Boston University Summer Term – High School Honors

As a BU High School Honors student, you will:

• Select two BU undergraduate courses from more than 80 available offerings in a variety of subjects. 
• Get a real college experience in the heart of Boston, attending class alongside undergraduate students from BU and other colleges around the US and the world.
• Earn up to 8 college credits that you can apply to your future studies.
• Benefit from BU’s world-class faculty, academic advising, and resources.
• Build new friendships and connections that can last a lifetime

*Qualified juniors need to be in Honors and/or AP courses.

English is the language of instruction at BU and a high degree of competency is assumed. International students need to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or an equivalent exam. Our program requires students to have minimum English proficiency levels equivalent to:

• 90–100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum of 20 in each section
• 7 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

If you are not able to obtain a TOEFL or IELTS score, you may submit a Duolingo score this year. High School Honors students are expected to score above a 120 on the Duolingo test.

• May 23, 2025
• International student and financial aid applications are due March 14, 2025

​

The following items are required to complete the online application.

​

Please use the below information to prepare your application ahead of time if necessary, as applications cannot be saved and finished later.

• Personal statement: You will be required to submit a personal statement of 500–750 words describing why you want to attend the High School Honors program.
• Two recommendations: You will also be required to enter the email addresses for two people who will submit a recommendation on your behalf. One recommendation should be from an academic teacher, and the other recommendation should be from a counselor, advisor, or teacher who knows you well. Once you submit your online application, instructions for submitting a recommendation will be emailed automatically to your recommenders.
• Application fee: A nonrefundable application fee, paid by credit card, is required at the time of submission of the online application form.

​

Upload supplemental materials (you will receive an upload link via email).

• High school transcript: Your full high school transcript must include your fall grades (in a quarter system, this includes first and second quarter grades).
• Standardized test scores: We have adopted a standardized test-optional policy. Should you choose to submit a SAT, ACT, PSAT, or PreACT as part of your application, please upload an unofficial copy of the score along with your other supplemental materials (a screenshot is fine). We will not receive them if you send them through the testing agency. In order to be accepted, your full name must be visible on the score report. Note that this test-optional policy does not apply to English language proficiency exams, which are still required for international applicants.
• International documents: International students must upload additional forms with their application in order to obtain an F-1 student visa. We also require proof of English language proficiency, such as scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or an equivalent exam.

​

Fax or mail financial documents (financial aid applicants only).

• Financial aid documents: If applying for financial aid, relevant supplemental materials must be faxed or sent by post (fax preferred). Do not email or upload these materials. For more information, please visit our Tuition, Aid, & Payment page. Please note that students enrolled in only one course (commuter or online) and international students are not eligible for financial aid.

​

Applications are only reviewed after all of the materials listed above are received.

• Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and only applications with all of the required materials are reviewed. Students will be contacted via email once the application is complete. Applications will be reviewed starting at the beginning of January. Please allow three weeks after submitting a completed application for a decision to be made.

Limited financial aid is available for the High School Honors program. Please note that awards are based on both financial need and academic merit.

​

Financial aid documents must be uploaded with other supplemental documents. You will receive an upload link via email upon successful submission of your application. Do not email these documents. 

​

If you would like to be considered for financial aid, please submit the following documents: 

• Pages 1 and 2 of your parents’ or guardians’ 2023 or 2024 Federal Income Tax Form (filed in 2024 or 2025). Social security numbers must be blocked out before uploading.
• A letter from your parent or guardian describing your general financial situation and the particular circumstances that prevent you from paying the full tuition and fees.

• Applications open on December 15, 2025

​