University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP): A Complete Guide

Have you ever imagined yourself doing real scientific research at a college-level lab? But do you also want to keep learning more about science in the world? The University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP) combines theory and hands-on lab work in a university campus environment. If this sounds interesting to you, keep reading this guide to learn more about the program.

• What Is UF SSTP?
• UF SSTP Acceptance Rate
• UF SSTP Application Deadline
• UF SSTP Requirements
• How to Get into UF SSTP
• Why Join UF SSTP?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is UF SSTP?

The University of Florida Student Science Training Program is a seven-week residential research program for rising seniors with a passion for science, technology, engineering, or math.

During the seven weeks, you can expect to live on the University of Florida campus and work on cutting-edge research projects under the mentorship of UF faculty and their research teams. You’ll be immersed in the life of a researcher, from conducting experiments in the lab to attending seminars on the latest scientific discoveries.

The 2025 program will run from June 8 to July 26, 2025. You must be committed to participating in the whole duration of the program. That means you can’t commit to other internships, jobs, extracurricular activities, and family events.

Academic content

The UF SSTP curriculum is designed to simulate a college-level research experience. You’ll spend about 30 hours per week in a UF laboratory, contributing to ongoing research alongside your mentor’s lab team. Depending on the research, you may expect to do computer-based projects, engineering projects, clinical research, bench research, or field work, among others.

You’ll also be expected to:

• Write a research paper
• Give two research talks
• Present a research poster based on the work conducted in the research lab

Outside the lab, you’ll attend a daily lecture series where university researchers present current topics in science, medicine, engineering, and more. You’ll learn concepts, experimental approaches, and applications of current research.

You’ll also take part in a UF Honors seminar class, which involves readings and discussions that broaden your academic perspective. You can expect lectures, library research, discussions, papers, presentations, and quizzes in these classes.

Housing and daily life

Outside research and classes, you can look forward to evenings and weekends filled with academic and social activities—such as field trips to research facilities, community service projects, and fun outings.

In fact, every Saturday is booked with an activity. However, you’ll have Sundays to do what you want.

You’ll be living in a UF residence hall, which has two double-occupancy bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area, and a bathroom. The kitchen has a fridge, stovetop, and microwave, and there are weekly grocery runs too. If you don’t feel like cooking all the time, you can try local restaurants on and off campus.

UF SSTP Acceptance Rate

The University of Florida Student Science Training Program doesn’t publish an exact acceptance rate, but it has been mentioned that they admit around 90 students each year. That number can change depending on how many faculty-mentors are available to work with them.

UF SSTP Application Deadline

The University of Florida Student Science Training Program has rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they come in until all spots are filled. Here’s a quick look at the important dates for the program:

Because of rolling admissions, we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. Slots can fill up early, so early applicants have a better chance while spots are still available.

UF SSTP Requirements

Before applying to the University of Florida Student Science Training Program, you should first check the requirements.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the UF SSTP, you must:

• Be a rising senior
• Be at least 16 years old by the start of the program

Required documents

To apply for the UF SSTP, you should submit the following:

• Online application form. Fill out the UF CPET online application (via the SSTP portal) with personal and parent information, and a list of activities.
• Two essays. You’ll need to write two 500-word essays discussing your STEM interests and your academic/professional goals for the next 10 years.
• Two teacher endorsements. You’ll need to request recommendation forms from teachers, preferably science, math, research, or computer science teachers.
• Academic Record Form. Your school counselor or administrator should complete this document.
• High school transcript. An unofficial transcript is okay for application, but you might need an official one if you’re accepted.
• Application fee. You’ll need to pay a $50 application fee.

Program cost

The program cost for UF SSTP is $5,500. This fee covers on-campus housing, supervision, lab supplies, field trip expenses, and other program activities. Daily meals are not included in this fee, so you should budget separately for food.

Limited need-based financial assistance is available for students who wish to apply.

How to Get into UF SSTP

Now that you know what requirements you should have, here’s how to get into the University of Florida Student Science Training Program:

Step 1: Create an account on the application portal.

Go to the UF CPET online portal and create an account to start your application. Then, after logging in, select the Student Science Training Program from the list of programs. The portal will display all the required sections.

Step 2: Write your essays.

You’ll need to submit two essays that are 500 words each. Here are the two prompts you should answer and some tips to consider when writing your responses:

Prompt 1: Which STEM field interests you most? For example: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Mechanical Engineering, etc. Describe your interest in this field.

Be specific about your interest. So, if you choose biology, what exactly about biology are you curious about? Is it anatomy or genetics or something else? Even if you have multiple interests, pick the strongest one for this essay.

Describe the evolution of your interest. What sparked it, and how did you continue to feed your curiosity? Mention any related coursework, science fair projects, personal experiments, clubs, volunteer work, or even relevant hobbies. This is also your chance to show that you’ve gone beyond what’s taught in a typical high school classroom.

You can also show awareness of the field’s relevance and its potential future direction, how it can address current global challenges or improve human lives.

Prompt 2: Where do you see yourself academically and professionally in 10 years? How do you anticipate achieving these goals?

When drafting your response for this prompt, make sure that it logically extends from the STEM field you discussed in the first essay. With that in mind, outline your roadmap.

First, what specific major/s will you pursue? Mention courses, research opportunities, internships, or study abroad programs you plan to take during college. If you’re planning to continue to graduate studies, mention the type of research focus you’d pursue or the kind of program/university you’d aim for.

Then, discuss your professional goals. What kind of role do you see yourself in? Explain what you’d be doing and why it’s meaningful to you.

Explain how participating in the UF SSTP specifically helps you achieve these long-term goals. Explain why this program, at this university, is the best step for your trajectory.

Step 3: Secure your other documents.

While polishing your essays, secure your recommendation forms and academic records.

Speak with two teachers who can attest to your collaborative skills and ability to work in a University-level research lab. They should ideally be math, science, research, or computer science teachers or mentors. Ask them for their email, then inform them that they’ll receive an email link to complete the SSTP endorsement form on your behalf.

Next is your Academic Record Form, which you’ll ask an administrator (such as a guidance counselor) to complete. As for your high school transcript, you can submit an unofficial transcript with your first semester grades.

Step 4: Complete and submit your application.

Fill out all required sections of the application form. Upload all the documents and double-check everything before submitting. Pay the $50 application fee through the portal, or request a waiver if you’re eligible. You can find the link to pay the fee on the “How to Pay” page.

Since UF SSTP has rolling admissions, try to submit as early as you can rather than waiting for the deadline.

If you need professional help polishing your UF SSTP application, feel free to reach out. We’ve helped students like you get into prestigious programs and top-tier universities.

Step 5 (optional): Submit the form for financial aid.

If you’d like to apply for financial aid, you should submit the online form together with the regular application or as soon as possible after you’ve submitted the regular application.

Applying for financial aid won’t affect your chances of admission. However, if you submit your application for financial aid together with the regular form, then the non-refundable deposit may be waived.

Why Join UF SSTP?

Participating in the University of Florida Student Science Training Program can help you grow personally and academically. Here are the specific benefits of being part of the program:

1. Academic benefits

UF SSTP offers a great hands-on learning experience for aspiring scientists. After all, you’ll work with advanced lab equipment and learn scientific techniques that most high school students never get to try.

You’ll engage in real research, which deepens your understanding of the scientific process. The daily lectures and Honors Seminar will expose you to different scientific disciplines and cutting-edge discoveries, broadening your knowledge beyond the standard high school curriculum.

If you attend a Florida high school, you can even earn dual enrollment credit (up to 6 college credits and 1 high school credit) for your work in the program, giving you a head start on college coursework.

2. Personal growth

Living on campus for seven weeks can help you mature and become more independent. You’ll manage your own schedule, navigate university facilities, and collaborate with peers in a college-like setting. You’ll also manage your own budget since meals aren’t included in the program cost.

The program will help you deliberately build interpersonal and leadership skills by having you participate in group discussions, team projects, and presentations that improve your communication and teamwork abilities. Counselors and mentors will guide you to handle challenges and grow more confident in your abilities.

Outside of coursework, UF SSTP also helps build community and friendship. You’ll bond with a diverse group of talented peers through weekend social activities and shared service projects.

3. College and career advantages

The UF SSTP is a prestigious program for aspiring scientists. Completing this program can strengthen your college applications since it shows your initiative and ability to excel in a rigorous research environment. It also shows universities that you have gone above and beyond typical high school science experiences.

During UF SSTP, you’ll network with professors, graduate students, and researchers, which are connections that can lead to mentoring, strong recommendation letters, or future research opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is UF SSTP a good program?

Yes, UF SSTP is a good high school research program for scientifically inclined students. The program gives you intensive lab research experience, mentorship from University of Florida scientists, and advanced coursework beyond the typical high school level.

2. Who is eligible for UF SSTP?

Rising seniors who are at least 16 years old are eligible for the UF SSTP. International and out-of-state students are also eligible, but their slots are limited compared to Florida students.

3. Can I receive credit for participating in UF SSTP?

Yes, if you attend a Florida high school. UF SSTP offers dual enrollment through UF, allowing Florida students to earn up to 6 college credits (and 1 high school credit) upon successful completion. Out-of-state or non-dual-enrollment students typically won’t receive official college credit.

Takeaways

• The University of Florida Student Science Training Program is a seven-week residential program that’s open to rising seniors at least 16 years old.
• The program dates for 2025 are June 8 to July 26.
• Admission to the UF SSTP can be quite competitive since it only accepts around 90 students a year.
• Some reasons to participate in the UF SSTP are experiencing academic benefits, personal growth, and college and career advantages.
• Not sure where to go from here? Receive a customized roadmap to point you to similar opportunities that can improve your college application.