University of Florida Student Science Training ProgramSSTP

UF SSTP at a Glance

Host

Center for Precollegiate Education and Training (CPET), University of Florida, on the Gainesville campus in Florida

Field

For students considering careers in science, medicine, math, computer science or engineering; research placements may involve clinical research, bench research, engineering projects, computer-based projects or field work

Grades and age

Students currently in 11th grade who will be at least 16 by the start of the program, with no exceptions to the age or grade policy. There is no minimum GPA, and standardized tests are not required but should be reported if taken.

Citizenship and residency

Open worldwide: students from outside Florida and international students may apply, though a limited number of spots are designated for students from non-Florida high schools. If accepted, families handle all travel arrangements, including passports and visas.

Cost

The 2026 program cost was $5,500, covering housing, staffing and supervision, field trips, social and service activities, insurance and program supplies; daily meals are not included. The $50 application fee is non-refundable. Admitted students respond within 14 days and pay a $500 non-refundable deposit. Limited need-based scholarships are available only to students attending a Florida high school; donor-funded scholarships with specific criteria are offered at times.

Dates and format

Seven weeks, residential; the 2026 program ran June 7 to July 25 on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. Students join a faculty research team on its ongoing work, attend a daily interdisciplinary lecture, and take a UF Honors seminar limited to 12 students per class. Requirements include weekly lab notes, a research paper, a research poster and two oral presentations. Students live in suite-style residence halls with kitchens and buy their own daily meals; Saturdays are full-day field trips or volunteering.

Application dates

The 2026 application opened January 5, 2026 and closed March 25, 2026. Review is rolling from March, decisions go out from late March to mid-April, and the last waitlist offers are made in mid-May. Dates for 2027 have not been announced.

Application materials

Online application through SMApply: student and parent contact information; an application form with activities and two prompts, one a 300–500-word written response and one a video; two recommended teacher endorsement forms from a high school or college math, science, research or computer science teacher or mentor; an academic record form completed by a guidance counselor; an unofficial transcript; and the $50 application fee.

Size and selectivity

The program does not publish an admission rate or cohort size and does not discuss applicant data; it says admitted students are selected from an applicant pool of hundreds. Admission is rolling, the first review rounds do not fill every spot, and students not admitted may be placed on an unranked waitlist.

Verified against official pages on 2026-10-07 · cpet.ufl.edu/students/summer-programs/student-science-training-program

How to Apply to UF SSTP

• UF SSTP admits on a rolling basis starting in March, and the first rounds do not fill every spot. Apply soon after the January opening rather than waiting for the March 25 deadline.
• One prompt is a video, and endorsers are asked to judge maturity, collaboration and readiness for a university research lab. Choose teachers who know your science or research work best.
• Need-based scholarships go only to students at Florida high schools. Families outside Florida should budget for the $5,500 program cost plus daily meals and travel.