10 Ivy League Courses for High School Students
Exploring Ivy League courses as a high school student is an exceptional way to dive into advanced learning and gain a competitive edge for college admissions. These prestigious programs open doors to college-level material, allowing students to deepen their expertise in subjects they’re passionate about, build advanced skills, and experience the rigor of higher education. Ivy League courses are designed to challenge students, encouraging them to think critically, problem-solve, and engage in discussions that stretch beyond the typical high school curriculum.
Beyond academic enrichment, participating in these courses signals a strong commitment to learning and a readiness to tackle complex ideas — qualities highly regarded in college admissions. These experiences not only enrich students' educational journeys but also provide a glimpse into college life, from interacting with professors to collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds.
From neuropsychology to creative writing, here are 10 Ivy League courses for high school students that offer the chance to learn from the best and build a strong foundation for your future.
1. Columbia University College Edge: Spring
Cost: $2,376 per point (typically 3 points per course)
Location: Columbia University, Morningside Heights, NY (no residential options)
Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
Course Dates: January 21 - May 16, 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11-12 with a 3.3+ GPA
Columbia University's College Edge program provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to earn college credits by taking courses alongside Columbia undergraduates. Designed to build both academic and career foundations, the program includes workshops focused on college preparation in addition to challenging coursework. Students can explore a broad selection of subjects, from psychology to economics, computer science, math, and more, with up to six credits available for completion.
Held on the Morningside Heights campus, this program allows students to experience the rigor of college-level coursework and develop academic skills essential for success in higher education. Participants are expected to spend about two to three hours on assignments for every hour of class, emulating the intensity of a real college experience. During the program, students will also benefit from targeted college prep activities to further prepare them for the demands of higher education. Explore all available courses here.
2. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students
Cost: $5,800 per session, plus a $75 application fee (limited financial aid available)
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline:
Early Decision: January 8, 2025
Regular Decision: February 12, 2025
Late Decision: April 9, 2025 (if spaces are available)
Course Dates:
Session 1: June 22 - July 3, 2025
Session 2: July 6 - 18, 2025
Session 3: July 20 - August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who will graduate high school in 2026 or 2027 and are at least 16 years old
Harvard University’s Pre-College Program offers high school students an immersive, 2-week summer experience designed to introduce them to the challenges of college life. This non-credit program allows students to focus deeply on a single subject of their choice, without the pressure of grades, in small, seminar-style classes averaging 15 students. Topics span various fields, including psychology, law, literature, business, and STEM, and are taught by Harvard faculty and scholars.
Beyond the classroom, the Pre-College Program includes co-curricular activities, college readiness workshops, and social events to foster friendships and develop essential life skills. Students receive a written evaluation and transcript with either a "Met All Requirements" or "Did Not Meet Requirements" grade, which they can use to strengthen their college applications.
3. Cornell Precollege Studies - Winter Session
Cost: $1,840 per credit
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
Course Dates: January 2 - 18, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Cornell's Precollege Studies program offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credits through online courses during a focused, 3-week period. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore Cornell’s rigorous academics from anywhere in the world, working alongside undergraduates and under the guidance of Cornell’s esteemed faculty. Participants can choose from a variety of subjects, such as business, health, humanities, and sciences, designed to fit both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning formats.
Courses are hosted on the Canvas platform, with access to interactive learning tools, video lectures, and discussion boards, providing a comprehensive online learning experience. Credits earned are recorded on an official Cornell transcript, which may be transferable to Cornell or other universities. The program includes one-on-one admissions counseling and the chance to connect with a diverse group of motivated students.
4. Summer@Brown
Cost: Varies based on course length and location; financial aid is available
Location: Brown University campus, Providence, RI (with online and hybrid options)
Application Deadline: Applications open January 15, 2025, and close on May 9, 2025
Course Dates: June 16 - July 25, 2025 (subject to be updated with more dates)
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12
Brown University’s Summer@Brown program is a flexible pre-college experience for high school students that allows them to explore a wide range of subjects in a grade-free environment. This popular program offers over 230 non-credit courses across diverse fields such as science, technology, humanities, and arts, designed to provide an authentic college experience on Brown’s Providence campus.
Students can select from various course lengths, with sessions ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. This setup allows participants to focus on academic exploration without the pressure of formal grades, which is in line with Brown's emphasis on student-centered learning. Outside of class, students participate in workshops, campus events, and social activities designed to foster community and introduce them to college life.
5. Mechanical Engineering III: Dynamics @ Yale
Cost: $5070 + $85 technology fee
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June. Details for 2025 will be available by mid-January
Course Dates: 5 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with prerequisites in physics and calculus
Yale University’s "Mechanical Engineering III: Dynamics" virtually explores core mechanical engineering concepts. This intensive, five-week course is designed for those interested in fields like aerospace, robotics, and physics, covering topics in kinematics, particle dynamics, and rigid body mechanics.
A central focus of this course is understanding gyroscopes and devices crucial for orientation control in vehicles, such as ships, aircraft, and drones. Classes are held twice a week in the evenings, with additional problem-solving sessions led by teaching assistants to reinforce concepts. Through lectures, assignments, and exams, students gain an in-depth understanding of mechanical systems and the mathematics that govern their movement.
6. Introduction to Biology A @ UPenn
Cost: $13,648 (1 CU) to $16,248 (1.5 CU for lab component)
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Course Dates: July 1 - August 9, 2025
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
The University of Pennsylvania’s “Introduction to Biology A” course is a rigorous, credit-bearing program designed for high school students with a keen interest in life sciences. Offered as part of Penn’s Pre-College Program, this course covers foundational biology topics, including cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry, with a focus on real-world applications in areas like energy, food security, and healthcare. Most courses offer 1 credit unit (c.u.), with some reaching 1.5 c.u when a lab component is included.
The curriculum emphasizes the connections between biological principles and current global challenges, preparing students for advanced studies in biology or pre-health fields. Classes are held in person on Penn’s campus, allowing students to experience college life while participating in a structured academic program. Those who successfully complete the course earn a Penn transcript, which can be valuable for future college applications.
7. Science, Technology, and War @ UPenn
Cost: $13,648 (1 CU)
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Course Dates: July 1 - August 9, 2025
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
The University of Pennsylvania’s "Science, Technology, and War" course is a thought-provoking exploration of how advancements in military science and technology have shaped warfare and society, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. Topics include the ethical implications of machine guns, the role of submarines in warfare, the development of chemical weapons, and the far-reaching impacts of nuclear technology. Through these discussions, students gain an understanding of the interplay between technological innovation and the human cost of warfare.
Classes meet twice weekly, allowing students to delve into complex subjects through readings, lectures, and discussions led by Penn faculty. Other subjects cover industrial and total warfare, the psychological effects of trench combat, the atomic bomb’s impact on the Cold War, and the portrayal of conflict in the “television war” of the 1990s. Upon completion, students earn academic credit, which can be valuable for college applications.
8. Introduction to Experimental Psychology @ UPenn
Cost: $13,648 (1 CU)
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Course Dates: July 1 - August 9, 2025
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
The University of Pennsylvania's "Introduction to Experimental Psychology" is another course in the school’s Pre-College Program, offering high school students an introduction to the study of human behavior and cognitive processes. Areas of focus include neuropsychology, cognition, learning, developmental psychology, personality, psychological disorders, and social interactions, among others.
The course emphasizes the scientific method and research approaches within psychology, allowing students to explore both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in psychological studies. Classes include lectures, discussions, and research-oriented activities, culminating in a solid foundation for further studies in psychology or related fields. Upon successful completion, students receive academic credit that appears on an official Penn transcript.
9. Design Thinking @ Dartmouth
Cost: $4,799 - $9,299, depending on duration and residential options
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (open until filled)
Course Dates: June 29 - July 11, 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11
Dartmouth Summer Discovery is tailored for high school students who want to dive into a variety of subjects, learn from experienced instructors, and connect with driven, curious peers worldwide. This program introduces participants to the fundamentals of human-centered design, equipping them with creative problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges.
Students engage in hands-on exercises that build competencies in brainstorming, prototyping, and user research. Through discussions, case studies, and h projects, students will explore how design thinking is essential for tackling the complex challenges of the modern era. At the course's conclusion, students will use these concepts to address a real-world issue they select.
10. Creative Writing @ Dartmouth
Cost: $4,799 - $9,299, depending on duration and residential options
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (open until filled)
Course Dates: June 29 - July 11, 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Dartmouth College’s Creative Writing course is an intensive 2-week workshop for high school students offered through the Summer Discovery program. This course focuses on helping students develop their skills in both fiction and nonfiction writing, covering forms such as short stories, personal essays, and narrative nonfiction. Creative writing can be a journey of self-reflection and discovery, sparking new ideas and perspectives.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants engage in small group workshops that encourage constructive feedback, helping them refine their writing style, enhance their creative expression, and develop critical evaluation skills. Throughout the program, students read and analyze excerpts from celebrated authors and participate in guest speaker sessions where professional writers share insights into their creative processes.
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