How do I apply?
You apply for a Program Community at the same time as you make your overall housing selection. The process goes like this:
- Investigate your options on this website and note any special essay requirements below.
- Select a PC that interests you.
- Apply (with roommates or as an individual) as part of Room Selection from your MyHomeAtPenn portal during the Room Selection period.
- Watch for email updates about assignment decisions.
- Visit the Residential Services website for general application instructions.
Tips from House Directors
- Read carefully as deadlines count. Follow all important timeline information as instructed by the individual programs and Residential Services.
- Meet Criteria. Pick a program where you meet the stated criteria for the program. For example, if you need a background in music and you are a novice, then you don't meet the criteria for that particular program.
- Plan with Roommates. Make sure all of your roommates apply for the same program. Remember, you get a first and second choice. All roommates need to match up.
- Be authentic. Be honest and pick a program that interests you. Don't apply if you're only interested in a room type or House.
- Showcase interest with your essay. Focus on the program of choice in your essay, what you would bring to the program, and do not make it about the House. For example, Arts House in Harnwell is different than The Rodin Arts Collective (TRAC).
Speaking of the Application Essay…
Some of the programs require an essay. Some have slightly different requirements. Review the information here to see what your essay should include.
Note: Academic programs like BFS, M&T, VIPER, and Huntsman do not complete a PC essay as those students are selected by academic programs.
The general essay prompt for all first-year Program Community applicants is as follows. Please try to keep your essay to a 1000 word/10,000 character maximum:
Explain your interest and activities related to the program, the contributions you expect to make to the community, and the benefits you hope to derive from membership.
Please address the following questions (maximum is 1000 words/10,000 characters):
- Why are you interested in joining this Program Community?
- What would your involvement bring to this program’s overall experience?
- How have you participated in your current House community?
- If you have a specific bedroom, roommate pairing, or neighbor preferences, please list them.
No essay is required; you can just type "Film Culture" in the essay box.
Submit an essay specifying which language house(s) you are interested in, and give us a short amount of information about your background, fluency level, and specific interests related to the program. Please write your essay in English.