Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the program dates for next summer?
July 6, 2025 -July 25, 2025
Students will have academic commitments through the last Friday of the program until 4pm.
When does the application open?
The application for the upcoming session opens on January 2, 2025.
When does the application close?
The application deadline is March 1st, 2025.
When will I receive a decision for my application?
All applicants will receive a decision after April 1, 2025.
Are there any fees associated with this program?
All fees can be found in the financial information section.
Where is the financial aid form for 2025?
Please note that limited financial aid may be available to highly qualified applicants. A form will be available after admissions decisions are delivered.
I submitted my application on time but am still missing a few items.
All supplemental materials must be submitted by the deadline along with the application. Late submissions or materials will not be considered, nor accepted.
Is there an employee discount for ESAP?
An employee discount is not applicable for this program.
Are TOEFL scores required?
Non-native English speakers must submit a test score to verify English language proficiency unless they have attended an English-medium school for two+ years by the time of enrollment, in which case the requirement is waived. If this applies to you, please email pennesap@boldsummers.com to indicate you are seeking this waiver before submitting your application. If scores are required, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores are accepted.
Due to the competitive nature of this program, applicants must at least meet the following minimum scores:
TOEFL or At-Home TOEFL – 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT)
IELTS – 7
Duolingo English Test (DET) – 130
TOEFL Institution Code: 2888
Department: University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science
NOTE: You must use the same email address for your ESAP application that you use to send you TOEFL score.
Test results must be valid when you submit your application. Letters are not accepted as a substitute for TOEFL. Click here to view how to submit your scores.
What kind of transcript should I send with my application?
An applicant’s transcript should reflect their entire high school career thus far. For example, if an applicant has completed their 10th grade year their transcript should reflect their grades from 9th and 10th grade. High school in the United States includes grades 9th through 12th.
How should I submit my transcript?
Transcripts should be sent directly from the school via email as a PDF document to pennesap@boldsummers.com
What are the guidelines for the essay?
An applicant’s essay should be no more than two pages.
A title page is not required. However, the header should include the student’s first and last name, email address, and date of birth.
More information can be found at https://esap.seas.upenn.edu/apply/application-requirements/.
Where can I apply for Engineering Summer Academy at Penn?
Interested students should navigate to the main Admissions page for information on how to begin their application.
Which email address should I put on my application?
Students should apply to ESAP using an email address to which they have consistent access.
We recommend using a personal email address, not your school email, for your application and checking regularly for updates.
Is there a GPA requirement for this program?
All applicants must hold a 3.0 GPA minimum, or equivalent, with a preference for strong performance in math and science subjects, as well as honors and advanced coursework.
Which program should I choose on the application?
Engineering Summer Academy at Penn
My birthday is right after the program starts. Can I still apply?
All applicants must be at least 15 years of age by the start of the program.
My application status says “Ready to Review”. What does this mean?
This means your application is complete and is in the process of being reviewed.