Research
YSPA (Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics)
YSPA is a 6 weeks (2 weeks online, 4 weeks residential) hybrid program run by Yale University, Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium. Open to: current 11th graders (rising seniors).
- Last cycle's deadline
- March 6, 2026, 11:59 pm ES
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 6 weeks (2 weeks online, 4 weeks residential)
- Hybrid
What students do
After two weeks of online self-study, students live at Yale for four weeks, take classes at the planetarium, learn to code and analyze data, and use telescopes to gather data. Each student writes a scientific paper and presents at a closing mini-conference.
- Astrophysics
- Astronomy
- Physics
- Programming
- Data analysis
Key facts
- Run by
- Yale University, Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium
- Where
- New Haven, CT (hybrid)
- Who can apply
- Current 11th graders (rising seniors)Must be 15.5 or older by July 5, 2026; international students are considered in the same pool as U.S. applicants.
- Dates
- Online June 22 to July 3, 2026; residential July 5 to August 2, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- Tuition amount not found on the pages read; the fee covers all aspects of the program except travel and incidentals, and typical aid is a 50% tuition remission (up to 80%)
- Deadline
- March 6, 2026, 11:59 pm ESTThis was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.
- Selectivity
- The program enrolls 32 rising high school seniors.
Official program siteOfficial application pageYale University admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
A current school transcript and letters of recommendation from two teachers; standardized test scores should not be submitted.
How a mentor helps with your YSPA application
- Decide whether YSPA 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 YSPA deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEOPArmy Educational Outreach Program | Multiple locationsCommuter | Current high school students (also open to undergraduates) | Free with stipend | Varies by position; applications are always openLast cycle’s date |
| Clark ScholarsTexas Tech University | Lubbock, TXResidential | Rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates | Free with stipend | February 15, 2027, 11:59 pm CT |
| GarciaGarcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NYResidential or commuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Paid | Not posted |
| LLPPrinceton University Science Outreach | Princeton, NJCommuter | Local New Jersey high school students age 16 or older | Free | March 15, 2026, 11:59 pm ESTLast cycle’s date |
| REACHScripps Research | La Jolla, CACommuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Free with stipend | March 22, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| RIBSUniversity of Chicago Summer Session | Chicago, ILResidential | 10th and 11th grade students | Paid, aid available | Priority February 11, 2026; regular March 12, 2026Last cycle’s date |
Frequently asked questions
When is the YSPA application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was March 6, 2026, 11:59 pm EST, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does YSPA cost?
Tuition amount not found on the pages read; the fee covers all aspects of the program except travel and incidentals, and typical aid is a 50% tuition remission (up to 80%). Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to YSPA?
Current 11th graders (rising seniors). Must be 15.5 or older by July 5, 2026; international students are considered in the same pool as U.S. applicants.
What does the YSPA application require?
Transcript, Teacher recommendation. A current school transcript and letters of recommendation from two teachers; standardized test scores should not be submitted.
How hard is it to get into YSPA?
The program enrolls 32 rising high school seniors.
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.
