If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, you’ve probably heard of MIT, one of the most prestigious schools in these fields. A lot of world-changing research has come out of it, so it makes sense to consider its summer opportunities, which are a great way to deepen your knowledge and pursue your interests.
Summers are also a pivotal time when it comes to college admissions, a chance to show how you spend your time and the progress you make toward your goals. Many of these programs are completely free, which keeps them accessible to talented students regardless of background. Below is a list of programs, along with tips to help you get accepted.
The Programs
Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Hosting institution: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Cost: Free
Format: Online and in-person (Cambridge, MA)
Application deadline: March 31st
BWSI is a project-based learning program run by MIT. Its courses all involve engineering of some kind, from building a racecar to testing ideas on a quantum computing simulator, with both virtual and in-person components.
MITES Summer
Hosting institution: MIT
Cost: Free
Format: In-person (Cambridge, MA)
Application deadline: February 1st
MITES Summer is a challenging 6-week residential program at MIT for rising high school seniors, geared toward students from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. MIT fully covers housing, and many participants go on to study at top schools.
MIT PRIMES and PRIMES USA
Hosting institution: MIT (MIT PRIMES | PRIMES USA)
Cost: Free
Format: Online (PRIMES USA) and in-person (Cambridge, MA)
Application deadline: November 30th
MIT PRIMES is a year-long research mentorship in mathematics and computer science. PRIMES is for commuting students in the Greater Boston area, while PRIMES USA is an online program for students across the country. You work on an advanced project, collaborate with faculty and grad students, and give an oral presentation, and some students publish their work. About 45% of PRIMES alumni go on to attend MIT.
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Hosting institution: Center for Excellence in Education
Acceptance rate: <5%
Cost: Free
Format: In-person (Cambridge, MA)
Application deadline: mid-January
RSI is one of the most rigorous and prestigious summer programs around, admitting about 100 high school juniors each year from a pool of thousands of applicants. Hosted at MIT, it includes a five-week research internship plus the development of a written and oral presentation, which you give in the final week.
Students are selected on academic achievement, research potential, and personal qualities like creativity, leadership, and motivation. The program is free, with all expenses paid, including travel, room and board, and research supplies.
Women’s Technology Program (WTP)
Hosting institution: MIT
Acceptance rate: 3%
Cost: Free
Format: In-person (Cambridge, MA)
Application deadline: January 15th
WTP is a rigorous 4-week commuter program for the summer after your junior year. Full-time U.S. residence is an eligibility requirement, and enrollment is limited to 20 students. Classes are designed and taught by MIT graduate students with support from undergraduates. In past years, the focus has been on electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering.
Beyond the in-person classes and activities, participants complete assignments at home in the evening, and the program provides loaner laptops for this. Apply to WTP if you enjoy problem-solving and are newer to but very interested in engineering. Financial assistance is available for public transportation if commuting costs would be a hardship for the student’s family.
Tips
Each application asks for information a little differently, but here’s a breakdown of what to consider when putting one together. These are the main factors that determine whether you’re accepted.
High school academic record: maintain a competitive GPA and strength in math, science, and engineering courses. You’ll submit a high school transcript as proof, which you can request from your counselor or academic supervisor.
Standardized test scores: many programs look at all of your standardized test scores, including the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and any AP tests, and they often recommend taking the PSAT. You’ll want to score well, though strong scores alone won’t guarantee acceptance.
Extracurricular activities and awards: many programs ask you to concisely outline your major activities and awards. These can range from winning math olympiads to science journal publications, and even leadership in STEM clubs or hackathons counts. They want to see that you’ve taken initiative in your interests.
They also want to see that you do more than just STEM. Some applications include a section for non-STEM extracurriculars, from sports teams to poetry clubs.
Letters of recommendation: most programs require recommendations from teachers or research supervisors. It helps to have others vouch for you, which is why it’s worth building strong relationships with your teachers and anyone you work with.
Essays: essays let you show who you really are, and they’re also an assessment of your writing, since scientists need to communicate their results well. Don’t sleep on them. They’re the last thing within your control when it comes time to apply.
Conclusion
If you’ve read through this list, you’re clearly interested in enriching yourself academically. Since you’re into STEM, I’d recommend exploring more options through Rishab’s Ultimate STEM Student Guide, which is free for anyone. It includes 50+ competitions to consider, research opportunities, a guide to internships and research, and cold email templates.
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