The University of Pennsylvania (“UPenn” or more commonly “Penn”) is a private research university located in Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. Penn is one of the most well-known universities in the Ivy League. Its prestigious reputation, exceptional academics, and all-star alumni make it one of the most competitive college institutions of higher education in the United States.

Penn offers a broad liberal arts education across its four undergraduate institutions: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the College of Nursing, and the Wharton School.  Many Penn students take courses across all four undergraduate schools or twelve graduate schools, as Penn encourages academic exploration and interdisciplinarity.

Penn is full of tradition and prides itself on fostering some of the world’s leading thinkers and leaders, including Elon Musk, Noam Chomsky, Anil Ambani, John Legend, Tory Burch, and Sundar Pichai.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive through the ins and outs of what it takes to be a competitive applicant to the University of Pennsylvania.

How hard is it to get into the University of Pennsylvania?

Penn is consistently regarded as one of the top ten institutions of higher education in the United States, attracting several tens of thousands of applicants each year for only a few thousand spots. We describe Penn as an institution of “highest selectivity.”

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Pennsylvania?

The University of Pennsylvania’s acceptance rate is typically between 5% and 7%. For the Class of 2027, the acceptance rate was 6%.

"We’re focusing not on how hard we are to get into, but on who these young people are that we chose."

Whitney Soule
Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions

What is the average academic profile of accepted University of Pennsylvania students?

Below you’ll find the academic breakdown of a typical admitted student at the University of Pennsylvania. Keep in mind that applications are reviewed holistically and your extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and college admissions essays also carry weight in the decision-making process. Below you can find academic profile numbers for the class of 2027.

GPA and class rank

The academic landscape of Penn’s Class of 2027 is highlighted by an average high school GPA of approximately 3.9 on a weighted scale. A staggering 94% of these outstanding students graduated within the top 10% of their high school classes.

SAT/ACT

A glimpse into standardized testing reveals a middle 50% SAT score range of 1510-1560 for Penn’s Class of 2027. Concurrently, the ACT composite scores for the median half range between 34 and 36.

Penn will not require applicants to submit the SAT or ACT for the 2024-25 application cycle. This applies to all first-year, domestic, international, homeschooled, transfer, and QuestBridge applicants.

What SAT or ACT scores do I need to get into the University of Pennsylvania?

Penn will not require submission of SAT or ACT scores and will be extending this policy through the 2024-25 admissions cycle for first-year and transfer applicants. If the student chooses to not disclose their scores, they won’t be at a disadvantage during the decision-making process.

Does the University of Pennsylvania super score SAT and ACT results?

Yes. Penn will combine your highest reading, writing, and math scores across every attempt at taking the SAT to come up with a super score. As for the ACT, Penn will also consider your English, math, reading, and science scores across multiple exams to come up with a super score.

If you’re choosing to send multiple test scores for multiple attempts at either of these standardized tests, you’ll need to submit official documentation supporting each of the test scores you reported.

What GPA do I need to get into the University of Pennsylvania?

Penn doesn’t require a specific GPA to apply. The average high school GPA for students admitted to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is 3.9.

Does the University of Pennsylvania accept AP credit?

Yes. Penn can award credit to students that have taken AP, IB, or other internationally-recognized courseloads.

  • In order to consider your AP (Advanced Placement) credits, you’ll need to submit your official score reports directly to the Office of University Registrar.
  • In order to earn credit for your IB (International Baccalaureate) exams, you’ll need to send your official score reports directly to the Office of Admissions by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

What classes should I take in high school to get into the University of Pennsylvania?

Penn is home to four undergraduate schools: College of Arts and Sciences, Penn Engineering, School of Nursing, and The Wharton School. Their requirements and expectations for a competitive applicant are different. As for all top schools, Penn is looking for four years of high school English, four years of science, and four years of math. At least three years, if not four years of a foreign language is always recommended for highly selective students.

If you plan to attend Penn Engineering, STEM coursework should be a stand-out on your transcripts, and strong math skills are increasingly valued by the Wharton School. The College of Arts and Sciences houses all of the liberal arts majors that do not fit into any of the other schools. As a result, the best courses to take vary. The same colleges that admit physics students also admit art history students, despite the fact that the courses required for admission to art history and physics are somewhat different. The School of Nursing prefers students who have completed a pre-health curriculum. As a result, science courses are encouraged. Health-related extracurricular activities like shadowing and volunteering at healthcare-related sites are also a plus.

Electives make up what’s left of the pie. That’s where you really want to make yourself an angular student; choosing the course types similar to those suggested above.

University of Pennsylvania’s dual degree programs

For those decided first-year applicants, Penn offers several dual-degree programs. These specialized and dual degree programs have their own set of requirements such as mandatory high school courses, extracurricular involvements, and elective courses.

Here’s a list of the University of Pennsylvania’s coordinated dual degree, accelerated, and specialized programs:

How does the University of Pennsylvania evaluate applications?

Every university or college has a unique committee review process where all of your application materials are evaluated through a series of multiple steps and by a variety of admissions officers.

Penn uses a dual-reader system and here’s how it works:

Step #1

Two admissions officers read one application at a time in the same office, they discuss it together, and come to a consensus before passing the application along.

Step #2

Afterward, the application is passed to the admissions officer responsible for the geographic region of the applicant.

Step #3

The application is then moved to the final step where the selection committee will evaluate the application and make a final decision on the student’s application.

Step #4

In some instances, a stellar applicant will skip step two and move directly to the selection committee where a final decision will be made.

Once you get to the selection committee, the people who put you there are your advocates; someone has to want to advocate for you to be admitted, so there’s a likability factor.

Prepory pro tip

In the case that an applicant applies to a special program and isn’t accepted, they can request to be accepted to the next closest program. For example, if you’re interested in a dual business and health program but aren’t accepted to it, communicate that you’d be interested in admission to either of the two programs involved instead. This strategy is discouraged unless you’re angularly set up for success in both programs and they align with your goals.

How to improve your chances of getting into the University of Pennsylvania

There are many components to your college application and although landing within the range of average test scores and GPA can set you up for success, there are several other areas that can leverage your application.

Here are some tips for improving your chances of getting into the University of Pennsylvania based on the unique values across all four of its schools.

Integrate knowledge and practice

Penn places a strong emphasis on integrating academic knowledge and interdisciplinary interests. The people who are interested in practical deployment by taking academic disciplinary thinking and bringing it to life in some way.

If you find a popular opinion you want to challenge with thought and intelligence, do it and explain your development; blurring the lines between theory and practice is a Penn-focused trait.

Be a part of the community

Penn views itself as primarily belonging to three distinct community circles:

  • 1. The community of Philadephia, particularly West Philly, which has a particularly tumultuous racial history. For this reason, participation is highly-respected at Penn. Like many universities, your chances of being admitted to being a part of Philadelphia’s community are higher.
  • 2. Penn is concerned with their reputation. They’re concerned about the dialogue and discourse, much like an American institution.
  • 3. Last, is Penn globally. Penn has many programs centered around global initiatives. Penn maintains strong relationships with Asia and houses the Penn Wharton China Center facility located in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District.

The University of Pennsylvania supplemental essay prompts

For supplemental essays and admissions writing in general, there are core tenets we like to adhere to. First of which is authenticity. You want to tell the truth without falling flat or short on paper. The second principle is standing out. Your answers should be easy to distinguish and unique while, keeping your creative edge alive.

Let’s take a look at the required supplemental essays for Penn’s 2024-25 admissions cycle.

If you’re applying to a coordinated dual-degree or specialized program, answer these questions for your single-degree school choice. You can address your interest in the dual degree or program through the program-specific essay.

Prompt #1: Thank-you note

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (150-200 words, only required for first-year applicants) 

Quick tips:

  • Share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!

Prompt #2: Exploring community at Penn

How will you explore community at Penn? (150-200 words)

Quick tips:

  • Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. 

Prompt #3: School-specific prompt

The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section).

Quick tips:

  • Considering the undergraduate school you have selected for your single-degree option, please respond to your school-specific prompt below.

When should I start preparing to apply to the University of Pennsylvania?

The admissions committee will only evaluate your high school transcripts. This can include middle school if you’ve taken high school-level courses in middle school. However, extracurricular activities are only evaluated beginning in ninth grade.

However, It’s never too early to start working on your college admissions narrative. Your application should tell the entirety of your high school story through your academics, extracurriculars, personal statement, supplemental essays, and letters of recommendation.

The University of Pennsylvania interview

Penn doesn’t require an interview for admission, however, more than 90% of applicants receive an interview request. The interviewers are not part of the admissions committee but rather, members of the Penn Alumni Interview Program who are excited to know more about you. All interviews for the 2022-23 application cycle will be conducted online.

Questions asked during the interview will mainly focus on what led you to apply to Penn, and your interests, and serve as an opportunity to learn more about the university.

These are some of the questions you can expect during the Penn Interview:

  • Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
  • What’s important to you?
  • What are your current academic and extracurricular interests?
  • What led you to apply to Penn?
  • What plans do you have for your future?
  • What classes, programs, and activities on Penn’s campus are exciting to you?

If you’re offered an interview, remember to send a thank you email after the interview. Your gratitude is appreciated by the interviewer. Your interviewer will submit a summary of your interview experience to the admissions committee.

Will visiting the University of Pennsylvania help me get in?

While many schools consider campus visits a form of demonstrated interest, Penn doesn’t take this into account when evaluating your application. If you’re skeptical about Penn’s campus, the weather, or generally excited about the possibility of attending Penn, we recommend you tour the campus to answer your questions.

How to apply to the University of Pennsylvania

Penn accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. For a select few, the QuestBridge National College Match program.

University of Pennsylvania application requirements

Here’s the breakdown of application requirements for Penn.

Required materials

  • Common App or Coalition App
  • Penn-specific essay
  • Official high school transcript
  • School report
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Early-decision agreement, if you’re applying as an early student
  • Mid-year report

    • Early decision: Required February 15, 2023, if you’ve been deferred
    • Regular decision: Must be admitted directly by the school as mid-year grades are available
  • Final report

    • Required in June for matriculating students

Optional standardized testing materials

Penn will not require applicants to submit the SAT and ACT for the 2024-25 application cycle. If you wish the take the ACT and SAT, you can continue with that plan.

Supplemental materials

  • Fine Arts Supplement

    • Portfolio deadlines are 10 days after application deadlines
  • An additional letter of recommendation due on the same day as deadline

Financial aid materials

To view all required documents and dates for financial aid materials, click here.

University of Pennsylvania admissions cycle & key deadlines

Below is an overview of the key dates and steps in the admissions cycle for the University of Pennsylvania. Whether you are considering early decision, regular decision, or transfer admissions, understanding these deadlines will help you navigate the application process more smoothly.

Admission Type Application Deadline Financial Aid Application Deadline Admission Decisions Released Candidate's Reply Date
Early Decision November 1 November 6 Mid-December January 5
Regular Decision January 5 February 1 Late March May 1 (for admitted students)
Transfer Admissions March 15 April 11 Mid-May June 1

Get into the University of Pennsylvania with Prepory

Navigating the competitive admissions landscape of the University of Pennsylvania can be a challenging endeavor. With Prepory, you have a partner who understands the intricacies of the application process and the unique qualities that Penn seeks in its students.

Here’s how Prepory can assist you in your quest to become a Quaker:

Personalized coaching

Prepory’s college admissions experts will work with you one-on-one to understand your goals, strengths, and areas for growth. Together, you’ll craft a personalized strategy tailored to Penn’s specific requirements.

Essay assistance

Penn’s supplemental essays are a critical component of the application process. Our skilled coaches, backed by our dedicated Writing Team, will guide you in crafting compelling essays that resonate with Penn’s values and mission, ensuring you stand out from the crowd.

Interview preparation

If offered an interview, Prepory will equip you with the essential tools and techniques to confidently present yourself. Our coaches will guide you through understanding potential questions and mastering best practices. Additionally, our dedicated Interview Team is available to conduct mock interviews, ensuring you receive valuable feedback and experience before the real deal.

Test strategy and academic planning

We analyze your academic profile and help you choose the right courses and test prep strategies that align with Penn’s expectations, whether it’s the SAT, ACT, or subject tests.

Financial aid guidance

Understanding and applying for financial aid can be complex. Prepory assists in demystifying the process, helping you identify and apply for scholarships and aid that suit your needs.

Holistic approach

Beyond academics, Penn values community involvement and leadership. We help you identify and engage in extracurricular activities that align with your passions and Penn’s ethos.

Continuous support

From the early stages of considering Penn to the moment you receive your acceptance letter, Prepory offers continuous support, guidance, and encouragement. Our team is committed to your success.

Prepory’s success rate

Our proven track record includes tripling the likelihood of our students gaining admission to top 20 colleges, further demonstrating our commitment to excellence and your success. We’ve helped students secure spots at top-tier universities, including Penn.

Key takeaways and next steps

It’s nearly impossible to game the college admissions system, and you probably shouldn’t. Admissions officers are intelligent individuals who spend their days reading and comparing applications from students across the globe, so any student who attempts to inauthentically position themselves for the desired outcome won’t guarantee their admission. 

Everyone in Penn admissions is decent, hard-working, and a good person who views their role in admissions as attempting to make the world a better place. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to be authentic and to build their unique admissions narrative.

In conclusion, be yourself!

To stay up to date on the latest developments within Penn admissions, check out Penn’s free resources. Their YouTube channel and blog have insightful information on the Penn community and its admissions process.

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