How to Get Accepted to University of Pennsylvania

Is University of Pennsylvania an Ivy League School?

The University of Pennsylvania (often referred to as Penn) is an Ivy League institution. The Ivy League is a group of eight private colleges and universities in the northeastern United States that are known for their high academic standards and significant history.

The Ivy League schools are:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

Admission Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

To maximize your chances of gaining admission to the University of Pennsylvania, consider the following steps:

• Aim for a high school GPA of at least 3.95.
• Strive for A- grades or better throughout high school.
• Target an SAT score of 1530 or higher.
• Shoot for an ACT score of at least 34.
• Seek to graduate within the top 10% of your high school class.
• Obtain strong letters of recommendation from your teachers.
• Try to score at least 1560 on the SAT or 35 on the ACT to be in the 75th percentile of applicants.
• If your GPA falls below 3.9, a higher SAT/ACT score may help balance your application. Exceptional extracurricular achievements or a compelling personal statement can also be beneficial.

Application Process for University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) allows applicants to use either the Common Application or the Coalition Application. The following are required for a complete application:

• A main personal essay
• Two additional supplemental essays
• Recommendation letters
• Academic transcripts
• School reports
• A non-refundable application fee of $75
• The Penn Writing Supplement

Prospective students must select one of UPenn’s four undergraduate schools or opt for a coordinated program, and applications are evaluated based on the chosen academic path.

UPenn’s undergraduate acceptance rate stands at 5.9%. Those who are admitted typically have GPAs that align with UPenn’s average. If your GPA falls within the range of 3.8–4.0, you could potentially offset it with a high SAT or ACT score, or with exceptional extracurricular involvement or a compelling personal statement.

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for University of Pennsylvania

For the 2022/23 admissions cycle, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has adopted a test-optional policy. This means submitting SAT or ACT scores is not mandatory, and not doing so won’t hurt your chances of admission. However, strong test scores can enhance your application.

The typical SAT score for UPenn students is around 1500 out of 1600, while recommended ACT scores range from 33 to 35. About half of the admitted applicants score between 1480 and 1570 on the SAT or between 33 and 35 on the ACT.

UPenn employs a “superscoring” approach, often called the “highest section” policy. This means the university will take the highest individual section scores from multiple SAT attempts to calculate your best overall score.

For those opting for Early Decision, SAT and ACT scores will be accepted if taken through November 2023. For Regular Decision applicants, test scores through December 2023 will be considered.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) provides an array of financial aid options for its undergraduate students, focusing exclusively on need-based aid. Penn commits to fulfilling 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants and work-study programs.

Key financial aid resources at Penn include:

1. Grants: These are funds that don’t require repayment. The primary grant at Penn is the Penn Grant, which is open to all conventional undergraduates for as many as eight academic terms. Other grants may be based on criteria like financial need, academic prowess, and involvement in extracurriculars.
2. Work-study: This program allows students to earn money toward their education costs, generally through on-campus employment. Students have an earning cap per semester set by the program.

Additional financial aid avenues at Penn are:

• Loans: Unlike grants, loans must be repaid. Penn facilitates both federal and private loan options.
• Merit Scholarships: Penn doesn’t offer merit-based scholarships to its undergraduates. However, external organizations often provide such scholarships.
• Tuition Remission: Certain students, such as the children of Penn employees, may qualify for tuition discounts.

Top Undergraduate Programs at University of Pennsylvania