Pre-baccalaureate Program - Wharton Global Youth Program
Pre-baccalaureate Program
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Jumpstart your college education with Wharton.
The Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program is an academically intensive opportunity for exceptional high school juniors and seniors to enroll in credit-bearing courses that span the breadth of Wharton’s business curriculum. Through a mix of live and independent coursework, engaging real-world activities, and robust university resources, students will experience a world-class education recognized globally for intellectual leadership and innovation.
Program Highlights
Earn College Credits
Learn from Wharton Faculty
Network with Global Peers
Access University Resources
Program Session Dates
Summer 1, 2026: May 26 – July 1, 2026
•Application Deadline: March 25, 2026
Summer 2, 2026: July 2 – August 7, 2026
•Application Deadline: May 6, 2026
Fall 1, 2026: August 24 – October 6, 2026
•Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
Fall 2, 2026: October 19 – December 2, 2026
•Application Deadline: September 9, 2026
Spring 1, 2027: January 19 – March 5, 2027
•Application Deadline: November 25, 2026
*Session dates are subject to change
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Rigorous Coursework
Pre-baccalaureate courses offer rigorous, undergraduate-level business courses with live, interactive classes that deliver an authentic Wharton learning experience.
Undergrad Assessment
High school students are taught by Wharton faculty in small classes. Grades are based on attendance, participation, assignments, and exams, with letter grades (A–F).
Academic Support
Students gain access to University of Pennsylvania academic resources and are paired with a dedicated advisor for personalized guidance throughout the program
College Credits
Students earn an official University of Pennsylvania transcript and 0.5 course units per class (about two credits), can take up to two courses per session, and continue earning credits in good standing.
Your Experience
Rigorous Coursework
Pre-baccalaureate courses are selected from across Wharton’s academic departments and are designed to instill a deep understanding of how business works. Courses are offered at the introductory level and convey the rigor and relevance of a Wharton undergraduate education.
Each course varies in specifics, though all courses include live, weekly class meetings offered on a synchronous basis. During live classes, students will participate in instructor-led lectures and course discussions. Additionally, live meetings may include business simulations, case studies, group projects, or individual assignments. Courses also incorporate some level of asynchronous content, which may include pre-recorded faculty lectures, readings, or assignments.
Small Class Environment
Courses are made up entirely of high school students in the Pre-baccalaureate Program. All courses are taught by Wharton instructors and class sizes are small to facilitate student engagement and foster dynamic conversations.
Undergraduate-Level Assessment
Pre-baccalaureate students are graded on attendance and course participation, quality of assignments, and formal assessments such as quizzes, midterms, and final papers or exams. Attendance at live class meetings is mandatory, as is the completion of all assigned coursework.
Each student is initially registered to receive a traditional letter grade (A–F) for coursework. Upon consultation with an academic advisor, and in accordance with academic policies and deadlines, students may change to a Pass/Fail grading status if deemed necessary.
College Credits
Upon successful completion of the program and all included therein, Pre-baccalaureate students will generate official University of Pennsylvania/Wharton transcripts outlining courses completed, grades earned, and college credits received, which are transferable to most universities and colleges.
Each Wharton Pre-baccalaureate course awards 0.5 University of Pennsylvania course units, which is equivalent to 2 college credits at most post-secondary institutions. Students may enroll in a maximum of two courses per session, and may continue to enroll in courses and earn credits in subsequent sessions until they graduate from high school, as long as they maintain good academic standing.
Academic Support
To assist in academic studies, Pre-baccalaureate students are granted access to university learning resources, including research catalogs, library services, instructor office hours, and academic advising.
Every student is assigned an academic advisor upon admission. This individual will serve as the student’s primary program contact and will assist students in navigating university resources, adhering to academic policies and deadlines, and identifying suitable courses. All students will receive an introductory email from their advisor prior to the start of the program and will be invited to attend an introductory advising session, as well as new student orientation, via video conference. Students can feel free to meet with their advisors as often as needed.
INCLUDED IN ALL SUMMER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Wharton Youth Network (WYN)
The Wharton Youth Network (WYN) is an active online community open to all Wharton Global Youth summer students as a way to connect to one another — and Wharton business learning — before, during, and after their programs. Featuring both live and independent programming, the Wharton Youth Network connects ambitious business students worldwide during 10 full weeks of Wharton-powered learning, collaboration, and discovery.
*The Wharton Youth Network is
included
in all online summer programs.
*In-person students have the chance to join the Wharton Youth Network for $199.
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Embedded Pre-baccalaureate