Application Deadlines
| Pre-Baccalaureate Sessions | Application Deadline | Decisions Released |
| Spring 2, 2021: March 15 – April 29 | February 22, 2021 | March 1, 2021 |
| Summer 1, 2021: May 24 – June 30 | April 15, 2021 | April 30, 2021 |
| Summer 2, 2021: July 1 – August 6 | May 28, 2021 | June 11, 2021 |
| Fall 1, 2021: August 31 – October 18 | July 30, 2021 | August 11, 2021 |
| Fall 2, 2021: October 25 – December 10 | September 24, 2021 | October 6, 2021 |
Applications for spring and summer 2021 sessions are now open!
Application Instructions
Applications and all supporting materials should be submitted electronically through the online application system by the stated application deadlines. Applications will not be reviewed until all materials have been received and applications are complete.
Please note: The online application for the Wharton Pre-Baccalaureate Program is hosted by Summer Discovery. Application review and admissions decisions are completed independently by Wharton faculty and staff.
Application Requirements
| Pre-Baccalaureate Program | Transcripts | Recommendations | Essays/Short Answer | Supplement | English Proficiency Scores | Standardized Test Scores | Application Fee |
| Unofficial required | 1 required | Prompts below | Optional | Required if applicable; details below | Optional | $100; payable by credit card |
Admissions
Admission to Wharton’s Pre-Baccalaureate Program is selective. Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
- minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA, or equivalent
- thoughtful, well-written essays that express interest in the program content
- recommendations that convey academic performance and potential
- an array of extracurricular activities and/or personal achievements that denote intellectual curiosity, ability to collaborate, initiative and ambition, or diversity of interests and ideas
Applications are reviewed at various points throughout the admissions cycle. Please refer to the Application Deadlines chart above for timeframes on admissions notifications. Students will receive an email notification once admissions decisions are available.
Transcripts
High school transcripts and/or grade reports are required for application. Please upload an unofficial copy directly into the online application system. At least two marking periods of grades are required for review. If you would like to submit additional grades as they become available, you may email supplementary application materials to Wharton@summerdiscovery.com.
Essay/Short Answer Prompts
- Tweet-style bio: In 140 characters or less, give us your biography as if it were a tweet.
- How will studying at Wharton advance your academic goals and/or personal growth? 200-300 words
- Tell a story that directly or indirectly illustrates your own intellectual curiosity. 300-500 words
Application Supplement
Optional item (not required): Applicants may attach an additional letter of recommendation, certificate, resume, CV, article, etc. Materials may also be emailed to Wharton@summerdiscovery.com.
Standardized Test Scores
The submission of standardized test scores is optional. If you have score reports you wish to share you may upload an unofficial copy of your score report to the online application. Score reports should include your name.
English Proficiency Test Scores
Non-native English speakers should submit test scores to verify English language proficiency. If the student attends a high school where the primary language of instruction is English, this requirement is automatically waived. If submitting test scores, please note the admissions committee prefers TOEFL or IELTS scores, when available. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission is 100 (iBT.) The minimum IELTS score required is a 7. If TOEFL or IELTS scores are not available, applicants may submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores as an alternate. To submit, please upload an unofficial copy of your score report to the online application.
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $100 is required application. This is payable by credit card directly through the application system. School District of Philadelphia public and charter high school students may request an application fee waiver by contacting Whartonprebacc@summerdiscovery.com.
Please note that participation in Wharton’s Pre-Baccalaureate Program does not guarantee admission into Penn.
For more information, please contact Whartonprebacc@summerdiscovery.com or call +1.516.414.5555.