The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offers an outstanding set of programs for its students who come from all over the country and the world. Penn's historic architecture and green, tree-lined campus are a wonderful respite from the bustling city life that surrounds it. Located in Philadelphia, Penn is itself a destination, but it is also near New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as the mountains and the shore. Penn is able to provide an extraordinary range of activities to its students, from horseback riding and Six Flags Great Adventure to museums, historic sites, and symphonies. Penn students are transformed; all of their skills—from academic to social—are honed. In addition, they forge lifelong friendships and develop specific intellectual interests. Indeed, many of the residence counselors (all of whom are Penn students) were once students in these same summer programs. The entire staff is dedicated to providing a rewarding, positive, and challenging introduction to college life, where students can take advantage of Penn's outstanding faculty and facilities. Summer students find a balance between guidance and autonomy, structure and freedom, and support and challenge. Program alumni depart with the confidence that they will not only succeed but will also flourish at any university they choose to attend.