MIT’s Splash program runs each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving — this year, on November 18-19 (10AM-9PM on Saturday, and 9AM-6PM on Sunday). Splash gives students in Grades 9-12 the opportunity to take a wide range of over mini-courses and participate in walk-in activities. BostonTechMom has an insightful post recommending MIT Splash. This year, over 400 courses will be offered in the areas of Science, Computers & Programming, Engineering, and Mathematics — plus other stuff. The cost is $40 regardless of the number of courses taken, and generous financial aid is available.
The first phase of registration is now open until October 27 for students to specify their preferences for classes. Classes will then be filled by lottery, treating equally all those who register anytime in the first phase of registration. Lottery results will be available by October 30. MIT notes, “To get a full schedule, we recommend ranking at least 3 classes and starring at least 10 classes per time block. All class choices will be entered into the lottery. This is not first-come first-served; classes will be assigned after student registration is closed, so take your time.”
Some classes may be available for those registering later, in a subsequent phase of registration. See the Program Details page. There’s also a free Parent’s Program with campus tours and discussion of issues of interest to parents (see last year’s schedule), with no need for registration. For more information, email splash@mit.edu.