Eligibility for the Young Scholars High School Program
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 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. Penn LPS does not offer an admission deferral option; please be sure to apply to the term for which you plan to begin your studies.
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.
Admission to the Young Scholars Program does not constitute admission to a full-time program at the University of Pennsylvania.
English proficiency test scores
Non-native English speakers
| Required Tests | Minimum scores |
|---|---|
| TOEFL or At-Home TOEFL | 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT) |
| IELTS | 7 |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 130 |
Exemption: Students who attend an English-medium school for 2+ years by enrollment time are exempt.
Please note: Penn does not currently accept the IELTS Indicator exam or MyBest scores for the TOEFL.
How to apply
Applications may only be submitted through our online application system.
All applicants must submit the following:
- Completed online application
- Copy of PSAT, SAT, or ACT score report (if forgoing the third letter of recommendation), uploaded through the online application system
- Unofficial transcripts from each marking period of secondary school attended, uploaded through the online application system. For fall applications: 9th-10th grade transcripts. For spring applications: 9th-11th grade transcripts.
- Application essays, listed below
- 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 (a third letter is required if forgoing standardized test score submission).
- Nonrefundable $100 application fee; Any applicant to the Young Scholars Program who is currently enrolled at a School District of Philadelphia public or a School District of Philadelphia charter school will automatically have the application fee waived. To see if your school qualifies you for a waived application fee:
Application deadlines
| Term of Entry | Application Start Date | Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | April 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | 11th graders for the 2025-2026 academic year |
| Spring 2026 | October 1, 2025 | December 1, 2025 | 11th graders for the 2025-2026 academic year |
The Young Scholars Program is selective. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all application materials, including the letters of recommendation, arrive by the deadline. Applications are not considered until all materials have been received.
Application essays
On the application, you’ll be asked to respond to the following questions. Number your essays clearly and upload responses together in one document using the upload button on the online application. Responses should not exceed two (2) pages in length for all the questions combined.
- Describe a challenging academic experience you had and how you overcame it
- In addition to academics, what are you passionate about? How do you plan to balance your academic pursuits with your other interests?
- What specific course(s) offered by the program most intrigues you and why? How does the course(s) align with your long-term academic and career goals?
