What do UPenn admission officers look for?

We want our campus to reflect the world around us, so we enroll students who come from all corners of the world and a wide range of backgrounds. We look for students who aspire to develop and refine their talents and abilities within Penn's liberal arts-based, practical, and interdisciplinary learning environment.

What does UPenn look for in its applicants?

UPenn looks for students who have a track record of success, and can effectively articulate their values and skills. Admissions officers want to see who you are beyond your achievements and qualifications; they aim to get to know applicants through their essays and letters of recommendation.

Does UPenn want well rounded students?

Be yourself.

We're not looking for a specific, pre-determined list of activities. We simply want to know how you spend your time. And remember, a well-rounded student can achieve just as much as a well-lopsided student. Your contribution is uniquely yours.

What are my chances of getting into UPenn?

The acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania is 6.5%.

For every 100 applicants, only 7 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective.

What are the admission standards for UPenn?

University of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 7%. Half the applicants admitted to University of Pennsylvania who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1500 and 1570 or an ACT score of 34 and 35.

What a UPenn Admissions Officer Really Looks For

What kind of students does UPenn look for?

Similar to its Ivy League and Ivy+ counterparts, Penn seeks intellectually curious, well-rounded students who will continue that Franklinian philosophy of applying knowledge in service to society—the Penn community, the city of Philadelphia, and the world.

What characteristics does UPenn look for?

What is the hardest school to get into at UPenn?

Penn Academics

The Wharton School 9% acceptance rate. Transferring between schools is difficult, and may only be done once by a student in their time at the school.

Is it really hard to get into UPenn?

The University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate is 5.9%, making it one of the most competitive universities in the country. Acceptance rate is an indication of how competitive a school is, but it is also an indication of how popular a school is.

Does UPenn give interviews to everyone?

Not all Penn applicants will be offered an interview. After all, these conversations take place with alumni and are based on volunteer availability. As such, applicants cannot request an interview. If you're offered an interview, be sure to take advantage of it!

Why is UPenn so prestigious?

The university's dedication to academic excellence and its ability to attract exceptional faculty and students contribute to the overall intellectual vibrancy and reputation of UPenn.

What is UPenn known for academically?

Penn's highly ranked graduate programs include its Wharton School, School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Law School and School of Medicine.

What does Wharton look for in applicants?

In applicants to the Wharton School, we would like to see:

An interest in business to fuel positive change to advance the world's economic and social well-being. Demonstrated leadership. Strong preparation in mathematics, particularly calculus.

How important are interviews for UPenn?

Yes. Time and again, Admissions Officers tell us how helpful these conversations are in helping them get to know applicants. In addition, applicants say their conversation with a Penn alum strengthened their perception of the university, and increased their desire to attend Penn.

What does UPenn value most?

What is UPenn looking for? The University of Pennsylvania particularly prizes academic ambition and performance.

What is the easiest Ivy League school to get into?

Cornell is the easiest and youngest Ivy League school. It was established in 1865 and is situated in Ithaca, New York. Out of 49,114 candidates, Cornell accepted 5,330, for an admission percentage of around 10.9%.

Is it harder to get into Princeton or UPenn?

For UPenn, the acceptance rate for applicants w/ SAT scores above 1450 was 10% for Early Decision and 16% for Regular Decision. Meanwhile, for my school, the Princeton acceptance rate (of applicants with 1450+ SAT) was 50% for Early Action compared to 4% for regular decision.

Is it easier to get into UPenn or Wharton?

While all the different undergraduate schools are competitive, some are more so than others. Wharton (9% acceptance rate) is the most competitive school, while the UPenn School of Nursing (25% acceptance rate) is the least competitive of the four. Also, Students in UPenn Nursing School skew female.

Is Cornell or UPenn easier to get into?

Is Cornell University or University of Pennsylvania Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into? If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then University of Pennsylvania is more difficult to get into.

Is Yale better than UPenn?

Both schools are prestigious and offer a great education, but there are a few key differences that may sway your decision. First, Yale is more expensive. Second, UPenn has a better reputation for providing a more diverse and inclusive environment. Finally, the student body at Yale is more competitive.

Is UPenn better than UCLA?

Currently, UCLA's ranking is #44 according to QS Global Rankings, 2023. UCLA has achieved the #21 rank in Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2023. University of Pennsylvania is one of the top private universities in Philadelphia, United States. It is ranked #13 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

Is Wharton harder to get into than Harvard?

But the gap between Wharton and the top two schools–Harvard and Stanford–is more meaningful. The acceptance rates at both HBS and Stanford are about half of what they are at Wharton: Stanford's 8% and Harvard's 12% versus Wharton's 22%.

Does UPenn care about letters of recommendation?

We rely on recommendations to understand you as a learner and how you interact with those around you. While an instructor's perspective and understanding of who you are in a classroom setting is crucial to our process, we also know that there are many reasons that others may know you even better.

What do Penn students call themselves?

“UPenn” is an abbreviation that emphasizes the university's full name, while “Penn” is a shorter, more informal version of the name that is commonly used by students, alumni, and members of the local community.

How many essays does UPenn require?

How many essays does UPenn require? Most students will be required to complete three UPenn supplemental essays. Each student will be required to complete the first two UPenn essay prompts, and then one school-specific essay prompt.