The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) is a prestigious summer opportunity for high school students, focusing on delivering an elite college-level research experience in the sciences. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the program, from the application process to the qualifications you’ll need to gain acceptance.
Princeton LLP is an elite program that immerses students in cutting-edge research environments. Sponsored by Princeton University, the program gives participants the rare opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and researchers on exciting projects.
Every year, the LLP's research agenda changes to align with the latest innovations and research questions explored by Princeton researchers. Projects vary, but they are always associated with engineering and natural sciences. Recent LLP focuses have included: :
The main goal of the program is to expose students to the realities of life as a professional or graduate level researcher. Students get practical experience and learn how to think critically, preparing them to succeed in higher level academic pursuits in college and in their later careers in research and innovation. If you are a high school student interested in a transformative summer academic experience, the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is amongst the best options out there.
Who is Eligible for Princeton LLP?
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is open to highly motivated students passionate about STEM research. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Yes, the Laboratory Learning Program Research internship at Princeton is free for admitted students. The program does not charge tuition or fees, so talented high school students can gain access to it regardless of their financial situations. However, students are fully responsible for paying for their airfare and accommodations if they are traveling or moving for the program.
Applying to the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
Fill out your application via the official program website. This form asks for your GPA, a reference contact, and your choice of up to two research programs (though you can only join one).
As part of the application, you’ll have to answer the following questions briefly (max 250 words each):
You’ll also complete a section where you talk about your career interests and the field of study you plan to pursue in college.
Here is an example of a thoughtful response for the first question “What do you hope to get out of a research experience at Princeton?”:
“I have been interested in molecular biology since the day my fourth grade teacher assigned us a project on the life cycles of animals. I remember being fascinated that animal carcasses decompose and fertilize the surrounding soil to allow future life to thrive. As I’ve learned more about the biochemistry behind processes like this, my fascination with molecular biology has only deepened. I hope to attend Princeton’s Laboratory Learning program this summer to further develop my knowledge in this field and gain hands-on lab experience to prepare myself for my collegiate studies.
This past summer, I completed an internship at GenTech Biolabs. As part of my work, I investigated protein assay errors and led a group to analyze genetic sequences. This experience not only strengthened my understanding of genetics, but also increased my comfort level with biology lab work, which will be crucial for success at Princeton’s LLP.
I have also excelled in both AP and IB Biology as part of my high school curriculum, earning a 5 on the AP Biology exam after self-studying, and earning a 7 in IB Biology this semester. I also took a summer course through the University of Washington–in which I earned an A–on botany and plant biology, which further strengthened my life sciences knowledge.
I hope to increase my preparedness to study molecular biology in college and propel myself forward in my academic and professional careers. I believe Princeton’s LLP will provide the best opportunity to advance toward these goals this summer.”
If you’re accepted, you’ll be notified at the email address you submitted in your application. Make sure that your email is valid and always check your inbox.
If you are offered a spot in the program, you’ll have to provide more documentation, such as:
Note: The program doesn't accept applications via mail. You should NOT contact faculty members at Princeton to ask for admission into the program or about your application status. Placements are made directly by the program coordinators to ensure fairness.
It's important to keep track of the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program deadline and other key dates so you don't miss out on anything. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates:
Applications are open from 15th February to 15th March 2025. You have only one month to apply, so get started as early as possible.
Applications are due on March 15, 2025 at midnight U.S. Eastern Time. Make sure you submit your application before this time as there will be no late submissions accepted.
Selected candidates will be notified on a rolling basis, depending on their chosen project. You’ll receive an email directly from Princeton LLP, so keep an eye on your email.
All research work is carried out during business hours every day. Most opportunities require a commitment of at least 5 weeks during the summer. Please check back on February 15, 2026 for updated program information for the LLP summer 2026 program.
Since the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) has a low acceptance rate, you have to make your application stand out. Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward:
Read about Princeton's labs and see how your interests and skills relate to the projects they're working on. For example, if you're applying for the machine learning and green power generation project, briefly mention your background in coding and renewable energy. This will show that you are not only ready to contribute but are also excited about the work you’ll do as part of the program. Make sure you mention specific experiences through which you developed new skills and increased your qualifications.
Ask trusted teachers or mentors to provide recommendation letters attesting to your academic record, intellectual curiosity, or ability to work in a research environment. Look for a teacher who knows you well as they will be able to write a more vivid and personalized letter.
Review your application to ensure it's accurate and complete. Make sure you have the right email address and that you’ve completed all submission requirements.
You’ll have a better chance of getting in if you apply early, as slots may fill shortly after the rolling reviews begin and students are accepted. Moreover, applying early gives you enough time to get everything you need, such as your recommendation letters.
Highlight STEM experiences you’ve had outside of school, like attending lectures, taking online classes, competing in olympiads, completing summer programs, or participating in research initiatives.. This shows that you’re self-driven and dedicated to your academic success.
The LLP research internship at Princeton is a hands-on research program that will immerse you in cutting-edge scientific exploration. Here’s what you can expect as a participant
You’ll collaborate directly on research projects led by Princeton’s top faculty members and scientists, including Neta Bahcall and David Botstein. These projects encompass a wide range of STEM disciplines and give you an opportunity to contribute to research advancing these fields in the real world.
Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program will help you learn to collaborate with mentors and others in a university research setting. . You'll work with other teams and share ideas and results, preparing you for future school and career success.
Students will be taught graduate level lab techniques and receive training on specialized equipment unavailable at most high schools. This practical exposure can demonstrate to colleges that you are ready to succeed at the college level.
Workshops and seminars will help you to become a better researcher. You'll learn techniques for data analysis, experiment design, and science writing.
You’ll meet other brilliant students and accomplished professionals in the STEM field. This will help further your academic and professional connections.
If you’re able to gain admission to the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP), you’ll enjoy a significant boost to your academic profile and competitiveness for top universities. The program is highly competitive, but with the proper preparation and strategy, you can maximize your chances.
If you want to go the extra mile to improve your chances of admission at top colleges, our Indigo Research program can open doors for you. As admissions become more competitive by the year, being able to list an interesting research project on your application will give you an advantage, as it reflects your initiative, intellectual curiosity, and love for pursuing academic excellence. Indigo Research can provide the perfect opportunity for this kind of student-led independent research experience.
Indigo matches students with mentors who are experts in their fields to complete high-level research projects aimed at publication. Indigo also hosts the Indigo Academic Conference, which allows students to complete such a project and present their discoveries to university-level academics once they finish. Students who deliver their research projects at this conference can also earn college credits from the University of California, Santa Barbara. These credits serve as tangible proof of a student’s ability to work and succeed at the college level. These credits are also accepted and transferable to numerous other major universities in the UK and the US. Institutions in these countries consider credits from established universities like UCSB as a marker of academic discipline and rigor. This transferability opens doors for students pursuing higher education at top-class institutions abroad.
If you want to know how you can finish a publishable research paper while earning college credits from UCSB, check out our Indigo Research programs and book an initial consultation with us today. We offer flexible research opportunities with top university professors that will suit your passions.
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program acceptance rate hovers between 10 and 15%, making it a highly selective program.
Participating in the laboratory learning program doesn’t give you college credits or guarantee admission to Princeton. However it can strengthen your application and increase your competitiveness at all colleges, including Princeton.
Yes, students in the program have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with Princeton faculty. They will receive direct mentorship from these experts.
Getting into the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) is a prestigious opportunity that can supercharge your academic and research journey. It’s competitive, but with the right preparation, you can stand out. Indigo Research can help you gain the experience and skills elite programs like Princeton LLP look for. Contact us to learn how we can support your research goals and boost your chances!
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Getting into the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) is a prestigious opportunity that can supercharge your academic and research journey. It’s competitive, but with the right preparation, you can stand out. Indigo Research can help you gain the experience and skills elite programs like Princeton LLP look for. Contact us to learn how we can support your research goals and boost your chances!
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