The Global Problem-Solving Institute, like all Pioneer Academics experiences, requires students to be able to complete undergraduate-level coursework. Our commitment to academic rigor ensures that students get the most out of their time and effort, and that the standards established in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are maintained across each course.
Attributes for Success in GPSI
Students from a variety of academic backgrounds can thrive in The Global Problem-Solving Institute. As a global experience, there is intentionally no “typical” admitted student. However, the following attributes have proven to translate into success in GPSI:
Academic excellence across multiple disciplines
Intellectual curiosity and a sense of engagement with important issues
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
The ability to work independently and as part of a team
Admission Requirements for GPSI
Academic Requirements
Unweighted GPA at or above 3.3
Maximum of one single course semester or full-year grade at C across all high school academic history
Quarter grades or exam grades listed on transcript may be excused in certain circumstances
English Proficiency Minimum Requirements:
One or more of the following criteria should be met:
Student attends a school in which English is the primary language of instruction
Student has completed at least two full year of English study, achieving no lower than a B+, or one full year of English study achieving no less than an A- for that year
Standardized Test Scores
TOEFL – 95+
IELTS – 7.0+
SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing – 600+
ACT English and Reading Subscores – 28+
AP English Language and Composition – 3+
Application Requirements for GPSI
To evaluate a student’s fit for the Global Problem-Solving Institute, our Admissions Team requires the following documentation:
An official transcript from your school
A teacher evaluation completed on your behalf
A completed GPSI application, which includes multiple short answer questions
The official transcript and teacher evaluation can be requested through the application portal. When applying to GPSI, you may only apply to one of the courses offered in any given term. If you are applying with the intention of joining a team through your school or a non-profit program to which you are affiliated, be sure to consult your counselor or academic advisor to determine which course you should list.
The Journey to Your Possible Starts Here
Spring Term
(Late January – Late April)
Program Begins January 25, 2025
Program Ends April 19, 2025
The deadline for open enrollment applications is December 8, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Open enrollment is available for students who apply independently, without being part of a school team or receiving a special invitation from Pioneer. For questions regarding application, contact [email protected].
Summer Term
(Early June – Late August)
Program Begins May 31, 2025
Program Ends August 23, 2025
Program dates are subject to change
The deadline for open enrollment applications is May 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Open enrollment is available for students who apply independently, without being part of a school team or receiving a special invitation from Pioneer. For questions regarding application, contact [email protected].
Beginning in 2025, the tuition for the Global Problem-Solving Institute will be $3,100 per student, which includes the cost of two (2) college credits from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill upon successful completion of the experience with a final grade of C- or higher.
Pioneer collaborates with schools and non-profit organizations to offer the GPSI experience to teams of students at a reduced rate. Please contact us if you are a school or non-profit leader interested in collaborating with Pioneer to bring GPSI to your students.
As part of Pioneer’s social mission, we are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for scholars who are admitted to GPSI and whose financial need we can reliably verify.
Stay curious, and in touch
Please complete the below form with any questions or concerns you may have.
(Late January – Late April)
(Early June – Late August)
(Mid September – Mid December)
