Program Description

University of Pennsylvania

Penn Pre-College Program and Penn Summer Science Academy
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


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For More Information, Contact
Summer High School Programs
University of Pennsylvania
3440 Market Street, Suite 100
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-3335
215-746-6901
Fax: 215-573-2053
http://www.upenn.edu/summer
E-mail: hsprogs@sas.upenn.edu

Type of Program: Credit and noncredit summer programs for academically talented high school students
Participants: Coeducational, students who are rising juniors and seniors
Enrollment: Approximately 300 students
Program Dates: (2009) Penn Pre-College Program: July 6 to August 14; Penn Summer Science Academy: July 6 to July 31
Head of Program: Dr. John S. Ceccatti, Associate Director of Natural Science Programs

Location

The University of Pennsylvania’s Summer High School Programs take place on its historic, tree-lined 260-acre campus. The campus is home to the largest open-stack library in the nation, state-of-the-art laboratories, a leading museum of archeology and anthropology, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Background and Philosophy

Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, Penn was the fourth college of the colonies. Among the ten largest research complexes in the U.S and a member of the Ivy League, Penn is known for its academic excellence and groundbreaking research.

Program Offerings

Penn’s summer programs are intended for academically talented, committed students. Each program provides many academic, cultural, and recreational activities for residential and day students.
Penn Pre-College Program Students in the Penn Pre-College Program get a head start on college by earning undergraduate credit for the courses they take alongside Penn undergraduates. The credits earned are generally transferable to other colleges and universities. Courses are intense, demanding, and fast-paced. Students are encouraged to enroll in two courses, a full-time summer course load. Numerous social, intellectual, and cultural activities are available to Pre-College students.
Successful applicants to this program must have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school by June, have an outstanding record of achievement, and demonstrate maturity, discipline, and the ability to undertake course work at Penn. PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores are required, along with a letter of recommendation, an official high school transcript, a personal resume, and an essay.
Penn Summer Science Academy (PSSA) The Penn Summer Science Academy offers high-achieving high school students the opportunity to pursue in-depth study in one of three areas: biomedical research, physics, or forensic science. This noncredit program consists of both guided and independent lab and field projects, lectures and workshops, and computer labs and seminars, taught by Penn scientists, graduate students, and outside professionals. Intensive study and lab work (9 to 4 every day) is supplemented by a wide range of additional academic and social opportunities.
Applicants must have completed their sophomore or junior year in high school by June, have outstanding records, and demonstrate the ability to do academic work. Teacher recommendations; a transcript; PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores; a personal resume; and an essay are required.

Enrollment

Pre-College and Summer Academy programs include a talented, international, and multicultural group of students. While the majority of students come from throughout the U.S., about 15 percent are international students.

Daily Schedule

The daily schedule is varied. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the Commons or Houston Market. Before and after classes, students may avail themselves of a variety of recreational and social activities that are offered each day. The course work is very rigorous, so students should expect to spend approximately 4 to 6 hours each day in study and class preparation. There are evening chat sessions, student groups, and floor and program activities each evening. Curfew during the week is 10 p.m. and on weekends, 12 a.m. Students are able to leave the campus with written permission from their parents.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

Students enjoy an extraordinary range of activities, including trips to the beach; the mountains; New York City; Washington, D.C.; restaurants; museums; theaters; and concerts. Penn has two indoor pools and gyms, track and football fields, and tennis and basketball courts.
Students may also participate in a series of college study skills, preprofessional workshops, and a college admissions preparation program that includes workshops in SAT preparation and application building. They also enjoy field trips and guided tours of professional and other sites, such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn’s Veterinary Hospital.

Facilities

Residential students are housed in the Quad, the traditional first-year student residence. All rooms are air conditioned and wired for Internet service, telephone, and cable television.

Staff

Residence halls are supervised by Residential Counselors (RCs), who also act as counselors, tutors, and guides around the campus and the city to help students adjust to university life. The ratio of RCs to students is about 1:12. The College House Dean, Residential Director, and senior residential staff are also in residence.

Medical Care

All summer school students are required to have health insurance. Emergency or urgent care is provided by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia or by the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Emergency Room, and routine care is provided through Student Health Services.

Religious Life

The University of Pennsylvania is a secular institution. The University chaplain coordinates many programs and is available to all students at any time. Numerous religious centers are also available to students, both on and around the campus.

Costs

In 2008, the Pre-College Program cost $7899 to $8999 for residential students and $5899 to $6999 for day students (depending on the number of courses taken). The Penn Summer Science Academy cost $5899 for residential students and $4899 for day students. Residential costs include housing, dining, program fees, activities, and instruction.

Transportation

A variety of transportation options are available within Philadelphia and from Philadelphia International Airport to the Quad.

Application Timetable

Applications are available in January. Students should visit the Web site for more information about the programs and an online application form (http://www.upenn.edu/summer).