The Complete Guide to UPenn's Summer Programs
Embarking on a STEM summer program can significantly enhance your college application due to the immersive learning experience that goes beyond the typical classroom environment. This also allows you to explore complex topics through hands-on projects and interactions with leading academics and professionals.
Engaging in such opportunities at an institution like the University of Pennsylvania can set you apart from your peers by showcasing your commitment, skills, and passion for your intended field of study. This blog is an overview of the different summer programs offered at UPenn, why you should consider applying, and how you can benefit from this program!
What are UPenn's Summer Programs?
The University of Pennsylvania offers a variety of summer programs aimed at high schoolers eager to build their STEM knowledge and academic capability. These programs are designed to introduce you to the rigor of college-level studies while helping you gain insights into potential career paths in your chosen field of interest.
Each program is crafted with specific goals in mind, such as deepening knowledge in a particular subject area, developing research skills, or providing a taste of college life, and providing a large selection of subjects catering to whatever specific interest in STEM you have.
Intended for motivated students from around the globe, these programs are perfect if you’re looking for in-depth experience in a specific subject and gain a competitive edge in college admissions.
What summer programs does UPenn offer?
UPenn offers three distinct summer programs. Each takes place in a few different formats, and each has a variety of courses/modules available for you to choose from, allowing you to pursue the subject that most interests you. The eligibility criteria also vary slightly for each program. Below, we’ve provided an overview of each of the options:
The Summer Academies are intensive, three-week programs designed to provide an exploratory research experience in a specific subject area. These academies are best suited for those with a strong interest in and aptitude for sciences and engineering. The programs are held on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, providing you access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities. You will work with Penn’s esteemed faculty and receive mentorship from experts in their fields. An average day might include lectures, lab work, group projects, and seminars. Some examples of the academy courses available are:
Biomedical Research Academy: This course explores the biological foundations of medicine and the latest research technologies. You will learn all about genetic engineering, pharmaceutical development, and the pathophysiology of diseases. This academy is ideal if you’re considering a career in medicine or biomedical research.
Chemistry Research Academy: This academy covers a wide range of chemistry topics, from analytical techniques like spectroscopy and gas chromatography to the chemistry of rare earth metals. The program is heavily lab-based, offering you plenty of practical experience in synthetic methods and chemical analysis.
Experimental Physics Research Academy: This program provides an in-depth exploration of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics. The lectures, projects, and discussions you attend here will help you move beyond memorized equations to understand the principles governing physical phenomena.
Summer Academies take place from July 6 to July 27, 2024, and have the following eligibility criteria:
You must be currently enrolled in 9th-11th grade in high school at the time of application.
Most of the academies are residential, though not all, so if you’re applying for a residential one, you naturally need to be able to attend it physically.
Some academies may require prior coursework or demonstrated interest in the subject area; for example, the Biomedical Research Academy requires one year of high school biology and one year of high school chemistry. You should check the requirements for your specific academy here.
The pre-college programs at UPenn offer you the chance to experience university life firsthand by participating in courses that offer university credit. These programs are typically six weeks long and either held on the UPenn campus or offered online. Faculty from Penn lead the courses, with additional support from graduate students, offering a high degree of mentorship and interaction. You can choose to enroll in 1 to 2.5 college credits worth of courses, depending on the subjects you pick and whether or not they have a lab component. Here are a few examples of the kinds of programs on offer:
Introduction to Experimental Psychology: This course explains fundamental psychological concepts across three major areas: the biological basis of behavior, cognitive processes, and social influences. You will explore diverse topics, including neuropsychology, cognition, and social psychology, which are essential for understanding human behavior.
Introduction to Biology A: Focused on the basic chemistry of life, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics, this course emphasizes the connection between these biological fundamentals and current issues in health, energy, and food. It's designed to provide you with a comprehensive foundation in biology, making it ideal if you’re interested in pursuing life sciences.
Calculus, Part I: This course covers the basics and more complex elements of calculus, including a review of high school calculus, applications of integrals, transcendental functions, methods of integration, infinite series, and differential equations. It is a particularly valuable opportunity if you have a strong background in mathematics and are looking to advance your skills in preparation for college-level math.
Residential pre-college programs take place from July 2 to August 10, 2024 or from July 5 to August 9, 2024 if you prefer the online option. Not every course is available in both online and offline, some are exclusive to either, and you should check the full list here. The eligibility criteria are also fairly straightforward - you simply need to be a current 10th-11th grade high school student.
Penn Summer Prep is a residential, two-week program that allows you to explore various academic disciplines in a less structured environment. You’ll have the option to choose two modules from a selection, one for the morning and one for the afternoon session, which can be anything from a STEM-focused option to more unique choices like fine arts photography and ancient plagues. The program takes place on UPenn’s campus, utilizing the same facilities as degree-seeking students. The day usually includes lectures, workshops, and group activities, with ample opportunity to interact with Penn faculty and peers. Some of the modules on offer include:
Digital Media, Inequality, and Cyber-Civil Rights: This module explores the intersection of technology and social justice. You’ll be examining how digital media technologies like algorithmic bias and surveillance impact social inequalities. Through a critical analysis of real-world examples and academic texts, you’ll develop your own research project, assessing the societal implications of digital media.
US Census, Data, and Democracy: Understanding Numbers with Social Sciences: Focusing on the societal and political impact of numerical data, this module dives into how census data shapes public policy and representation in democracy. You will learn about the process and significance of census data, exploring its uses in various governmental and social contexts to understand its influence on public life and policy.
Literature and Documentary Film in the Century of Climate Politics: This module blends environmental studies with literature and film to address climate politics and environmental justice. You’ll get to engage with literary and cinematic works to discuss and analyze environmental issues, exploring the role of cultural production in advocating for climate action and environmental justice.
Penn Summer Prep takes place from July 6 to July 20, 2024 and is open to high schoolers in 9th-11th grade.
Are these programs prestigious?
The University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the country, a member of the vaunted Ivy League. Accordingly, UPenn's summer programs are highly selective with fairly rigorous admission criteria, making them tough to get into and even tougher to excel in.
Regardless of which summer program you end up choosing, you stand to gain invaluable, in-depth and practical experience in nearly any subject of your choice. This experience, combined with the networking opportunities with peers and faculty, can help you secure a stronger college application, mentorships and even further research opportunities. We would rate UPenn’s summer programs as highly prestigious and worth every bit of effort invested.
How does the application process work?
The application process for UPenn’s Summer Programs opens on December 1. The deadlines for each of the programs are as follows:
January 31 - deadline for Pre-College Programs.
February 15 - deadline for Summer Academies and for Penn Summer Prep.
The application decision window is from April 1-15. Here’s what you need to know about applying:
A completed online application that includes basic personal information, educational background, and specific questions about academic interests.
A copy of your official high school transcripts.
A letter of recommendation from a teacher who can speak to your academic abilities and interest in the subject area, mailed directly to UPenn.
Essays - You’ll need to submit three 400-word essays on the following prompts:
Describe your academic and personal goals and how these may be further achieved by studying at Penn during the summer. Feel free to discuss the particular program to which you are applying as well as other aspects of studying at Penn during the summer.
Select a few of your non-academic or extracurricular experiences and explain how these activities supplement your academic and personal growth.
Non-native English speakers only: Describe your English educational background and experience.
A non-refundable application fee of $75, with waivers available upon request for qualified applicants.
Standardized test scores are not required, but are highly encouraged.
If you’re a non-native English speaker, you’ll need to provide test scores verifying English proficiency - TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, PSAT, ACT, or Duolingo English Test (DET).
A couple Summer Academies have the additional requirement of three supplemental 400-word essays.
How much do UPenn’s Summer Programs cost?
Alongside the application fee, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable $1,500 deposit for all programs. Beyond that, the fees are as follows:
Penn Summer Prep: $5,700
Summer Academies:
ASL and Deaf Culture Academy: $5,500
Others: $9,700
Pre-college programs: This depends on how many course units you choose and whether you choose on-campus or online options. The on-campus costs range from $13,648 to $21,448, while the online costs range from $8,248 to $13,448.
Note that scholarships are available. Most notably, if you attend a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school, you may be eligible to attend a Penn Summer Academy free of charge with a Penn Summer Scholarship.
Pros:
1. Advanced academic exposure:
Participating in UPenn's summer programs allows you to engage with complex academic content at one of the world's leading universities. This exposure can be incredibly beneficial for your intellectual growth and provides a strong foundation for college-level coursework.
2. Networking opportunities:
These programs provide the chance to meet and learn from esteemed faculty, industry professionals, and peers from around the globe. Such connections can be invaluable for future academic and career pursuits, offering insights and opportunities beyond the classroom.
3. College experience preview:
Attending a summer program on UPenn's campus gives you a firsthand look at college life, helping ease the transition from high school to college. This experience includes living in dorms, using campus facilities, and managing a more independent lifestyle, all under the guidance of university staff.
Cons:
1. High costs:
The fees associated with attending even the cheapest of UPenn's summer programs can be prohibitive for many families. Even with financial aid options, the cost of tuition plus additional expenses like housing, meals, and travel can add up, making it a significant financial commitment.
2. Competitive admission:
Due to the prestigious nature of UPenn and its summer programs, gaining admission can be highly competitive. This selectivity means you must have an exemplary academic record and standout application materials, which can add pressure and uncertainty during the application process.
3. Intensive course load:
The academic rigor of UPenn's summer programs is designed to challenge students, but this can also be overwhelming for some. The fast-paced environment and high expectations might lead to stress and a less enjoyable summer experience, especially if you're not accustomed to such intensity.
Conclusion
UPenn’s summer programs can be a potentially transformative experience if you're ready to push your boundaries and make significant strides in your academic career. While they’re expensive, hard to secure admission to, and incredibly intense, the reward is well worth the effort.
This is doubly true if you’re a student in good academic standing in a District of Philadelphia public or charter school, making you eligible to secure a full scholarship. Regardless, if you’re able to navigate the steep fees and the intense curriculum, UPenn’s summer programs are a valuable opportunity to greatly deepen your STEM knowledge and exposure.
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