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    Psychology Institute
    In-person Program

    Psychology Institute

    by Wake Forest University

    An on-campus psychology immersion combining brain science, observational research, labs and team presentations at Wake Forest University.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Psychology Institute at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; good standing

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

    Cost

    $3,500

    Duration

    Sunday-Friday

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

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    NeurosciencePsychology
    Accommodation: University residence hall
    Meals: All meals provided
    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of Completion
    Tutors / faculty: Two academic leaders

    Psychology Institute summary

    A residential psychology immersion where students connect brain science and human behavior with practical investigation.

    Activities include brain dissection, perception work, observational research and a team presentation.

    It suits academically motivated students who want to test psychology in a university setting and are comfortable with a required residential experience.

    What is Psychology Institute?

    The Psychology Institute is part of Wake Forest University's Summer Immersion Program. It introduces psychology as the study of mind and behavior through topics including emotions, perception, biases, addiction and brain function.

    Students combine classroom discussion with brain dissection, a sensory-perception lab, neuroplasticity activities and observational research. The experience culminates in presenting team research findings while living on Wake Forest's Reynolda Campus.

    Why Succeed highlights Psychology Institute

    • The curriculum connects recognizable psychology questions with laboratory and research activities.

    • Students conduct observational research instead of experiencing the subject only through lectures.

    • A guided sheep-brain dissection and sensory-perception lab add substantial hands-on exposure.

    • Two academic leaders bring expertise spanning social psychology, cognitive neuroscience and neuroscience education.

    • The residential structure combines university study with supervised campus life.

    Who is Psychology Institute for?

    Best for

    Students curious about psychology, neuroscience and human behavior who want practical research and laboratory exposure in a university setting.

    Not ideal if

    You need academic credit, prefer a non-residential option or are uncomfortable with activities such as brain dissection.

    Is Psychology Institute worth it?

    The institute can be worthwhile for a student who wants a concentrated test of psychology before choosing future courses or university pathways. Its strongest feature is the combination of academic concepts, practical investigation and a residential campus experience.

    The limitation is that one week cannot provide the depth of a sustained psychology course, and participation carries no academic credit. Families should weigh the tuition and residential commitment against lower-cost courses or independent research options.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,500; includes All meals during the campus stay, Transportation for off-site field trips, Residence-hall stay is mandatory, Academic and evening programming, Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

    Accommodation

    University residence hall

    Meals

    All meals provided

    Provider details

    Review the Wake Forest University provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    Sunday-Friday; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Psychology Institute need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin essays and request a recommendation four to six weeks before applications open or your intended submission.

    Main challenge

    Turning observations into a clear research hypothesis and team presentation.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft the two application essays around genuine academic curiosity and relevant experiences.

    • Ask a teacher, counselor or administrator for the recommendation well before submission.

    • Review the campus packing guidance and disclose dietary or accommodation needs after acceptance.

    Useful if

    You have introductory interest in psychology or neuroscience.

    What do students do on Psychology Institute?

    Students examine psychological concepts through classroom teaching, laboratory activities and an observational research project. The experience moves from understanding the brain and behavior to presenting findings with a team.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore emotions, perception, biases, addiction and disordered brain function.

    2. 2

      Learn basic psychology research design and hypothesis testing.

    3. 3

      Take part in guided brain dissection and sensory-perception activities.

    4. 4

      Conduct observational research into human behavior.

    5. 5

      Develop and present team research findings.

    6. 6

      Join supervised evening activities and campus life.

    Psychology Institute dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Reference date

    Psychology Institute — 12-17 July 2026

    12-17 July 2026

    Reference date

    Psychology Institute — 19-24 July 2026

    19-24 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    1 November 2026

    Summer 2027 application cycle.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Current students in US Grades 9-12

    • Good academic standing required

    • No school suspensions or disciplinary issues

    • English fluency required for participation

    • Home-schooled students may apply

    • International students may apply

    • International students are ineligible for provider aid

    How much does Psychology Institute cost?

    Program tuition

    $3,500 — Published for the latest verified cycle.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $60 — Non-refundable and due with the application.
    • Enrollment deposit: $550 — Non-refundable payment used to secure a seat.
    • Need-based scholarships: Limited funding — Requested within the general application.

    What's included

    All meals during the campus stay, Transportation for off-site field trips, Residence-hall stay is mandatory, Academic and evening programming, Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion

    How to apply to Psychology Institute

    1. 1

      Create an account in the Wake Forest student application portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the online application and two required essays.

    3. 3

      Report your GPA; a transcript and test scores are not required.

    4. 4

      Provide contact details for an eligible academic recommender.

    5. 5

      Complete the scholarship section and upload financial documentation if seeking aid.

    6. 6

      Pay the $60 non-refundable application fee and submit.

    7. 7

      After acceptance, select an available institute week and pay the deposit.

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    What does Psychology Institute cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Emotions and behavior

    Examine how emotions shape daily experience, stress responses and behavior.

    Brain and neuroscience

    Explore brain structure, neuroplasticity, addiction and disordered brain function.

    Sensation and perception

    Investigate how senses, illusions and biases influence perceptions of the world.

    Research design

    Practice hypothesis testing and conduct an observational study of human behavior.

    Research communication

    Work with a team to interpret and present research findings.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Psychology Institute?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic morning

    Breakfast and the morning meeting lead into psychology teaching and hypothesis testing.

    Applied afternoon

    Students undertake observational work, explore careers and finish with a daily debrief.

    Campus evening

    Dinner is followed by supervised activities, free time and residence-hall routines.

    Who teaches on Psychology Institute?

    Academic leaders Dr. Christian Waugh and Dr. Melissa Maffeo bring expertise in social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, emotion research and neuroscience education. Teaching assistants also support the academic and residential experience.

    Dr. Waugh is a Wake Forest psychology professor, while Dr. Maffeo teaches and researches psychology and neuroscience at Wake Forest.

    Where do students stay on Psychology Institute?

    Residential plan

    • Residence-hall stay: All participants must stay in their assigned campus residence hall for the institute week.
    • Campus meals: All meals are provided through the dining hall or catering for off-campus activities.
    • Overnight supervision: Professional staff and residence staff live in the hall and provide overnight support.
    • Evening activities: Staff lead activities such as sports, karaoke, workshops and student panels.

    Roommates are assigned randomly unless a request is granted; requests are not guaranteed.

    What happens after Psychology Institute?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion

    Observational study experience for future academic reflection

    Team research presentation experience

    Broader understanding of psychology and neuroscience pathways

    Exposure to university teaching and residential campus life

    Participation does not provide academic credit or preferential treatment in Wake Forest admissions.

    Where does Psychology Institute take place?

    The institute takes place on Wake Forest University's Reynolda Campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Students live in campus residence halls, use university learning spaces and dine at The Pit dining hall nearby.

    Airport shuttles may be booked separately from Piedmont Triad International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

    Psychology Institute FAQs

    It is designed for current students in US Grades 9-12 who are in good academic standing, have no school suspensions and want to explore psychology or a related pathway.

    Yes. Every participant must live in an assigned Wake Forest residence hall for the full institute week.

    Published topics include emotions, disordered brain function, sensation and perception, neuroscience and the psychology of addiction.

    Activities may include guided sheep-brain dissection, neuroplasticity exercises, observational research, a sensory-perception lab and a team presentation. Specific hands-on activities can change.

    The listed academic leaders are Dr. Christian Waugh, a social psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist, and Dr. Melissa Maffeo, a neuroscience educator and researcher.

    Participants stay in a university residence hall, and all meals are provided during the campus stay. Dietary restrictions can be submitted through the required medical authorization process.

    No secondary-school or college credit is awarded. Participants who complete the program receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

    Applicants submit an online application, two essays, a self-reported GPA, one academic recommendation and a $60 fee. Transcripts and test scores are not required.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Wake Forest Pre-College Programs Applications
    • Wake Forest Pre-College Campus
    • Summer Immersion Program Dates | Wake Forest Pre-College
    • FAQ | Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
    • Apply - Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
    • Wake Forest High School Summer Program Psychology Institute

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Official institute page checked

    • Application process reviewed

    • Eligibility requirements verified

    • Tuition and fees checked

    • Campus arrangements reviewed

    • Dates checked against latest cycle

    • Faculty details reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.