Laboratory Learning Program

What is the application process?

• Applications are accepted online or by mail.  
• Each student may submit only one application in which up to two opportunities of interest are indicated. 
• Application decisions will be communicated to the student using the email address provided in the application.  
• Students who are offered an opportunity will be required to submit additional forms and information in order to enter the program, including a parental consent form and a high school nomination form. 
• Approvals will be communicated to the mentoring faculty member and the participating student by email. 

What are the application deadlines and program dates?

• Application – Applications are accepted between February 1 to March 15. 
• Application Deadline – March 15. Online applications must be submitted by midnight U.S. eastern time; mail in applications must be postmarked no later than March 15.
• Admission Decisions – All decisions will be communicated on a rolling basis as the selections are made for each opportunity. All decisions will be communicated by May 31.
• Program Dates – Research activities take place during normal business hours daily. Most opportunities require a commitment of at least 7 weeks during the summer. Review individual opportunities for details.

What fields of study will be offered? 

Natural sciences and engineering.

Is there a fee for the program?

There are no fees for participation in the program. 

Who is eligible?

• Students must be 16 years of age or older by June 15.
• Students must be enrolled in high school.  Students who have graduated from high school but have not yet turned 18 by June 15 may apply.  
• All students must have their own housing and reliable transportation to and from the research settings. The Laboratory Learning Program is not a summer camp. Students are not eligible to lease or sublease University housing. 
• Students must be US citizens, Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), or international students currently in the United States attending a U.S. high school. 
• Specific research opportunities may have additional eligibility criteria.

At Princeton University, we believe that the highest levels of research, scholarship, and teaching are obtained only through the combined participation of people with a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences. For this reason, the University welcomes under-represented and socio-economically disadvantaged students and provides an environment that embraces all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities.

Are there exceptions to the eligibility criteria?

No.

How many applications do you receive each year?

During each of the past three years, over 700 applications were received.  

Was my application received?

Upon submitting the online application, you will be taken to a completion screen that states your application was successfully submitted. In addition, you will receive an email confirmation at the address provided in the application. If required fields are left blank or incorrectly filled out at the time of attempted submission, the application will not progress to the completion screen. Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to look up and confirm the status of individual submissions.   

After my application is submitted, can I change my selections or other information?

No. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to change the selections listed in your application or any other information.  

Can I submit supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts?

No. Do not send in any supplemental materials, they will not be accepted.

Does the program provide housing or transportation? 

The Laboratory Learning Program is not a summer camp-style program.  Students must have their own housing and reliable transportation to and from Princeton University; students are not eligible to lease or sublease University housing. The majority of program participants come from the surrounding communities. Students and families who are from outside the immediate region should have identified appropriate housing and transportation arrangements prior to submitting an application. 

Is academic credit offered to participants in the Laboratory Learning Program?

The Laboratory Learning Program is an educational program for the benefit of the student. Students do not receive academic credit or other Princeton University credentials following participation in this program. Participation in the Laboratory Learning Program will not increase a student's chances of being accepted into Princeton University as an undergraduate.  

When is the final report due?

Students must submit a 2-page research summary of their summer project to the Office of the Dean for Research (dfr@princeton.edu) by August 31 of the academic year in which the research is completed. The research report should summarize the research question, methods, data, and conclusion of the study.