Here are some important things you should know if you are planning to apply to the HSHSP or are recommending a student apply:
Who should apply?
Anyone who is presently a high school junior may apply.
When is the application deadline?
Applications and supporting materials should be received no later than March 1st, 2023.
Submitting Applications
Applications will be submitted online HERE. The only item to be mailed will be your official high school transcript and the participant fee check
If you have any questions regarding the application please contact:
Dr. Gail Richmond, HSHSP Director
620 Farm Lane Room 319 Erickson Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing MI 48824-1034
517 432 4854
gailr@msu.edu
Application Information
The participant fee for the 2023 HSHSP will be $3,800 (This cost covers room, board, and some instructional costs)
Before submitting your online application please be sure you have completed the following information:
- A personal essay of 400-600 words. The essay must be neat and should address your interests in scientific research and in attending the HSHSP; what do you think you can contribute and any other significant related events in your life that you feel would be helpful to the Director in evaluating your application. I do not want to receive an essay that details your lifetime awards and honors, but rather an honest and compelling story about why you want to spend 7 weeks of your summer away from family and friends, doing full-time research, and why your participation would make difference in your life. Your personal essay will be typed or copy/pasted into the application.
- A second essay of the same length in which you describe the impact a book you have read has had on your thinking or any aspect of your life. This book can be one assigned in a course or one you chose to read for pleasure. Your second essay will be typed or copy/pasted into the application.
- List the following in your online application:
- Courses you currently are taking if not included on the transcript (for which you have not yet received a grade).
- Books or magazines you have read during the past year that were not assigned by a teacher. (Include non-science readings.)
- Recommendations from at least two teachers, at least one of whom should be a science teacher you recently have had as an instructor. Please remind them that their letter does make a difference and should speak to your unique strengths as an individual—and should NOT simply be a recap of your resume. (That doesn’t tell me anything about how and what they know about you as an individual and why you might be suited for such a program.) These letters should also reveal something about your motivation, independence, and maturity, so select these individuals carefully. In your online application you will type the name and email addresses of the two teachers for whom you would like a letter of recommendation. Once you have submitted your application a link will be sent to your two teachers letting them know to complete a letter of recommendation for you. Please be sure to alert them that they will be getting an email from Dr. Gail Richmond.
- Official high school transcript (with a seal) including all standardized test scores. Be sure to request that your school send test scores and rank in class (if available). Screenshots of your test scores from College Board or ACT are also accepted and highly recommended and should be uploaded into your online application. The absence of some type of standardized test might delay the review of your materials, so be sure to address this in your application!
- If applying for financial aid, please complete the financial aid section in the online application.
Application Deadline
THE APPLICATION, ESSAYS, LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION, AND HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED/ RECEIVED BY MARCH 1st, 2023. Later applications will be considered if space is available.