Application Process
We have exciting news! To better serve our students, mentors, and community, ASPIRE is moving to a single-admission program in 2024. The summer 2024 application period opens January 1 and remains open until 11:59pm on February 15. There will no longer be an academic year application period. Email ASPIRE@jhuapl.edu with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE: You cannot save a partially completed application once you have started.
The ASPIRE internship application cannot be saved and must be completed in a single session. We recommend drafting your essays and answers in a word processor program, such as Google Docs, so that you may review them prior to submission.
Before You Apply
Please preview the application to avoid any surprises. Please note: there may be small changes or inconsistencies between the sample application and the actual application.
Download the ASPIRE High School Internship Program School Acknowledgment Form and have it signed by your counselor, internship coordinator, or principal. You will attach this form to your application. Incomplete or unsigned forms will result in disqualification. We do not accept any forms submitted via email.
When completing your application, you will be asked to write 250 words or less on two topics: (1) explain why you chose your area(s) of interest and/or why you chose APL, and (2) tell us about a project you are proud of. These essays are your chance to share your personality and why you would make a great ASPIRE student.
Each application requires a recommendation from a teacher of your choice. The recommender cannot be related to you. The recommendation form will be sent to your recommender after you submit. Only one recommendation is required, but multiple will not hurt your application.
Applying
Complete and submit the online application. Make sure that all application materials, including the school acknowledgement form, are complete and signed. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the program.
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. You will receive additional emails when your recommender fills out the recommendation form, and when we have confirmed your eligibility. Please do not call to see whether we have received your recommendation form.
Accepted students will be asked to download and sign the ASPIRE Student Contract as part of their acceptance packet. You can preview the contract here.
All students, regardless of acceptance, will be notified of their status by the first Monday in June. Due to the large number of applications, please do not call or email to check the status of your application or recommendations.