If you are a high school student with an interest in computer science, artificial intelligence, or machine learning, you should consider joining a competitive program! These programs can significantly enhance your college applications, setting you apart from other applicants. They are a great way to build your skills and go on to showcase them at prestigious competitions like USACO. Through these programs, you also demonstrate your commitment and passion for computer science. 

To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 5 competitive computer science programs designed specifically for high school students. 

1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: MIT

Cost: Free

Program dates: June 23 - August 3, 2024 

Application Deadline: December 13, 2023

Acceptance Rate: 5%

Eligibility: Rising High School Seniors. It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34. 

Each summer, 100 of the world's most accomplished high school students gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is a cost-free, summer science & engineering program that combines on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research. RSI consists of a week of intensive STEM classes followed by a five-week research internship, culminating in the preparation of written and oral presentations on your research projects. You'll be working in your assigned laboratories, engaging directly with computational research and taking advantage of MIT's extensive computing resources.

It’s important to note that RSI is highly intensive and may not be for everyone since the fast-paced environment may be overwhelming. You will be expected to quickly assimilate advanced concepts and contribute meaningfully to ongoing research projects. At the end of the program, you will get the chance to write a research paper and give an oral presentation, which you may even get to present at various academic conferences!

For a deep dive into the program, check out this article!

2. Carnegie Mellon University - CS/AI Scholars Program

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Cost: Free

Program dates: June 22 - July 20, 2024

Application Deadline: March 1, 2024

Acceptance Rate: 4%

Eligibility: To be eligible for CS/AI Scholars, students must: Be at least 16 years old by the program start date, Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students who are registered with DACA are also eligible, Be a junior in high school at time of application submission. Underrepresented students are strongly encouraged to apply

Through the CMU AI/CS Scholars program, you will take college-level coursework in artificial intelligence and computer science theory. The academic portion of the AI Scholars program is structured around project-based learning, with lectures covering diverse aspects of computing and artificial intelligence. You'll work on hands-on group projects, tackling real-world challenges through AI solutions, which culminates in a presentation to your peers and instructors. This project-centric approach will help you apply theoretical knowledge to more practical scenarios, enhancing your understanding and skills in AI/CS. 

You will also get the chance to attend seminars and panels with AI experts and get a chance to network. The program also includes a virtual pre-program Python course, ensuring that all participants, regardless of their prior coding experience, have a solid foundation. The final output is a capstone group presentation at the AIS closing symposium.

For a deep dive into the program, check out this article!

3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Location: Texas Tech University

Cost: Free

Program dates: June 16 to August 1, 2024

Application deadline: February 15, 2024

Acceptance Rate: 3%

Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in 2023 or 2024. International students are eligible to apply.

The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is a highly prestigious program offered to 12 highly qualified high school juniors and seniors to engage in an intensive seven-week summer research program at Texas Tech University. As a participant, you will delve into computer science topics such as virtual and augmented reality, big data visualization and visual analytics, and human-computer interaction. This program is highly selective and you will be chosen based on academic achievements, teacher recommendations, and career objectives. Past scholars boast SAT scores in the 99th percentile.

Beyond the research component, the Clark Scholars Program enriches your experience through weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips. The culmination of your work depends on your chosen output - research papers, presentations, or group projects.  

If you are interested in this program, check out this deep dive into the program!

4. MIT Beaverworks Summer Institute

Location: In-Person at MIT and Virtual

Cost: Free

Program dates: July 8 - August 4, 2024

Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

Acceptance Rate: Undisclosed

Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) will provide you with a comprehensive foundation in computer science education via project-based learning. Since its inception in 2016, BWSI has expanded significantly, offering classes like Autonomous RACECAR Grand Prix, Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing, CubeSat Development, Design of Assistive Technology, and many more. Over the course of four weeks, you will engage in workshop-style courses that emphasize how computer science theory can be applied to more practical, real-world projects. You’ll end the program with a functioning prototype, a research paper, or a presentation.

There are prerequisite online tutorials that ensure that all students have the necessary STEM background. You will gain exposure to MIT’s cutting-edge technologies and methodologies as well as network with MIT instructors. 

For a deep dive into BWSI, check out this article!

5. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs

Location: NASA centers across the country

Cost: Free and students will be awarded a stipend 

Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)

Program Dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December)

Acceptance Rate: 5%

Eligibility:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

• Be a full-time student

• Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application 

The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) High School Internship Programs are a great way to bridge your interest in computer science with space exploration and technology. This program is perfect for you if you are interested in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. You will work alongside NASA's seasoned mentors, including research scientists and engineers, gaining invaluable insights into what it means to work in CS industries. The internships can be either full-time or part-time and might take place at a NASA center, a facility, or remotely from your home or dorm.

It may be difficult to get these positions due to their selectivity but it’s still worth it to apply! The program's structure, focused on practical work experience, ultimately culminates in real world projects where you will be helping NASA scientists with their work.

Check out this ultimate guide to NASA’s internship programs! 

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - MIT RSI Logo