Classical Studies Post-Baccalaureate Program

The Classical Studies post-baccalaureate program is designed for individuals who have studied through the intermediate level in both Greek and Latin. The majority of our students have received their undergraduate degree within the last two years. However, we welcome qualified returning students as long as they have the necessary language background.

Entering students generally have had two years (four semesters) of college-level Greek and two years of college-level Latin, or have reached the equivalent level through intensive language programs. Four semesters of college-level language include a year of grammar and vocabulary and a year of translation classes, usually one semester of prose and one semester of poetry. Students with less language experience may be accepted into the program; however, we generally do not accept anyone who has not started at least one of the languages.

Your application to the program will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Undergraduate academic record at an accredited college or university
• Career objectives and reasons for choosing the Classical Studies post-baccalaureate program at Penn
• Letters of recommendation
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if applicable

Application essays

Please compile your responses into a single document.

Your application will include an essay addressing the following three topics. Your response should not exceed four pages in length.

• Please discuss your academic background and explain what you hope to achieve in the Classical Studies post-baccalaureate program.

• Be as specific as you can about your plans upon completing the program and about your eventual career goals.

• If you wish to provide additional information on your academic record or experience, please do so.

Additional items:

• Please provide a list of all Greek and Latin courses you have taken and the grades earned for each.

• If you have ever been placed on probation, dismissed or suspended from any college or university for reasons pertaining to academic integrity, please include any facts that you believe bear on the significance of this circumstance. (If this does not apply, please write N/A in your response.)

Letters of recommendation

Each applicant will submit two letters of recommendation. Letters should come from individuals with whom you have had a close professional or academic association and who know of your desire to study classical studies (or a related field) at the advanced level. Recommendations may be submitted online (preferred) or by mail. For online recommendations, please follow the instructions in the Recommendations section of the online application.

Standardized test scores

Standardized test scores are not required for admission to the Classical Studies post-baccalaureate program. However, you may choose to submit standardized test scores, such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), in support of your application. Request that your scores report for the GRE test be forwarded to the College of Liberal and Professional Studies office, using ETS institutional code 2986. Please contact us if you are unsure whether or not you should take the GRE.

International applicants whose first language is not English must also submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to demonstrate English proficiency. If the medium of instruction for your undergraduate degree was English, you may request to waive the TOEFL requirement by sending an email to lps@sas.upenn.edu. The minimum TOEFL scores required for admissions consideration are: 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT) or 600 (PBT). The TOEFL must be sent from ETS using the institutional code 2986. To locate a testing site near you or schedule an exam, visit the TOEFL website. Please contact us if you are unsure whether or not you should take the TOEFL.