The Young Scholars High School Program allows outstanding juniors attending a local high school within commutable distance to the University to take college courses in the fall and spring semesters. In the Young Scholars Program, you can pursue your discipline beyond the level offered in secondary schools, get a head start on your college requirements, or explore a brand-new field that interests you. It’s an exciting chance to explore new ideas and experience life in a college classroom.
Young Scholars Program students can choose from a variety of courses at the undergraduate level offered by the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Topics offered include anthropology, economics, English, math, philosophy, linguistics, psychology, and many more. Enrollment is subject to the approval of the program director, and registration in a desired course is not guaranteed. All classes are only offered in an in-person format.
Location(s)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Schedule
- Fall academic semester
- Spring academic semester
Cost/Compensation
- 1 Course Unit Total Cost: $4,542
Eligibility Requirements
- The Young Scholars program is open to juniors in the fall and spring semesters who attend a local high school within commuting distance of the University (e.g. up to a 1-hour commute). The Young Scholars program is not designed for students who have already graduated high school, nor for those admitted to Penn through the Early Decision option.
- Outstanding applicants have:
- Scores in the 85th percentile or greater in all sections of their standardized tests (SAT, PSAT, ACT). An additional letter of recommendation is needed if forgoing standardized test score submission.
- Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
- Writing that shows both technical skill and intellectual depth
- Strong recommendations
- A variety of extracurricular interests
- Enrollment in the Young Scholars Program is limited. Some courses may have educational prerequisites or require placement testing. All classes are only offered in an in-person format.
Deadline
- Fall 2026: August 1, 2026
- Spring 2027: December 1, 2026
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online application
- Unofficial transcripts
- Three application essays
- Two letters of recommendation from an individual who knows you well in a professional, academic, or community context, and can evaluate your work and/or academic ability, such as a supervisor or professor
- Non-native English speakers must submit a test score to verify English language proficiency unless they attend an English medium school, in which case the requirement is waived. If scores are required, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores are accepted.
- Students must submit either a standardized test score report (PSAT, SAT, or ACT) or a third letter of recommendation
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
- Tuition waived for City of Philadelphia public or charter high school students
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn) is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1740, Penn is one of the oldest universities in the United States and has a rich history of innovation and excellence in academia. The University is home to over 25,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Penn offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate majors in fields such as business, engineering, arts and sciences, and nursing. The university also has graduate and professional programs in fields such as law, medicine, education, and social policy. Penn is known for its interdisciplinary approach to learning and research, with many programs and centers that bring together faculty and students from different disciplines to work on complex issues. Penn was the first university in the United States to offer both undergraduate and graduate programs in business with the founding of The Wharton School of Business in 1881.
