How to Apply

All applications must be complete – including signed waiver, teacher recommendation form, and financial aid form if applicable – by March 1, 2026 to be considered.
Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
All written responses must be the work of the applicant. Submissions that appear to be written by an adult or generated with the assistance of AI tools will be penalized during the review process.
We are looking for genuine, thoughtful answers that reflect the applicant’s voice and effort.
Punctuation, grammar, and overall clarity will be taken into account when evaluating applications.

The application review process will begin on March 2, 2026.
Notifications will be sent by mid-April to the student and parent/guardian emails on each account:
- Accepted
- Waitlisted
- Denied (application not complete, applicant not eligible)

Be ready to upload a pdf of your most recent report card or grades with your application.
GEMS Teacher Recommendation Form 2026: Send the form to a teacher to complete and submit before March 1, 2026. The teacher must submit it directly to penngems@seas.upenn.edu. Please ask them to use the applicant’s name in the file name as indicated: first name.last name-penngems recommendation.pdf
Penn GEMs Financial Aid Form 2026: A modest pool of financial aid is available for families who demonstrate financial need. Please complete this form and submit it to penngems@seas.upenn.edu by March 1, 2026 for review with your application.
An application is not considered complete all supplemental forms are received.

APPLY FOR GEMS HERE (link will be activated by January 20, 2026)

Contact penngems@seas.upenn.edu with questions or concerns.