MasterScholar Princeton Social Science Academy at The Lawrenceville School Recently Updated

The Princeton Social Science Academy at The Lawrenceville School (PSSA), a two-week summer academic program taught by faculty from Princeton University, presents a valuable opportunity for high school students to delve deeper into the study of the social sciences. Hosted on the historic campus of The Lawrenceville School, the PSSA brings together students from around the world to explore subjects ranging from sociology to anthropology, economics, and political science.

The PSSA curriculum has been meticulously designed by Dr. Shamus Rahman Khan, Professor of American Studies at Princeton University, who also leads the instruction of the program alongside other Princeton faculty.

Over the course of two weeks, students engage closely with faculty in a variety of formats including lectures, group discussions, practical fieldwork, and the production of social science research papers — all aimed at broadening students' academic horizons while fostering critical thinking, research skills, and a global perspective. Students also participate in engaging extracurricular activities, helping them build lasting connections and develop a global network of talented, intellectually curious peers. Studying the social sciences is crucial for high school students, helping them better understand current events and complex societal challenges, fostering civic awareness, and enhancing a variety of important social skills including social inquiry, communication, and teamwork. The Academy also promotes personal growth, enabling students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of themselves and clarify their academic and career goals.

Program Outcomes: 

• Professor Evaluation Letter: All students receive an evaluation letter from program faculty, including grades based on their class performance and the completion of their research paper.
• Certificate of Completion: Students who successfully complete the program and submit a research paper will receive an official Certificate of Completion, verifying their participation and achievements.
• Social Science Research Paper: Before the conclusion of the program, each student produces a social science research paper with guidance from program faculty and counselors — a valuable addition to include in their future college applications.
• College Recommendation Letter: Approximately 15% of program participants, representing the most outstanding students, will have the opportunity to receive a recommendation letter from Professor Shamus Khan.
  *Please note that recommendations from professors are personal actions, and the MasterScholar program does not take responsibility for the outcomes of these letters.

Course Overview:

• Lectures by Princeton Professors
  • Each morning, program faculty deliver social science lectures covering sociology, economics, political science, or anthropology. The professors rotate topics daily, using an interdisciplinary approach to enrich the course content.
• Guest Speaker Lectures
  • The program features guest speakers from the business world and academia. These experts share their insights and experiences, discussing research theories, academic trends, and analyses of social phenomena and current events. The lectures are designed to be engaging, interactive, and informative for students.
• Research Methodology Courses
  • These courses teach essential academic research methods, including interdisciplinary, comparative, case study, and historical research methods. The courses aim to help students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world social issues, while guiding them in the production of their research papers.
• Counselor-Led Seminars
  • Led by a dedicated team of program counselors, the seminars bring together small groups of students organized by their interests to facilitate targeted discussions. This encourages active participation and collaboration among students, and gives them a space to ask questions about course content or receive guidance on their research projects. 

Program Dates: July 27th - August 9th, 2025

Program Fees: $7,500

Program Fees Cover: Tuition, course materials, use of teaching facilities, meals, accommodation, staffing fees, and safety management fees

Program Fees Do Not Cover: Round-trip transportation to and from the program location, all visa-related costs, fees for participating in certain activities, international student travel health insurance (required for international students), and airport pick-up/drop-off (optional for all students)