If UPenn is your dream school, you probably already know that the University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate is very competitive. UPenn is a prestigious and competitive school in the famous Ivy League, and you have to be on top of your game if you want a real shot at getting into UPenn.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about University of Pennsylvania admissions. We’ll cover the University of Pennsylvania admission requirements and some of the school’s most popular majors. We’ll also share some tips on how to ace your SAT and tricks to improve your UPenn application.
Is University of Pennsylvania Easy to Get Into?
No, getting into the University of Pennsylvania isn’t easy. This school is one of the eight elite universities in the Ivy League. This means that it is a very prestigious school with a highly selective admission process, world-class faculty, and rigorous academic programs.
Prospective students need to show a strong academic record with great high school achievements. According to UPenn’s website, 93 percent of admitted students were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class in Fall 2021.
What Is University of Pennsylvania’s Acceptance Rate?
The acceptance rate for the University of Pennsylvania is six percent, making it one of the most selective colleges in the US. Out of 56,332 total applicants for Fall 2021, only 3,304 students were admitted into the class of 2025. These students showed exquisite high school performance with high GPAs and high SAT and ACT scores.
What Is University of Pennsylvania’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?
The transfer acceptance rate for the University of Pennsylvania was just under five percent in 2021 according to UPenn’s student newspaper, The Daily Pennsylvanian. This is a two percent drop from 2020’s transfer rate of 7.8 percent and still below 2019’s transfer rate of 5.9 percent.
What Is University of Pennsylvania’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate
Early decision applicants are 4.9 percent of the University of Pennsylvania’s incoming class of 2026, according to the school’s website. For the admitted class of 2025, the early decision acceptance rate was 15 percent, with 1,194 out of 7,962 early decision applicants admitted.
University of Pennsylvania Admissions: An Overview
- Number of Applicants at the University of Pennsylvania per year: 56,332
- University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate: 6%
The admissions process for UPenn is very selective and focused on high school performance. The applications committee is looking for students who graduated at top of their class, chose challenging classes, and participated in extracurricular activities.
The application process is your chance to stand out from thousands of other bright students. You’ll need to provide your high school transcripts and at least three letters of recommendation with your completed Common Application. You might be invited to an optional admissions interview after the admissions department reviews your application.
Who Gets Into University of Pennsylvania?
The student body at UPenn in 2020 was composed of 42 percent white students, 19 percent Asian students, eight percent Hispanic or Latino students, and seven percent Black students. For the admitted class of 2026 over 55 percent self-identify as students of color, according to the NCES classification system.
University of Pennsylvania Enrollment by Ethnicity
- White – 42%
- Asian – 19%
- Hispanic – 8%
University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate by Major
The University of Pennsylvania is divided into 12 schools that offer some of the best majors in the country. Penn Carey Law, the School of Nursing, and The Wharton School of Business are three of the best-known schools at Penn where you’ll find the most popular majors and degrees.
Acceptance Rate by Major at University of Pennsylvania
- Penn Carey Law School Juris Doctor Degree: 9.4% acceptance rate
- School of Nursing Accelerated Programs: 25-30% acceptance rate
- The Wharton School of Business Master of Business Administration: 13.9% enrollment rate
University of Pennsylvania Application Deadline: When Is University of Pennsylvania’s Application Due?
UPenn’s regular decision application deadline for the 2023-24 academic year is January 5th. The deadline to apply to the University of Pennsylvania for Early Decision is November 1st. Early Decision application programs are binding, which means that if you are accepted to UPenn in the Early Decision round you are required to enroll.
University of Pennsylvania Application Deadlines
- Early Decision Deadline: November 1st
- Early Action Deadline: January 5th
- Application Fee: $75 (fee waiver available)
- Common App: Yes
What Are the Major Reasons to Go to University of Pennsylvania?
The University of Pennsylvania is a prestigious Ivy League school that only takes in the best of the best. Students have access to a distinguished interdisciplinary education and are able to surround themselves with other academically minded students and faculty. UPenn students are high achievers and receive knowledge that prepares them for any industry.
Having a school like UPenn on your resume will surely impress potential employers and may lead to higher starting salaries in whichever career path you choose. Graduating from UPenn connects you with a vast alumni network, full of successful people living around the world.
Ivy League University
The fact that UPenn is an Ivy League university guarantees access to a very high-quality education. It will also provide great networking opportunities, endless resources, a head start on your career path, and even a higher starting salary.
Interdisciplinary Education
Students are encouraged to follow their passions at UPenn, and even undergraduate students can take classes in most of the 12 schools. Majors are designed to be flexible so students have the time to explore different fields. This approach prepares students for a variety of careers in almost any field.
Program Communities
Apart from typical housing accommodations, UPenn offers program communities. These are residential communities on campus, where students can live with other students that share a common passion like art, music, or computer science.
Tips for Applying to University of Pennsylvania
The application committee’s decisions take into account academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and interviews. Here are some tips on how to improve your application to the University of Pennsylvania and increase your chances of being accepted.
Tell a Story Through Your Extracurricular Activities
A big part of applying to a prestigious college like the University of Pennsylvania is allowing them to get to know you on a more personal level. When you talk about work experiences, family responsibilities, summer activities, and community experiences in your application, think of how they are related. For example, are you focused on one passion or exploring your interests?
Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation
UPenn requires that you submit one recommendation from a high school counselor, one from a high school teacher, and one from a teacher, mentor, boss, or coach. Pick letter writers who know you well and can help the admissions committee get to know you better. Don’t submit recommendation letters from family members or close family friends.
Give Yourself Enough Time to Write and Edit Your Application Essays
In your UPenn application you’ll be required to provide a personal essay and one or two supplemental essays. Be yourself and choose a topic that will help the admissions committee know you better. Make sure you give yourself enough time to write and proofread your essay. Ask for feedback from people you trust.
University of Pennsylvania Admissions Requirements: First-Year Applicant Checklist
The UPenn application has several parts, and you should give yourself enough time to gather all the required materials. Consider starting to work on your application two months before the deadline. First-year applicants need to provide:
- Common Application with Penn supplement
- Official high school transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
- SAT/ACT test scores (optional for 2022-23)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score (required for some non-native English speakers)
- Fine arts supplement with portfolio (optional)
University of Pennsylvania SAT Requirements
Below we show you the SAT scores required to get accepted into University of Pennsylvania. A 25th percentile figure shows that 25 percent of students scored at or below that number, while a 75th percentile figure tells us that 25 percent scored above that number.
- Students Submitting SAT Scores: 49%
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 720 (25th percentile); 770 (75th percentile)
- SAT Math: 760 (25th percentile); 800 (75th percentile)
University of Pennsylvania ACT Requirements
You can also submit your ACT scores in case you decide to take the ACT instead of the SAT. Here are the ACT scores that previously admitted students got. Aim for these scores to get accepted into the University of Pennsylvania.
- Students Submitting ACT Scores: 30%
- ACT Composite: 33 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
- ACT English: 35 (25th percentile); 36 (75th percentile)
- ACT Math: 33 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
Acing Your University of Pennsylvania Application: What Is the Best Way to Prepare for the SAT?
Use an SAT Prep Book
SAT prep books provide practice tests, study materials, and many helpful tips on how to achieve your target SAT score. Some of the best SAT prep books include Kaplan SAT Prep Plus 2022, PWN the SAT, The College Panda’s SAT Writing, and KALLIS’ Redesigned SAT Pattern Strategy, 3rd Edition.
Take SAT Practice Exams
You can find a wide variety of free and paid SAT practice exams online. They are a great way to help you prepare for the real deal, allowing you to figure out your strengths and focus on overcoming your weaknesses. Besides learning what skills you need to work on, practice exams also allow you to check and improve your timing.
Enroll in an SAT Prep Class
SAT prep classes cover the different parts of the SAT test like math, writing, and reading. They also provide an overview of the test structure and some tips on how to improve your score. Some of the best SAT prep class services include Khan Academy, Kaplan, and Test Prep Review.
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University of Pennsylvania GPA Requirements: What GPA Do I Need to Get In?
To get into the University of Pennsylvania you need a GPA of 3.9 on the 4.0 scale. This is another testament to the selectivity of this school. Although your grades are probably the most important factor in your application, UPenn considered your entire academic record. This means that they evaluate the grades you received, which classes you took, and your high school context.
University of Pennsylvania Tuition: How Much Does it Cost to Attend University of Pennsylvania?
The cost of attending the University of Pennsylvania is $83,298 per year for students living on campus. From the school year of 2020-2021 to 2021-2022, there was a 2.8% increase in the cost of overall estimated tuition and fees. Students should expect the cost per year to continue to increase yearly.
For students who choose to live off-campus, the estimated total cost is slightly lower at $80,496 per year. These figures include undergraduate tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
Common Majors at University of Pennsylvania
Some of the most common majors at the University of Pennsylvania include finance, nursing, and economics. In the following sections, we’ll be covering each of these majors in detail, with information about the best jobs for graduates of each major.
Finance
Finance majors learn the skills they need to work in various areas of finance and are also equipped to apply for careers in law and the public sector. Some of the study areas in this program include corporate finance, capital markets and banking, private equity and venture capital, and investments.
Best Jobs for Finance Graduates
- Financial Analyst
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Financial Manager
Nursing
UPenn offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which prepares students for a career in nursing or nursing research. Faculty focus on community involvement and cultural awareness. UPenn nursing students have access to state-of-the-art tech, clinical practice, and a great mentorship program.
Best Jobs for Nursing Graduates
- Registered Nurse
- Nursing Assistant
- Medical and Health Services Manager
Economics
At UPenn, students can choose between a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, depending on whether they prefer a more theoretical or practical education. Students learn about the effects of taxes, inflation, international trade and finance, and how to determine prices and trends in different markets.
Best Jobs for Economics Graduates
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Management Analysts
University of Pennsylvania Attendance Outcomes
The two tables below present a selection of the five most common jobs for people who graduated from specialized majors at UPenn, as well as the five highest paying jobs obtained by University of Pennsylvania graduates. For each job, we’ll cover the median annual salary and the expected job outlook through 2030.
Most Common Jobs for People Who Attended University of Pennsylvania
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | $126,230 | 9% |
| Software developer | $110,140 | 22% |
| Architect | $80.180 | 3% |
| Postsecondary teacher | $79,640 | 12% |
| Secondary school teacher | $61,820 | 8% |
University of Pennsylvania Alumni Highest-Paying Jobs
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon | $294,520 | 3% |
| Physician | $255,110 | 3% |
| Dentist | $163,220 | 8% |
| Financial Specialist | $77,300 | 5% |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent | $62,910 | 4% |
Should I Apply to the University of Pennsylvania?
Yes, you should apply to the University of Pennsylvania. Having this prestigious Ivy League school on your resume will open many doors for you in your future career and can help you earn a higher starting salary.
UPenn students have access to many resources and expert faculty that will prepare them to succeed in any industry. They are encouraged to follow their passions through interdisciplinary education and are able to surround themselves with like-minded people.
Even though the University of Pennsylvania’s acceptance rate is extremely low, you have a chance of getting accepted if you maintain a 3.9 GPA or higher in high school, participate in extracurricular activities, write compelling essays, and ace your interview.
University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate FAQ
To prepare for a UPenn interview, you should practice answering a few common college interview questions. Try writing out your answers, and then have a friend or family member pretend to interview you. Get plenty of sleep the night before the interview and try to find some time to relax on the day of the interview.
Yes, UPenn offers pre-college programs. UPenn’s pre-college programs give high-school students a taste of college life, great networking opportunities, and even a chance to earn college credit. One of the most popular UPenn pre-college programs is the pre-college law program.
UPenn determines financial need through the financial information provided by students and their families through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), College Scholarship Services (CSS) profile, and Penn Financial Aid Supplement. UPenn determines financial needs every year.
Yes, UPenn offers coding bootcamps. These online programs are run by Trilogy Education Services and include topics like web development, data science, and cyber security. They take 12 to 24 weeks, depending on the course and learning format.
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