Princeton Summer Journalism Program: A Complete Guide

If you’re a junior serious about journalism, the Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is one of the best places to start. Free and highly selective, it’s built for students from low-resource backgrounds—far from your typical journalism program for high school students.

Let’s walk through the PSJP experience, how selective it is, and what you can do to stand out for a future in media.

• What Is the Princeton Summer Journalism Program? 
• Princeton Summer Journalism Program Acceptance Rate
• Princeton Summer Journalism Program Application Deadline
• Princeton Summer Journalism Program Requirements
• How to Get into the Princeton Summer Journalism Program
• Why Join the Princeton Summer Journalism Program?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Princeton Summer Journalism Program?

Think of the Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) as a journalism bootcamp—minus the cost. Designed for students exploring media careers without formal access, PSJP offers real training, structure, and support. It’s a strong starting point if you’re a junior with top grades and big goals to become the next Christiane Amanpour.

Launched in 2002 by Princeton alumni, PSJP has helped students gain newsroom access and attend workshops led by top journalists and professors. Like recent admits, you could join media site visits, report real stories, and receive one-on-one college advising through senior year (if selected).

Today, the program runs as a hybrid month-long experience that wraps up at Princeton’s New Jersey campus. As seen in the 2025 cycle, PSJP kicks off online during the first week of July, then moves to its 10-day residential stay from July 24 to August 3.

So, if you’re looking for Princeton summer programs for high school students that deliver real skills and lasting results, PSJP is one of the most competitive and most rewarding opportunities you’ll find.

Princeton Summer Journalism Program Acceptance Rate

While getting into the Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a dream for many aspiring journalists, its growing demand has made it anything but easy. Each year, PSJP selects just 40 high school juniors from across the country—making it one of the most selective journalism programs for students in the U.S.

In 2020, the program received over 350 applications, putting the PSJP acceptance rate at around 11%. While numbers may vary each year, the odds remain highly competitive. If you’re serious about applying, strong grades help—but it often takes more than that to stand out.

Princeton Summer Journalism Program Application Deadline

Applying to the Princeton Summer Journalism Program means working within a tight window. The application usually opens in early December and closes by late February, giving you just a few weeks to submit everything ahead of its May notification.

With a competitive applicant pool and a lot to prepare, it’s worth tracking the timeline so you can plan early for the required essays and recommendations. Since exact dates may shift year to year, the best move is to check the official PSJP site once the cycle opens.

Princeton Summer Journalism Program Requirements

Earning a place in the Princeton Summer Journalism Program means more than meeting a deadline—it’s also understanding what the program looks for. With just 40 spots available, every part of your application is a chance to show why you belong in PSJP’s competitive cohort.

From eligibility rules to supporting materials, here’s a breakdown of what the program requires to help you get ahead:

Eligibility

While the Princeton Summer Journalism Program is more accessible than many selective summer programs, not everyone is eligible to apply. PSJP is designed to give students a real shot at the field—but only if you meet these key requirements:

• Currently a high school junior. To be eligible, you must be in 11th grade at the time of submission.
• U.S. resident with local college plans. You should live in the United States and plan to enroll in a local college after graduation.
• Strong academic performance. A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher is expected to show you’re in good academic standing.
• Genuine interest in journalism. This can include your work with student publications, independent writing, or a clear passion for media and storytelling.
• Meets at least one financial eligibility criterion. Your household must earn under $60,000 annually, or you must qualify for free or reduced-price lunch or SAT/ACT fee waivers.
• First-generation applicant. You’ll also receive priority consideration if you’re the first in your family to attend college.

These requirements may set the baseline, but PSJP reviews each application individually. If your academic or financial background doesn’t fully align, you’ll still have the opportunity to explain your circumstances for consideration.

Required documents

Beyond meeting the qualifications, a spot at the Princeton Summer Journalism Program also means presenting yourself well through your materials. After all, your application is key to showcasing your voice, motivation, and potential outside your GPA or background.

With each round asking for more detailed documentation, here’s what you need to prepare for PSJP’s three-round application process:

• Online application form. This includes basic personal, academic, and financial details you’ll need to complete, along with background questions to help determine eligibility.
• Three short-response essays. Written based on given prompts, these should reflect your goals, perspectives on current events, and interest in journalism.
• One writing sample. You’ll also need to submit a longer piece of writing—often a news article, opinion piece, or feature story—that shows your voice and thinking on the page.
• Contact reference. You are also required to submit contact information for one teacher and counselor to coordinate your recommendation letter and transcript submission.
• One letter of recommendation. A teacher who knows you well should submit a recommendation highlighting your journalistic strengths, work ethic, and potential.
• School transcript and profile. These are submitted by your school counselor and provide context for your academic background and performance.
• Additional financial documents (as needed). If selected as a semi-finalist, you may be asked to submit W-2 forms, tax returns, or other supporting materials for eligibility verification.

Each part of your application plays a key role in how you’re evaluated. Submitting these documents carefully—and on time—can make a real difference when applying to one of the country’s most competitive journalism programs for high school students.

Program costs

If you’re looking for one of the few journalism programs that’s completely free, the Princeton Summer Journalism Program leads the list. With no tuition or participation fees, getting selected means an all-expense-paid residential experience at Princeton.

PSJP covers all major costs, including airfare or ground transportation, housing, meals, and equipment for assignments. The only exception is the laptop or stable internet needed for the virtual portion—but if that’s a barrier, the staff may also be able to assist with access.

Compared to programs like the Boston University Summer Journalism Academy and Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute, which charge between $1,500 and $5,000, PSJP remains one of the most accessible and valuable Princeton summer programs for high school students.

How to Get into the Princeton Summer Journalism Program

With limited spots and a multi-stage application, knowing how to get into the Princeton Summer Journalism Program gives you a real advantage. Here’s what to expect across each application phase:

1. Join the PSJP mailing list.

If you’re aiming for one of PSJP’s 40 spots, your work starts well before the application opens. Joining the mailing list may seem minor, but it gives you early access to materials, deadline reminders, and application updates directly from the program starting in December.

This simple step can give you an early edge—especially when you’re also scrambling with college prep in junior year. Treat it as your first move in a competitive process that rewards preparation from the start.

2. Complete the PSJP online application.

A real shot at the Princeton Summer Journalism Program starts with submitting your official application. This includes everything from personal background to short essay responses and contact information for your recommender and counselor. It’s a lot to cover—so pace yourself, check for accuracy, and don’t leave it to the last minute.

You don’t need to submit everything at once, but a thoughtful, well-prepared submission shows you’re serious. Since PSJP reviews hundreds of applications per cycle, how you present yourself here can shape your chances of moving on to the next round.

3. Send in your application materials.

Once you’ve filled out your part of the application, the next step is making sure everything else gets submitted. This includes your transcript, school profile, and letter of recommendation—all of which must come directly from your counselor and teacher.

To avoid delays, give your school contacts as much advance notice as possible, and make sure they’re aware of the deadline and requirements. PSJP won’t review incomplete applications, so staying on top of what others need to submit is just as important as your own work.

4. Submit financial documents if selected.

If you’re named a semi-finalist, the second phase of the PSJP application process begins. With updates typically sent around late March, expect this period to be a tight window to submit additional financial proof to confirm your eligibility.

This phase usually requires key family income records and supporting documents, so let your family know as soon as instructions arrive. Watch closely for updates—missing this step can take you out of the running, even if the rest of your application is strong.

5. Prepare for your finalist interview.

After a tough selection, making it to the finalist interview means you’re one step away from joining PSJP’s next class. This final round typically takes place over video conference, with invitations and instructions sent to selected students by late May.

At this stage, you’ve already stood out on paper—now it’s about showing who you are and why you belong. Getting into the Princeton Summer Journalism Program starts with being prepared, not perfect. Be ready to talk about your application and what excites you about the program. And above all, don’t overthink it—authenticity counts as much as your answers.

6. Wait for the final decision and prepare to join the program.

Making it to the end of the Princeton Summer Journalism Program application process is no small feat. If you’re one of the 40 selected, expect your official offer and welcome materials by late May to kick off your PSJP journey.

There’s nothing left to submit, but it’s important to review your program schedule and travel details. Keep an eye on your email and loop in your family—some confirmations may be time-sensitive. Once you’ve accepted your spot, take in the milestone, but stay on top of what comes next.

Why Join the Princeton Summer Journalism Program?

Through online workshops, story assignments, and newsroom visits, PSJP gives you the real-world exposure most high school students never get. The program is a direct line to both professional journalism and the college admissions world.

Packed with training, mentorship, and application support, the Princeton Summer Journalism Program builds momentum where it counts. For a closer look, here’s what you’re set to gain from this impactful journalism program for high school students:

1. Build real-world journalism experience

As a PSJP participant learning journalism, you’ll also put it into practice firsthand. That includes reporting on real issues, covering events or interviews, and helping produce The Princeton Summer Journal. With support from working journalists, this hands-on training mirrors real newsroom work and gives you bylines to show for it.

2. Connect with aspiring journalists and industry mentors

At PSJP, you won’t be learning alone. You’ll join a diverse, close-knit cohort of students who share your curiosity and passion for journalism. Together, you’ll collaborate with professional journalists from top outlets—many of whom serve as guest speakers, mentors, and even tour guides to your visits at HuffPost and Bloomberg.

3. Get one-on-one college admissions guidance

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program doesn’t just prepare you for a journalism career—it also supports your path to college. Beyond seminars on the admissions process, you’ll receive personalized college advising from mentors who help you build your college list, refine essays, and stay on top of deadlines throughout senior year. Ultimately, a rare kind of support.

4. Experience campus life at Princeton

PSJP gives you a real feel for college life, starting with its Princeton-based program and capped by a residential stay. You’ll sleep in dorms, attend workshops in campus classrooms, and share meals with your cohort in the dining hall.

Along the way, you’ll juggle assignments, collaborate on group projects, and connect with mentors—offering a full preview of college, especially if you’re eyeing Princeton for college.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can international students join the Princeton Summer Journalism Program?

No—international students are not eligible to join. The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is only open to U.S.-based high school juniors who plan to attend college in the United States. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s best to check the program’s official criteria before applying.

2. How hard is it to get into PSJP?

Getting into the Princeton Summer Journalism Program is highly competitive. Accepting only 40 students from hundreds of top-performing applicants, PSJP is one of the most selective journalism programs for high school students. To boost your chances, you’ll need a thoughtful application, strong academics, and a clear, demonstrated interest in journalism.

3. Is the Princeton Summer Journalism Program good for college?

Yes—it’s a strong college prep opportunity, especially if you’re interested in media or communications. Alongside writing experience and professional mentoring, the Princeton Summer Journalism Program offers yearlong college advising, essay support, and application guidance through senior year. That kind of support can be a game-changer—especially for students who may have limited resources or guidance.

4. How does the PSJP application process work?

The PSJP application unfolds in three phases. It begins with an online form submission, followed by financial documents if you’re selected as a semifinalist. Finalists are then invited to a video interview before the final 40 students are announced in May. Since dates and requirements may shift slightly, it’s best to check the official site as the cycle opens.

5. Is prior journalism experience required to apply for PSJP?

No—prior journalism experience isn’t required. PSJP looks for potential, not polish. A genuine interest in writing, media, or storytelling—paired with strong academics and a thoughtful application—is more than enough. After all, you’ll have plenty of room to grow once you’re in.

Takeaways

If you’re serious about applying to the Princeton Summer Journalism Program, here’s what to remember when aiming for one of its coveted spots:

• With only 40 students selected each year, the Princeton Summer Journalism Program acceptance rate is steep. It’s easily one of the most competitive summer journalism programs for high school students.
• Applications open in December and close by late February. That’s why tracking key dates and eligibility requirements early can help you stay ahead.
• Getting into PSJP takes more than strong grades. A well-prepared application, thoughtful planning, and a clear interest in journalism are what set you apart.
• From published bylines to mentorship, college advising, and a residential stay at Princeton, PSJP offers rare, full-circle support for aspiring journalists.
• Still unsure how PSJP fits into your college goals? Talk to an admissions expert about how summer programs can strengthen your application and support your future in journalism.