Support for First-Generation Applicants

You might be the first person in your family to attend a school with as many people and resources as Penn—or to go to college at all. That's something to be proud of, but we know it can also be daunting!  

Here's what you need to know: we're here to support you throughout your college journey to make sure you're set up for success. We understand first-generation students may have a few more  questions, which is why Penn has everything from comprehensive financial aid and pre-college programs to entire hubs dedicated to uplifting you and helping you thrive. 

Affording Penn

Here at Penn, we believe the hard part about college shouldn't be paying for it. That's why financial aid at Penn is need-based, meaning we award aid based on your financial needs. You may have heard of schools who offer merit-based aid or scholarships, which are awarded to students based on academic performance or other metrics. That’s not how we do things here. At Penn, we’re committed to making a Penn education accessible and affordable by meeting 100% demonstrated need for students who apply for aid (yes, 100%!).  

Now, you might be thinking, what's the catch? Well, we're here to tell you that if you're admitted to Penn and apply for financial aid, we'll cover your demonstrated need—it's as easy as that. It's part of our Quaker Commitment to our students! 

Penn is also a need-blind institution for students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico. That means financial need will not be considered when making admissions decisions.  

On-Campus Support

The support doesn't stop there! Once you step foot on campus, we have a range of resources and communities available to help make all aspects of college life accessible. Whether you have financial questions or need academic advising, caring staff from these offices are here to serve as your advocates as you navigate both finances and academics in college.   

Penn First Plus 

This one is specially for you! Penn First Plus, also called P1P, is Penn's hub for making campus more inclusive for first generation students and/or students who come from modest financial means. P1P provides programming, support, and resources for students throughout their four years at Penn!  

Pre-First Year Program 

Each summer, about 180 students jumpstart their Penn journey through the Pre-First Year Program (PFP)—a four-week, academically enriching experience that offers academic and social support, helping students settle in before the school year begins. PFP offers ongoing support, helps students build lasting friendships, and connects them to campus resources and the Penn community throughout their undergraduate experience.  

Weingarten Center 

Penn’s central place for academic support and disability services. Whether you need help with study strategies, time management, or other academic support, the Weingarten Center tailors its resources to help each and every student. This is a resource available to all students, because everyone needs help sometimes! For students with disabilities, the Weingarten Center provides access to accommodations that support students in every aspect of student life that they may need.  

Academic Advising 

Each of our four undergraduate schools has their own advising office with a network of academic advisors available to assist students. The structure of the advising varies by school, but all will ensure you have the support you need to pursue and thrive in academics at Penn.  

Marks Family Writing Center 

The Marks Family Writing Center is an on-campus resource to provide writing support to Penn students and faculty across academic areas. In addition to providing individual writing guidance and feedback to students, the Marks Family Writing Center also presents writing workshops across campus and engages in community outreach. Whatever your writing needs -- from simply having a fresh pair of eyes to puzzling out why a professor didn't like your work – there are specialists ready to help! 

Penn Libraries  

Penn Libraries is a hub for learning, research, and discovery at Penn. With 19 physical libraries and a dynamic digital library, it offers rich collections and innovative resources. Through exhibits, talks, and the preservation of literary and artistic works, Penn Libraries bring history and ideas to life—on campus and beyond.