to universities abroad.
- English level: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (sometimes B2, verified at interview)
- Academic profile: an average of 15/20 or a GPA of 3.5+, with a strong record
- Soft skills: independence and genuine curiosity about the subject
Curriculum and skills you’ll develop
Lectures, hands-on workshops, small-group projects and field visits.
Key skills you’ll develop:
- Transferable Harvard college credit (SSP)
- Ivy League study methods
- Academic writing in English
- Research in Widener Library
- Student life on a historic campus
At the end of the program, you leave with a completed project, an official certificate from the university and, often, a letter of recommendation from your supervising instructor.
A typical day
The exact schedule depends on the program you choose. Excursions and visits take place on weekends.
Cost and accommodation
2026 budget: $5,200 to $14,500, including tuition, accommodation and meals. Flights, travel health insurance and spending money are extra.
Booking through La Route des Langues, a YDS partner
You enroll through our partner La Route des Langues, which coordinates program selection, the application, on-campus student housing, airport transfers, adult supervision and 24/7 on-site support. YDS adds admissions coaching to help you showcase the program in your bachelor’s application.
See prices & book →Frequently asked questions
How long does the program usually last?
2 to 7 weeks, depending on the format. Shorter programs offer a taster; longer ones let you go deeper.
What level of English do I need?
TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (B2-C1).
How do I enroll?
Through our partner La Route des Langues. See the booking page →
How can YDS help me showcase this program in my application?
Program selection, personal statement coaching, interview preparation and timeline planning. See our coaching service.
🎓 Ready to enroll?
Prices, dates and 2026 availability directly from our partner La Route des Langues.
Book the program →