About

The Experimental Physics Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania offers high-school students an intensive three-week introduction to physics, engineering, and applied science. The program emphasizes experimental and theoretical foundations across domains such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum concepts, and astrophysics. Instruction is delivered through a combination of lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, and team-based experimental modules. Students live on Penn’s campus, work in university laboratories, and engage with peers in a structured STEM learning environment. The Academy is non-credit but mirrors aspects of Penn’s introductory physics curriculum, with sustained laboratory work and guided faculty engagement.

The Academy does not publish an official acceptance rate, but it draws a large national and international applicant pool, and admissions are competitive. Applicants submit academic transcripts, essays, and a teacher recommendation. Prior exposure to physics is recommended, and students should be prepared for an accelerated, quantitatively focused curriculum. The program is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, including international students. Most participants have completed at least Algebra II or its equivalent, and those with prior physics coursework typically find the transition into Penn’s laboratory environment more manageable.

Over the three-week session, students participate in daily classes covering both core and modern physics topics. Laboratory modules introduce students to data acquisition, measurement techniques, error analysis, and experimental design. Depending on the year, project units may involve optical systems, electromagnetic investigations, mechanics experiments, or exploratory modules touching on quantum mechanics or astrophysics. Students attend research talks by Penn faculty and research staff, take part in analysis workshops, and collaborate on group problem-solving. The program culminates in a final presentation or poster-style session in which students communicate their project results and reflect on laboratory methods.
Residential life is structured and academically oriented. Students live in supervised dormitories, participate in evening study or community activities, and become familiar with the routines and expectations of a collegiate STEM environment. The program’s pace is intensive, and students spend significant time in labs or project discussions.

While the Experimental Physics Research Academy is not a full research internship, it provides a meaningful introduction to physics inquiry through sustained lab work, faculty engagement, and small-team experimentation. Its combination of academic rigor, residential structure, and access to university facilities makes it a strong option for students seeking early exposure to college-level physics and applied scientific investigation.