8 Best Summer Immersion Programs for High School Freshmen

Summer immersion programs give high school freshmen the rare chance to explore academic passions early, build independence, and get a taste of university life. Unlike traditional summer camps, these programs are often more intensive, focused, and career-oriented—helping students stand out on future college applications while also developing confidence and curiosity.

For families who want to nurture their child’s potential, here are eight of the top summer immersion opportunities in the US.

1. Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Program

📍 Winston-Salem, North Carolina
💰 Cost: $3,200–$3,400
📅 Duration: One-week sessions in June and July
👥 Eligibility: Grades 9–12

Wake Forest’s Summer Immersion Program is one of the most versatile in the country, offering 23 career-focused tracks ranging from medicine to business and law. Students work in small cohorts, receive direct mentorship from professionals, and tackle hands-on projects designed to mirror real-world careers.

Applications open November 1 on a rolling basis (programs fill fast). For motivated freshmen, this program provides both a taste of college life and practical career exposure.

2. MISA Health Summer Program

📍 Oakland, California
💰 Cost: $1,950
📅 Duration: One-week sessions in throughout Spring & Summer
👥 Eligibility: High school students ages 15+

The MISA Health Summer Program is ideal for students exploring medicine or healthcare. Unlike many pre-college programs, MISA focuses on practical training: CPR certification, hospital simulations, and teamwork exercises. No prerequisites are required, making it accessible for students at the beginning of their journey.

This program helps build a resume of real skills while also connecting students with healthcare professionals who can guide their career interests.

3. Stanford University Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

📍 Stanford, California (online)
💰 Cost: $3,080
📅 Duration: Two-week sessions
👥 Eligibility: Grades 8–11

Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes are highly selective and attract gifted, motivated students from around the world. These live, online seminars are designed around advanced STEM, humanities, and creative subjects.

The seminar style ensures interactive, discussion-based learning—a hallmark of Stanford’s academic culture. For freshmen, it’s an excellent way to develop critical thinking and join a global community of peers.

4. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)

📍 US and international locations
💰 Cost: $3,149–$7,501
📅 Duration: Three-week sessions (late June–early August)
👥 Eligibility: Grades 2–12, admission test required

CTY is a longtime leader in gifted education. Students choose from over 70 courses in science, math, engineering, and writing. For high school freshmen, CTY offers both residential and day options with small classes and world-class instructors.

Because admission is test-based, CTY attracts a strong peer group of academically driven students—making it as much about community as it is about academics.

5. Brown University Pre-College Programs

📍 Providence, Rhode Island & Virtual
💰 Cost: $3,584–$17,162
📅 Duration: 1–7 weeks
👥 Eligibility: Grades 9–12, ages 14–18

Brown’s Summer@Brown mirrors the university’s open curriculum. Students select from 230+ courses in a wide range of subjects and experience life on an Ivy League campus.

The program emphasizes intellectual exploration and personal independence. For families seeking a flexible, customizable experience that balances rigor with creativity, Brown is a top choice.

6. University of California, Irvine x GATI

📍 Irvine, California & Virtual
💰 Cost: $4,795–$9,995
📅 Duration: 2–10 weeks (credit options)
👥 Eligibility: Grades 9–12

UCI x GATI offers credit-bearing courses in the safest city in America with year-round sunshine. Students dive into top-tier labs, entrepreneurship with real investor pitches, and unmatched leadership training.

Its flagship Biology Engineering AI Medicine (BEAM) program exposes students to cutting-edge biomedical research and lab innovation, while Game Science Entertainment Technology (GSET) explores the intersection of gaming, design, and computer science. Blending academic rigor with hands-on innovation, UCI x GATI gives high schoolers a transformative edge for college and beyond.

7. University of Chicago Pre-College Connect

📍 Chicago, IL & Virtual
💰 Cost: $2,500–$8,900 (aid available)
📅 Duration: 1–3 weeks in July
👥 Eligibility: Grades 9–11, age 14+

Known for its legendary intellectual intensity, UChicago’s Pre-College Connect brings students into seminar-style discussions and research-focused learning.

With courses like Evolution in Thought, Art, and Culture, freshmen are introduced to college-level inquiry and debate. The program is selective and costly, but offers a true UChicago experience for students eager to stretch themselves academically.

8. UC Berkeley Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP)

📍 Berkeley, California
💰 Cost: $710–$1,190 per course
📅 Duration: 5–6 weeks
👥 Eligibility: Grades 7–11

Berkeley’s ATDP Secondary Division is a budget-friendly option compared to many elite programs. Students take advanced courses (STEM, humanities, social sciences) in small class settings (20–24 students) taught by expert instructors.

The program emphasizes collaborative learning and critical thinking while giving students priority if they return in later years.

Why Summer Immersion Matters for Freshmen

For high school freshmen, immersion programs aren’t just about academics. They provide:

• College readiness – Early exposure to rigorous coursework and campus life
• Independence & confidence – Living away from home, managing schedules, and making new friends
• Career exploration – Hands-on experiences in medicine, law, engineering, and more
• Mentorship – Guidance from professors and industry professionals
• Competitive edge – Demonstrated initiative and maturity on college applications

For families, these programs are more than enrichment—they’re an investment in your child’s future.

Parent Insight: If you’re considering a summer program for your freshman, prioritize ones that combine academic rigor with mentorship and fit your child’s interests. The right program can shape not just their college applications but also their confidence and sense of direction.