About

The Penn Carey Law Pre-College Academy is a three-week academic immersion program for high school students (grades 9–12) offered through the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, with operational delivery managed by Summer Discovery. Scheduled for July 5 – July 25, 2026, the program offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a law school environment typically reserved for first-year law students. It is the only program of its kind where classes are held within an actual law school, with instruction provided by standing faculty members and high-level legal practitioners.

Participants engage in an accelerated version of the first-year law school curriculum at Penn Carey Law, gaining firsthand exposure to the academic rigor of a top-tier institution. Beyond the foundational topics of American legal education, students delve into specialized and cutting-edge fields, including corporate law, business and entrepreneurship law, environmental law, administrative law, human rights and immigration law, and technology, privacy, and intellectual property law. This structure allows students to pursue specific interests while enhancing core competencies in communication, writing, analytical debate, and logical reasoning.

The program bridges classroom learning with real-world applications through experiential components. Throughout the three weeks, students engage with legal practitioners and observe the practice of law through visits to courtrooms, law firms, and legal departments of notable institutions. This dual focus on doctrinal instruction and practical observation provides insight into both the academic and professional dimensions of law.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis via Summer Discovery, with a recommended minimum GPA of 3.3. For 2026, the residential tuition is $9,899 and commuter tuition is $6,299. While admissions are ongoing, the deadline for full program scholarships for eligible students is January 31, 2026. While the program does not confer college credit, it offers a substantive, faculty-anchored introduction to the norms and rigor of professional legal education.