Penn Pre-College Residential Program is a 5.5-week summer program in which high school students enroll in credit-bearing Penn undergraduate courses, taught by Penn faculty and visiting scholars, alongside enrolled Penn undergraduates — held to the same academic standards. Students live on campus throughout the program.
Historical closed 2026 cycle: The official application page explicitly says summer 2026 applications are closed. The residential cutoff was May 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No next-cycle dates are announced.
Program dates (2026):
- Move-in: June 30
- Orientation: July 1
- Classes: July 2 – August 7
- Move-out: August 8
Curriculum options: Students choose one of four course loads upon admission:
| Option | Course units | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 c.u. | 1 course | One standard course |
| 1.5 c.u. | 1 course + lab | Biology 101 with lab |
| 2 c.u. | 2 courses | Two standard courses |
| 2.5 c.u. | 2 courses + lab | Biology with lab + one additional course |
Verified historical 2026 costs (including housing, meals, activities, gym access and linens):
| Course units | Program fee | Tuition | General fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 c.u. | $9,100 | $5,608 | $484 | $15,192 |
| 1.5 c.u. | $9,100 | $8,412 | $484 | $17,996 |
| 2 c.u. | $9,100 | $11,216 | $484 | $20,800 |
| 2.5 c.u. | $9,100 | $14,020 | $484 | $23,604 |
Extra costs included the non-refundable $100 application fee, travel, airport transfers, course materials, off-campus meals and personal expenses. The non-refundable $1,500 enrollment deposit was part of the total, not an extra charge. The application fee waiver applied to Philadelphia residents attending district public or charter high schools.
Historical 2026 financial aid: No scholarships were offered for the Pre-College Residential Program. The published scholarship opportunity within Penn's summer programs was for Philadelphia School District public/charter school students attending Summer Academies or Online Seminars.
Sample 2026 courses (Summer Session II):
- Introduction to Biology (with optional lab)
- General Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Sound (with optional lab)
- Introduction to Microeconomics
- Introduction to Experimental Psychology
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Law and Society
- World Film History
- Medicine in History
- Heartbreak, Death, and Sometimes a Rainbow: Young Adults and Literature
Credits: Upon successful completion, students may request an official Penn transcript from the Registrar (fee applies). Transfer credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution, including Penn itself.
The published 2026 checklist required two essays, with a third English-background essay only for non-native English speakers, plus a transcript and one recommendation. English-test waivers for at least two years of English-medium schooling were subject to review after a complete application. Next-cycle eligibility and fees are not confirmed.
Checked November 4, 2026 against the residential program, current rendered application instructions and expanded 2026 tuition table. The live table confirms the amounts above; older indexed copies show different rates.