Embark on an extraordinary summer research journey with the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program, an initiative designed to immerse talented high school students in the world of natural sciences and engineering at the prestigious Princeton University. This program offers a unique, hands-on experience, allowing you to work alongside leading researchers and contribute to cutting-edge projects. Best of all, this invaluable opportunity comes without any participation fees, making it accessible to aspiring young scientists from various backgrounds. Dive into the details of this enriching program and discover how you can become a part of Princeton’s vibrant research community.
Key Application Information for the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
Applying to the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is a straightforward, fully online process. It’s crucial to understand the key steps and requirements to ensure your application stands out.
Online Application Submission
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program exclusively accepts applications submitted through its online portal. No applications sent via mail will be considered. This online-only approach streamlines the process and ensures efficiency in managing the high volume of applications received each year. Make sure to prepare all your materials in advance and submit them through the designated online system during the application window.
Application Limits and Opportunity Selection
To maintain fairness and manage the application workload, each student is permitted to submit only one application. Within this single application, you have the opportunity to express your interest in up to two different research projects or areas. Carefully review the available research opportunities and select those that genuinely align with your interests and academic goals. This focused approach helps the program match students with the most suitable projects.
Critical Deadline: Application Closing Date
Mark your calendars! The application deadline is firmly set at March 15, 2025. All online applications must be submitted by midnight U.S. Eastern Time on this date. It’s imperative to adhere to this deadline as no late submissions will be accepted, and no exceptions will be made. Plan your application process diligently to ensure timely submission.
Important Note: Do Not Contact Faculty Directly
To ensure a fair and unbiased selection process, students are explicitly instructed not to contact Princeton faculty members directly to request placement in the program. The selection process is centralized and managed by the program administration. Direct communication with faculty will not influence your chances of acceptance and may even be viewed unfavorably.
Admission Notifications and Rolling Basis Decisions
Applicants who are accepted into the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program will be promptly notified via email. Email communication will be sent to the address provided in your application. It’s important to use a reliable email address that you check regularly. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis as selections are finalized for each research opportunity. This means you might receive an acceptance notification before the final deadline. Keep an eye on your inbox! Once a project has been filled, it will be marked as closed, indicating that selections have been made.
Post-Acceptance Requirements: Forms and Information
Congratulations on your acceptance! To formally enroll in the program, students who receive an offer will need to submit additional forms and information. This typically includes essential documents such as a parental consent form (if you are under 18) and a high school nomination form. These forms are crucial for completing your registration and ensuring compliance with program policies and safety regulations. Detailed instructions and the necessary forms will be provided in your acceptance email. Final approvals will be communicated to both the mentoring faculty member and the participating student via email, solidifying your placement in the program.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program has specific eligibility criteria to ensure a focused and successful research experience for participating high school students. Review these requirements carefully to determine if you qualify.
Age Requirement: 16 Years or Older
A fundamental eligibility requirement is age. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older by June 15th of the program year. This age requirement is strict, and no exceptions are made. Ensure that you meet this age criterion before applying to avoid disappointment.
Enrollment Status: High School Students
The program is designed for students currently enrolled in high school. This includes students who are in their final year of high school but have not yet turned 18 by June 15th. Students who have graduated high school and are 18 or older by June 15th are not eligible. The focus is on providing research opportunities to those still in their high school academic journey or immediately following graduation but still under 18.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Eligibility extends to students who are U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), or international students currently residing in the United States and attending a U.S. high school. International students studying outside the U.S. are not eligible to apply. This requirement is related to program logistics and funding considerations.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Princeton University strongly believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment. The University actively encourages applications from under-represented and socio-economically disadvantaged students. Princeton is committed to creating a welcoming environment that values and embraces individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities. This commitment to diversity enriches the learning experience for all participants.
No Exceptions to Eligibility Criteria
It’s important to note that the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program does not make exceptions to the stated eligibility criteria. All applicants must meet the age, enrollment, and citizenship/residency requirements to be considered for participation. Please ensure you carefully review and meet all criteria before submitting your application.
Program Specifics: Fields of Study, Dates, and Logistics
Get a clearer picture of what to expect from the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program in terms of research areas, program timing, and logistical details.
Research Focus: Natural Sciences and Engineering
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is specifically focused on the fields of natural sciences and engineering. If you have a passion for scientific inquiry and engineering challenges, this program is an excellent fit. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in research across a wide spectrum of disciplines within these broad fields, guided by Princeton’s esteemed faculty.
Program Schedule: Dates and Time Commitment
Research activities within the program take place during regular business hours, typically daily throughout the program duration. Most research opportunities require a commitment of at least five weeks during the summer. The specific dates and duration may vary slightly depending on the individual research project. It’s essential to review the details of each research opportunity that interests you to understand the exact time commitment required. Be prepared to dedicate a significant portion of your summer to this intensive research experience.
Program Cost: Free of Charge
A significant advantage of the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is that there are no fees for participation. Princeton University is committed to making this valuable research experience accessible to talented high school students regardless of their financial background. This no-fee structure removes a significant barrier to entry and ensures that participation is based on merit and interest in research.
Housing and Transportation: Local Student Program
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is designed for high school students who reside locally to Princeton University. The program does not provide housing or transportation for participants. Students are responsible for arranging their own housing and ensuring reliable transportation to and from the University campus each day. This is not a residential “summer camp” style program. The majority of participants typically come from the communities surrounding Princeton. Housing arrangements will be verified to ensure compliance with program policies, and LLP students are not eligible to lease or sublease University housing.
Academic Credit and Program Benefits
Participation in the Laboratory Learning Program is primarily an educational enrichment opportunity for the benefit of the student. Students do not receive academic credit or any formal Princeton University credentials upon completion of the program. Furthermore, it is important to understand that participation in this program does not enhance a student’s chances of undergraduate admission to Princeton University. The program’s value lies in the unparalleled research experience, mentorship, and skill development it provides, which can be highly beneficial for future academic and career pursuits in STEM fields.
Application Submission Confirmation and Next Steps
After you’ve submitted your application, it’s natural to wonder about confirmation and what to expect next. Here’s what you need to know.
Application Received Confirmation Message
Upon successful submission of your online application, you will see a confirmation message stating “Your submission has been received.” This message serves as immediate confirmation that your application has been successfully entered into the system. If you encounter errors or required fields are incomplete at the time of submission, the application will not proceed to this confirmation screen, prompting you to correct any issues.
No Follow-Up Emails for Application Receipt
While you will receive the on-screen confirmation message, you will not receive an additional email message confirming receipt of your application. Due to the high volume of applications processed, the program does not send individual email confirmations beyond the initial on-screen message. Rest assured that if you saw the “Your submission has been received” message, your application is in the system.
Checking Application Status and Communication
Due to the large number of applications, the program is unable to provide individual application status updates or confirm receipt via phone or email. Please refrain from calling or emailing to inquire about the status of your application. Acceptance notifications will be communicated on a rolling basis via email by April 30th, after decisions have been made for specific research opportunities. If you are selected for a program opportunity, you will receive a follow-up email with further instructions at that time.
Post-Submission Changes and Supplemental Materials
Once your application is submitted, you cannot make changes to your project selections or any other information provided in your application. The system does not allow for post-submission edits due to the high volume of applications being managed. Similarly, do not send any supplemental materials such as letters of recommendation or transcripts, as they will not be accepted or reviewed. Transcripts are not required at the application stage. The application should be complete and accurate at the time of submission.
Final Deliverable: Research Summary Report
An important component of the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is the requirement to submit a research summary at the conclusion of your summer experience.
Research Summary Report Requirement
All students participating in the LLP are required to submit a 2-page research summary of their summer project. This report is a crucial deliverable, even if you were unable to fully complete your research project due to unforeseen circumstances.
Report Submission Deadline and Content
The research summary report must be submitted by August 20th of the academic year in which you complete your research. The report should be emailed to the designated program email address: [email protected]. Your summary should concisely outline the key aspects of your research, including:
- Research Question: Clearly state the question or problem your research aimed to address.
- Methods: Briefly describe the methods and approaches you used in your research.
- Data: Summarize the data you collected or analyzed during your project.
- Conclusion: Present the main conclusions or findings of your research study.
No Project Extensions
It is important to note that no projects will be extended beyond the summer program dates into the university academic year. This policy is firm, and no exceptions will be made. This also applies to high school mentoring requests. Plan your research and report writing accordingly to meet the August 20th deadline.
Health and Safety: COVID-19 Policies
The health and safety of all program participants are a top priority at Princeton University.
Adherence to COVID-19 Policies
All participants in the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program are required to strictly adhere to Princeton University’s COVID-19 policies. These policies may include measures such as vaccination requirements, the use of face coverings, and regular testing protocols, depending on the prevailing public health guidelines.
Visitor Policy Reference
For the most up-to-date information on Princeton University’s COVID-19 related health and safety requirements, please refer to the official Visitor Policy available on the Princeton University Environmental Health and Safety website: Visitor Policy. It is your responsibility to stay informed about and comply with these policies throughout your participation in the program.
By understanding these comprehensive details, you are well-equipped to navigate the application process and prepare for a rewarding research experience with the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program.
