ADMISSIONS AND APPLICATION
The eligibility section mentions that applicants must have completed their freshman year of high school. Is this program geared toward rising sophomores or is it appropriate for all high school grades? |
We accept applications from rising sophomores through seniors. However, students MUST be 15 years of age (or older) by the time the program starts. Admissions is highly selective. We look at all aspects of the application to build a diverse cohort of students who can work well both independently as well as with each other. For rising Sophomores, we pay particular attention to academic strength/consistency, demonstrated maturity, and the ability to balance the rigorous coursework and social components of the ESAP program. |
I will be a rising Senior this summer. Is this program an option for me? |
This program is indeed an option for you, and in fact a good majority of our applications come from rising juniors and seniors. Many enroll looking to explore new areas of engineering or bolster their understanding in one of the seven ESAP fields before applying to college. |
I am wondering how many other young women usually attend? |
Across the six ESAP courses in the last couple of years, it is not unusual to see up to 35 – 40% of the enrolled students being comprised of young women. This reflects the percentage of women enrolled as undergraduates at Penn Engineering, and is well over the national average of about 20%. |
What are the standards used to determine admission? |
The ESAP Admissions process is based on the model that is used at the undergraduate level, comprised of the online application, personal essays, letters of recommendation, high school transcript, and standardized test scores (optional).
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If I applied after the priority deadline, when can I expect my admissions decision? |
If space is available and your application is evaluated, decisions typically take AT LEAST 3 weeks (from the application COMPLETION date) to be rendered. |
I haven’t received my admissions decision. |
In order to provide the Admissions Committee enough time to review each application thoroughly, admissions decisions for applications received on or before the priority deadline in February are released at the end of March. Please allow AT LEAST 3 weeks processing time for applications received after the priority deadline, if space remains available. |
Can I appeal my course placement? |
If you have ranked your top two program choices on the online application and wish to change this BEFORE receiving your Admissions decision, you may contact our office to submit this request. After acceptance into one of the seven ESAP courses, however, course change requests cannot be honored. |
What are my chances of being admitted from the waitlist for ESAP? How many students are accepted from the waitlist? Is the waitlist ranked? What is my position on the waitlist? How are applicants selected from the waitlist? How often does the Admissions Committee review the applications? |
The greatest factor affecting acceptance from the waitlist is the number of withdrawals we receive prior to the program start date in July. Individual circumstances vary greatly from year to year, and we simply do not know how many withdrawals we will receive. The waitlist is not ranked; applications noted as waitlisted are rolled back into the general admissions pool along with any applications received past the priority deadline. The Committee meets on an ad-hoc basis to review applications until all places in the program have been filled. |
How many students participate in ESAP? How many people are on the waitlist? How many offers of admission have been made to date? |
We aim for a class size of about 250 students (across our seven courses). Please note, we do not publish admission statistics for this program. |
Can I submit additional documents to improve my chances of being admitted? |
Past the priority deadline, we will only accept updated transcripts or standardized test scores. We do not accept other documents. |
APPLICATION
What are the requirements? |
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When will the current application for ESAP be available? |
The ESAP application for the current cycle is now available. |
Is there a deadline? If I miss the priority deadline, can I still apply? |
We continue to accept applications on a rolling basis thereafter, as long as space is available. For more information, see Fast Facts. |
Is there an application fee? |
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $85 USD. |
Where do I send my transcripts, standardized test scores? |
Please send all application materials as PDF attachments to esap@seas.upenn.edu. Please note that transcripts must come directly from the high school. |
Should I be specific in my essay about the particular course I am most interested in? |
If the specific course contributes significantly to why you wish to participate in ESAP and/or your goals, please feel free to indicate the course. |
Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation? |
At least one of your letters of recommendation must be written by a math or science teacher. Your second letter may be written by another teacher, a guidance counselor, coach or advisor who knows you well. Your high school transcript speaks to your academic strength, so we will be looking to the recommendation to learn more about the rigor of your coursework, performance in the classroom, and interactions with your peers. |
Is there an official recommendation form? |
Your recommender will be provided with specific instructions on how to submit their recommendation form via email, after their information is entered on your online application. There is an online form to complete and they are also given the option to upload a written recommendation letter. |
Can I submit my recommendations online? |
Yes, our application system allows for your recommendations to be submitted online. Please have the full names and email addresses of your 2 recommenders ready, so they can be entered on your online application. |
I completed the online application well before the priority deadline, but what if my letters of recommendation/transcript arrive after the deadline? |
In fairness to all applicants, only those applications that are complete by the priority deadline will receive first consideration. You need to check with your teachers and guidance office to ensure that the letters and transcripts arrive on time. You may track the progress of these materials in your online application account. |
Are the PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, ACT, or other standardized test scores required? |
Exam scores are not required to apply to the ESAP program. Admissions is highly competitive, and we review each aspect of the application very carefully. For rising high school sophomore applicants (who may not have test scores to include), we particularly look for a level of maturity and rigorous academic preparation that will allow them to succeed in a social and academic setting where the majority of the students are older (juniors, seniors). However, if students do take the PSAT, SAT, SAT II, or ACT before applying, they are encouraged to include the scores. |
I received my test scores from the CollegeBoard electronically. How do I submit my test scores? |
Printouts from your online CollegeBoard account (clearly displaying identifying information and test scores) are acceptable. These may be uploaded directly to your application as an attached file (PDF format) . Photocopies of original score results can also be emailed or mailed to our office. PSAT and ACT scores reports can be uploaded directly into the online application as well. ATTN: ESAP Email: esap@seas.upenn.edu |
I filled out the online application. Is there a way to save my work? |
Yes, there are “Save” buttons at the bottom of each page of the application. |
Why can’t I log into my application account? |
If you have forgotten your password, please use the “forgot password” feature to set up a new password for the account. If you still have difficulty logging in, please contact the CollegeNET Help Desk for assistance. There is a “Contact our Help Desk” link at the bottom of each page. |
I haven’t received a confirmation email after completing the online portion of the application. I haven’t received a confirmation email stating that my application is complete. How can I check whether all the parts of my application have been received? |
A confirmation message will appear onscreen once your application has been successfully submitted and the fee has been paid. You will be able to check the status of your recommendation letters and transcript after the online application has been successfully submitted. Once your recommendation letters are submitted, this will be reflected on your account immediately; however, we must manually upload your HS transcript into the system, so this may take some time. Please allow 3-5 business days (from the date your transcript is received in our office) for it to be uploaded to your application. |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
What are the costs to attend the ESAP program? |
Please note that financial aid is not available. A program deposit is due (usually within 10 days from the date of your acceptance) in order to hold your placement in the program. The remaining balance is due in full on the date specified on your bill. Please note that students should plan to have access to funds for any personal spending. International students should also plan to accommodate additional fees such as visa application, SEVIS, and shipping fees. |
Is the $85 USD application fee refundable? |
Unfortunately, the application fee is non-refundable. |
When is the application fee due? Is there a deposit? When is the program fee due in full? |
The non-refundable application fee of $85 USD is due at the time of submission of the online form. Upon acceptance, a non-refundable deposit (amount displayed on your acceptance letter) is due usually within 7 days from the date of your acceptance to hold your place in the program. The remaining balance is due in full on the date displayed on your bill. |
If my son or daughter withdraws the program before the start date, will we receive a refund? |
Once a student is accepted and confirms his/her decision to enroll in the program, a non-refundable deposit is paid to confirm his/her place in ESAP. This deposit cannot be waived or deferred, and is non-refundable. Your deposit will be credited towards the program tuition fee. If you need to withdraw from the program after having paid in full, you will receive a refund in accordance to the following schedule. Requests may be sent via email. Students dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons will not receive a refund. NOTE: All requests for a refund must be made in writing, and properly dated. Refunds are given based on the date in which we receive your formal written request to withdraw from the program and receive a refund. If your bill has been generated, and your child withdraws AFTER any of the posted refund request dates, you are STILL responsible for the program balance (based on the table below). There are NO exceptions. Refund Request Date Received Amount |
Is financial aid available? |
Yes, financial aid is available for students with demonstrated financial need. Students must submit the respective financial aid application (and supplemental documentation) with their other application materials. Notification of aid availability will be announced along with the admissions decision. |
I can’t afford the application fee but would like to apply. |
If you qualify for an application fee waiver (i.e. participate in a free/ reduced lunch program, qualify for a test fee waiver from the CollegeBoard, etc.) please have your high school counselor submit a statement verifying your income status and stating the need for a fee waiver. Once approved, the ESAP office will provide you with the application fee waiver code. |
I am applying for financial aid. Can my application be placed on hold for the following year, if sufficient financial aid is not available? |
We have in previous years been generous with aid based on need. In the case that a well-qualified student is unable to attend this summer, he/she is welcome and encouraged to apply in following years. Applications cannot be rolled over to the following year. |
I don’t see a financial aid application online. How do I access it? |
Financial assistance is available to ESAP applicants with demonstrated need. On the online application, please indicate your intention to apply for financial aid. Download and complete the appropriate financial application forms located on the “Financial Information” section of the website. Be sure to submit copies of your family’s current 1040 tax form, and any other requested materials, such as W-2’s. You will be notified of our financial aid determination along with your application admission decision. |
What documents are necessary to apply for financial aid? |
Please complete the financial aid application and attach your family’s most current 1040 tax form and W-2’s. For international students, please attach the equivalent – for example, the Canadian form is the T4, and the Indian form is Form 16. |
Does applying for financial aid affect my admissions decision? |
No. The admissions decision and financial aid decision are two separate processes; thus, the admissions decision will not be affected in any way. If you indicate you will be applying for financial aid, however, you must complete the application and submit all necessary forms before your application will be considered complete. |
When will I hear whether I received financial aid? |
Notification of aid availability will be announced along with the admissions decision. In order to provide the Admissions Committee enough time to review each application thoroughly, admission decisions for applications received on or before the Priority Deadline will be released at the end of March. Please allow ~3 weeks processing for applications received after the priority deadline. Students applying for financial aid are encouraged to apply before the Priority Deadline. |
ACADEMICS & COURSE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Will I be graded on my work? What sort of Grade is reported on my transcript? |
Yes, ESAP courses are treated as college courses, and all of the work is evaluated and graded on Penn’s grading scale of “A” to “F.” Penn uses a plus/minus system as well. |
Do participants of the ESAP program receive college credit? |
Yes, participants who successfully complete the ESAP program receive 1 Penn credit unit (usually the equivalent of a 2-3 credit class) which is posted on their Penn transcript. |
How do I know whether my experience and skill fits in well with the courses? |
All seven courses are taught and graded at the college level. Since the coursework is rigorous and fast-paced, some prior coursework (in applicable subjects), along with a very high motivation to take an active learning role are recommended. Please see below for course-specific FAQs. |
Biotechnology: |
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What prior coursework is helpful in the Biotechnology course? |
Eligible students should have at least 1 year’s coursework in Biology and Chemistry. AP Biology experience is a plus but not a prerequisite.
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Computer Graphics: |
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What prior coursework is helpful in the Computer Graphics course? |
Eligible students will find prior experience in Photoshop, Maya or other modeling tools useful, but it is not a prerequisite. |
My daughter is interested in applying to the undergraduate Digital Media Design program at Penn Engineering upon completion of high school. Is the ESAP Computer Graphics course the correct choice to give her a feel for this program? |
Computer Graphics is indeed an excellent choice for a student intending to apply to the DMD program. Students work extensively with 3D modeling, becoming familiar and proficient with the use of Maya software and techniques. |
Computer Science: |
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What prior coursework is helpful in the Computer Science course? |
This course is recommended for those that have had little to no exposure (if you have never coded before or the largest program you have written is less than 200 lines of code) in Computer Science. There is no prior coursework required for this course. |
Nanotechnology: |
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What prior coursework is helpful in the Nanotechnology course? |
Prior coursework in Chemistry and Physics is preferred, but not mandatory. Students in the course will spend the first few days reviewing important chemistry concepts to ensure a solid foundation before delving into the Nanotechnology coursework. |
Robotics: |
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What prior coursework is helpful in the Robotics course? |
Eligible students must have prior coursework in Physics and advanced Math courses (Precalculus/ Calculus is preferred, but not a strict prerequisite). Experience with C programming or Autocad is also helpful. |
Complex Networks: |
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What prior coursework is helpful in the Engineering Complex Networks course? |
Eligible students should have coursework in Physics and advanced math (Precalculus/ Calculus). Some computer programming knowledge is recommended but not a prerequisite. |
Other: |
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Do you have civil or structural engineering courses? |
We are sorry, but at this time we do not offer civil or structural engineering courses at ESAP. |
LIVING ON CAMPUS
I live near Philadelphia. Can I enroll as a commuter student? |
ESAP is designed to give students a taste of college life, which includes meeting other students, social and recreational events, and of course, late-night study sessions and lab work. Living in the dorms is an essential component of the experience; hence, there is no commuter option. |
What is a typical day like for an ESAP student? |
A normal weekday is comprised of class and lab time (typically 9a – 5p), with a lunch break in between. There are slight variations to the schedule for special program-wide lectures and industry site visits. The students usually spend their evenings working on homework or group projects, or enjoying a fun social activity planned by their Residential/ Teaching Assistants. |
Will there be activities planned for the weekends? |
Evening and weekend activities vary from year to year. Last summer, students spent a day at the beach and another at Six Flags Great Adventure. Students also enjoy industry site visits during the week as part of their academic experience. Weeknights and Sunday evenings are typically devoted to homework and working on final group projects. These evenings are coordinated by our residential staff, offering a balanced mix of outings and study sessions to accommodate the rigorous coursework the students complete throughout the 3 weeks. Miscellaneous weeknight activities can occur in the dorms, on campus, or dinner/group outings just minutes away in the city. The final Friday of the program is reserved for the Graduation Ceremony, where students celebrate the culmination of their hard work with the presentation of their final projects. |
What security measures will be taken for student safety? Where will students live, eat, attend classes? |
ESAP students are housed in one of the high-rises, on Penn’s 285-acre urban campus. All entrances are monitored 24/7 by Penn Public Safety, and students must swipe their ID and enter a secure, private key code to enter the buildings. Residential Teaching Assistants (RTAs)- supervised by a full-time Residential Director in the dorms and instructors in the classrooms, are current Penn undergraduates who live in the dorms with the students and serve as TAs in the classrooms. Meals are provided at either 1920s Commons or Houston Market, and most classes take place in the Engineering Quad. |
How much free time will I have? |
ESAP courses pack an entire semester’s work into three weeks, so you can expect to be quite busy. However, students still have time to socialize and get to know each other, and our staff of undergraduate Residential Teaching Assistants (RTAs) plan many activities that take advantage of all that Penn and Philadelphia have to offer. |
Will I have time to go home on weekends? |
We do not encourage leaving campus on weekends except in very specific circumstances. The weekends at ESAP are just as busy as the weekdays with group excursions and work on projects and homework. You may also put your group at a disadvantage by leaving on the weekend. However, if you do need to leave campus for any reason at any time (not on an official ESAP excursion or accompanied by a ESAP staff member), we must be provided written permission from a parent or guardian, at least 3 days in advance. |
Can I choose my roommate? |
Due to the very short turnaround time between registration and the start of the program, we are unable to accommodate roommate requests. |
How much money do I need to bring? |
All of your course materials (including lab supplies, textbooks, and coursepacks), meals, and group activities are included in the Program Fee. You should bring money for occasional snacks, souvenirs, laundry (about $3.00 per load), and other small, personal expenses. |
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
I am an international student. Is an English proficiency exam required? |
TOEFL scores are required for international applicants whose native language is not English. Due to the competitive nature of this program, applications containing TOEFL scores below 80 will not be reviewed. Please note that ESAP does not currently accept the IELTS exam for the TOEFL. Letters are not accepted as a substitute for TOEFL. Currently ESAP does not accept Duolingo results. |
Click here to view how to submit your scores.
Our institution code for the TOEFL exam is 2888. Test results must be valid when you submit your application. Test scores from at-home administration of the TOEFL exams are accepted.
My transcript is in a language other than English.
You must have the transcript translated by an official service provider or notarized, and send the original, sealed copy from your school for comparison purposes.
I’ve been accepted to the program. How do I apply for a visa?
You will be applying to UPenn for an I-20 for F-1 status.
To learn more, please see this page.
OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS
Penn offers other summer programs for high school programs. What is unique about the ESAP program? |
ESAP is linked directly with the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Penn, with each of the 6 programs modified from actual first and second-year engineering courses. If you are interested in engineering, the practical applications of science, or would like to explore a subfield (e.g. biotechnology) within engineering before applying to college, ESAP may be a great opportunity to do so. |
Can we visit Penn Engineering? I am interested in a certain program. Can we visit for more information? |
Absolutely! Please visit the prospective students tab of the Penn Engineering website for more information. Tours of the Engineering quad are available year-round. |
Will attending ESAP help me get into Penn? |
Students who attend ESAP do not receive special consideration for admission to any of Penn’s undergraduate schools. However, the ESAP experience, and a Penn transcript, can help strengthen a student’s application to any college or university. In addition, the exposure to college life can be an invaluable experience to students in choosing a college, and ESAP students will have the chance to attend admissions workshops to help them navigate the admissions process. |
Do you provide health insurance coverage during the program? |
No. ESAP does not provide health insurance coverage. Students and their families are responsible for acquiring appropriate health care coverage for the duration of the 3-week program. |