Pre-College Academy at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Philadelphia, PA
Penn Law Pre-College Academy
Ready for a focused summer experience at one of America’s oldest and most selective law schools? Join us for a Pre-College Law Academy at the newly #6 ranked Carey Law School at the University of Pennsylvania. Connect with our internationally renowned faculty through full-day intensives. Experience an accelerated version of the first-year law school curriculum at an Ivy League university. Students learn from renowned faculty and thought leaders about cutting-edge legal issues.
Take a Tour of Our Top-Rated Law School
A unique feature of our program is taking classes in real classrooms inside our beautiful law school. Experience our campus virtually, and then join us on-campus this summer.
Courses & Academies from 2023
See All University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School 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!
Top 10 Penn Law 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 cheesesteaks at Steve's Prince of Steaks.
- Test your knowledge at our weekly “Trivia Night”.
*All on-campus activities are subject to change based on current safety protocols.
Pre-College Academy Scholarship Information
The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and Summer Discovery offer a limited number of program scholarships to qualified students based on need, academic merit, and interest in studying law. A set of scholarships will be specifically awarded to eligible students attending a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school, and a second set of scholarships will be awarded to students attending a high school outside of the City of Philadelphia (but within the United States).
These scholarships cover all program fees, housing, meals while on campus, and all activities and trips associated with the program. The scholarship does not cover expenses associated with travel to and from the Law School campus in Philadelphia.
*Please note that scholarship applicants do not need to register and pay the fee associated with the Summer Discovery application until after the scholarship recipients are announced in April 2023. After this announcement, all scholarship applicants who are accepted into the program (regardless if they were awarded a scholarship or not) will have the opportunity to register with Summer Discovery.
Online Application Forms and Submission Details
Students wishing to submit a scholarship application should follow the steps below:
- Submit a Student Application Form here: Student Application Form
- This application form includes essay questions as well as a request to upload your transcript.
- Request a teacher/counselor to submit a Teacher/Counselor Recommendation Form on your behalf: Teacher/Counselor Recommendation Form
Upon receiving the two scholarship application components (Student Application Form and Teacher/Counselor Recommendation Form), we will email you to let you know that your application is complete.
Please note that scholarship applicants do not need to register and pay the fee associated with the Summer Discovery application until after scholarship recipients are announced in April 2023. After this announcement, all scholarship applicants who are accepted into the program (regardless if they were awarded a scholarship or not) will have the opportunity to register with Summer Discovery.
We expect to announce the scholarship recipients in April 2023.
Submission Deadline: all application materials must be received by Friday, March 24, 2023.
Dates & Tuition
- Jul 9 - Jul 29 $9,4993 WeeksResidentialSee Available Courses
- Jul 10 - Jul 28 $5,9993 WeeksCommuterSee Available Courses
“I had an amazing experience. It's a really good combination of being able to experience being in the academic environment whilst also having fun on and off campus.” Samantha L.
“The Penn Law Summer Discovery Academy was the most enjoyable program I have ever taken part in.”Alessandra D.
“Penn Law was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. I have learned so much and have gained an immense amount of knowledge. The professors were so helpful and they truly enjoyed teaching us and sharing their experience with us.”Juhi T.
“I really enjoyed my experience here. I felt safe and like an actual college student. It was very educational. I feel like I learned how actual law students lead their lives.”Swetha M.
Program Details
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 Penn Law School, 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.
Tuition includes: Term fees, academic program, use of facilities, housing, 2 meals daily while on campus (2 meals Sunday, no meals Saturday), recreation access (15 years of age or older only), activities and trips.
Not included: Application fee, $95 student ID/technology fee, airfare, airport transfers (Available for $85 each way), class materials, meals eaten off campus, medical expenses, laundry, 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.
*Please note that scholarship applicants do not need to register and pay the fee associated with the Summer Discovery application until after the scholarship recipients are announced in April 2022. After this announcement, all scholarship applicants who are accepted into the program (regardless if they were awarded a scholarship or not) will have the opportunity to register with Summer Discovery. For more information on Penn Law Scholarships, please visit the Penn Law website.