Applications for Summer 2026 will open in late 2025.
Applications will be processed on a rolling basis after the standard application deadline.
For international students planning travel around deadlines, although note that a visa should not be required to attend.
Scholarship aid priority is given to students who apply earlier in the process. Learn more here.
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The Lede application aims to be accessible, and includes the submission of the following supplemental documents:
For many people, getting transcripts or finding former professors or managers to write letters of recommendation can be a real hurdle. When we say they're optional, we really mean it.
While the statement of purpose and inspirational summaries are optional, we strongly recommend writing one or both. They're very helpful to allow us to understand who you are, what you know, and where you're looking to take your new skills.
There is also a $20 application fee due upon application submission.
The personal statement asks you to tell us about yourself, describing your reasons for applying to the Lede Program. This might include your personal background, why you're interested in data, and what you hope to do upon graduation. 400-600 words.
For the inspirational summary, we ask you to give us an idea of what kinds of projects you would like to work on by highlighting one or two data-driven pieces - journalistic or otherwise - that you find interesting or inspiring. 100-300 words, example here
For information regarding tuition, please see the Tuition and Fees page.
Note that the scholarship aid application is separate from the admissions application. You can find the aid application on the same application portal.