Penn Mathematics Academy: What You Need to Know (Updated 2026)

Key Takeaways:

• Penn Mathematics Academy is a summer enrichment residential program hosted by the University of Pennsylvania.
• The academy offers rigorous instruction in four advanced mathematical concepts: non-Euclidean geometry and topology, graph theory, game theory and combinatorics, and mathematical logic.
• The program runs from July 11th to July 25th, 2026; the program costs $6,700.
• Penn Mathematics Academy operates off of a rolling admissions model. There is no set application deadline, so prospective applicants should apply as early as possible to ensure that space in the program is available.
• Summer programs can be a great way of demonstrating one’s academic interests and furthering personal curiosities. Click here for other programs that you may find interesting. 

If you want to push your mathematical thinking to the next level, the Penn Mathematics Academy is a summer enrichment course that can help you further explore your interest in advanced mathematical concepts. This is one of several academies that the University of Pennsylvania offers over the summer; you can learn more about the other Penn academies on their website. This math academy combines an intensive, hands-on learning experience with the unique opportunity to live on a historic Ivy League campus.

In this two-week enrichment course, students are introduced to math concepts usually reserved for undergraduate study, such as game theory, combinatorics, and non-Euclidean geometry. Students will both see how mathematical theory can intersect with real-world applications and have ample opportunity to further their academic and personal growth under the guidance of Penn faculty and graduate students.

This guide will explore the specifics of the program, including the content covered, course structure, and the benefits of participation. It will also review the enrollment process and detail a student’s experience in this pre-college program.

Program Snapshot

• Format: Residential (University of Pennsylvania)
• Website: UPenn Mathematics Academy Home Page
• Admission Rate: Selective
• Eligibility: High-achieving rising sophomore, junior, and seniors from around the world
• Type: Enrichment Program
• Cost: $6,700
• Credit: No
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until slots are filled. Apply as soon as possible for the highest chance of space being available.

Participation

Who is eligible for the Penn Summer Academies?

The Penn Mathematics Academy is open to high schoolers from around the world. Here are the minimum eligibility requirements for Penn’s Summer Academies:

• Be at least 13 years old to live in University residential halls
• Be at least 15 years old to use Penn’s gym facilities
• Be enrolled in high school in the fall following the program (recent high school graduates are not allowed to attend)
• Have a minimum 3.5 GPA
• Have successfully completed pre-calculus prior to the start of the program. Applicants are strongly advised to be eager to engage with mathematical concepts that go beyond the standard high school curriculum.

The academy also expects all students to have personal access to devices, laptops, as well as physical notetaking equipment (such as notebook, pen, paper, folder etc.).

How can I apply for the University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Mathematics Academies?

Prospective applicants create and submit electronically their application through UPenn’s online application system. All materials must include the applicant’s full name and be submitted in English or with an official English translation. As per the UPenn Mathematics Academy website, the application consists of the following materials:

Requirement	Details
Application essays	All essays should be in a single document and clearly numbered. Each essay should be 400 words or less What interests you about coming to the University of Pennsylvania SAS High School Programs and this specific academic enrichment experience? How will this summer program impact your personal and academic goals? Select two of your non-academic or extracurricular experiences and explain how these activities supplement your academic or personal growth. Non-native English speakers only: Describe your English educational background and experience.
Transcripts	Official or Unofficial High School Transcript from the 2024-2025 academic year (2 semesters or 4 quarters).
Letter of Recommendation	One required; can be from any adult who knows you well in a professional, academic, or community context, and can evaluate your work and/or academic ability Must reference the specific program you’re applying to Must be written on the official letter head of recommender’s organization or institution Your recommender can submit their letter of recommendation while you complete your application. Enter your recommender’s name and email into the application and select “Send to Recommender.”
Application Fee	$100, non-refundable
OPTIONAL Standardized Test scores	PSAT, SAT, or ACT While test scores are optional, if you think they would benefit your application, or if there is a score you want to showcase, be sure to include it!

If you are a non-resident or non-citizen of the US, you may also need to submit the following materials on your application:

Requirement	Details
English Proficiency Scores (if you are a non-native speaker)	Non-native English speakers must submit a test score to verify English language proficiency. If you have attended an English-medium school for 2+ years by the time of enrollment, the requirement may be waived. If this applies to you, email Penn Summer Academies directly to obtain a waiver before submitting your application. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) are accepted, and the following minimum scores are required: TOEFL or At-Home TOEFL – 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT) IELTS – 7 Duolingo English Test (DET) – 130 Penn Summer Academies does not accept the IELTS Indicator exam or MyBest TOEFL scores.
Visa	International students will need to obtain a Tourist or B-2 visa to participate in Penn Summer Academies

The Penn Mathematics Academy utilizes a rolling admissions model, meaning that there is no definite deadline – applications will be open until all slots in the academy are filled. As such, the academy recommends applicants apply as early as possible to maximize their chances of admission.  

How much does it cost to attend the UPenn Mathematics Academy?

The Penn Mathematics Academy program fee is $6,700 for 2026.

Additionally, there is a non-refundable application fee of $100, payable online with a credit card.

The on-campus program fees include the following items: 

• Use of Penn academic facilities
• On-campus housing
• Gym access
• Linens
• Meal plan
• Extracurricular activities and trips
• Student supervision

The on-campus program fees DO NOT include the following items: 

• Non-refundable $100 application fee
• Travel to/from campus
• Airport transfers
• Class materials
• Meals eaten off campus
• Medical expenses
• Laundry supplies
• Souvenirs
• Personal spending money.

There are a limited number of scholarships and application fee waivers available to Philadelphia residents enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia public or charter high schools. You can find more information on how to attend this Penn Summer Academy free of charge here. The Summer Academies do not have any scholarships for international or domestic outside of Philadelphia. 

Where and when are the 2026 Penn Summer Academies?

In 2026, the Penn Mathematics Academy will operate from July 11th to July 25th. For this residential academy, students will live in the University of Pennsylvania dormitories for the duration of the academy; there are no commuter or online options.

Prestige: How Prestigious are the Penn Summer Academies?

The Penn Summer Academies are selective, as there is a high minimum GPA for eligibility, ensuring students can sustain the academy’s rigorous coursework. While the program does not post official admission statistics, the Penn Mathematics Academy is a respected program through their affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania. 

According to online sources, the Penn Mathematics Academy has an acceptance rate around 15-20%.

What content does the Penn Mathematics Academy cover?

The 2026 Penn Mathematics Academy is a two-week program exposing students to advanced mathematics concepts at a college level. Students work individually and collaboratively to quantitatively reason, solve problems, and discover novel solutions. Each day features two lectures and a TA-led problem-solving session.

According to the academy’s website, the academy will consist of a deep dive into four mathematics concepts: non-Euclidean geometry and topology, graph theory, game theory and combinatorics, and mathematical logic. By the end of the course, students will have an increased appreciation for these topics, as well as some practical skills necessary for future success in math. Students will also be able to solve abstract and real-world problems, effectively construct proofs, and gain a deeper understanding of what math looks like beyond what is covered in high school.

What is the Student Experience at Penn Math Academy?

The UPenn Mathematics Summer Academy is a residential pre-college experience in mid-to-late July. Students dive into a vast array of topics taught by expert faculty, while getting insight into college life on an Ivy League campus. 

According to the academy website, students should expect a typical academic day to look similar to the following:

Time	Event
9:30am-12pm	Morning lecture period: professor-led deep dive in one advanced topic
12-1:30pm	Lunch and break
1:30pm-3:30pm	Afternoon lecture period: second faculty-led deep dive into an advanced topic
4-5pm	Teaching assistant-led problem session: reviewing concepts in small groups, collaborative problem solving, and enrichment activities

Each day will feature multiple periods, with different Penn faculty coming to introduce the material. These periods will feature interactive lectures, faculty speakers, and topic instruction. At the end of the day, there will be a teaching assistant-led review session to reinforce the day’s learnings. The course will feature significant active learning components and opportunities for exploratory research.

In addition to their curricular studies, students will have ample opportunities to enjoy their time on Penn’s campus. Included in the program fee is access to Penn’s recreational facilities and other buildings on campus, so students are encouraged to explore and make the most out of their time. Additionally, program staff will plan daily activities and weekend excursions so academy attendees can further build and strengthen new friendships.

Students’ schedule will be a mix of curricular and extracurricular activities, with events to bolster community engagement interwoven with academic instruction.

Suitable Participants for the Penn Summer Mathematics Academy

Penn Mathematics Academy would be a good fit for students interested in mathematics, computer science, or higher-level STEM fields.

The academy welcomes highly motivated applicants who possess the following qualities:

• Excellent writing skills
• A variety of extracurricular interests
• Capacity to undertake a fast-paced curriculum
• Able to undertake the academic rigor that comes with a fast paced college course.

Those interested should also possess the maturity, personal responsibility, and problem solving skills required with living independently on a college campus. Given the topics with which the program engages, students with experience in number theory, linear algebra, and differential equations would be especially prepared for this academy.

How Impressive is the Penn Mathematics Academy Compared to other Summer Programs?

As a summer enrichment course offered through a top university, attending Penn Mathematics Academy would demonstrate interest within a particular subject area and signal one’s willingness to take on academic challenges. 

The Penn Mathematics Academy, while a rigorous pre-collegiate experience, is non-credit bearing. Those who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from the University of Pennsylvania. Students will forge relationships with faculty and staff, which could potentially lead to a later letter of recommendation. Participating in this academy demonstrates an intentional focus on furthering one’s education and a strong passion for learning, potentially impacting positively one’s college application. One’s experiences at Penn’s Summer Mathematics Academies could also be a springboard for a college essay asking about academic interest.

Conclusion

The Penn Summer Mathematics Academy provides talented high school students the opportunity to introduce themselves to higher level mathematics instruction under the tutelage of expert faculty, furthering their academic and personal goals.

Within this selective program, students gain valuable skills that not only prepare them for college math, but also for advanced scientific inquiry into any STEM academic discipline. This program offers practical knowledge and a chance to explore what mathematics and related fields looks like with collegiate rigor. 

What Pioneer Alumni Say About Research and Results

Based on a recent survey from Pioneer Academics alumni, 71 percent of Pioneer Research scholars’ college admissions records were to the top 20 US colleges and universities. Six percent of Pioneer’s alumni attended university-affiliated summer programs.

If you’re interested in conducting the highest level of research for high school students, consider joining a Pioneer information session to learn more about the Pioneer Research Institute.

If you are a 9th or 10th grader, you should check out the Global Problem-Solving Institute today. You’ll have the rare opportunity to study current world problems in an interdisciplinary approach and earn college credits from UNC-Chapel Hill at a young age.