The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (SPCSI) is a prestigious online summer enrichment program designed for intellectually curious students currently in grades 8–11. Offering over 70 interactive courses across diverse subjects, SPCSI provides participants with an immersive Stanford classroom experience, challenging them with advanced content not typically found in high school curricula.
Program Dates for 2025
SPCSI offers two sessions in the summer of 2025:
- Session One: June 16 – June 27, 2025
- Session Two: July 7 – July 18, 2025
Each session runs for two weeks, Monday through Friday, with daily synchronous classes. Please note that students may attend only one course per summer.
Application Process
- Application Deadline: March 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
- Decision Release Date: Mid-May 2025
Eligibility:
- Students in grades 8–11 at the time of application submission are eligible. Many courses have specific grade-level requirements; refer to the course descriptions for details.
Application Components:
- Online Application Form: Complete the application with accurate personal and academic information.
- Academic Records: Submit unofficial transcripts for each school or academic program attended from Fall 2022 through Fall 2024.
- Work Sample(s): Provide at least one sample of recent academic work, preferably graded, that showcases your abilities.
- Standardized Test Scores: Optional; not required for admission.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable fee is required; fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.
Course Selection:
Applicants may rank up to three courses in their application but will be enrolled in only one course if admitted. Course placement considers applicant preferences, suitability, preparation, and available space.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: The program fee covers tuition for the two-week course. Specific tuition amounts are provided during the application process.
- Financial Aid: Need-based financial aid is available for both domestic and international students.
- Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 27, 2025
- Application Fee: $60 USD; fee waivers can be requested by contacting precollegiate@stanford.edu.
- Required Documents:
- U.S. Families: Complete 2023 tax returns and W-2 forms.
- International Families: Official income/asset documentation for 2023, with English translations if necessary.
- Submission: All documents must be submitted through the School and Student Services (SSS) application portal using Stanford's school code: 200189.
Preparation Tips
Recommended Resources:
- Subject-Specific Reading: Review the course descriptions for any recommended pre-reading materials or resources.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera offer courses to strengthen foundational knowledge in various subjects.
- Programming Skills: For courses requiring programming knowledge, familiarize yourself with Python through resources like Codecademy.
Technical Requirements:
- Device: A laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection is essential for participating in live online classes.
- Software: Ensure your device has the necessary software installed as specified in the course requirements.
Why Choose SPCSI?
- Diverse Course Offerings: With over 70 courses across various disciplines, students can explore subjects beyond the standard high school curriculum.
- Interactive Learning: Live online classes with small group sizes facilitate meaningful interactions with instructors and peers.
- Global Community: Join a network of motivated students from around the world, fostering cross-cultural connections and collaborations.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from instructors who are knowledgeable in their fields and passionate about teaching.
For more information and to stay updated on future application cycles, visit the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes website.
