Admission is competitive and merit-based with approximately five hundred of scientifically inclined students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania applying for seventy-two slots in the program.
The curriculum includes five "core" courses in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics, and numerous electives.
In addition to taking classes, students are required to participate in a lab course and a research-style team project.
The Residence Life staff provides a number of structured social events to foster friendship and teamwork.
PGSS Campaign, Inc. has arranged successful reunions in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, Washington DC, Austin, Houston, Seattle, New York and more.
The Computer Science Course covers basic programming concepts and offers independent study for those with experience.
Usually, several electives, including Astrophysics and Laser Technology are consistently offered every year, although content in these courses may change.
Past Math Electives were taught by longtime PGSS faculty, Juan Schaffer, who was often revered by students for his mathematical genius and resemblance to Einstein until his passing in 2017.
During Team Project Week, no classes are held, due to the immense demand on the participants' time from their research paper and presentations.
The PGSS program strives to emulate the modern scientific community by encouraging collaboration and cooperation among students as they complete their assignments.
The homework problems are often designed to require copious amounts of time and effort if one attempts to solve them without teaming up, thus encouraging a cooperative atmosphere.
In addition to this, students participating in this program are not ranked among their peers, thus removing any reason for isolation solely to stand out.
While there are no grades given, all participants receive an evaluation letter based on input from teaching assistants and professors at the conclusion of the program.
Students in the PGSS program (colloquially referred to as "Govies") participate in daily social activities, typically on the weekends and after classes.
Program participants are encouraged to join in on these activities to form meaningful friendships and embody the collaborative spirit that PGSS promotes.