Applying For FSI
Who can apply to FSI?
Applicants should:
- have a strong desire to challenge themselves and engage in STEM investigations
- have a high level of self-discipline, dependability, and social maturity
- be currently in high school grades 9-11
*Applications from women, differently gendered people, people of color, indigenous people, queer (LGBT+) community members, people with disabilities, and those residing in rural communities are strongly encouraged to apply!
Ready to Apply?
The application includes the following questions:
- Describe the extracurricular activities and/or summer programs you have participated in over the past three years (for example, Science Olympiad, band, drama, robotics club, science fair, athletics, hobbies, summer camps, dual enrollment, college courses, etc.)
- Describe how you have contributed to your community in the past three years.
- Explain your interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and a STEM career (Your response should be approximately 350-500 words)
- Describe why you want to attend FSI and how do you hope to grow personally from the experience of learning and living with the FSI cohort? (Your response should be approximately 350-500 words)
Additionally, be sure to have the following information ready:
- student contact information
- Parent/guardian contact information
- school information, grade, and GPA
- college and career goals/aspirations
- Demographic information (including family income information)
Plagiarism & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy
When submitting your application please keep in mind it is expected that written material is your original work, and is not plagiarized or intentionally misrepresents your own original work (such as using AI):
- Plagiarism: application materials should not include thoughts, ideas, experiences, or writing directly from others – expected to be written and created by you, the applicant.
- AI Use: AI platforms, such Large Language Models (LLMs), like Chat GPT and others, can be helpful tools – expected that materials submitted as part of your application must be your work, not written by artificial intelligence.
*It will be up to the FSI Application Review Committee to determine plagiarism and AI use in application materials.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please reach out to FSI.admin@unco.edu
Application Timeline
| October 1, 2025 | Application Available |
| February 1, 2026 | Priority Application Deadline |
| February 2026 | Notice of Priority Acceptance or Waitlist |
| February 15, 2026 | Final Application Deadline |
| March 1, 2026 | Priority Acceptance Decision from Student & Registration Fee Due |
| March 2026 | Notice of Acceptance or Waitlist |
| March 15, 2025: | Acceptance Decision from Student & Registration Fee Due |