Counseling

Students receive comprehensive academic and personal counseling throughout their careers at the University. PENNCAP Counselors are available to discuss an array of issues faced by students, from how to adjust to the Penn environment as a freshman, to how to finalize graduation plans as a senior. Throughout the students' tenure, PENNCAP Counselors are available to advocate for and coach students through their Penn experience.

 

Academic Advising

Academic advising is more than simply deciding which courses to take. PENNCAP Counselors can help students understand the difference between meeting requirements and meeting requirements in a way that's more advantageous to the student. The advising services offered by PENNCAP supplement what the students receive through their home school, and is considered a valuable resource by students who utilize this service.

 

Tutoring

PENNCAP students can sign up for tutoring from their counselor's office. If a tutor is not available, PENNCAP will assist in identifying other academic resources that provide the support and assistance necessary.

 

Social and Cultural Activities

PENNCAP students are invited to attend a number of cultural activities at no cost. Staff coordinate museum visits, dramatic and musical events, cultural dinners, and have taken out-of-town trips to New York City, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. Throughout all of the activities, students get a chance to experience the excitement of art and culture and develop friendships with other participants who have similar interests.

 

Peer Counseling

During the Pre-Freshman program, students are introduced to their Peer Counselor. Peer Counselors are upper-level PENNCAP students who can relate to the issues common among first-year students. Peer Counselors keep in touch with their students on a regular basis, providing success strategies and friendships to their students throughout the entire first year. Many students consider their Peer Counselor the greatest resource they have in their first year at Penn.

 

Academic Assessment & Coaching

The PENNCAP Academic Coordinator devises, for every PFP student, an Individualized Support Plan indicating areas of strength and recommending use of resources addressing the student's needs. The Academic Coordinator also meets with students individually to help them cultivate a range of skills (from reading efficiency to effective time management) required for success in their particular classes; provides guidance throughout the writing process; facilitates PENNCAP-exclusive academic workshops; and promotes initiatives designed to foster academic motivation and commitment. PENNCAP students also have easy access to the Weingarten Learning Resource Center, where they can arrange further in-depth training in a wide range of academic skills.

 

Workshops & Information Sessions

PENNCAP provides a number of workshops specifically geared to the needs of the students. Subjects range from Resume Writing and Identifying Summer Internships to Learning about Campus Research Opportunities and Preparing for Life after Penn. In addition, PENNCAP staff arrange for speakers from departments such as the Office of International Programs, Career Services and Student Financial Services, to name a few.

 

Summer Grants

PENNCAP provides grants to eligible students to assist with summer tuition.

 

Laptop Lending

Students often find themselves in need of a computer for short periods of time.  PENNCAP maintains a lending "library" of 15 high-end laptops for short term student use.