Summer Challenge
For rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, the Boston University Summer Challenge program is an ideal opportunity to explore existing interests, investigate new topics, examine subjects not offered in high school, and maybe even determine a college major. The two-week, residential summer program offers a preview of college life, while non-credit coursework allows students to concentrate on a high level of learning and achievement alongside their peers, without focusing on grades.
Selecting two Boston University seminars, Summer Challenge students participate in lectures, discussions, individual and group work, project-based assignments, and field trips. Students often choose one seminar based on an existing interest, using their second seminar to explore something completely new. Small class sizes of about twenty students ensure ample attention from experienced college instructors.
Students in the Boston University Summer Challenge program are introduced to the rigors of college-level study—and they also learn to balance their workload and social life. Ensuring a comprehensive college experience, the program immerses students in a strong, supportive social community. Daily activities on campus and throughout the city provide many opportunities to meet and engage with other participants, while getting to know Boston.

Summer Challenge was probably the best two weeks of my summer. I loved the classes, the introduction to college life, and the people.
I wish it never ended!
Get Started:
- Choose Your Seminars
- How to Apply
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Breaking out of the comfort zone

Julius
For me, Summer Challenge was about breaking out of my shell and testing the boundaries of my own comfort zone. Whether it was moderating a debate on US foreign policy the first day of my International Relations seminar, or "popping" and "locking" with the Program Assistants during free-time at the Fitness & Recreation Center, this two weeks was all about exploring the new. And the people I met were the biggest part of that.
What I found in Summer Challenge was a brand new group of friends, composed of students from all different backgrounds—geographically, ethnically, politically, and more. What we had in common was a yearning to explore a vibrant, evolving campus like BU, and a youthful but historic city like Boston.
Most importantly, we shared a newfound interest in what college had in store for us. It became clear that life after high school would definitely involve new time management skills, the ability to take hold of opportunities around you, and of course, new friends. Two weeks in Boston seemed so short, but it taught us a little bit about all of those things—and the prolonged and postponed goodbyes definitely spoke to the impact we had on each other!
The big take away...
Summer Challenge was a glimpse into life as a college student. Choosing classes pertaining to my interests, adjusting to life with a roommate, and maintaining friendships that could otherwise be short-lived were all lessons that I carried into my time as a full-time student here at Boston University.