The Residential Experience

Wharton contracts Musiker Summer Discovery Programs to aid in various administrative and residential components of summer programming, including, but not limited to: prospective applicant support, payment process support, paperwork collection, residential staffing, student safety and supervision, and coordination of extracurricular and social activities. This allows Wharton faculty and staff full resources to perfect the academic curricula of each program and to deliver the most in-depth collegiate experience possible for our summer high school students. Wharton maintains full control of program admissions and content and oversees the residential components by working closely with Summer Discovery staff throughout the year. 

Wharton students will live in one of the Penn residence halls, which is a short walk to the dining hall, academic buildings, and Penn Park. Undergraduate dormitories are fully air-conditioned and feature study and social lounges, laundry facilities, vending machines, and high-speed internet access. Private or shared rooms and bathrooms are available. The residence hall is fully secured by 24-hour campus security and is only accessible with campus ID. The Wharton/Summer Discovery office is centrally located within the dorm to ensure access to counselors and support staff around the clock.

Meal plans include two meals per day Monday through Friday, and two meals on Sunday in one of Penn’s dining halls. Campus dining features a wide selection of dietary choices, including vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher options, and a variety of cafes and restaurants throughout campus.

In addition to full-time program support staff, Wharton summer high school students are assigned a Residential Counselor (RC) for support and mentorship. RCs live in the dorms and are available 24/7 if needed. There will also be a registered nurse on campus who will assist students with minor injuries, illness, prescription medications, and scheduling necessary medical appointments, if needed. Appointments are made with either the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia or Urgent Care. 

Daily sign-ins and room checks are also mandated for student safety. Students may explore Penn’s campus and the surrounding University City area within the designated “home area” in small groups, with assurance that RCs are stationed throughout the area for assistance. The University of Pennsylvania works closely with Penn Public Safety and the Penn Police Department to ensure the safety of all students who are on campus. Contact information for these safety resources is given to students upon arrival. 

The University of Pennsylvania continues to monitor the COVID-19 landscape and review policies with the best available information. We ask that any individuals who may have come into close contact with somebody who recently tested positive for COVID-19 take the appropriate measures (e.g., quarantining) to protect not just their own health but also decrease the risk of potentially exposing other individuals on campus. Once on campus, all program participants will be required to follow all preventative safety measures outlined by the University and Summer Discovery, including, but not limited to: the recommended practice for proper facial masking, maintaining personal hygiene such as handwashing, and social distancing, plus any testing required by the University or Summer Discovery. At this time, vaccinations or proof of a negative COVID test are not required. Please note: These policies are subject to change in response to the ever-changing environment. Visit coronavirus.upenn.edu, the University’s dedicated COVID-19 web page, for the latest updates.” 

Outside of the academic day, summer high school students enjoy evening and weekend extracurricular and social activities and trips. Weekend day trips have previously included: Hershey Park, King of Prussia Mall, or a Phillies baseball game. Evening activities are designed to explore the city of Philadelphia’s many historic and cultural sites and to build lasting friendships with global peers. On campus activities include karaoke, trivia, soccer, Spikeball and many other indoor and outdoor games and events.

Wharton summer high school students will have access to academic and recreational resources and facilities during their stay on Penn’s campus, including, but not limited to: university Wifi, learning support resources, campus tours and information sessions, Franklin Field, Hamlin Tennis Center, and Penn Park. (Access to the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center may be available for age-eligible students for an additional fee.) While computer labs may be available for student use, we strongly encourage each program participant to bring a personal computer for use during the academic day. 

International students are a welcome addition to Wharton’s summer high school programs. Participants are encouraged to obtain a short-stay B-2 TOURIST visa from the American Embassy or Consulate in their home country, if they do not already have one. 

Participants for the Management and Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI) will be required to obtain an F-1 student visa given the credit-bearing nature of the program. M&TSI staff will provide the necessary materials and instructions to aid in this process for all admitted international students.