How to Apply
The application process and checklist are outlined below. Our goal in admissions is to understand each applicant as well as possible in order to determine if USP is a good fit for each student. Providing all the necessary documentation as quickly as possible allows for a speedier turnaround from initial application to decision. During the admissions process, applicants are often invited to our school for an interview and testing.
In addition, before or during the admissions process, we welcome potential students to get to know USP! There are several ways to do this: explore our website, attend an information session, schedule a tour, or schedule a “shadow day” in which an applicant spends a typical school day with another student.
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Questions & Information Sessions
Information Sessions
University Scholars staff and families hold regular informational sessions. During these session, you will hear from current families within the school and have an opportunity to ask questions.
The sessions are presented both in-person at the AIC Building and virtually. They begin at 6:30 p.m. at 1585 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380, and via online video conference.
- December 10th:
Click to Register - January 14th:
Click to Register - January 28th:
Click to Register - February 25th:
Click to Register - March 11th:
Click to Register - April 8th:
Click to Register
Questions
If you have questions about University Scholars, or need help registering for an info session, please contact us and we will be happy to assist!
- Michelle Gonnella
USP Administrative Assistant
mgonnella@palcs.org
- December 10th:
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Application Checklist
In order to complete your application to University Scholars, you will need to provide the following information and documentation. We recommend that you gather these items before starting your application.
And remember, you will have to apply to USP and then also enroll separately in PALCS school once you are accepted. Our team is available to help with this process if you have any questions, simply contact us for more info.
- Report Cards
Current year and most recent report card for 2024-2025
Last year’s final report card for 2023-2024 - Standardized Test Results
Any standardized testing results that you have such as PSSA, PSAT, SAT, Iowa, Stanford Achievement, Terra Nova, WISC, SCAT - GIEP
GIEP, if your child has one. Please include gifted written report, GWR. - Writing Samples
At least two examples of your child’s written work - 2 Teacher Recommendations
- Teacher Recommendation form: https://forms.gle/hvAru1KccYd5YxMV6
- Teachers should submit their recommendations directly to University Scholars at universityscholars@palcs.org.
- For students coming from homeschool environments or applying over the summer, we understand that teacher recommendations can be hard to come by. In these cases, a recommendation can be completed by another mentor of the student, such as a music or dance teacher, scout leader, Sunday School teacher, or athletics coach.
- Report Cards
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Apply to University Scholars
In order to be accepted in the University Scholars Program, you must apply to both USP and PALCS school separately. Most applicants apply to USP first, and then once they are accepted they complete the PALCS school enrollment.
If you have any questions about the application process, or need assistance, please call us at 610-344-0524 and our team will help.
Ready to apply? Here are the steps:
- Review the Application Timeline & Checklist (PDF)
- Have a Teacher Complete a Recommendation (PDF)
- Apply to USP (click for online form)
- Apply to PALCS (click here for online form)
