Application: Cato University 2027: Winter Term Application

1Application
2Confirmation

DATES
Thursday, February 4 - Saturday, February 6, 2026

LOCATION

Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC

Cato University 2027: Winter Term Application

Cato University is the Cato Institute’s premier educational event for college students. Each program will explore classical liberal philosophy as a foundation for considering current policy issues.

Cato University is for United States based applicants; we are currently not accepting applications from internationally based attendees.

Benefits include room and board, 20+ hours of academic programming, networking opportunities, resources for further study, and a $500 travel stipend upon completion of the program.

Application

Personal Information

Registrant typeParticipant 

First name

Last name

Phone

Date Of Birth

Will you be 18 years old or older by the first day of the program?

Yes

Cato University winter and summer terms are currently only offered for applicants age 18 or over. Please continue to engage with us through Cato Courses, https://www.cato.courses/, and keep an eye out for our regional Cato University events.

Home address

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Country

Address Line 1

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City

StateCountyProvinceRegion Parish State / Province / County

Zip CodePostcodePostal CodeEircodeZip/Postal Code

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How did you hear about Cato University?

Which teacher/professor shared Cato University opportunities with you?

Have you ever applied for or participated in a Cato Student Program?

Yes

Previously applied or attended programs

Education

Are you currently in school pursuing a degree?

Yes

Is your school located in the United States or internationally?

USA

International

Note: Cato University is for United States based applicants; we are currently not accepting applications from internationally based attendees. Contact events@cato.org with any questions.

Name of college/university

Degree Sought

Major Sought

Estimated Graduation Date

Past Education

Have you completed a college or professional degree?

Yes

Previous School Name

Degree Held

Graduation Date

Major Held

Overall GPA

Is there anything additional you would like to share about your educational background?

About You

Experience

Please use the following format: [Name of Organization] - [Title/Role]

List any relevant work experience

List all community involvement and leadership roles

Essay Questions:

In 100 words or less, why would you like to attend Cato University?

Economic inequality is a concern for many Americans. In 200 words or less, what do you see as the greatest barrier to economic opportunity, and how would you address it?

In 150 words or less, please describe a time you changed your mind on a policy issue and why.

Please list one book or thinker that has influenced the way you understand politics.

Resume

LinkedIn Profile (optional)

Artificial Intelligence Acknowledgement

I confirm that my responses reflect my own ideas and writing and were not generated by artificial intelligence tools (such as Claude, ChatGPT, or Google Gemini). I understand that using AI to produce my responses will disqualify my application from consideration.

If you have any questions you may contact events@cato.org.

1000 Massachusetts Ave, NW,
Washington, DC 20001-5403

(202) 842-0200

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