Ready for a first-rate summer experience at America’s first university? Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, Penn offers an authentic Ivy League experience in the heart of Philadelphia for academically gifted high school students. Penn flourishes in and is enriched by a vibrant urban ecosystem steeped in history and brimming with arts, culture, and innovation. Explore America’s history in Philly’s urban setting and feel the pulse of arts, culture, and innovation.

Engage with leading faculty and build intellectual connections while taking challenging courses selected from a variety of disciplines. Penn is widely known for its expertise in medicine, business, and law, and students can immerse themselves in science, research, social justice, and mathematics classes.

University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Academic Programs

Sample Courses and Academies for 2022

See All Penn Courses

Campus Life & Activities

After class, take a walk down Locust Walk in the heart of campus, visit Ben on the Bench, or admire the campus architecture and tree-lined walkways. Penn is known for its extraordinary athletic and recreational facilities. Organize pick-up games, work out at the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center or play tennis with a friend at the Hamlin Tennis Center.

Located in the University City neighborhood, Penn is near a multitude of shopping and dining options. Immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s history and culture with supervised visits to art museums, parks, historic sites, and more! Test your skills at detecting counterfeit bills at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia or relax with friends overlooking the Delaware River. “The City of Brotherly Love” has something for everyone!

Students in our programs live in one of the upperclassman residence halls, which are only a short walk from the 1920 Dining Commons, academic buildings, and the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center.

Learn More About Our ProgramsDiscover more about our University of Pennsylvania summer programs. Download Our Program PDF

Top 10 Past Activities

Soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches at the Jersey Shore.
Ride the roller coasters at Hershey Park.
Tour Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza during our day in New York City.
Cheer for the Philadelphia Phillies at a major league baseball game.
Visit the monuments and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital.
Explore the history of Philadelphia at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Society Hill.
Shop over 400 stores at King of Prussia Mall, the East Coast’s premier shopping destination.
Test your skills at detecting counterfeit bills at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Try the city’s authentic cheese steaks at Steve's Prince of Steaks.
Test your knowledge at our weekly “Trivia Night”.

2 week and 3 week students participate in many but not all activities listed. All on-campus activities are subject to change based on current safety protocols.

Dates & Tuition

Jun 28 - Aug 6 $7,846 - $21,1156 WeeksTuition range is based on course units and residential versus online.Pre-CollegeSee Available Courses
Jul 10 - Jul 30 $9,7003 WeeksAmerican Sign Language Academy will be offered as Online Only. The dates for this academy specifically will be Jul 11 - Jul 29.Research AcademySee Available Courses
Jul 4 - Jul 16 $5,7002 Weeks Session APenn PrepSee Available Courses

Testimonials

“The program has honestly been the highlight of my summer. The classes and after-class activities kept me in an excited state for the entirety of the two weeks. I am beyond grateful for my experience at Penn.” Sarah Z.2018 Alumni
“This program was great! The dorms were nice, the RCs were nice, and the academics were spectacular. This experience allowed me to be independent for the first time, and it has helped me understand more of what I’m interested and what path I wish to follow in the future.” Riona W. 2018 Alumni
“I really enjoyed my time here. I made lifelong friends, learned from incredible professors, got to experience campus life, and had learning experiences that I never before thought I would have access to as a high schooler.”Jessica Z.2019 Alumni
“This gave me a really good feel of how college will be. It made me super excited and I think I've become more motivated to become a better student and person overall due to the welcoming atmosphere here. I was also able to time manage really well, getting my work done while also participating in fun activities.”Linda S. 2019 Alumni

Program Details

6 week program open to students completing grades 10 & 11.
2 and 3 week programs open to students completing grades 9, 10 & 11.

Living: You will be part of a dynamic community of students and staff, living together in one residence hall. Students live in a single or double room in an apartment style suite. Students share an in-room bathroom with just their suitemates. Every air-conditioned room includes a bed, study desk, closet, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges, game rooms, laundry facilities, and the Summer Discovery Office are all in our residence hall. We are located only short walk from 1920 Dining Commons and the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center.

Dining: Unique to Summer Discovery is our all-inclusive meal plan. Enjoy two meals daily (breakfast and dinner), while on campus at 1920 Dining Commons. Choose from daily options at the salad bar, deli counter, pizza oven, burger bar, dessert bar, and more. Are you a vegetarian? Do you have food allergies? Special diets are not a problem.

Residential tuition includes: Term fees, academic programs, laundry, use of facilities, housing, 2 meals daily while on campus (2 on Sunday, none on Saturday), recreation pass (for students ages 15 and above), activities and trips.

Not included: Application fee, airfare, airport transfers (available for $85 each way), class materials, course supplements, meals eaten off campus, medical expenses, linens, blanket and pillow, souvenirs, and personal spending money.

Commuter tuition includes: Commuter students join the program Monday-Friday for classes only. They do not attend evening or weekend activities and excursions and no overnight stays are permitted.

*As of March 30, 2022, UC Berkeley, and Penn Programs (Wharton, U Penn, Penn Law) are requiring boosters for all students and staff.

Important Dates

All Application Opens – December 1

Priority deadline for all programs– March 1

International Student Deadline for all programs – April 1

Domestic Student Deadline for all programs – May 1

All application materials, including recommendations, should be submitted by above stated deadlines—no exceptions.

Updated Withdrawal policy as of 2/22/22

Penn Summer: Academies, Prep Program, and Pre-College Program

A nonrefundable deposit of $1,500 is required to officially reserve a student's spot in the program. Program fees minus the nonrefundable deposit of $1,500 are refundable until May 15. There is no adjustment in tuition for late arrivals or early departures. All withdrawals must be in writing and emailed to hsprogs@sas.upenn.edu and penn@summerdiscovery.com.

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