Program Overview
BU RISE (Research in Science & Engineering) is Boston University’s prestigious 6-week summer research program where rising high school seniors conduct university-level laboratory research with distinguished faculty mentors, culminating in a professional poster symposium.
40+ Year Research Legacy
Research Publication & Competition Pipeline
Distinguished Faculty & Research Access
Program Statistics (The Below May Change)
Administrative Details (The Below May Change)
Overall: 4.2/5 – Exceptional for students seeking genuine research experience with potential for national science competitions
This program is ideal for families with students who have genuine scientific passion and are prepared for the rigor of full-time laboratory research. Unlike many summer programs that offer simulated experiences, RISE provides authentic research where students contribute to ongoing faculty projects with real scientific merit.
The program’s value lies in its ability to demonstrate sustained research commitment – spending 40 hours per week in a lab for six weeks signals serious academic dedication that admissions officers recognize. Students gain technical skills, research methodology understanding, and often produce work eligible for science competitions or publications.
The intensive nature means this isn’t for resume padding – it’s for students who want to test whether research science is their calling before committing to a STEM major. The poster symposium provides tangible evidence of research capability that can anchor science-focused college applications.
+ Recommended for: Students with demonstrated science/math excellence (A- to A range GPA) who want authentic research experience, are considering STEM majors at research universities, and can articulate specific research interests aligned with BU faculty work.
× Not recommended for: Students seeking a balanced summer experience with significant free time, those without strong foundational knowledge in their area of interest, or families needing substantial financial aid (limited availability).
Research Science Institute (RSI at MIT)
University Lab Internship Programs (Stanford SIMR, NIH SIP, Rockefeller SSRP)
Subject-Specific Research Programs (Jackson Lab SSP, HSHSP at Michigan State, Clark Scholars)
Science Competitions & Fairs (Regeneron STS independent research, ISEF projects)
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