Official Transcript
Unofficial Transcript 
Min GPA Requirement 
Several Essays 
1 Recommendation 
English Test C1-C2 
Online Application From 
Application Fee 
Standardized Test Scores *
Application is closed
The Pre-College Programs are designed for academically curious high school students interested in the intellectual challenge of Ivy League academics. Students enroll in credit-bearing undergraduate courses from a wide array of disciplines taught by Penn faculty, staff, and visiting scholars and are in class alongside other Penn undergrads.
Credit
Residential
Online, live
Accepts International Students
Once accepted into the Pre-College Residential Program, students choose one of four challenging curricula from a wide range of subject areas:
- One college-credit course (1 c.u.)
- Biology 101 with lab (1.5 c.u.)
- Two college-credit courses (2 c.u.)
- Biology 101 with lab and a second college credit course (2.5 c.u.)
Residential students cannot enroll in online courses.
NOTE: International students who need visa sponsorship to attend the Pre-College program residentially must enroll in a minimum of 1.5 c.u.
Once accepted into the Pre-College Online Program, students choose one of the following challenging curricula from a wide range of subject areas:
- One college-credit course (1 c.u.)
- Two college-credit courses (2 c.u.)
Online students do not have access to or participate in on-campus resources and activities.
Pre-College Program students are evaluated by the same academic standards and procedures as Penn undergraduates. Students earn one course unit (1 c.u., the equivalent of 4 college credit hours) for each course taken. Biology 101 counts as 1.5 c.u. due to the rigorous laboratory component. Upon successful completion of the program and all coursework within, students may request official transcripts from Penn’s Registrar (fee-based). Students planning to transfer these grades to their future undergraduate record or institution should be aware that transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the institution, including the University of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Penn’s transfer credit policies for pre-baccalaureate coursework.
The Pre-College Programs are offered in two distinct formats:
1 - Residential Program, students reside in campus residence halls and are enrolled in on-campus courses alongside Penn undergraduates. Residential students cannot enroll in online courses.
2 - Online Program, students enroll exclusively in online courses and participate from home. Online students do not have access to or participate in on-campus resources and activities.
Registration in a desired course is not guaranteed, and many courses fill up, so early application is strongly advised. Summer undergraduate on-campus courses are typically smaller in size and taught by Penn faculty, staff, and visiting scholars. Most classes meet two to five times weekly, Monday through Friday, and assign homework, research papers, midterms, and/or finals. Textbooks and additional course materials may be required for a class. Students are required to choose alternate courses when registering, as courses may fill or be canceled. Students are able to choose to take Pre-College Programs courses on a pass/fail basis, but they may not audit a course.
Eligibility: Current 10th-11th grade students from across the world.
A successful applicant should have:
- Minimum 3.3 high school GPA
- Writing that shows both technical skill and intellectual depth
- Strong recommendations
- A variety of extracurricular interests
Official Transcript
Unofficial Transcript
Min GPA Requirement
Several Essays
1 Recommendation
English Test C1-C2
Online Application From
Application Fee
Standardized Test Scores *
1 - Completed online application
2 - Application essays: Include all essays in a single document, clearly numbered. Individual essays should not exceed 400 words.
*Describe your academic and personal goals and how these may be further achieved by studying at Penn during the summer. Feel free to discuss the particular program to which you are applying as well as other aspects of studying at Penn during the summer.
*Select a few of your non-academic or extracurricular experiences and explain how these activities supplement your academic and personal growth.
*Non-native English speakers only: Describe your English educational background and experience.
3 - High school transcripts (official or unofficial transcripts are accepted): Upload a copy of high school transcripts into the online application. The transcript must include one full academic year of grades (two semesters or four marking periods). If your transcript does not include one year of grades, you may upload a mid-term or interim report card, or middle or junior high school transcripts in addition. Pass/Fail grades are acceptable; however, we may request additional documentation for the Admissions Committee review. If you choose to email a copy of your transcripts to [email protected], please upload a document into the application system stating your materials have been sent by email.
4 - One letter of recommendation: This letter may be submitted electronically through the application system (preferred) or emailed to admissions at [email protected]. For electronic submissions through the application system, enter the name and email address of the recommendation providers into the system and our admissions team will reach out to them about providing the recommendation once your application has been officially submitted. Letters of recommendation must be no more than one year old by the date of submission and must reference the specific program that the applicant is applying to.
5 - Non-native English speakers: Test scores verifying English proficiency–TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, PSAT, ACT, Duolingo English Test (DET)—are accepted.
6 - Standardized test scores are not required for application but are highly encouraged. To submit your test scores with your application, upload a copy of your PSAT, SAT, or ACT test scores report directly through the application system or email them to [email protected] as attachments. Be sure all scores clearly show your first and last name.
7 - Non-refundable application fee of $75, payable online with a credit card.
Deadline
Applications for summer 2024 open on December 1, 2023.
January 31 - Deadline to apply to Pre-College Program.
April 1 - April 15 - Application Decision Release Window.
Jul 02 - Aug 10
6 weeks
Residential
Jul 02 - Aug 10
6 weeks
Residential
Jul 02 - Aug 10
6 weeks
Residential
Jul 02 - Aug 10
6 weeks
Residential
Jul 02 - Aug 10
162 weeks
Online
Jul 02 - Aug 10
6 weeks
Online
Tuition for 2024 - TBA.
On-campus program fees include: Use of Penn academic facilities, on-campus housing, three meals a day Monday–Friday, two meals on Sunday (no meals Saturday due to excursions/activities), extracurricular activities and trips, and student supervision.
On-campus program fees DO NOT include: Non-refundable $75 application fee, travel to/from campus, airport transfers, gym access (may be available for an additional fee); linens; class materials; meals eaten off campus; medical expenses; laundry; souvenirs; and personal spending money.
Financial Aid
There is no financial aid available for the Penn Pre-College Programs
Official Transcript
Unofficial Transcript
Min GPA Requirement
Several Essays
1 Recommendation
English Test C1-C2
Online Application From
Application Fee
Standardized Test Scores *
Application is closed
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