Program Eligibility

PRIMO is open to continuing students (those who will be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors) who are in good standing at a 4-year undergraduate institution in the United States. International students who are enrolled at a US institution are eligible to apply. Upon completion of the program, students return to their home institution to complete their undergraduate degrees. We are unable to sponser participants from institutions outside of the United States, recent graduates, or those with graduate degrees.

Students must commit to the full ten weeks of the program. Program dates are not flexible. PRIMO Fellows are expected to fully participate in all programming, including activities not associated with individual research projects, such as evening activities hosted by the research village community. While many activities are voluntary, other PRIMO activities, especially those associated with Harvard faculty, are mandatory for all Fellows.

HOW TO APPLY

For detailed instructions, please see this page. A successful application will demonstrate the following:

• A strong dedication to developing or furthering academic interest and excellence in business research;
• The ability and desire to participate successfully and enthusiastically in a diverse community of scholars;
• An academic record demonstrating success in coursework that develops theoretical knowledge and/or practical application of academic principles in research;
• A commitment to participate and contribute for the full ten weeks of the Program. Individuals taking summer school courses, preparing for summer graduate school entrance exam, or engaging in full-time public service projects are not eligible to participate in PRIMO.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Faculty members develop research projects for undergraduates and mentor them throughout the process. Projects may come from individuals or small groups of faculty in a research lab setting, and doctoral students may also be involved as junior mentors and research colleagues. PRIMO fellows will have access to the research resources of HBS. Students will be asked to indicate three research areas of interest in their application.

SPECIAL CAMPUS-WIDE EVENTS AND EVENING PROGRAMS

Weekly seminars at HBS will include a number of topics specifically designed to augment and enrich your knowledge about research and careers in academia and in business. Topics such as business research resources, software programs, research ethics, poster presentations, and postgraduate career opportunities will be offered throughout the Program.

In addition, fellows will have the opportunity to practice speaking about their research, in both small and large groups throughout the summer.

There will be additional programming, guest speakers, and events hosted by the Research Village on evenings and weekends.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

PRIMO fellows will live together in a Harvard College House for the duration of the Program. The House Deans will be hosts for PRIMO, along with other College-affiliated summer research programs administered by the Office for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF). The URAF staff will be available to assist with limited residential needs of PRIMO participants.

Dining

Meals will be provided to Fellows at Spangler Center at HBS and through the dining hall affiliated with the Research Village.

RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS

PRIMO Fellows are eligible to register for free use of Harvard athletic facilities, including the Malkin Athletic Center, Hemenway Gymnasium, and Blodgett Pool.