Program Overview

Introduction to the Summer Science Research Program

The Summer Science Research Program at Hofstra University offers high school students the opportunity to conduct on-campus research under the guidance of faculty in various disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Computer Science, Engineering, Sociology, Geology, Mathematics, and Public Health.

About the Program

The program is competitive, and students must submit a completed online application and letter of recommendation from a teacher by the deadline for their application to be reviewed. Students will be selected based on their performance in relevant high school classes, a personal interview, the high school teacher's recommendation, and the availability of a faculty mentor.

Application and Program Dates, Deadlines, and Fees

The following table outlines the key dates and deadlines for the program: | Activity | Dates or Deadline | Fee Due | | --- | --- | --- | | Application and Application Fee Due | February 2, 2026 | $65 | | Teacher Recommendations Due | February 9, 2026 | | | Faculty Application Review Process | Early February to late March | | | Notification Date | Approximately April 10, 2026 | | | Tuition Deposit Due | April 17, 2026 | $350 | | Tuition Balance Due | April 27, 2026 | $1,900 | | Program Dates | July 6, 2026 - July 31, 2026 | | | Orientation | July 6, 2026, 11am-2pm | | | Weekly Seminar/Lunch | July 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026, 12-2pm | | | Poster Session | Approximately August 6, 2026, 4:30-6pm | |

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, students must:

• Be enrolled in 10th or 11th grade at the time of application
• Be a U.S. citizen and/or permanent resident
• Be at least 15 years of age by the start of the program
• Have had at least one year of a high school research course
• Have demonstrated an interest in their requested subject topic
• Be willing and able to commit four weeks to full-time research
• Have demonstrated the ability to work independently

How to Apply

To apply, students must submit:

1. A statement explaining why they want to engage in a research project
2. A letter of recommendation from a teacher
3. Parent/guardian consent form
4. Selection of three research areas in order of preference
5. A non-refundable application fee

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Details

• Who is eligible for the program?
  • Current high school sophomores or juniors who meet the listed criteria.
• Are there any exceptions to the applicant eligibility?
  • No, students must be U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents and at least 15 years of age by the start of the program.
• How do I apply?
  • All applicants must complete an online application form by the deadline.
• Can I mail in my application?
  • No, all parts of the application must be submitted through the online application system.
• May I participate in the program for a shorter time?
  • Participants are required to complete four full weeks of the program, though some exceptions may be made upon agreement between the student and mentor.
• May I submit supplemental materials for my application?
  • No, only the requested materials will be considered as part of the application.
• How will I know that my application is complete?
  • Applicants will receive a notification on their online portal that their application was successfully submitted.
• Who should write recommendation letters for me?
  • A strong recommendation letter from a teacher, preferably in a subject the student intends to pursue in the summer program.
• Are there any tuition fees?
  • Yes, please see the "Application and Program Dates, Deadlines, and Fees" section.
• Where are you located? Do you provide housing and/or transportation?
  • The program is located at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. Housing and transportation are not provided.
• What are the dates and hours of the program?
  • The 4-week program runs from the beginning of July to the end of July, generally Monday - Thursday.
• Can my research project be used for competition in local national science contests?
  • Yes, but students must receive permission from their lab mentor before submitting their project externally.
• How many students are accepted to this program?
  • The number of students accepted depends on faculty availability.
• What happens after I submit my application?
  • Applications are continuously reviewed, and correspondence will not all happen in the same week.
• If I am accepted, how long will I have to confirm that I will participate in the program?
  • After acceptance, participants are expected to confirm their participation within seven days of the notification with a deposit due.
• If admitted, what do I need to complete BEFORE HUSSRP starts?
  • Once accepted, students are encouraged to reach out to their mentor directly to find out more about potential research projects.
• Is there a dress code?
  • While there is no formal dress code, participants are expected to dress in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for their lab setting.
• Will applying or participating in HUSSRP help me get into Hofstra University?
  • No, participation in this program does not result in admission to a Hofstra University degree program.

Poster Session

The capstone experience of the Hofstra University Summer Science Research Program is when students present posters highlighting their summer research activities at a reception for their families, friends, and teachers. Many HUSSRP students go on to enter their research posters in science competitions locally and nationally.