Prove Your Way In

If your academic background is not reflective of your academic potential or you are not successful in applying through the standard application procedure, you can apply to “prove your way in” through our Gateway Program by demonstrating academic success in four foundational courses, called Gateway courses. The Gateway courses give you an opportunity to demonstrate your current academic capabilities and also provide a strong foundation for continued academic success in the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program. “Proving your way in” through our Gateway Program enrolls you in the same courses as students admitted through the standard admission process. Individuals that have already earned a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the Gateway Program.

Your four Gateway courses should include one course from each of the following foundational skill areas:

Learn more about our transcript submission process.

Students planning to submit an application to the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree may apply up to, but no more than, four eligible Penn courses earned through enrollment in Penn non-degree programs toward BAAS degree requirements. Non-degree programs include (but are not limited to) Penn Summer Sessions, Penn LPS Online Gateway Program, and Penn LPS Online courses taken individually or as part of a certificate program.

In order to apply to Penn LPS Online's BAAS Gateway program, you need to use Penn’s online application system. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the online application:

Documents needed

Applicants must have a high school diploma or have passed the high school equivalency exam or General Educational Development (GED) test:

  • For those who have taken the GED prior to 2014, you must have a minimum score of 450
  • For those who have taken the GED anytime between 2014 and the present, you must score 165, the College Ready score, in each section. Those who do not score as College Ready are encouraged to pursue coursework at their local community college to bring them to the college level.

To apply through our online application system, select "LPS Online Gateway to the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences" from the menu and complete and submit the online application and non-refundable fee ($25). 

You will receive an email from Penn LPS Online asking you to confirm your enrollment; once you’ve confirmed, you can register for designated Gateway courses as they are available. For information on application deadlines, visit the BAAS Admissions page.

Please note that all application materials become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned. Remember to retain a personal copy of your application.

  • Transcripts from each post-secondary school attended, regardless of age of transcript, number of courses taken, or grade received.
  • High school transcript, if fewer than 16 courses at the college level were completed.
  • International transcripts: Applicants who have attended a college or university outside the US are required to have a course-by-course credential evaluation (with grade point average and course levels) performed by an outside evaluation service. Credential evaluations will be reviewed by our administrators, and the determination of degree equivalency to US degrees is at the discretion of the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. The following two evaluation services are acceptable:
    1. CertiFile/CollegeNET Document Service: Applicants from international institutions are encouraged to use the CertiFile/CollegeNET Document Service within the College of Liberal and Professional Studies application to request and submit authenticated transcript(s) and other academic documents. This service provides certified documents and course evaluations which are then included as part of your application materials. If using this service, Penn requires the “Evaluation” basic service at a cost of $190. 
    2. World Education Services Inc. (WES): WES must complete a course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials. The course-by-course evaluation should include the comparability level of your education and list each of your courses along with the equivalent US marks and credit. Please select the WES basic course-by-course evaluation (with grade point average and course levels) and request that WES send your evaluation to Penn College of Liberal and Professional Studies Admissions. The school can be found by searching the University of Pennsylvania and then selecting College of Liberal and Professional Studies. The evaluation becomes an official academic record and sole property of the University upon its receipt. For additional information about the WES application and their review process, please visit the WES website. Please note that these services charge a fee for the evaluation.
  • TOEFL scores, if English is not your native language. The minimum TOEFL scores required for admission are 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), 600 (PBT), or an IELTS score of at least 7.0. TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Indicator exam scores will be accepted. Duolingo English Test (DET) scores may also be submitted. The minimum DET score for consideration is 130. Please note that the College of Liberal and Professional Studies is accepting at-home TOEFL test scores through the 2023-2024 admissions year. Please visit the specific standardized test website for exam options in your home country.
  • Current resume/CV
  • Application essay: Please answer the following questions. Responses should not exceed 500 typed words for both questions combined:
    • Describe your educational history and background as well as your academic and professional goals.
    • Describe any non-academic experiences that you feel strengthen your application (e.g., employment, travel, community service, volunteer work, or publications).

System requirements

All applicants should confirm that their computer technology is up to date and meets system requirements. Review current system requirements for all Penn LPS Online students.


Individuals who are on active duty or veterans of the US military service are eligible for application fee waivers.

Your completed application and application fee payment is due at 5 p.m. ET on the deadline date for the term to which you apply. We cannot guarantee that we will review information sent to the College of Liberal and Professional Studies admissions office after the deadline of the term in which you apply.

Completing your matriculation

To complete your matriculation into the BAAS program, your GPA must be 2.7 or higher after the completion of the four Gateway Program courses, with no individual grades lower than a C. Successful completion of these courses will satisfy the academic requirements for admission into degree status. If you meet or exceed these academic requirements, you should do well in the qualitative and quantitative courses required of BAAS degree students.

When I have completed my final Gateway Program course how do I transition to the BAAS degree?

  1. When all 4 Gateway Program final course grades are visible on your transcript, upload your Gateway Program transcript to your Gateway requirements fulfilled application and submit it
  2. Also submit a supplemental scholarship application, (part of the “Gateway requirements fulfilled” application), if interested in being considered for a Penn LPS online scholarship
  3. Submit your FAFSA form
  4. See the chart below to determine the first eligible term to start the BAAS based upon the term in which you complete your Gateway requirements
Gateway requirements completed

BAAS start term and eligibility for federal aid consideration begins

Fall 1 or Fall 2 Spring
Spring 1 or Spring 2 Summer
Summer Fall

To transfer Gateway Program courses into the BAAS program, and become eligible to undergo financial aid evaluation, you must:

  • Successfully complete four Gateway Program courses
  • Remain in good academic standing
  • Demonstrate the motivation and ability to be a contributing member of the Penn community
  • Complete and submit an expedited BAAS: Gateway Requirements Fulfilled application

The University of Pennsylvania reserves the right to deny or rescind admission to a student in violation of its Code of Academic Integrity or Code of Student Conduct.

Have you successfully completed the Penn LPS Online Gateway Program requirements?

Once you have completed your fourth and final Gateway course, follow the instructions below to start your expedited application, accessible through our online application systemNo additional application fee is required.

  • Select "BAAS: Gateway Requirements Fulfilled" to begin the expedited application process (most of the application will be pre-populated with the information you previously submitted in your Gateway Program application)
  • In the academic background section, upload unofficial copies with final grades of your four completed Penn LPS Online Gateway courses
  • Confirm with admissions receipt of all official transcripts of previous college coursework taken prior to matriculation at Penn
  • In the supporting documents section, upload an updated resume

Flexible and career-focused

Learn About Our Standard Admission Process
Apply to the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences through the standard admission process.
Learn About our Concentrations
Concentration options within the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree program allow you to craft a degree to suit your interests and career goals.

LOOKING TO TRANSFER CREDITS?

Request a preliminary transfer credit evaluation.

Learn More

READY TO GET STARTED?

Submit your application form online.

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Learn more about Penn LPS Online