Business and economics
Essentials of Finance
Essentials of Finance is a 2-week residential program run by Wharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania. Open to: rising sophomores, juniors and seniors.
- Last cycle's deadline
- Priority January 28, 2026
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 9 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 2 weeks
- Residential
What students do
Students live at Penn for two weeks and take an introduction to personal and corporate finance. Topics include the relationship between risk and return.
- Personal finance
- Corporate finance
- Risk and return
Key facts
- Run by
- Wharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania
- Where
- Philadelphia, PA (residential)
- Who can apply
- Rising sophomores, juniors and seniorsRequires a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA.
- Dates
- June 7 to 19; June 21 to July 3; July 12 to 25; July 26 to August 8, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- $8,299 program fee (2026), includes academic fees and materials, housing in Penn residence halls, two meals per weekday and on Sundays, and activities; $100 application fee
- Deadline
- Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026This was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.
Official program siteOfficial application pageUniversity of Pennsylvania admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Application fee
Short essays, a transcript, one teacher or counselor recommendation and a $100 fee; test scores are optional.
How a mentor helps with your Essentials of Finance application
- Decide whether Essentials of Finance fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the Essentials of Finance deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science AcademyWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Essentials of EntrepreneurshipWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| LBWWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Students currently in 11th grade (rising seniors) | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| M&TSIJerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising high school seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Moneyball AcademyWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Product Design AcademyWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
All business and economics programsPrograms in PennsylvaniaEvery program
Frequently asked questions
When is the Essentials of Finance application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does Essentials of Finance cost?
$8,299 program fee (2026), includes academic fees and materials, housing in Penn residence halls, two meals per weekday and on Sundays, and activities; $100 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to Essentials of Finance?
Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. Requires a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA.
What does the Essentials of Finance application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Application fee. Short essays, a transcript, one teacher or counselor recommendation and a $100 fee; test scores are optional.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
