Here’s a curated list of highly selective, research-focused summer programs  for high school students, with details on duration, acceptance rates, and costs. Many of these offer incredible experiences — and some are free! Elite & Highly Competitive Programs - Research Science Institute (RSI)  – MIT / CEE Length:  6 weeks Acceptance Rate:  <1% (extremely competitive) Cost:  Free (hosted at MIT) Notes:  Often considered the most prestigious  high school research program in the