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FAQ
Applications/Admission
Can the $50 application fee be waived?
We are sorry, but we are unable to arrange for fee waivers at this time.
I mailed my application before the deadline, but what if my letters of recommendation/transcript arrive after the deadline?
In fairness to all applicants, only those applications that are complete by the deadline will receive first consideration. You need to check with your teachers and guidance office to make sure that the letters and transcripts arrive on time. We will accept faxed copies in advance of the official paper copies. You can expect to receive email notification from us once your application is complete; please allow a few days to process your paperwork.
What if I haven't taken the PSAT or the SAT yet?
SAAST does not require PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores for the application, especially not from students who will be rising sophomores or juniors in the summer they attend SAAST. Students who will be rising seniors are advised that we would normally expect to see at least the PSAT score since it is customary to take the PSAT in the fall of 11th grade.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, for students with demonstrated financial need. Students must submit the financial aid application with their other application materials.
What if I miss the application deadline? Can I still apply?
After the deadline, applications will be considered on a rolling basis. In past years we have been able to accept students into some courses as late as early May.
Will attending SAAST help me get in to Penn?
Students who attend SAAST do not receive special consideration for admission to any of Penn’s undergraduate schools. However, the SAAST experience, and a Penn transcript, can help strengthen a student’s application to any college or university. In addition, the exposure to college life can be an invaluable experience to students in choosing a college, and SAAST students will have the chance to attend admissions workshops to help them navigate the admissions process.
I live near Philadelphia. Can I enroll as a commuter student?
SAAST is designed to give students a taste of college life, which includes meeting other students, social and recreational events, and of course, late-night study sessions and lab work. Living in the dorms is an essential component of the experience; hence, there is no commuter option.
Academics
Will I be graded on my work? What sort of Grade is reported on my transcript?
Yes, as SAAST courses are treated as college courses, and all of the work is evaluated and graded. However, around the mid-point of the course, students have the option of officially reporting their grade as Pass or Fail (the P/F option) on the Penn transcript. Choosing the P/F option means that whatever grade a student earns in the course will be reported on the transcript as P or F. Students who earn a letter grade of “A” to “D” will see a “P” on the transcript, and of course students who earn an “F” will see an “F” on the transcript. The P/F option does not change the grading process, only the reporting of the grade.
Once I have completed the course, how can I find out my grade?
Just like all Penn students, SAAST students should log in to Penn-in-Touch and use their Pennkey and password to access their grades. Grades are usually available about two weeks after the course ends.
How can I request a transcript showing my SAAST course?
Students can order transcripts at http://www.upenn.edu/registrar/transcripts/transcripts.html. Again, a Pennkey and password are necessary.
I’m an alum of SAAST, and now I’m enrolled in college. How can I arrange for transfer credit?
You should follow your college’s procedure for applying for transfer credit, which usually involves submitting a transcript and a syllabus for the course.
Getting to Penn from the Airport and Amtrak Station
I‘m arriving in Philadelphia via the airport or Amtrak 30th St. Station. Can you help me get to campus from there?
Yes! We will escort to campus all students who arrive by air at Philadelphia International Airport, or by rail at 30th Street Station. Students must fly into PHL; we cannot arrange for pickup of students arriving to any other cities (such as New York).
Campus Life
How many students will be in my class?
In each SAAST class there are about 20-25 students, making for around 120 students in the program overall.
How much free time will I have?
Our SAAST courses pack an entire semester’s work into three weeks, so you can expect to be quite busy. However, our students still have time to socialize and get to know each other, and our staff of undergraduate Residential Teaching Assistants (RTA’s) plan a lot of activities that take advantage of all that Penn and Philadelphia have to offer.
Will I have time to go home on weekends?
You may have time for a short trip home, if you live in the Philadelphia area, but the weekends at SAAST are just as busy as the weekdays with group excursions and work on projects and homework. If you leave for the entire weekend you will miss out on some of the fun and you may fall behind in your coursework. In addition, you may also disadvantage your work team by leaving on the weekend, so we do not encourage this practice.
Please note that any time you leave campus, for any reason, if you are not on an official SAAST excursion or accompanied by a SAAST staff member, we must be notified at least 48 hours in advance that you have permission from your parents, preferably in written form or by email. We also need to know who is picking you up (even if it is a parent) and what time you will leave and return to campus.
Can I choose my roommate?
Due to the very short turnaround time between registration and the start of the program, we are unable to accommodate roommate requests.
How much money do I need to bring?
All of your course materials (including lab supplies, textbooks, and coursepacks), meals, and group activities are included in the Program Fee. You should bring money for occasional snacks, souvenirs, laundry (about $3.00 per load), and other small, personal expenses.
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