Rise Internship program of Boston University

If you're a high school junior with a genuine interest in science and a quiet ambition to do real research, instead of just reading about it, Boston University's RISE (Research in Science & Engineering) Internship might be exactly what you've been looking for.

What is RISE?

At Boston University, RISE is a 6-week summer program for students entering their senior year of high school. Students may either reside on campus or commute from home. This is not an academic lecture series or a class simulation; it is real research conducted in university laboratories under the supervision of real university faculty. Types of research include astronomy, sociology, biomedical engineering, and many others. The breadth of research conducted by RISE is impressive; the depth of the research it produces is equally significant.

The culmination of the RISE program is the Poster Symposium, where students present their research projects in a format similar to that of real academic conferences. Some students have submitted their RISE-created projects to national competitions, such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search. RISE is intended to deliver the same quality of product as those projects.

More than just lab hours

Beyond laboratory work, RISE includes multiple weekly workshops covering topics such as research ethics, reading and understanding scientific literature, designing effective posters, networking, preparing for college admissions, and exploring various preprofessional tracks in health fields. RISE is designed to provide you with an understanding of how to do science, but also why science matters and how to effectively communicate science. For the 2026 cohort, residential students will arrive on campus on June 28 and depart on August 7. Commuter students will participate from June 29 through August 7. Residential participants will live in dormitory-style accommodations with 24-hour security and have the option of meal plans (14 or 19 meals per week). All participants have full access to campus dining and social activities, intentionally designed to provide students with an accurate demonstration of what college life is really like.

What does the application look like?

The 2026 deadline has passed (February 4, 2026), but applications for the 2027 cycle are expected to open around December 15, 2026. When they do, here's what you'll need:

• Full high school transcript from 9th grade onward (ideally in the A-range)

• Three essays: 300 words on your subject interest, 250 on achievements, and 200 on program fit

• One STEM-focused recommendation letter

• A 250-word list of three faculty mentors you'd like to work with

• A $75 application fee (financial aid documentation accepted by the same deadline)

• Standardized test scores are optional

The essays matter! RISE is selective, and your ability to articulate why you want to do research and which research is central to how they evaluate fit. Generic enthusiasm won't cut it; specificity will.

Why should you care, especially if you're targeting U.S. STEM admissions?

For over 45 years, RISE has provided pathways to STEM careers, assisted with college application narratives, and bridged the ambition to complete high school with the expectations & rigor of attending a university. This type of documented research experience will not only help students from India & other international candidates navigate their way to elite U.S. institutions but will also become a key differentiator (not simply an added benefit) in securing acceptance to those institutions.

While this program does not guarantee you a specific mentor and the acceptance process is highly competitive, those who can participate will have the assurance that they will leave with a product (skills, professional network/relationship, research poster, and a better understanding of what a career in research/science may be).

For 2027 updates, please continue to check bu.edu/summer. If your aspirations align with pursuing a STEM field through research, then RISE should be on your radar!

Contact Us

Can international students apply to RISE?

Yes, international students are eligible to apply. However, they must ensure they can meet visa requirements and manage travel and residential logistics if selected.

Does participating in RISE guarantee admission to Boston University?

No. RISE does not guarantee admission to Boston University. However, it strengthens a student’s academic profile by demonstrating real research experience.

Do students get to choose their research mentors?

Students can indicate preferred faculty mentors in their application, but final placements depend on availability and research alignment.

Is financial aid available for RISE?

Yes, limited financial aid is available. Students must submit the required documentation along with their application to be considered.