Writing and journalism
PSJP (Princeton Summer Journalism Program)
PSJP is a Multi-week summer intensive, part of a year-long program hybrid program run by Princeton University. Open to: high school juniors.
- Application deadline
- Round 1 runs November to J
- Cost
- Free
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- Multi-week summer intensive, part of a year-long program
- Hybrid
What students do
Students from limited-income backgrounds take virtual journalism classes over the summer and then live on Princeton's campus for the final part of the program. The program continues through senior year with college application support.
- Journalism
- Reporting
- College preparation
Key facts
- Run by
- Princeton University
- Where
- Princeton, NJ (hybrid)
- Who can apply
- High school juniorsMust have a permanent U.S. address, an unweighted GPA of at least 3.5, and meet one income condition (family income of $65,000 or less, free or reduced-price lunch eligibility, or SAT/ACT fee waiver eligibility); first-generation students get priority.
- Dates
- Late June through early August 2027, starting with virtual classes and ending with a residential stay at Princeton
- Cost
- Free
- Deadline
- Round 1 runs November to January; Round 2 February to March; Round 3 in MayApplication opens Mid-November 2026.
- Selectivity
- The site says PSJP selects 40 students every year.
Official program siteOfficial application pagePrinceton University admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Teacher recommendation
Three application rounds; the FAQ mentions recommendations from a teacher or counselor, sample articles and family financial information, but the full list of materials was in collapsed sections I could not read.
How a mentor helps with your PSJP application
- Decide whether PSJP fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the PSJP deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IYWSUniversity of Iowa | Iowa City, IAResidential | Students currently in 10th, 11th or 12th grade | Paid, aid available | February 7, 2027 |
| JCampAsian American Journalists Association | Multiple locationsResidential | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Free | January 11, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| NYT Summer AcademyThe School of The New York Times | New York, NYResidential or commuter | Students entering grades 10 to 12 and graduating seniors, ages 15 to 18 | Paid, aid available | Priority February 27, 2026; Round 1 March 13, 2026; Round 2 April 10, 2026; rolling after April 13, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Young WritersThe Kenyon Review at Kenyon College | Gambier, OHResidential | Rising juniors, rising seniors and recent high school graduates, ages 16 to 18 | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2026 (teacher recommendations due March 7)Last cycle’s date |
Frequently asked questions
When is the PSJP application deadline?
The deadline is Round 1 runs November to January; Round 2 February to March; Round 3 in May. The application opens Mid-November 2026.
How much does PSJP cost?
Free.
Who can apply to PSJP?
High school juniors. Must have a permanent U.S. address, an unweighted GPA of at least 3.5, and meet one income condition (family income of $65,000 or less, free or reduced-price lunch eligibility, or SAT/ACT fee waiver eligibility); first-generation students get priority.
What does the PSJP application require?
Teacher recommendation. Three application rounds; the FAQ mentions recommendations from a teacher or counselor, sample articles and family financial information, but the full list of materials was in collapsed sections I could not read.
How hard is it to get into PSJP?
The site says PSJP selects 40 students every year.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
