Her interest in journalism developed while watching CNN's Gulf War coverage, an activity initially restricted by her parents due to perceived negativity and carnage". During high school, Lapin gained broadcast experience as a news anchor for a Public-access television cable TV station. At the age of 15, she participated in writing programs at Harvard. Lapin graduated as the valedictorian of her class from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where she majored in political science as well, earning honors. Despite professional work breaks, she remained the youngest in her class. Furthering her education, Lapin studied European Union politics at L'Institut d'études politiques de Paris.