Penn Experimental Physics Research Academy

The **Penn Experimental Physics Research Academy** at the **University of Pennsylvania College of Arts & Sciences** offers high school students an in-depth introduction to experimental physics and scientific research. Participants learn how physicists design experiments, collect and analyze data, and communicate their findings. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on lab work, and guided projects, students explore topics in modern physics while gaining practical experience with laboratory equipment and computational tools. This program is well-suited for students who are already comfortable with high school math and science and are curious about how physics works beyond the classroom. It is especially relevant for those considering majors in **physics**, **engineering**, **astronomy**, **applied math**, or related fields. Students strengthen key academic skills such as quantitative reasoning, coding or data analysis (depending on the year’s curriculum), problem-solving, and technical writing. Participation can be a meaningful addition to a **college application**, demonstrating sustained interest in STEM and exposure to university-level expectations. Students can reference their research experience in application essays, discuss specific projects in interviews, and show evidence of readiness for rigorous college coursework. For details on curriculum, eligibility, and application procedures, visit the program website.