About the Program
A Taste of College
Every summer, approximately 1,000 motivated high school students from the United States and abroad who have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior year experience college life at Harvard, America’s oldest university. As a Secondary School Program (SSP) student, you will find Harvard Summer School challenging, rewarding, and exciting both academically and personally. You will test yourself by taking college-level courses along with undergraduate students and explore subjects not available at your high school. You will work with a distinguished faculty, use well-equipped labs, and study in the largest university library system in the world. In addition, you will learn to make choices and organize your time while becoming better prepared for college.
SSP participants learn from their fellow students as well as from faculty. You will meet and make friends with people from all areas of the United States and more than 90 countries around the world who typically attend Harvard each summer.
Discussing politics over dinner in Annenberg Hall, studying in Widener Library with classmates, and playing soccer or volleyball are only a few of the ways you will get to know other students at the Summer School.
For many, the Secondary School Program also provides their first experience of dormitory life. You will have the independence and freedom to set your own goals for the summer, but when you need advice or help, your resident proctor will be available.
By the time Harvard Summer School ends, you will have grown both as a student and as a person. Experiencing the responsibilities of college will give you the confidence to succeed as you finish your secondary school career and enter the next phase of your life—college.
To get a feel for what it’s like to attend the SSP at Harvard Summer School, view the slideshow and the open house video.
"I now have a totally different perspective on the world and a better idea of what direction my life will take."
Contact Us
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us.
Secondary School Program
51 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 495-3192
fax (617) 496-4525
ssp@hudce.harvard.edu