A. The program is mainly targeted towards high school students, but we do have some college students as well. Any student who is in high school (finished grade 9 by the time the program begins) can apply. In some exceptional cases, we have admitted some younger students, but that is rare.
A. The program will run in hybrid mode. That is, there will be a virtual component and there will be an in-person component that will be held on the UPenn campus in Philadelphia. The tuition for in-person participation will be higher than the tuition for the virtual component.
A. The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) campus in Philadelphia.
A. We have a limited number of rooms available in Penn dorms for PACT students. Dorm rooms will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis (in the order in which payments are received). Note that Penn requires that students must have finished grade 9 to stay in Penn dorms over the summer. In-person students can however find their own housing too. Note that students who manage their own housing and who are minors (under the age of 18 years) must stay with a parent or must stay with an adult whom the parents of the participant have authorized to be the legal guardian of the participant for the duration of the program.
A. The residential fee to stay in Penn dorms for the duration of the program is $6,295.
A. A good understanding of Algebra 1 (or the equivalent) is all that is required. Those who wish to attend should be able to cope with a heavy work load.
A. No. Theoretical concepts are the main subject of study. Laptops are unnecessary for the duration of the program.
A. For the most part, lecture notes will be handed out. Towards the end, students may begin learning Algorithms and will be using Algorithm Design, by Jon Kleinberg and Éva Tardos. Students will need to obtain this textbook on their own.
A. Typically, a 2-3 hour lecture will be given in the morning. During the afternoons, students have time to work on assigned homework (which is given at the end of each lecture) either independently or cooperatively with other students. These problem sets get increasingly difficult, but students who have finished all assigned work should talk to Dr. Gandhi. Also, guest lecturers will give talks on specific areas of theoretical computer science later on in the course.
A. Yes. The students will have plenty of work to do and we expect them to come to the program venue and work on assigned problem sets. In the rare event that they are done with all of the assigned work, they should talk to Dr. Gandhi and he will assign them more work. Note that failure to not attend each day of the program (unless prior approval is taken from Dr. Gandhi) may result in termination of the student’s participation in the program.
A. Applicants should expect to work hard in this program. Students will be expected to master all the concepts that are taught to them. They must also work diligently on their problem sets. The main goal of any applicant to this program should be to have a desire to learn more about the world of mathematics and computer science. If you are looking for a more relaxed setting, this program may not be the right option for you.
A. No. We strongly discourage students from bringing electronic gadgets to the program. If they bring them then they should not use them during the program hours. We hold the right to confiscate electronic gadgets (and not return them), including cell phones if they are used during the program hours.
A. PACT has partnered with BOLD Summers to manage the residential component of the PACT program. BOLD Summers has been a vital influence in the summer programs industry since 1982. The BOLD full-time team comprises dedicated professionals who are in the forefront of their respective fields and are motivated by a passion for superior performance and quality service. BOLD Summers manages residential supervision, and evening and weekend activities (including off-campus trips) and ensures all participants have a safe, healthy, and memorable program experience. PACT will continue to manage the academic component of the program and work closely with the BOLD Summers team to provide an exceptional program experience for all.
A. The residential fee includes:
- Housing, 2-3 meals per day, seven days per week. Students will be responsible for three meals per week.
- Evening activities hosted by the residential staff.
- Transportation and tickets for all off-campus trips (2-3 per week).
- Safety and supervision are provided by world-class residential staff.
- Access to consult with a medical team 24/7.
A. Students will live in one of the air-conditioned dormitory-style residence halls on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Students will walk from the residence to the dining halls and then continue walking to their academic building each day. Most dorm rooms are double rooms. Single rooms can be requested for medical/health reasons.
A. Our goal is to have students develop new friendships and become part of a broader learning community. Rooming requests will be considered if submitted early enough but are not guaranteed.
A. No. Please provide your own sheets, blanket, pillow and towels. If you are unable to bring your own, we can order a rented linen package for you. This includes: 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, 2 bath towels, 1 washcloth, 1 pillow, 1 pillowcase and 1 blanket. Select this option when completing your residential registration. The cost of this package is approximately $110 – $120.
A. There are laundry machines in the dorm buildings and are free to use until floor curfew time. Laundry should not be left for extended periods of time in the machines. Students will need to provide their own laundry detergent and a bag/basket to carry their laundry to the laundry room.
A. 17 out of 21 meals per week! Each week, meals will be a mix of dining center meals, cash stipends or catering. There are 4 meals per week that you will purchase with your own money. Dietary Restrictions: Some vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free options are available. A strictly kosher menu is not available in the summer. Most students still bring food/snacks/waters to supplement in between meals.
A. We offer transportation to and from Philadelphia International Airport or Philadelphia’s 30th Street Amtrak Train Station for a fee of $70 one way. If you arrive to JFK or any other airport or location, you will need to hire a driver or shuttle service. An example of a professional driver our clients have used in the past is Robert Folz 1.610.636.4530. An example of a shuttle service from JFK is Dave’s Best Limousine 1.215.288.1000.
A. Penn’s campus is very safe. The residences are staffed by Penn Security, and our directors and residential advisors are also trained by Penn Public Safety. UPenn has 24/7 Campus Security in place. Only program residents will have access to the dorms and academic spaces.
A. - Weekends: Trips are offered every Saturday (except the first Saturday) to regional destinations such as New York City, The Jersey Shore, Washington, DC, Hershey Park or Six Flags. Sundays are for relaxing and exploring the Philadelphia area. Our trip schedules are somewhat flexible and will be adjusted based on weather and current events in each location.
- Evening Activities: Bowling, dances, casino night, talent shows, competitions, sports and more – most evenings there is a planned event offered. Sometimes we stay on campus and on other nights we’ll travel to a local venue for an off-campus activity.