BOSS 2027 will be held June 13-25, 2027
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Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
BOSS (Business Opportunities Summer Session) is a two-week, residential summer program held at Penn State’s University Park campus, only for rising seniors from the U.S. and Puerto Rico and interested in pursuing a business education in college.
The program offers:
College preparation and business fundamentals courses taught by Penn State faculty
A real college living experience, including:
Staying in residence halls
Eating in the campus dining commons
Interacting with a diverse group of academically driven peers
BOSS is designed to give students a firsthand look at college academics and life, especially within a business-focused setting.
To Apply
New Application Process: All required materials listed below must be uploaded in your application before you are able to submit. The recommendation letter must also be uploaded by your recommender before the March 20th deadline in order for your application to be reviewed.
We are only able to review fully completed applications, so please check with your recommender to make sure the letter is submitted on time.
Complete Online Application Form: Submit the full application online. You will not be able to submit it until all required documents are uploaded (except the letter of recommendation, which is submitted separately).
The 2027 BOSS application will open October 1, 2026, and close March 26, 2027.Personal Statement/Information (PDF, 1–2 pages): Answer the following questions:
Why do you want to attend BOSS and what do you hope to gain?
What other academic or educational programs have you participated in?
What academic awards or honors have you received?
What courses will you take as a senior?
High School Transcript: Upload transcripts from grade 9 through your most recent marking period.
Standardized Achievement Test Scores: Report your most recent scores (SAT, PSAT, NEDT, etc.). If you haven't taken any and your school doesn't administer one, your guidance counselor must email Pauline Hough.
Letter of Recommendation: Required for your application to be accepted
One letter from a teacher or guidance counselor
Must be submitted directly by the recommender
Letter should speak to:
Your academic achievements
Your potential
Your ability to contribute to and benefit from BOSS
Tip: Request this early to give your recommender enough time. - The deadline for recommendations letters will be at 5:00pm EST on March 26th, 2027.
Program Fee ($1000): Only required after acceptance into the program.
Acceptance Letter
An acceptance letter will be emailed to you at the email you use in your application once decision has been made.
Attending BOSS 2025 was such a privilege. In two weeks, we got rare access to top Penn State professors, industry experts, EY's corporate environment, and even DelGrosso's! From business pitches to learning to tie a tie with Dr. Campbell... I'd return in a heartbeat. Highly recommend to any student serious about business."
Alexia Purkanto
BOSS Participant 2025, York, PA