HSI Application

HSI 2026 applications are now open! Apply by is February 8, 2026.

"We slept too little.  We dreamed, explored, exchanged, planned, laughed hard and thought deeply—and build friendships that have lasted a lifetime." — Peter Simpson Jr., HSI 1985

 

“Throughout high school, I had a very difficult time discovering what it was that would drive me through college.  At my teacher's insistence, I applied for HSI and was accepted.  After HSI, I promptly began a five-year volunteer service at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center that ended with multiple discoveries and excavations. I really don't know what my life would have been without HSI, but with it, I have found doors to research and educational opportunities that I hadn't imagined possible.”— An anonymous HSI alum

Students in front of the dinosaur on campus.

 

Student Application

Students will submit their personal statement (see below for the questions) using the link below.

Student Application

Recommendation Letter

Letters of recommendation will be submitted using the link below.

Recommendation Letter

Student Transcript (Counselor Only)

High school counselors will upload the students transcript using the link below.

Transcript (Counselor's Only)

If you have any questions, email hsi@uwyo.edu.

 

Student Application Process

 

Student Application: Click on the student application link above and fill out the application. In this portion of the application, you may be uploading 2 documents:

1. Your Personal Statement should answer the following questions:

  • Why do you want to participate in HSI? How can this experience help you in your future endeavors?
  • Describe a time you faced adversity and what the outcome of that situation was.
  • Tell us about an experience that impacted your life and how it changed the way you live your life.

You have two options for how to submit your personal statement within the application.

      1. Write an essay that is a minimum of 300 words
      2. Create a short video (no more than 4 minutes in length). If you upload a video, please provide a link to your video (YouTube, Vimeo, or a shared cloud drive). You will need to ensure we have permission to view the video.

***Please note: Submitting a video personal statement helps the applicant stand out during the review process.***

2. An Awards & Achievements document with a list of any awards you have received inside or outside of school and some extracurricular activities you are involved in. Please have your Awards & Achievements complied into one document. Do not submit multiple pictures or documents.

 

Letter of Recommendation: Talk to someone who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. This can be a teacher, counselor, coach, or family friend. Tell them to visit our website and click on the recommendation submission link above.

Transcript: Talk to your counselor at your school and ask them to upload a copy of your transcript through our website by clicking on the upload transcript link above.

 

It is the responsibility of the student to inform their counselor that they are applying for the program and that their transcripts should be submitted online. They must also inform those who will be giving their letter of recommendation to submit them online.

Additional Information to Know Before Applying:

Eligibility Requirements:

  • be in the 10th grade a a public or private high school in Wyoming or homeschooled
  • be a current resident of Wyoming
  • intend to return to a Wyoming school for the next term
  • be committed to participate fully and remain for the entire three weeks of the program

Student Selection:

HSI is an enrichment program for high ability high school students. Applicants should be 10th grade students who have many of the following traits, aptitudes, and behaviors:

  • creativity, imagination, and curiosity
  • initiative and motivation
  • problem-solving skills
  • insight
  • humor
  • enthusiasm about learning and life in general

Accepted students will receive a package in the mail including their acceptance letter and further paperwork. Online paperwork will also be emailed out.