Summer Seminars

Summer Seminars: Frequently Asked Questions

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Am I eligible to apply for a summer seminar?

The program is open to students and recent graduates of all nationalities. Undergraduate and graduate students are all welcome to apply, as are recent graduates and advanced students. Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens, nor are they required to have studied in the U.S. 

Strong applicants are individuals that want to increase their knowledge of classical liberal ideas and who possess the openness and critical thinking skills that are essential to a vigorous discussion of these ideas. 

Please note that IHS cannot assist international students with visa applications. Applicants need to contact the appropriate U.S. embassy to complete that process. However, IHS can provide an accepted student with a signed letter of acceptance tohelp with the visa application process. If you would like to receive an acceptance letter, please notify us IMMEDIATELY after you have been accepted to our program. The earlier you begin the visa application process, the better.

How much do the seminars cost?

The summer seminars are provided at no charge to participants. We provide lodging, food, books, materials, and lectures; we ask only for your time and thoughtful participation in exchange. However, participants must cover the cost of travel to and from the seminar location, and a meal is not provided on the Tuesday evening of the seminar during the half-day of free time.

Though the seminars are free of charge for students, the $1,000 tuition and room and board is made possible through the generous contributions of individual donors, corporations, and foundations. IHS is a non-profit educational organization.

Where are the seminars being held this year?

IHS seminars take place on university campuses throughout the United States, providing pleasant locations to discuss the ideas of liberty. Participants stay in university housing and dine in the campus cafeteria. Nearby attractions can be seen during free time on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Will accepting a seminar invitation disqualify me from other IHS programs?

No. If you are selected to attend a summer seminar, you are welcome to accept even if you have submitted other applications. If you are later selected for a different IHS program that conflicts with the seminar, you are free to change your seminar RSVP at that point.

 I want to confirm that you received my application.

Applicants submitting a completed seminar application will receive a confirmation email. If you did not receive a notification after submitting your completed application, we may not have received your completed application. You can check the current status of your application by logging into your IHS Profile, selecting the Applications tab, and viewing the status adjacent to 2013 Summer Seminars.

Can I still submit an application after the deadline has passed?

Unfortunately, we do not accept summer seminar applications after the deadline has passed.

Can you expedite my application review?

We strive to review all seminar applications in an efficient and timely manner, but we cannot provide an expedited review for any individual seminar application.

Do I need to submit another application if my application last year was selected?

All applicants need to submit a new application to be considered for another summer seminar, even if a previous application was selected.

When will I get my free book?

Individuals who submitted an application by March 1, 2013, are eligible to receive a free book. Free books will be sent to qualifying candidates beginning in April. Qualifying applicants will have  mailing addresses in the United States or Canada, and have submitted a complete application by midnight PST on March 1, 2013. Unfortunately, we cannot mail a free book to applicants who live outside of the US or Canada. Applications that appear to have been submitted only for the free book will not qualify.

Can I begin my application, and come back later to complete it? 

Yes, you can save your application by clicking 'Save for Later' at the bottom of the application page. When you return to the website, log into your account, go to the Applications tab, and click on the application marked 'In Progress.'

How do I apply?

The first step is to create an account at TheIHS.org or log into your existing account. Once you are logged in to your account, you can find a link to the summer seminar application by clicking on the tab “Applications.” The application asks for your contact and education information, your seminar preferences, and a few short essay questions. You may save your application at any time and return to it later. For more information about the application process, please see our Application Preview.

How are applications reviewed?

The applicant pool is highly competitive, with more than 2,000 applications for 700 seminar seats. In reviewing applications, IHS’s Seminar Review Committee carefully evaluates academic ability, career interests, demonstrated interest in the subjects of the seminars, and any specific requirements for particular seminars. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide information about the Committee's evaluation of individual applications.

What other materials can I send to increase my chance of acceptance to a seminar?

IHS does not accept additional materials for review with seminar applications.


If you could not find the answers to your questions in our FAQs, please let us know at seminars@TheIHS.org.