UPenn ESAP

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

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In-person3 wksFeb 17Financial AidInternational OK

Collin Recommendation Index

Proprietary Application Analysis

Tier 2

6/10

Collin Index

Recommended

Collin's Analysis

A selective program with a strong research reputation. Admits tend to show genuine curiosity and a concrete project rather than a long list of activities, and past cohorts skew toward students with some prior exposure to the field.

Application Strategy

Lead with one specific question you have explored, tie it to what this program teaches, and use the short answers to show range. Apply before the priority deadline and ask your recommender early.

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Successful essays

1 accepted essay across 1 prompt

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Admissions Timeline

Application Opens

December 1, 2026

Priority Deadline

—

Regular Deadline

February 17, 2027

Program Dates

Jul 11 – Jul 30, 2027

Rolling Admission

Financials

Tuition

$9,250

Application Fee

$90 application fee

Financial Aid

Available

Student Stipend

None

Offered Disciplines

Artificial IntelligenceBiotechnologyComputer GraphicsComputer ScienceAI in BiologyNanotechnologyRobotics

Requirements & Selectivity

Eligible Grades

Grades 10–11

International Students

Eligible

Minimum GPA

3.0 GPA minimum

Acceptance Rate

~20%

Essay Required

Yes

Interview Required

Essay Prompts

Prompt: Discuss an experience or a concept that has led you to apply to the Engineering Summer Academy at Penn. What excites you about the field of engineering? What sort of impact on your community, the world, society, etc. would you like to make with your skills gained from this program? Lastly, describe any skills, software and programming proficiencies, or talents that will make you successful in the ESAP program.