Your state's Governor's School
Program · State education departments · Varies by state
State-funded honors programs for top students, in academics and the arts.
Our take
Most states run one, most are free, and all are competitive. Georgia's is GHP (listed separately). Find yours.
“Helps an application” is our read on how much an admissions reader is likely to weigh it: Strong means getting in or placing is a real achievement, Solid means it shows real interest and effort, and Light usually means most students who apply and pay can attend. It’s our opinion, not a ranking from any college, and a light one can still be a great summer.
The details
- Run by
- State education departments
- Type
- Program
- Format
- Residential, Varies by state
- When
- Summer, 3–6 weeks
- Who can apply
- 10th–11th grade
- How hard to get in
- Highly selective
- Cost
- Free
- Deadline
- School nominations usually in fall; check your state's program.
- Subjects
- Any subject
Dates, costs and rules change every year. Check the official site before you apply. Last checked October 18, 2026.
Questions
Is Your state's Governor's School worth it?
Most states run one, most are free, and all are competitive. Georgia's is GHP (listed separately). Find yours. On how much it helps a college application, we rate it strong.
How much does Your state's Governor's School cost?
It’s free, or it pays you. Check the official site for this year’s price.
When is the Your state's Governor's School deadline?
School nominations usually in fall; check your state's program. Exact dates change every year, so confirm on the official site.
Who can apply to Your state's Governor's School?
Students in 10th–11th grade. It is highly selective.
Want a list picked for you?
Clarity Prep members get opportunities matched to their grade, interests and state in the app, plus a mentor who helps them decide what’s worth applying to and checks in every week until the applications are in.
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