Home > admissions > articles > University of Pennsylvania Admissions Information

University of Pennsylvania Admissions Information

University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (map)

 

The University of Pennsylvania, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, is an historic and highly selective member of the Ivy League. With over 10,000 undergraduates from every state and many countries, the University prides itself on its diversity. UPenn is nationally recognized for its interdisciplinary programs such as the Institute for Medicine and Engineering and the Joseph H. Lauder Institute for Management and International Studies, which allow students to pursue a variety of academic and professional pursuits. The University also boasts The Wharton School, ranked as one of the top three business schools in the country. UPenn’s interdisciplinary character carries over into its research endeavors. With a research budget of more than $800 million per year and 165 research centers, it is one of the top research universities in the country. As a result, many undergraduates have the opportunity to engage in research projects of their own during their time here.

UPenn students are intellectually and socially involved, both on and off campus. A number of University courses and student groups, including the Civic House and the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, incorporate outreach into their mission and stress the importance of local community engagement; and many students actively participate in community-service efforts in Philadelphia.

 

 

Basic Info

Main Address: 3451 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
 
Phone Number: (215) 898-5000  
Website: http://www.upenn.edu  

Characteristics

Type of school: Private  
Type of school: Coed  
Setting: Urban (very large city, 500,000+ people), Residential campus  
Athletics: Division I, Intercollegiate, Club, Intramural  
Degrees offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral  
Size of undergraduate student body: 9,768  
Percent out-of-state: 83%  
Percent international: 10%  
Female to Male ratio: 51:49  

Academic Life

Student to Professor ratio: 6:1  
Most popular majors: Business Administration and Management
Finance
Nursing
 
Special study programs: Accelerated Program
Cross-Registration
Double Major
Dual Enrollment of High School Students
ESL
Honors Program
Independent Study
Internships
Liberal Arts/Career Combination
ROTC, Air Force
ROTC, Army
ROTC, Navy
Student-Designed Major
Study Abroad
Teacher Certification
Visiting/Exchange Student Program
Washington Semester
 

Campus Life

Housing options:
Coed housing
Apartments for single students
Special housing for students with disabilities
First-year students are allowed to have a car on campus
62% of all undergraduates live in college housing
Apartments for married students
Fraternity/Sorority housing
Wellness housing (alcohol/drug/smoke-free)
First-year students are guaranteed on-campus housing
Activities:
350 registered clubs and organizations, including 13 sororities and 36 fraternities  

Fun Facts

  • UPenn ranks first among the Ivy League schools in the number of students that study abroad each year.
  • The first complete English translation of the Rosetta Stone was performed in 1858 by three Penn undergraduates.
  • There are currently 87 majors offered, along with the option to pursue individualized courses of study.
  • Nineteen Penn scholars have been awarded Nobel Prizes.
 

Admissions Information

Each year the University of Pennsylvania receives approximately 23,000 undergraduate applications and admits about 4,000 students. Its 18% acceptance rate that makes it one of the most selective universities in the country. The Early Decision option is available for students who make UPenn their first choice and agree to matriculate, if accepted. There is a slightly higher acceptance rate for students who use this option.

The UPenn admissions committee pays close attention to the type and level of a student's high school courses. It looks for students who have taken full advantage of the opportunities their high school offers. Evaluations from guidance counselors and teachers are also very important to the selection committee, as they provide a more well-rounded view of an applicant, beyond exam scores and transcripts. With this in mind, it's important to build relationships with your teachers, and to be proactive and organized when asking for recommendations.

Admissions address: 1 College Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19104
 
Phone number: (215) 898-7507  
Fax number: (215) 898-9670  
Admissions Website: http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/  
Email: info@admissions.ugao.upenn.edu  
Contact Person: Eric Furda, Dean of Admissions  
Number of first-year applications received: 22,808  
Percent of applicants admitted: 18%  

Application Information

Regular application deadline: January 1  
Early decision/action deadline: November 1 (Early Decision)  
Accepts the Common Application? Yes (school-specific supplement required)  
Admission requirements: 2 Academic Teacher Evaluations
School Report (including guidance counselor's recommendation)
Mid-Year Report
Final Report

If applicable:
Home-school Supplement to the Secondary School Report
Early Decision Agreement
 

Application Information

Standardized test scores required? SAT with Writing and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT with Writing
International applicants: TOEFL
 
Policy regarding SAT score-use: All scores are considered  
 
Middle 50% Scores

Low


Average


High
% Who Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading
660
705
750
89%
SAT Math
690
735
780
89%
SAT Writing
670
715
760
89%
ACT Composite
30
32
34
36%

 
College Board code: 2926  
ACT code: 3732  
Learn more about other Top Business schools:
University of Richmond   Brigham Young University   Villanova   UVA   Cornell  

Share This Information:

StudyPoint is a national leader in one-to-one, in-home test prep and academic tutoring. The test-taking techniques and strategies taught in our SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring programs enable students to earn higher test scores and gain admissions to competitive colleges and universities. Our expert subject tutors and personalized lesson plans help students earn better grades and become happier, more confident students. Whether you're looking for a math tutor or any other type of academic tutoring, StudyPoint can help. To learn about tutoring programs in your area, feel free to contact us for more information.

About the College Admissions Profiles

Searching for the right college or university? StudyPoint can help! Check out StudyPoint’s College Admissions Profiles for all the essential information on schools you’re researching. Learn about student life, review admissions requirements, and see how your scores compare to those of the current freshman class. Search for a specific school or browse the categories below to find the school that’s the best match for you!

About StudyPoint

StudyPoint offers private, in-home SAT, PSAT, ACT & SSAT tutoring. Our staff also includes expert math, science, foreign language, and writing tutors.

LEARN MORE

PARENT'S GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSION

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE
close

Our newsletter is designed to offer you grade- and season- specific information that will help you navigate and stay on top of the college admissions process. We need high school graduation year to provide you with timely, relevant information. You can unsubscribe at any time.