How to Get Into University of Pennsylvania
Complete guide to admission requirements, essays, deadlines, and tips for success
Quick Overview
University of Pennsylvania is one of the most selective universities in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 5.9%. Founded in 1740, the university is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and currently enrolls ~10,500 undergraduates.
Getting into University of Pennsylvania requires exceptional academic performance, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays that demonstrate your unique perspective and potential for contribution to the university community.
Academic Requirements
GPA Requirements
Most successful applicants have a GPA in this range or higher
Test Scores
Remember: While these statistics provide guidance, University of Pennsylvania uses holistic admissions. Strong essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars can significantly impact your application.
Application Essays
Key Essay Prompts:
- "Write a short thank-you note to someone who has helped you understand yourself or the world around you"
- "How will you explore community at Penn?"
Essay Tips: Focus on authenticity and specific examples. Show, don't tell your story. Connect your experiences to your potential contributions at University of Pennsylvania.
Application Deadlines
Tips for Success
- Emphasize leadership, entrepreneurship, and practical application of knowledge
- Show interest in Penn's One University policy and cross-school collaboration
- Highlight business acumen or interest in Wharton programs
- Demonstrate community engagement and service
- Connect your goals to specific Penn programs or opportunities
- Show how you'll contribute to Penn's collaborative culture
What Makes a Strong Applicant
Quick Links
Popular Majors
- Business (Wharton)
- Engineering
- Economics
- Biology
- Political Science
Notable Alumni
- Donald Trump (Business mogul, former US President)
- Warren Buffett (Investor)
- John Legend (Musician)
- Tory Burch (Fashion designer)
- Noam Chomsky (Linguist)
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Start Your JourneyFrequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5.9%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. This means that for every 100 applications, only about 6 are accepted.
What GPA do you need for University of Pennsylvania?
Most successful applicants to University of Pennsylvania have a 4.0+ (weighted). However, University of Pennsylvania uses holistic admissions, meaning they consider all aspects of your application including essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
What SAT scores do you need for University of Pennsylvania?
The middle 50% SAT range for University of Pennsylvania is 1450-1570. The university is currently test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit test scores.
When are University of Pennsylvania application deadlines?
Application deadlines for University of Pennsylvania are: Early Decision: November 1, Early Action: November 1, Regular Decision: January 5. Make sure to submit all materials before these dates.
What makes a strong applicant to University of Pennsylvania?
Strong University of Pennsylvania applicants typically demonstrate strong leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, interest in practical application of knowledge, collaborative mindset and team orientation, among other qualities. The university values students who will contribute meaningfully to their community.