Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
2025 BOSS Application decisions have been sent out.
2025 BOSS will be held June 15-27, 2025.
BOSS is a two-week, residential program, for residents of the U.S. and Puerto Rico only, held on Penn State's University Park campus for high school juniors interested in pursuing a business education in college.
It’s an opportunity for these students to take college prep and business fundamentals courses taught by Penn State faculty. Along with staying in the dorms and eating at the dinning commons.
This is a sample schedule of what the two weeks would entail.
To Apply
There is a new application process, and all this information below except your recommendation letter must be uploaded in your application before you are able to submit your application. We will only see completed applications.
Complete the online application.
- Your Personal Statement/Information
Write a one or two-page essay in a PDF version that answers the following questions:
- Why do you want to attend BOSS and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
- Discuss other academic or educational programs in which you have participated.
- Discuss your academic awards or honors and what courses you will take as a senior.
- High school transcript
Upload your high school transcripts from grade nine through the most recent marking period. - Recent standardized achievement test scores
You will be asked to report your most recent standardized achievement test scores (SAT, PSAT, NEDT, if taken; otherwise, another achievement test administered by your school). If you have not taken a standardized test and your school does not administer another standardized test, please have your school guidance counselor email Pauline Hough at pqh101@psu.edu. - Letter of Recommendation (must be sent from the recommender)
You need to obtain one letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or guidance counselor. The recommender should comment on your academic achievements, potential, and ability to contribute to and benefit from BOSS. They will receive a separate email to submit the letter on your behalf.
Program Fees
$250.00
This is only required if you are accepted into the BOSS Program.
Acceptance Letter
An acceptance letter will be emailed to you at the email you use in your application once a decision has been made.
Decision will be made in the middle of April 2025.
Contact Information
Phone: 814-865-0938
Email: diversity@smeal.psu.edu