Prepare for the US undergraduate and graduate school admissions process and university-level academics while you study in the Intensive Program
The University Connection (UniConn) program combines academic English preparation with one-on-one advising, admissions workshops, and orientation to US university culture to help you successfully apply and gain admission to undergraduate or graduate degree programs at US universities.
UniConn teaches you how to navigate the admissions process, research universities, identify best-fit schools, write memorable application essays, and submit successful applications. In UniConn, you will also improve your academic English fluency and develop time management and study strategies to better prepare you for success in your future degree program.
Over the past 10 years, students have gained acceptance into a variety of competitive undergraduate and graduate degree programs throughout the United States, under the guidance of our highly qualified instructors and advisors.
You can begin studying in the University Connection program in any session. If you have any questions contact the University Connection manager, Leah Greenspoon at leahgr@sas.upenn.edu for assistance.
UniConn Program schedule
Start: When you will arrive depends on your current English proficiency level.
Advanced English level: Summer 2 or Fall 1
Intermediate English level: Summer 1 or summer 2
Beginner English level: Spring 1 or spring 2
Step 1, May – August: Improve academic English proficiency and prepare to apply to universities
Step 2, September – December: Prepare and complete your university applications
Step 3, January – August: Refine academic English and prepare for success in the US classroom
Continue to refine your academic English language skills
Hear from universities about your acceptances, January – April
Step 4: Begin your university program in the fall!
How to apply to US universities
This is a recording of a free workshop on applying to US universities. Learn how to put your best foot forward when applying to an undergraduate or graduate program in the United States, examine each of the pieces included in a successful application, and find out how the ELP can support you through the university admission process.
University Connection services
UniConn provides a comprehensive array of resources and personalized support to help international students prepare for the undergraduate or graduate admissions process at US universities.
UniConn includes a dedicated counseling team to help you apply to and prepare for US universities. Admissions specialists are available for one-on-one meetings to help you through each step of the application process from university research and identifying best-fit schools to revising essays and submitting applications. Academic advisors help you develop skills like time and resource management, and study strategies to prepare you for academic success.
UniConn admissions specialists offer you a series of workshops that help you learn how to navigate the US university admissions process. Topics include:
- Undergraduate admissions basics
- Graduate admissions basics
- Researching schools and programs
- Writing your best application essay
- Completing the common application
- Crafting an effective resume
Through UniConn classes and advising, you gain an understanding of the expectations of a US degree program and learn how to manage a rigorous workload, utilize resources on university campuses, and be an active participant in an academic community.
The ELP hosts in-person visits and video conferences with university admissions officers throughout the year. Representatives have visited from Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University, Purdue University, Rice University, and the University of Pennsylvania, among others. Since 2014, the ELP has been hosting the College Fair, welcoming admissions representatives from 25 schools and programs.
You will improve your academic English through specialized courses such as Research Paper Writing, Listening to Lectures, English for Science, Reading for Academic Purposes, and many others. This intensive coursework helps ease the transition into university studies, leading to strong first year results.
In addition to one-on-one advising and admissions workshops, you can take specialized courses which help you complete the pieces of your university applications. The course Writing the University Application Essay allows undergraduate applicants to read sample essays and receive individualized feedback on essay drafts. The course Writing the Graduate Application Statement guides graduate students toward an effective statement for their particular graduate program. Test preparation courses provide intense, small group instruction to help you prepare for the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT.
