The Advanced Program

The Reason & Rationality “Advanced Program” is a 2-week intensive for students who are prepared to utilize the concepts and critical thinking tools learned in the Foundation Program to tackle 20 more complex philosophical, economic and ethical issues with deep critical thinking. The Advanced Program is exclusively for returning Reason & Rationality students.

For Summer 2027, Advanced topics include the “meaning of life,” the objectivity and subjectivity of value, the existence of free will, and current ethical and political debates.

Apply to Advanced Program

Program Details

The Advanced Program is open exclusively to returning Reason & Rationality students who have completed the Foundation Program. While preference will be given to those applying to the full 2-week session, you will also find an option to apply for a single week.

If you have questions you would like to discuss, use the button below to book a 15-minute Zoom Call with Dean of Academics Peter Bach-y-Rita.

Book Call
Session 1
Full Program
Jun 7 – Jun 18, 2027
Week One
Jun 7 – 12classes Jun 8 – 12
Week Two
Jun 13 – 18classes Jun 14 – 18
Session 2
Full Program
Jun 19 – Jun 30, 2027
Week One
Jun 19 – 24classes Jun 20 – 24
Week Two
Jun 25 – 30classes Jun 26 – 30
Session 3
Full Program
Jul 5 – Jul 16, 2027
Week One
Jul 5 – 10classes Jul 6 – 10
Week Two
Jul 11 – 16classes Jul 12 – 16
Session 4
Full Program
Jul 18 – Jul 29, 2027
Week One
Jul 18 – 23classes Jul 19 – 23
Week Two
Jul 24 – 29classes Jul 25 – 29

All sessions are held on the Princeton University campus. All students depart after the Closing Ceremony and optional dinner.

Learn More

Sample Topics

  • The meaning of life
  • The objectivity and subjectivity of value
  • The existence of free will
  • Current ethical and political debates

Oral Exam Competition & Training Program

Students attending the 2-week Advanced Program are eligible to participate in the Oral Exam Competition & Training Program including additional evening training sessions and the competition towards the end of the second week. The Oral Exam Competition follows the same oral examination methods used in Princeton undergraduate course oral exams. Benjamin Morison, the Chair of the Princeton University Philosophy Department, will join the judging panel for the 2027 Competition. Advanced Program students enter at no charge — simply note your interest on the application form.

Learn more about the Oral Exam Competition & Training Program

Student Schedule

Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five Day Six
8:00–9:00 Travel & Arrivals Breakfast
9:00–10:00 Morning Lecture & Announcements
10:00–11:00 Slavery What Has Value Value: Subjective / Objective I Utilitarianism Problems for Utilitarianism
11:00–12:00
12:00–1:00 Lunch
1:00–2:00 Abortion Moral Experts Value: Subjective / Objective II Famine & Affluence Fairness
2:00–3:00 Check‑In
3:00–3:30 Free Time
3:30–4:30 Capture the Flag Four in a Row Activity Princeton University Tour Marshmallow Tower Challenge Group Projects
4:30–5:00
5:00–5:30 Opening CeremonyParents Invited Free Time Free Time Free Time Free Time Week One Cohort Departure
5:30–5:45
5:45–6:30 Dinner
6:30–8:30 All‑Students Pizza Party & Games College Oral Exams I How to Make Academic Podcasts & Videos Ask Our Philosophers Anything College Oral Exams II Movie Night
8:30–10:00 Group & Personal Time

Tuition & Pricing

Tuition covers all academic classes, extra-curricular activities, and meals for both boarding and day students. Boarding students live in dorms on campus, with housing included. Receive Early Bird Reduced Tuition for applications submitted with deposit before March 1, 2027 (note: teacher recommendation may arrive later).

Boarding

  • Full Program · Two Weeks $7,600Early Bird $6,900
  • Single Week $5,900Early Bird $5,600

Day

  • Full Program · Two Weeks $6,600Early Bird $5,900
  • Single Week $4,900Early Bird $4,600

Boarding students are housed in double rooms; a single room may be requested during application for a $1,000 supplement.

A $1,000 deposit is due at the time of application and will be promptly refunded if the application is not accepted; the remaining balance is due by March 15, 2027.

Your deposit and any tuition paid are fully refundable through March 15, 2027; see the FAQ for the full refund schedule.

If your student would like to apply for financial aid, you may apply using this Tuition Grant link.

Apply Now