• Program Application
• Scholarship Application

Eligibility

Penn Summer High School Programs are designed for academically qualified high school students currently enrolled in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. Students in 9th grade may be considered based upon academic record.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through May 15, 2009, or until the programs have reached full capacity. Currently, space remains available in our Experimental Physics Academy, English Language Academy and Pre-College Program; therefore, we will continue to accept applications through June 01, 2009. It is to your advantage to apply well in advance of the application deadline.

Admission decisions are posted to your online application account within one week of submitting the completed application (including our receipt of docs). You will receive an email notice when your admissions decision is available.

How to Apply

Applications may only be submitted through our online application system. This is the standard LPS admissions application and may give you the option of submitting additional materials. Only the items listed below are required for application. Please read all instructions below and then click the button to begin:

An application must contain all of the following in order to be considered complete:

1. Completed application.
2. Official (sealed) copy of all high school transcripts mailed to the address below.
3. One letter of recommendation, preferably from a teacher you have had in a major academic subject, or your high school counselor.
4. Application essay and supplemental questions (see below).
5. Resume outlining any academic achievements or awards, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experience.
6. Standardized test scores, if available. These may be SAT, ACT, or PSAT scores. Please mail a copy (not official) to the address below.
   **Note for international students: TOEFL scores are required for international applicants who do not attend an English-language high school.Students who attend an English-language high school must submit PSAT or SAT scores as a TOEFL substitute.**
7. Non-refundable application fee of $70.00. Payable online by credit card or by check. (Make checks payable to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and mail to the address below.)

Mailing Address:

Penn Summer High School Programs
University of Pennsylvania
3440 Market Street, Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335 

Application Essay and Supplemental Questions

Please answer the following questions and save in a single file in Word or another word processing format. You will be prompted to upload this file in the online application.

Essay

1. Describe a significant person or event in your life and how this has affected your decision to study a specific topic in college or pursue a specific career later in life.
   
   Your essay should be 300-400 words (approximately one (1) page, single-spaced, 12-point font). We value thoughtfulness and quality over quantity.

Supplemental Questions

1. Are you applying to be a resident or a commuter (day) student?
2. If you are applying for the Pre-College program, please list four (4) courses in order of your preference.
   
   An updated list of courses may be found on the Penn website: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/highschool/summer/precollege/courses. We will attempt to honor your first choice; however, we cannot guarantee enrollment in a specific course due to changes in course offerings and availability of seats. Pre-College students will be enrolled on a first-paid (in full), first enrolled basis.
3. Did you use a referral agent to identify the Penn SHSP? If yes, please provide the contact information (name, address, phone, email) of that agent.

Summer High School Scholarships

The deadline to apply for high school scholarships is March 31, 2009. Recipients will be notified by mid-April via email. Recipients who withdraw from the program forfeit the award.

How to Apply

1. Apply to the Penn Summer High School Program of your choice by completing the online application. Note: Applications are not deemed complete until all supplementary materials (letters of recommendations, transcripts, etc.) are received by our office. 
2. Write a one page personal statement responding to the following:
   a. Why, in financial terms, do you need the award?
   1. Select your gross family income within the ranges of [<30,000] [30,000-50,000] [50,000-75,000] [75,000-100,000] [>100,000]
   2.  How many family members are financially dependent upon your parent/guardian?
   3. What are your parent/guardian's highest levels of education?
   4. What are your parent/guardian's occupations?
   b. How will you benefit from participation in this program?

Send your personal statement by email attachment to hsprogs@sas.upenn.edu. The subject line of your email message should be titled: 2009 High School Scholarship. All items must be received by March 31, 2009 in order to compete for 2009 High School Scholarships.

Questions

If you have questions about the Penn Summer High School Program, please contact Ed Healy, Penn Campus Manager, at hsprogs@sas.upenn.edu or at 516-621-3939.