You’re probably here ‘cause you’ve got a thing for lab coats, data, and more pipettes than you could ever possibly use.
Or maybe you’re just curious about the Boston University RISE Program.
Either way: Every year, BU opens its doors (and labs, and pipettes) to motivated juniors from around the world who want to explore what it’s like to do hands-on research in a university setting.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from what the program actually is, to deadlines, costs, eligibility, and whether it’s worth your time (and money).
Let’s do some exploring.
What Is the BU RISE Program?
Think of the BU RISE Program (Research in Science and Engineering) as a six-week crash course in what it’s like to be a scientist or engineer in the real world. It’s a selective summer research experience for high school students entering their senior year, hosted at Boston University, where you’ll work alongside professors, graduate students, and researchers on actual scientific projects.
Each summer, about 150–200 students from around the U.S. (and sometimes abroad) come together at BU to conduct hands-on research under the mentorship of university faculty, postdocs, and graduate students.
It’s designed to give high school students a genuine taste of university-level research—via actual ongoing projects happening in BU’s science and engineering departments.
The program offers two main tracks—both rigorous, both rewarding— epending on how independently you want to work and what kind of research experience you’re looking for.
The Internship Track
If you’re the kind of student who prefers diving right into research, the Internship Track is the full immersion experience.
You’ll spend around 40 hours per week working in a BU research lab, paired with a faculty mentor or graduate researcher. You might be helping sequence DNA, designing a robotics prototype, analyzing public health data, or working on a neuroscience project—and yes, your work contributes to ongoing research at the university.
Students get to work in fields like
Biology or Biomedical Engineering
Neuroscience or Psychology
Chemistry or Physics
Computer Science or Data Science
Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
Public Health or Environmental Science
You’ll also participate in weekly research and professional development seminars—things like how to read academic papers, how to prepare a poster presentation, or how to communicate your work to non-scientists. At the end, you’ll present your findings at the RISE Poster Symposium, surrounded by peers and mentors (and a lot of proud parents taking lots and lots of photos).
Ideal for: Self-motivated, independent learners who want to take ownership of a real project and see what scientific research feels like day-to-day.
The Practicum Track
If you’re excited about research but would rather be part of a guided, team-based environment, the Practicum Track might be your better fit.
Instead of being matched with an individual faculty mentor, you’ll work on a collaborative research project led by a BU instructor.
This track follows a structured schedule: morning lectures to learn the theory and context, followed by afternoon lab work where you put that learning into practice.
It’s great if you enjoy combining teamwork with inquiry—you’ll learn how to analyze data, develop hypotheses, and interpret results with support from instructors and peers.
Here’s what a typical day looks like:
Morning: Two-hour lecture or workshop introducing key concepts in neuroscience or data modeling.
Afternoon: Four hours of guided research, using programming, statistical tools, and data visualization techniques.
Weekly: Join Internship students for shared RISE workshops and professional development sessions.
Ideal for: Students who want a balance of structure, collaboration, and hands-on learning without the pressure of managing an independent research project.
Program Dates and Application Timeline
The BU RISE program typically runs for six weeks in the summer, usually from late June through early August.
Here’s what you need to know:
Program Dates (2026 tentative):
Residential program: June 28 – August 7, 2026
Commuter program: June 29 – August 7, 2026
Application opens: Around December 15
Deadline: Typically mid-February (exact date announced each year)
Decisions released: About 6–8 weeks after the deadline
Suggested Application Timeline
Month/What to Focus On
December
Application opens! Review eligibility, essay prompts, and research areas.
January
Draft essays, shortlist recommenders, and explore potential BU faculty mentors (especially for Internship applicants).
February
Submit your completed application, transcripts, and recommendation before the deadline.
March–April
Wait for admissions results and prepare for possible interviews or supplemental questions.
June–August
Pack, prep, and get ready for a research adventure in Boston.
Pro tip: BU RISE is competitive, so treat it like a mini college app—start early, give your recommender plenty of notice, and spend time revising and refining those essays.
What kind of students should apply?
This program is designed for serious, motivated students who already love STEM—or who are ready to find out if they do.
You don’t have to have a published research paper—you just need enthusiasm, a solid academic foundation, and the willingness to work hard.
Here’s a quick way to tell if you’re a good fit:
You’ll thrive at RISE if you…
Genuinely love STEM—you’re fascinated by how the world works.
Want to challenge yourself in a real research setting.
Have taken (or are taking) advanced science or math courses (AP Bio, AP Chem, Physics, etc.).
Are ready to commit to six full weeks of serious work.
You might not love it if you…
Haven’t yet built a foundation in basic science or math.
Aren’t comfortable spending 40 hours a week on one project.
Prefer summer programs with more free time, field trips, or relaxation.
Are still exploring your academic interests and aren’t sure if STEM is your path.
Don’t enjoy detailed, hands-on lab or data work.
RISE Program Eligibility and Application Requirements
You’ll have some writing to do, but before you start drafting essays or hitting refresh on the BU website, make sure you’re eligible and ready to gather all your materials.
Eligibility
You must be a rising senior (as in, currently a junior).
Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students living in the U.S. with valid documentation.
Must be able to commit to the full six weeks.
You can apply as either a residential or commuter student.
Application Requirements
To apply, you’ll need:
Online application form (submitted via BU’s portal).
Three short essays, typically around 200–300 words each:
Why did you choose your area of interest? (~300 words)
What are your academic achievements? (~250 words)
Why do you want to attend the RISE program? (~200 words)
(Side note that these are pretty similar to Why Major and Why Us essays you’ll write for college apps)
One letter of recommendation from a science or math teacher, counselor, or research supervisor.
High school transcript showing current grades and GPA.
(Optional) standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, PSAT, or PreACT).
Application fee (non-refundable) usually around $50.
Financial aid documents (if applying for aid).
Internship track applicants must also list three BU faculty mentors whose research aligns with their interests.
Competitiveness: BU RISE is highly selective—only around 15–20% of applicants are accepted each year, with roughly 150–200 students participating. Don’t let that scare you, though; strong reflective essays and genuine curiosity go a long way.
Program Costs (and Financial Aid Options)
RISE isn’t cheap—but it can potentially be a worthwhile investment (more on that below). Tuition varies slightly each year, but recent estimates are roughly:
Tuition & Fees: $5,500–$6,000
Room & Board (if residential): $3,000–$3,500
Application Fee: $50
Financial Aid: Limited need-based aid available through BU
That brings the total cost for residential students to something like $8,500–$9,500 for six weeks.
Even with the cost, many students (and parents) may consider it worthwhile because of the college-level research experience, mentorship, and networking.
Financial Aid
BU does offer limited need-based financial aid. You’ll need to submit supporting documents along with your application, and note that your application won’t be considered complete until financial aid materials are received. Aid typically comes as partial tuition reductions rather than full scholarships, so plan accordingly.
If cost is a major concern, consider applying to multiple programs (including lower-cost local or virtual options) so you have backup choices. There are a lot of impressive and free programs out there.
Is the RISE Program Worth It?
Maybe?
RISE is a big investment of your time, effort, and resources. So, is it worth it?
We really can’t give you a simple “yes” or “no” answer here—if the specific areas of study really speak to your interests and values and to things you are truly excited to learn about, it may be a great option.
But the price tag could be pretty hefty to a lot of students.
So here are some things to think through as you weigh your options.
Why It’s Maybe Worth It
Hands-on Research Experience: Few high school students get to work in an actual university lab. You’ll learn skills undergrads often don’t get until sophomore year.
Mentorship: You’ll work directly with researchers who can later become recommenders or mentors as you move into college or internships.
College Application Value: Saying “I conducted neuroscience research at BU and presented my findings at a symposium” and digging into the whys that drive your whats, and how you grew through your experiences, can be valuable for college apps.
Confidence & Clarity: You’ll discover whether research is something you want to pursue—before spending years of college trying to figure it out.
Community: You’ll meet like-minded peers from all over the country, people who geek out about the same stuff you do.
Why It’s Maybe Not Worth It
Intensity: It’s a full-time commitment. You’ll be busy. You’ll be tired. You’ll learn a lot.
Cost: Like we said above, it’s not cheap. If financial aid is important, plan early.
Outcome: The experience itself is the reward. Don’t think of it as a guaranteed “college boost”—think of it as a genuine learning adventure.
How to Apply Strategically
If you want to build an application for the BU RISE program, here’s a simple roadmap to make your application shine:
Start early. The essays require reflection—don’t wait until the week before the deadline.
Show genuine interest. Don’t just say you “love science.” Explain why—what are the moments and experiences and ideas that drive your curiosity forward—and show how that curiosity shows up in your life.
Be specific. When listing potential faculty mentors, do your homework. Read their research summaries and explain why their work fascinates you.
Choose your recommender wisely. Pick someone who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and reliability—not just your grades.
Proofread. Show that you’ve taken your time with this.
Have a backup plan. It’s competitive. Apply to several programs so you can’t lose either way.
To expand on that last point, explore similar programs elsewhere, like
The Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Telluride Association Summer Seminar
The most important thing is your mindset: be curious, be proactive, be ready to grow.
Andrew Simpson, CEG’s Editorial Director, has worked as an educator, consultant, and curriculum writer for the past 20 years, and earned degrees from Stanford in Political Science and Drama. He feels most at home on mountain tops and in oceans.
Top Values: Insight/Growth | Truth | Integrity
