Pre-College Academy at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Course Description: Pre-College Academy at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Pre-College Academy

Embark on a Legal Journey Like No Other

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s Pre-College Academy offers high school students an unparalleled opportunity to dive into the world of law long before college. This transformative experience allows young legal enthusiasts to explore their passion, understand the intricacies of the legal field, and assess if a legal career is their true calling. Through rigorous coursework, real-world legal exposure, and interactions with esteemed faculty and legal professionals, students gain a valuable head start in shaping their futures.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Experience the Law School Environment: Engage in an immersive law school experience typically reserved for first-year law students.

• Explore Diverse Legal Fields: Discover various specialized areas of law, including corporate, environmental, and human rights law.

• Learn from Experts: Gain insights from renowned faculty and legal experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom.

• Develop Practical Skills: Participate in legal exercises such as oral arguments and contract negotiations to apply your learning.

• Elite Ivy-League Setting: Benefit from the resources and prestige of the University of Pennsylvania, a historic Ivy-League institution.

Location

Classes are held at the state-of-the-art Penn Carey Law School, nestled within the prestigious University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. This Ivy-League university, with its rich 284-year history, provides an inspiring backdrop for students eager to embark on their legal journey.

Course Description

Program Structure:

• Weekdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm: A structured schedule ensures comprehensive learning.

• Accelerated First-Year Curriculum: Dive into essential law school subjects over the first two weeks, building a strong foundation.

• Specialized Law Fields: In the third week, explore specialized topics such as business law, environmental law, and more, tailored to student interests.

Expert Faculty and Sessions:

• Regina Austin: Explore group conflict and intentional torts.

• Fernando Chang-Muy: Delve into immigration and refugee law.

• Cynthia Dahl: Uncover the nuances of intellectual property law.

• John Hollway: Understand the complexities when criminal justice falters.

• Felicia Lin: Learn the art of trial practice, focusing on opening and closing statements.

• Theodore Ruger: Analyze Supreme Court decisions and constitutional contexts.

Note: Faculty and session topics are subject to change for the 2026 program.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the Pre-College Academy is competitive and based on academic achievement, interest in law, and leadership qualities. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spaces are limited. Early applications are highly encouraged to secure a spot in this prestigious program.

Application Requirements

• Completed Summer Institute application.

• Thoughtful responses to short-answer essay questions.

Embark on this exceptional journey into the world of law, and let the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Pre-College Academy be the launchpad for your future legal aspirations.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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🎓 Special Note for College-Credit Programs

Students attending college-credit courses at the University of Pennsylvania or The Wharton School are required to obtain an F-1 student visa.

The university will issue an I-20 form to support this visa process.

🌍 International Program Fee (Programs Outside the U.S.)

All students — domestic and international — attending programs outside the United States (such as Cambridge or Madrid) are required to pay a $379 International Program Fee.

Exceptions:

• 🇬🇧 UK residents attending Cambridge

• 🇪🇸 Spain residents attending Madrid

  These students do not pay the fee.

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School – Campus Profile (Philadelphia, PA)

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School provides an exceptional pre-college environment for high-achieving students interested in law, government, and the justice system. With access to Ivy League resources and a rigorous curriculum inspired by the first-year law school experience, students gain meaningful insight into legal theory, courtroom procedure, policy, and professional ethics.

This selective program offers students a chance to learn from faculty, practitioners, and legal scholars who bring deep expertise to the classroom. The campus’s location in the heart of Philadelphia — a city rich in legal history, civic institutions, and cultural landmarks — provides countless opportunities for exploration and practical learning.

Students participate in mock trial activities, visit real federal courtrooms, and engage in dynamic workshops that enhance critical thinking, communication, and advocacy skills. The experience is both academically challenging and personally transformative, helping students explore possible futures in the legal field.

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✨ Program Environment

• Designed for high-achieving high school students passionate about law, justice, government, and legal professions

• Curriculum modeled after foundational first-year law school coursework

• Instruction provided by experienced faculty and legal education professionals

• Access to mock trial rooms, legal research spaces, and curated site visits

• Opportunities to explore legal careers and pathways through real-world engagement

• Supportive learning community that builds confidence, analytical skills, and public speaking abilities

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing (residential programs)

• 🧺 Laundry

• 🍽 Meals:

• Three meals per day Monday–Friday

• Two meals on Sunday

• No meals on Saturday (excursion day)

• 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreation facilities

• 🎓 College admissions presentation

• 🛌 Blanket and pillow

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Certain specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🛏 Linens

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental academic fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

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🎡 Top Activities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• ⚖ James A. Byrne U.S. Federal Courthouse experience

• 🎢 Hershey Park roller coasters & optional Jersey Shore beach day

• 🏛 Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

• ⚾ Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball game

• ⚖ Visit to the Philadelphia Center for Criminal Justice and Court of Common Pleas

• 🛍 King of Prussia Mall (400+ stores)

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🏟 Visit to Penn’s athletic and recreation facilities

• 👨‍🎓 “Ben on the Bench” tradition

• 🌳 Walk along historic Locust Walk

• ⚖ Trial Practice workshops

• ✍ Persuasive Writing sessions