The EPGY Summer Institutes include courses in arts & humanities, business & economics, computer science, mathematics, science & engineering, social science and writing. Please visit the High School Program Course Listings to find out detailed course descriptions and prerequisites.

No course grades or credits are given for the EPGY Summer Institutes. After the conclusion of the program, students are sent a written evaluation and a certificate of completion.

EPGY Summer Institutes instructors are primarily Stanford University instructors selected for their expertise in the course subject areas and their ability and experience with teaching students in the Summer Institutes grade range. Please see the Instructors page for more information.

No. All students in the EPGY Summer Institutes must participate fully in the residential portion of the program. The Summer Institutes places a high value on the integration of the academic and social components which is accomplished by bringing together students and mentors who share interest and talent in a particular subject. Students interested in non-residential opportunities should explore EPGY's Individual Online Courses.

The Stanford University Undergraduate Admissions office is familiar with the Summer Institutes programs and the academic rigor required of students participating in EPGY courses. Participation in enrichment and advanced courses demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and what you take from the experience can enhance your intellectual life. However, admission to EPGY does not guarantee admission to Stanford University.

To view the Stanford University Undergraduate Admissions office guidance on participation in academic enrichment programs please visit their Frequently Asked Questions site.

To submit a question, please visit the Contact page

See the Summer Institutes High School Program Admissions page for details on admissions. All application materials must be received by EPGY by the specified review date in order to be considered for admissions.

The EPGY Summer Institutes High School Program is for students between 13 and 17 years of age who are in grades 8 through 11 at the time of application. Students in grades 6 or 7 may attend the Middle School Program. The individual courses have age and grade restrictions, typically allowing students in a two-year grade range and the corresponding three-year age range. For age and grade ranges for specific courses please see the Course page. The EPGY Summer Institutes have a competitive application process involving the evaluation of grades, test scores, teacher recommendations, samples of student work, and reasons for wanting to attend the Summer Institutes as expressed on the application form. Participants in the program attend only one course, and applications are reviewed for the particular courses to which the student is applying (in order of preference indicated on the application). The admissions committee seeks applicants who demonstrate both academic talent and a passion for learning in the subject areas to which they are applying. For more information, see the High School Program Admissions page.

Grade level refers to the current grade that a student is in at the time of application (in Winter/Spring).

Students who are outside of the age range by no more than three months may apply, but this will result in lower priority in the evaluation process. The age restrictions help create a social environment that fosters interaction among peers and the formation of friendships that can extend beyond the duration of the program. Also, these restrictions take into account considerations for students in the same courses living together in the same residence. Because the social and academic components are tightly integrated, students will have greater academic benefit by learning alongside others who are close in age and grade.

No exceptions will be made to the grade restrictions. The grade restrictions help create a social environment that fosters interaction among peers and the formation of friendships that can extend beyond the duration of the program. Also, these restrictions take into account considerations for students in the same courses living together in the same residence. Because the social and academic components are tightly integrated, students will have greater academic benefit by learning alongside others who are close in age and grade.

Prior success in EPGY distance-learning courses or the Summer Institutes is a good way for students to demonstrate their interest and ability in the EPGY Summer Institute subject areas; however, past performance in an EPGY course does not guarantee admission in the Summer Institutes.

No. Students may only attend one session (and thus one course) per summer.

There is no test score "cut-off" or percentile requirement. EPGY seeks students who demonstrate overall academic excellence. All application materials (such as work samples, written responses, test scores, teacher recommendations, etc.) are considered together.

There is no Grade Point Average "cut-off" or rank requirement. EPGY seeks students who demonstrate overall academic excellence. All application materials (such as work samples, written responses, test scores, teacher recommendations, etc.) are considered together.

Please submit a work sample that fulfills the requirements described on the application for the specific course to which you seek admission. If you have more than one to choose from, select the sample that best reflects your abilities as a student. A work sample may include, but is not limited to, a homework assignment, a school project, a presentation, or a piece of work of which you are particularly proud. Note that any submitted work becomes property of the EPGY Summer Institutes and will not be returned to you.

The teacher recommendation forms should be faxed or mailed separately by the teacher. The rest of the application materials should be mailed to EPGY together; however, school transcripts may be sent directly from schools.

Yes. You must send in a new and complete application each year.

Because of the intensive, challenging nature of EPGY Summer Institute courses, it is important that the application reflect the interests and abilities of the student – not the parent – as accurately as possible. Therefore, all required work samples and responses to the application questions must be the student’s own work. While it is acceptable for parents to proof-read the student’s work to correct errors, parents should not write any part of the application for the student. Any misrepresentation in a student’s application materials is grounds for EPGY to revoke an offer of admission to the Summer Institutes.

Regardless of citizenship, participants must be fluent in English in order to have a successful experience at EPGY Summer Institutes. If you are an international student and have taken the TOEFL or IELTS, please include a copy of your score report with your application materials. However, these specific tests are not required.

Please visit the Tuition section of the Admissions page for information on fees

Yes, there is limited financial aid available for the EPGY Summer Institutes. Please visit the Tuition section of the Admissions page for information on financial aid.

No, EPGY does not offer an installment plan.

The test score requirement may be waived for international students who have not taken a standardized exam.

Once you have submitted a complete application for admission, your applicant login page (http://epgy.stanford.edu/summer/login.html) will list the date by which you will be notified of your admission decision. Admission decisions are posted on the applicant login page as well as sent via email to each applicant.

Participants will stay in the same dormitories used by Stanford undergraduates during the normal school year – please note that these residences do not have air conditioning. Each room has a bed and a desk. Pillows, blankets, sheets, and towels are also provided. Below are lists of items to bring and not to bring to EPGY Summer Institutes.

What To Bring

Clothing for temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees F (15 to 35 degrees C)

A cell phone or calling card

Bathing suit, sunscreen, and beach towel for field trips

Spending money for extra activities and shopping

A desk lamp, small portable fan (residences do not have air conditioning), alarm clock, hair dryer, and shower shoes are recommended. (These items may be purchased at the Stanford Bookstore.)

A camera and a spare memory card are recommended.

If desired, personal academic supplies (EPGY will provide paper and all course materials)

If desired, musical instruments, books, board games, personal sports equipment

If desired, an MP3 player or other portable music device and headphones

If desired, a USB drive or other device for saving computer files

If desired, any special equipment or materials needed for participation in the EPGY Talent Show, such as dance shoes, musical instruments, sheet music, juggling pins, etc.

What Not To Bring

NO personal computers, including laptops and iPads (EPGY provides computers for coursework, internet, and email needs.)

NO weapons of any kind, including knives, firearms, paintball guns, laser pointers, and other dangerous items.NO alcohol, tobacco products, or any unauthorized drugs or medications – violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.

NO alcohol, tobacco products, or any unauthorized drugs or medications – violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.

NO flammable materials, including candles, incense, matches, lighters, fireworks, or explosive devices.

NO handheld electronic games, software for computer games, or televisions.

NO personal transportation, including cars, bicycles, skates, or skateboards.

NO pets of any kind.

NO cooking or kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, microwave or toaster ovens, or hot plates.

NO valuable personal items (EPGY takes no responsibility for lost or stolen items).

Laundry supplies are not necessary, because free laundry facilities and detergent are provided.

Sheets, blankets, and bath towels are not necessary, because bedding and towels are provided as part of a weekly cleaning service.

Please visit the Schedule page for information on the daily routines and the range of activities that students participate in while at the EPGY Summer Institutes.

Students will be supervised by the EPGY Summer Institutes residential counselors and instructional staff. Please see the Residential Staff and Instructors pages in the Student Life section of this web site.

Please visit the Housing page in the Student Life section for information on the housing provided for the EPGY Summer Institutes.

Please visit the Dining page in the Student Life section for information on the dining services at the EPGY Summer Institutes.

Yes, upon admission into the program, students will be asked to provide health information and information regarding any other specific needs. EPGY will work with students to plan necessary accommodations.

The Summer Institutes staff strives to maintain a safe environment for all participants. Palo Alto Urgent Care and the Stanford Medical Center are in close proximity to the Summer Institutes' residences and residential staff members are trained to handle the full range of medical and health needs of the students in the program.

The EPGY Summer Institutes provides transportation from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Students who are admitted to the program will be given detailed information regarding the procedure for airport transportation. Students using the airport shuttle service will provide their flight information to EPGY. Summer Institutes staff members will receive students at the airport and accompany them back to Stanford University. A contact number will be provided for notifying EPGY of late arrivals, and for students who need assistance locating EPGY staff at the airport. EPGY also provides transportation to take students to the San Francisco airport on the day of departure. This cost is included in the Middle School Program fee.

No. The EPGY Summer Institutes is a full-time program and students are expected to participate in all course and program activities for the duration of the session. Students are required to arrive on the first day of the program and depart on the last day; late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.

Occasional use of Stanford University facilities (such as athletic facilities or libraries) will be organized as part of the Summer Institutes program.

The EPGY Summer Institutes offer plenty of afternoon and evening free time during which students can practice their sports, or devote time to personal activities. However, we do not recommend planning any specific athletic or other commitments during the Summer Institutes.

Informal campus tours will be provided by our own staff, as most of them are Stanford students and are very familiar with the campus. However, if you are interested in something more than that, you will need to make arrangements independently that do not interfere with scheduled EPGY activities.

We will have a representative from the Admissions office come to give a presentation to the students. If you are looking for something more than that, you will need to make arrangements independently that do not interfere with scheduled EPGY activities.

The average class size is 15 students, with some classes as large as 40 students and as small as 10 students. In addition to the Instructor, each course will be staffed with Residential Counselors who serve as Teaching Assistants for the academic portion of the program.

Upon receiving an admissions offer, participants will receive the EPGY Summer Institutes Rules for Participants. Students are expected to abide by the Rules for Participants, as well as EPGY's Code of Conduct which states: