Free online summer courses for high school credit are typically designed to meet the needs of high school students seeking academic credit during their summer break.
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In order to achieve merit in academics, students must maintain a good credit score and GPA. Some students, however, are unable to maintain their credit scores because they don’t actively participate in additional activities and miss too many classes.
What are the benefits of an online summer program?
You will have to decide what your priorities are in order to answer this question. In case you want to learn at home, accommodate a flexible schedule, and save some money on boarding, travel, and meals, then these are good options. The best way to experience campus life is to enroll in a residential or commuter program!
Attending a summer program at a university, such as Harvard, does not guarantee admission to the undergraduate program. By providing exposure to college-level academics, college life, and networking opportunities, summer schools can serve as a bridge between high school and college.
Here are some solid online summer program options for you. The first is an online school (with courses), and the second is a research mentoring program.
Best free online summer courses for high school credit
Harvard’s Secondary School program
You’ll get more of a taste of college life in this program than in Pre-College. This is a seven-week session instead of two. In addition to being available online, it is also available in person.
There are over 200 courses available for full college credit, which is a big difference. Moreover, these classes are also attended by university undergraduates — making it a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Harvard and college in general. You can have something substantial to show for it if you pick your courses strategically (in line with your intended major).
Here are some sample courses they offer:
- Animal Transgenesis: A Laboratory Primer on Genetics
- Problem-solving and Project Design
- Connecting to the World Through Chemistry
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Lumiere Research Scholar Programs
Consider this option if you want to do cutting-edge research in a field of your choice. Harvard and Oxford researchers founded Lumiere. Through Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, hundreds of ambitious high school students conduct engineering research. To produce a university-level research paper, each student is paired with a top Ph.D. and works with them one-on-one.
Program durations vary based on the student’s end goal, such as how deep of a dive they prefer. STEM and non-STEM subjects, business, AI, and data science are available.
Princeton Summer Journalism Program
This year-long course gives you a taste of what it’s like to be a journalist. There will be a variety of activities, including online workshops and lectures with renowned journalists.
As well as the usual workshops and lectures, you will have the opportunity to visit newsrooms, make a documentary, and work on the Princeton Summer Journal. The program is highly selective, with a three-round application process and a final cohort of up to 40 students.
Georgetown University’s Pre-College course in Medical Research
For students interested in medicine and medical research, Georgetown University’s summer program is offered in 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions.
During this pre-college program, you will learn about clinical research, research ethics, medical research in cancer, and how to write a scientific article. In 2023, this program offers guided projects, mentorship from top researchers, and career guidance.
You will also have the opportunity to work on a capstone research project of your choosing, which is a great way to demonstrate your motivation, dedication, and relevant skills.
ASU Summer Courses
Students who are eligible can take free summer courses through ASU Prep Digital, the university’s online high school. ASU is partnering with Brookfield Engineering Science & Technology (BEST) Academy to offer free, online courses.
The program is free of charge
Best Academy’s summer sessions begin on July 1st, and you can pre-register for the course of your choice.
All high school students from Riverview, Orange, San Diego, and Imperial Counties are eligible to apply. College credits can also be earned by incoming high-school students.
ASU offers 15 courses including World Languages, Health & Wellness, Social Studies, Medical Sciences, and Communications.
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FAQs
1. What are the consequences of not attending summer school?
Summer school attendance is one of the most important factors that affect your academic record. An absence from summer school can result in lower academic scores, GPAs, and other consequences.
The student may also be required to pay the fees back to the school if he does not attend the summer school. Additionally, summer school gives you additional credits that allow you to score higher than your classmates and stand out.
2. Does summer school lower your GPA?
Many students believe summer school is a waste of time and can affect their GPA. That’s great! Summer school helps you to achieve a higher GPA than other students who do not attend summer school.
Other institutions can also offer summer school programs. Your schools will receive the credit scores. However, GPAs vary from school to school. There are some schools that accept the scores and there are some that do not.
Conclusion
During the summer, students have time to play games and take part in other unusual activities. Some smart students used to pursue summer school programs during summer vacations and nearby months.
In addition to receiving additional credits, these students also receive higher GPA scores and learn new skills. Free online summer courses for high school credit are offered by renowned institutions. Additionally, they help you improve your credit scores.
