Princeton Pre-College Programs: An Overview for High School Students
For high school students aspiring to enhance their academic portfolio, Princeton University offers a range of pre-college summer programs. These programs provide an immersive learning environment, allowing students to explore academic interests, engage with distinguished faculty, and interact with like-minded peers from around the world. Participation in these programs can also significantly enhance a student's college admissions profile. Admissions officers recognize the value of such experiences, appreciating the initiative and commitment demonstrated by students who take part in rigorous academic programs during the summer. These programs offer a taste of college life and a chance to showcase intellectual prowess and dedication to academic excellence. Exposure to Princeton University's renowned faculty and resources can be an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into chosen fields of study.
Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program offers a unique opportunity to dive into scientific research and engineering. Unlike typical summer programs, this initiative provides a full-time and immersive research experience, where students actively contribute to ongoing projects in the sciences and engineering fields. Facilitated by Princeton faculty and research staff, students make real contributions to the projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience that goes beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.
One notable aspect of the program is its flexibility, allowing for customization of participation dates based on the schedules of research personnel and the specific requirements of the project. The internships typically span 5-6 weeks during regular office hours over the summer, ensuring a focused and dedicated learning environment. The program prioritizes the quality of the research experience, with no evening or weekend activities, emphasizing a commitment to academic rigor.
The breadth of research opportunities within the Laboratory Learning Program is exemplified by projects such as "Machine Learning Methods for Power Magnetics Modeling" and "Chicken Embryos Lung Development." These examples showcase the diversity of projects available, spanning from cutting-edge technology applications to fundamental biological research. By participating in such projects, students not only gain exposure to advanced research methodologies but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen fields. This firsthand engagement with real-world research enriches understanding and positions participants favorably for college admissions, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific inquiry.
Key Details:
- Location: Princeton Campus
- Cost: Free
- Application Deadline: March 15
- Program Dates: 5-6 weeks in June-July
- Eligibility: Sixteen years old or more by June 15 and Enrolled in high school
Princeton Summer Journalism Program
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a pathway into the world of journalism, blending online workshops, lectures, and a residential institute to provide a multifaceted learning opportunity. Throughout July, students engage in online sessions with distinguished journalists from across the country, immersing themselves in the intricacies of the field. These workshops cover essential journalistic skills and include discussions on current events, ensuring participants stay informed about the ever-evolving landscape of news and media.
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An integral aspect of the program is the residential institute, where students move from their hometown to Princeton University. This immersive experience involves staying in University undergraduate dorms and attending workshops and lectures conducted by renowned educators and journalists. The curriculum takes a liberal arts approach, encompassing discussions on humanities, arts, culture, social events, and history, enriching students' contextual understanding of journalism. Moreover, students collaborate with college counselors to advance components of their college applications, highlighting the program's commitment to both journalistic excellence and academic preparation.
The hands-on nature of the program is exemplified by a myriad of activities. Students witness journalism in action through visits to major news organizations like The New York Times, Huffington Post, and Bloomberg. They cover professional sports events, report on news in the Princeton area, produce digital content, attend cultural productions, and even undertake investigative reporting. The culmination of their efforts is the creation of The Princeton Summer Journal, a student-authored newspaper that reflects their collective dedication to reporting, writing, editing, and design.
Key Details:
- Location: Online and in-person
- Cost: Free
- Application Deadline: February 15
- Program Dates: A multi-week, hybrid summer intensive beginning with online workshops in July and culminating in a 10-day residential experience on Princeton's campus in early August
- Eligibility: Be a junior in high school at the time of application, live in the United States and intend to attend college here, have a minimum unweighted grade point average equivalent to a 3.5 out of 4.0, have an interest in journalism, meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions listed
Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP)
The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) is designed for low-income high school students, offering a year-round initiative that goes beyond traditional academic enrichment. The program provides students with a comprehensive set of skills, focusing on collaboration, presentation, listening, and debating. During the school year, students engage in weekly enrichment sessions, creating a supportive environment that empowers them to develop both academically and personally.
As the school year transitions to a close, PUPP extends its impact through a transformative six-week Summer Institute. This intensive program covers a spectrum of courses ranging from writing and literature to personal development, math, and critical thinking skills. The Summer Institute serves as a platform for students to continue honing their abilities. One noteworthy aspect of the institute is the Research Symposium. This event allows students to showcase their research posters, shedding light on their work in science and sociology. The Research Symposium, featuring poster sessions and presentations, underscores the academic rigor of the program and provides scholars with a unique opportunity to present their findings and insights. The program's emphasis on collaboration and presentation skills, coupled with exposure to diverse academic disciplines, prepares students for success in college and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
PUPP nurtures the educational and personal development of students from lower-income families who are new to the world of higher education. Selection is prioritized for those who demonstrate academic potential and would be among the first generation in their family to attend a traditional, four-year college. Once selected, PUPP Scholars participate throughout the remainder of their high school career and into their collegiate years. Scholars complete three, intensive six-and-a-half week summer institutes at Princeton University and take part in school-year programming, including weekly after school academic enrichment sessions and a series of cultural excursions. PUPP works directly with students and their parents during their senior year of high school to provide guidance and support during the college admissions and financial aid process. PUPP is a highly engaged, holistic college preparation and success program that fosters the development of students from lower-income families who have less familiarity and experience with higher education.
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Key Details:
- Location: Princeton Campus
- Cost: Free
- Application Deadline: Students are selected to apply to become a PUPP Scholar during the spring of their freshman year of high school
- Program Dates: Year-long program and summer institute
- Eligibility: Students must attend one of the following schools: Ewing High School, Lawrence High School, Nottingham High School (Hamilton, NJ), Princeton High School and Trenton Central High School and come from socioeconomic groups currently under-represented in major universities. Selection is prioritized for those who would be among the first generation in their family to attend a traditional, four-year college and those from families making less than $55,000 per year.
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) High School Summer Internship is designed for students with a keen interest in plasma physics and fusion energy. This internship is tailored for high school students who have demonstrated both a passion for the field and a solid academic foundation in relevant subjects. Successful candidates are those who have taken courses in physics, chemistry, advanced mathematics, engineering, and exhibit a strong interest in exploring the complexities of plasma physics.
A key aspect of the internship is the emphasis on hands-on experience, whether in experimental or computational projects in plasma physics. Interns are given the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, gaining valuable insights into the practical aspects of their academic interests. The program recognizes the importance of coding and computer-aided design (CAD) skills in contemporary research, and thus, candidates with some experience in programming languages like Python or Java, as well as familiarity with CAD tools such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, are particularly sought after.
The PPPL High School Summer Internship serves as a bridge between classroom learning and cutting-edge research. By exposing students to experimental and computational projects, the program not only deepens their understanding of plasma physics but also hones their problem-solving skills in a professional research environment. Furthermore, the internship allows students to interact with leading experts in the field, providing mentorship and guidance that can significantly impact their academic and career trajectories.
Key Details:
- Location: Princeton Campus
- Cost: Free
- Application Deadline: March 1
- Program Dates: 8-10 weeks Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, 40 hours per week
- Eligibility: Be at least 16 years of age AND a graduating senior in high school when the internship begins. The internship begins the summer after graduation, NOT the summer after junior year; be a United States citizen or permanent resident alien at the time of application
Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking (PACT)
The Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking (PACT) allows students to explore discrete mathematics and algorithmic principles. The program starts with an in-depth study of topics in discrete mathematics, emphasizing systematic counting and methods of proof. Students are introduced to proof techniques such as induction and delve into basic graph theory, using these tools to establish and understand various theorems.
Complementing the discrete mathematics foundation, PACT exposes students to the intricate realms of combinatorics and probability. While probability is a familiar concept for many, the program elevates the discussion to a more theoretical and fundamental level, unraveling sophisticated ideas from basic principles. As students progress, they cover set theory, advanced permutations and combinations, conditional probability, independent events, random variables, and the linearity of expectation. The problem sets for the probability section of the course are crafted to be both challenging and thought-provoking, pushing students to refine their instincts regarding the likelihood and independence of events.
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In the latter part of the program, students learn about algorithms. This phase introduces topics like asymptotic analysis, Big-O notation, and basic algorithms such as Euclidean GCD. The program's comprehensive approach ensures that students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also gain practical insights into algorithmic thinking and problem-solving.
A distinctive feature of PACT is the inclusion of guest lecturers who expose students to various fields within computer science. Topics such as computational geometry, cryptography, the probabilistic method, and planar graph coloring are explored, offering a holistic understanding of the diverse applications and disciplines within the realm of computer science. By the end of the program, students will have a refined skill set in algorithmic and combinatorial thinking and a broader appreciation for the multifaceted nature of computer science.
Key Details:
- Location: Princeton Campus
- Cost: \$1850
- Application Deadline: Winter
- Program Dates: June 26 to July 28
- Eligibility: The program is mainly targeted towards high school students, but some college students may participate as well. Any student who is in high school (finished grade 9 by the time the program begins) can apply. In some exceptional cases, they have admitted some younger students, but that is rare.
W.E.B DuBois Scholars Institute
The Princeton W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Institute offers three distinctive academies, including the Engineering, Leadership, and Pre-Med/Biological Sciences Academies. Each academy is designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity, foster critical thinking skills, and provide an immersive exploration of specific academic disciplines. The Engineering Academy is tailored to ignite interest in engineering careers among participants. The curriculum includes integral courses in advanced mathematics and physics principles. Emphasizing analytical thinking and cooperative problem-solving strategies, students engage in courses such as "Intro to Engineering," "Math Modeling," and "Physics." The academy provides a comprehensive view of the engineering field, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for future success in STEM disciplines.
The Leadership Academy focuses on cultivating the development of leaders and scholars in the social sciences and humanities. Through an exploration of critical issues like social problems, public policy, and social theory, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of leadership. Emphasis is placed on self-knowledge, analytical thinking, and cooperative problem-solving. Courses in this academy include the "Seminar on W.E.B. Du Bois," "Race & Social Stratification," and "Contemporary Issues in the Middle East." The Leadership Academy provides a holistic understanding of leadership principles, preparing students to engage with societal challenges.
The Pre-Med/Biological Sciences Academy is dedicated to fostering a well-rounded cohort of scientists and researchers in the fields of science, medicine, and information-driven technology. The curriculum emphasizes the interconnectedness between scientific, mathematical, and technological problem-solving strategies. Popular among students aspiring to focus on sciences and medicine in college and professionally, this academy offers courses such as "Anatomy & Physiology," "Intro to Neuroscience," and "Molecular Biology." Participants receive a comprehensive introduction to the sciences, preparing them for future endeavors in these dynamic fields.
Key Details:
- Location: Princetonâs Campus
- Cost: \$2600
- Application Deadline: January 18
- Program Dates: Five weeks on Monday through Thursday, with each class meeting every other day for 120 minutes. Students are in class from about 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Eligibility: You must be a freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school, You must have at least an overall âBâ average in a competitive academic program and you must be in the upper quarter of your class.
Additional Summer Programs and Opportunities
Beyond the specific programs detailed above, Princeton University and affiliated organizations offer a variety of other summer opportunities for high school students, including:
- Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) at Princeton: A three-week program for talented students from around the world.
- iD Tech Camps at Princeton: Summer intensives focused on exploring technology in its many forms.
- Princeton University Summer Sports Camps and Clinics: Opportunities for young athletes to experience the campus and facilities.
Choosing the Right Program
When selecting a summer program, consider the following factors:
- Program Topic: Choose a program that aligns with your academic interests and passions.
- Cost: Some programs are free, while others have tuition fees. Explore financial aid options if needed.
- Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the program's eligibility criteria, such as age, grade level, and academic standing.
- Program Format: Decide whether you prefer a class-based, research-based, or hybrid program.
Preparing Your Application
A strong application is crucial for gaining admission to Princeton's competitive summer programs. Here are some tips for preparing your application:
- Essays: Emphasize your desire to learn and provide clear reasons for your interest in the program.
- Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships with your teachers and seek recommendations from those who know you well.
- Interviews: Review your essays and be prepared to discuss your interests and goals.
Benefits of Participating
Participating in a Princeton pre-college summer program offers numerous benefits, including:
- Academic Enrichment: Deepen your knowledge in a specific subject area.
- Skill Development: Enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.
- College Preparation: Gain a taste of college life and strengthen your college application.
- Networking: Connect with accomplished faculty, professionals, and like-minded peers.
- Personal Growth: Develop independence, confidence, and a passion for learning.
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