Boston University RISE Program: A Complete Guide

Boston University is home to one of the most prestigious pre-college STEM opportunities in the country: the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) at Boston University program. If you’re a motivated high school junior passionate about STEM, this summer program allows you to experience university-level research, gain hands-on lab experience, and work with BU’s distinguished faculty.

In this blog, we’ll cover what the Boston University RISE program is, how selective it is, what students can expect, the program cost, and why applying might be the perfect step for your academic journey.

• What Is the Boston University RISE Program?
• What Is the Boston University RISE Acceptance Rate?
• Boston University RISE Application Deadline
• Boston University RISE Requirements
• How to Get into RISE at Boston University
• Why Join the Boston University RISE Program?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Boston University RISE Program?

The RISE at Boston University program is a six-week summer research opportunity held on Boston University’s campus. In 2025, the program runs from June 29 to August 8, giving high school juniors (who will be seniors that fall) the chance to dive into real STEM research while experiencing campus life in the heart of Boston.

Students can choose between two tracks:

1. Internship Track lets you spend 40 hours a week working in a BU lab. You will:

• Be mentored by professors, postdocs, or graduate students.
• Gain technical and analytical skills while tackling advanced projects.
• Present your research at the Poster Symposium at the end of the program.
• Explore fields like biology, neuroscience, chemistry, computer science, public health, biomedical engineering, and more.

2. Practicum Track lets you focus on Computational Neurobiology or Data Science in a structured classroom-lab environment. You will:

• Begin mornings with instructor-led lectures and spend afternoons of guided group research.
• Participate in weekly visits to biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Boston.
• Collaborate with peers on projects where results are open-ended, just like real-world science.

Both tracks emphasize research skills, professional development, and the chance to think like a scientist.

What Is the Boston University RISE Acceptance Rate?

The Boston University RISE Program is known for being selective. While BU doesn’t publish official acceptance numbers, past data shows that it’s tough to get in. In 2025, around 190 students were admitted, and with hundreds applying each year, the Boston University RISE program acceptance rate is likely quite low. If we were to venture a guess, the acceptance rate is roughly around 8-10%.

To improve your chances of getting into the Boston University RISE program, use your essays to show genuine passion for STEM, maintain strong performance in math and science classes, and choose a recommender who can clearly speak to your academic strengths.

Boston University RISE Application Deadline

The application period for the Boston University RISE program closed on February 14, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST. All application materials were due on that date and are no longer being accepted.

Looking ahead, the 2026 application cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline, with deadlines likely set in early February and admission notifications sent in the spring.

Notification and other key dates

Here are the important dates for the RISE program:

Admission decisions for the 2025 RISE program were released in early to mid-April and are available on applicants’ status pages. The program ran from June 29 to August 8, 2025, with students completing six weeks of intensive STEM research.

For the 2026 RISE program, consider signing up for the email reminder service, which will notify you as soon as the program details are published. This gives you ample time to prepare your essays, transcript, recommendations, and financial aid materials before the deadline.

Boston University RISE Requirements

If you’re planning to apply to RISE at Boston University, you’ll want to make sure you meet the eligibility rules and requirements and have your materials in order. Below is a breakdown of what you need to qualify, apply, and budget for this prestigious pre-college STEM program.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Boston University RISE program, you must:

• Have an unweighted GPA in the A– to A range
• Be entering your senior year of high school in fall 2025
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

International students are not eligible to apply.

Required documents

Your RISE application isn’t complete until you submit all the following:

• Essays. Three short essays on your subject of interest, academic achievements, and why you want to join RISE
• Transcript. Full high school transcript including fall 2025 grades (screenshots are accepted as long as your name is visible)
• Recommendation. From a science/math teacher, counselor, or research supervisor who has known you for at least six months
• Test scores (optional). SAT, ACT, PSAT, or PreACT (unofficial copies only)
• Financial aid documents (if applying). Federal tax forms and a parent/guardian letter explaining financial circumstances
• Application fee. $60 nonrefundable, due when you submit

Internship applicants must also list three BU faculty members they’d like to work with and explain how their research interests align.

Program costs

Joining RISE at Boston University is both an academic and financial commitment. Here’s the cost expectation for Summer 2025:

Limited need-based financial aid is available, along with the BU IMPACTS Scholarship, to help offset the cost. Take note that all aid materials are due by the same date as the application deadline.

How to Get into RISE at Boston University

The Boston University RISE program is highly selective, so a strong application is key. Since the Boston University RISE program acceptance rate is low, you’ll need to show not just good grades but also genuine passion for STEM.

Step 1: Show academic readiness.

Admissions officers look closely at your transcript. Most successful applicants have an unweighted GPA in the A– to A range, with challenging coursework in math and science. AP, IB, or honors classes in STEM help prove you can handle college-level research.

Tip: If your school offers advanced classes, take them, and don’t just aim to pass. Build consistent habits of asking questions, seeking help, and going beyond the textbook.

Step 2: Write strong essays.

The RISE application requires three short essays. Use these to show curiosity, persistence, and passion for research. Here are the prompts and how to answer them:

1. Why you selected your subject of interest (300 words)

• Share the spark that drew you to this field (a class, project, or personal experience).
• Explain why it matters to you and how it connects to your goals.
• Keep your focus tight and don’t try to cover every interest.

2. Your academic achievements (250 words)

• Go beyond listing honors. Highlight the lessons, skills, and persistence behind them.
• Include a challenge you overcame to show resilience and growth.
• Prioritize achievements that connect to STEM or show readiness for research.

3. Why you want to attend the RISE program (200 words)

• Be specific about what excites you (mentorship, lab work, BU’s research environment).
• Show why RISE is the best fit for your goals, not just another summer program.
• Look ahead and explain how RISE will prepare you for college and future STEM paths.

Tip: Draft early and get feedback from teachers, mentors, or professionals. Concrete examples will make your essays stand out. And if you want professional feedback, our essay editing service can help refine your essays so your voice shines and your application rises above the rest.

Step 3: Secure the right recommendation.

Pick a teacher, counselor, or research supervisor who has worked with you for at least six months and knows your STEM strengths well. A clear, enthusiastic recommendation can help set you apart from other strong applicants.

Tip: Ask early (at least a month before the deadline). Provide your recommender with your resume, your draft essays, and a reminder of projects you worked on so they can write a more detailed and personal letter.

Step 4: Highlight genuine interest in research.

If you’re applying to the Internship track, you’ll also need to list three BU faculty members whose research excites you. Be thoughtful and specific about why their work matches your interests—it shows you’ve done your homework.

Tip: Browse BU’s departmental websites to find faculty profiles. Skim through their research summaries and highlight connections to your past science classes or STEM clubs.

Step 5: Apply on time and completely.

The application deadline is February 14, 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute—make sure your essays, transcript, recommendation, and (if applicable) financial aid documents are uploaded before the deadline. Recommendations are due a week later, on February 21, 2025, so remind your recommender early.

Tip: Create a checklist with each requirement and its deadline. Aim to finish everything a week early so you have time to proofread and catch mistakes.

Why Join the Boston University RISE Program?

Joining the RISE at Boston University is a way to launch you into a future filled with advanced research, real college experiences, and the confidence to pursue your goals in STEM. Here are the reasons why RISE is worth joining:

1. You’ll do real research.

At RISE, you’ll step into the shoes of a real scientist. You’ll work on projects in BU labs or dive into computational research guided by professors and graduate mentors. As Sunwoo Choi, a Practicum student, put it: “RISE reminded me how immense and full of potential neuroscience is, and I can’t wait to pursue it further.”

2. You’ll strengthen your academic skills.

All RISE students come away with a better understanding of the scientific process, research ethics, how to read and present scientific papers, and how to network in the science and engineering fields. These skills will serve you well in college and beyond.

3. You’ll build connections that matter.

You’ll be surrounded by motivated peers who are just as passionate about STEM as you are. Together, you’ll learn, collaborate, and explore Boston’s biotech scene through industry site visits at places like Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and the Broad Institute. Many students leave with mentors and role models who inspire their career goals.

4. You can try out college life early.

From sharing a dorm with a roommate to grabbing meals in the dining hall, RISE at Boston University gives you a taste of independence. You’ll balance long days in the lab with social events, workshops, and late-night study sessions. It’s challenging, but it’s also the perfect preview of life as a BU undergrad.

5. It opens doors for your future.

RISE alumni often go on to top universities and careers in science, engineering, and medicine. Take Amith Varambally (Class of 2022): he became a Regeneron Science Talent Search finalist and coauthored a paper in Physical Review Letters. Stories like his prove how RISE can be the starting point for big opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply to the Boston University RISE Program?

The Boston University RISE Program is open to U.S. high school juniors entering their senior year in fall 2025. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

2. When is the application deadline?

For Summer 2026, Boston University has not yet announced the official deadline, but based on past years, you can expect applications to open in mid-December and close in mid-February. To stay updated, be sure to check the program website for official announcements.

3. Is financial aid available?

Yes. The Boston University RISE Program offers limited, need-based financial aid. To qualify, families must upload recent tax documents and a parent or guardian statement by the February 14 deadline.

4. Can international students apply?

Unfortunately, no. The RISE at Boston University program is open only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

5. What is the Boston University RISE program acceptance rate?

BU doesn’t publish official figures, but the program is highly selective. In 2025, only about 190 students were admitted, making the Boston University RISE program acceptance rate quite competitive.

Takeaways

• The Research in Science & Engineering at Boston University is a launchpad for high school juniors ready to take on real STEM research.
• The RISE at Boston University program is highly selective. With only about 190 students admitted in 2025, the Boston University RISE program acceptance rate is very competitive, which makes participation a standout achievement on college applications.
• Financial aid is available, making the RISE at Boston University accessible to students from different backgrounds who are passionate about science and engineering.
• Beyond research, the Boston University RISE program offers workshops, social activities, and campus life experiences that give you a true preview of college.
• For driven students, the RISE at Boston University can be the spark that sets your STEM journey in motion. Pairing this experience with thoughtful extracurricular planning can help you stand out and build a college application that truly shines.