University of Pennsylvania

The acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania is 6%. Last year, 54,588 students applied to University of Pennsylvania and 3,549 were admitted.

If you are considering submitting an application to University of Pennsylvania, the deadline for Fall 2024 admissions is 1/5 and the application fee is $75.

Students who apply to University of Pennsylvania for fall semester should anticipate a decision by April 1.

University of Pennsylvania Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here is an overiew of some of University of Pennsylvania's admissions stats.

University of Pennsylvania 2023	Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA	3.9
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class	93%
Admissions Test Policy	Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs	48%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs	23%
Waitlist	Yes

University of Pennsylvania Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for University of Pennsylvania.

Application Type	Offered	Application Deadline	Notification Deadline
Early Decision I	Yes	March 15	December 15
Early Decision II	–	–	–
Early Action	No	–	–
Regular Decision	Yes	1 5	April 1

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Want to Apply Early to University of Pennsylvania?

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University of Pennsylvania offers early decision but not early action. Early decision is binding, which means you must attend if you are admitted, while early action allows you to apply early without committing.

🗓️ Early Decision I applications are due by March 15 EDI applicants should receive a decision by December 15.

The early decision acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania is 15%, compared to an overall acceptance rate of 6%. In 2022, University of Pennsylvania admitted 1183 of the 7961 students who applied early decision.

Some students apply early to college to help their chances of getting in. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase your chance of acceptance, since it is a way to show your interest in a school.

➡️ Explore a list of some top colleges that admit significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

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More on University of Pennsylvania Admissions

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Transferring to University of Pennsylvania

For more information on transferring to University of Pennsylvania, contact the school directly.

For Students Waitlisted to University of Pennsylvania

In 2022, University of Pennsylvania waitlisted 3,351 students and 2,508 accepted a place on the waitlist. Of those, 147 eventually received an admissions offer.

What Does University of Pennsylvania Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when determining who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college has a different way of determining which factors are given the most weight when choose which applicants to admit, and which to deny. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that put the most emphasis on the admissions factors where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at University of Pennsylvania

What does University of Pennsylvania consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor	Level
Character/Personal Qualities	Very Important
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation(s)	Very Important
Standardized Test Scores	Very Important
Academic GPA	Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Important
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Interview	Important
Talent/Ability	Important
Alumni/ae Relations	Considered
Geographical Residence	Considered
Racial/Ethnic Status	Considered
State Residency	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered
Work Experience	Considered
First Generation	Considered

Make sure to check with University of Pennsylvania for more information on admission factors.

University of Pennsylvania Application Requirements

To apply to University of Pennsylvania, all applicants must submit the following items. Check with University of Pennsylvania's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area	Required	Recommended	Required for Some	Details (If Any)
Written Essay or Personal Statement	–	–	–	–
Transcript(S) of College Record	–	–	–	–
Transcript of High School Record	–	–	–	–
Standardized Test Scores	–	–	–	–
Statement of Good Standing From Prior Institution(S)	–	–	–	–

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GPA and Testing

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What GPA Do I Need To Get Into University of Pennsylvania?

Students admitted to University of Pennsylvania have an average unweighted GPA of 3.9. University of Pennsylvania considers weighted GPA scores from incomging students.

Out of all students that were admitted, 24% submitted a class rank. At University of Pennsylvania 93% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 98% were in the top 25% and 100% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At University of Pennsylvania, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA	Percent of Students
4.0 GPA	54%
3.75 and 3.99	36%
3.50 and 3.74	6%
3.25 and 3.49	4%
3.00 and 3.24	–
2.50 and 2.9	–
2.00 and 2.49	–

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to University of Pennsylvania directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that reflects your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

University of Pennsylvania has a test optional admissions policy. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 48% of University of Pennsylvania's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 23% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of University of Pennsylvania students scored 800 or higher and 75% of students scored 730 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of University of Pennsylvania students scored 770 or higher, and 75% scored a 730 or higher.

To be most competitive at University of Pennsylvania, you should strive to earn between 34 and 35 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 35 means you fall in the 75th percentile for University of Pennsylvania's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 35, and three out of four students scored lower than 35 on the ACT.

A 34 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for University of Pennsylvania students. Only one out of every four students scored below 34.

More Information on Transferring to University of Pennsylvania

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is March 15. Applicants should hear back by May 15.

Transfer students can enroll in University of Pennsylvania during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term

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University of Pennsylvania Admissions FAQs

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Can I defer my acceptance to University of Pennsylvania?

❌ Students who are admitted to University of Pennsylvania must attend in the term they start. Deferring admissions is not encouraged. If you have a unusual circumstance, contact the admissions department.

Does University of Pennsylvania accept transfer credits?

✅ University of Pennsylvania accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions.

Do I have to submit test scores to University of Pennsylvania?

❌ No, University of Pennsylvania is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you probably want to include them. If your scores are average or below average, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application.

What is University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate?

✅ University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate is 6%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania?

✅ University of Pennsylvania's early decision acceptance rate was 15% in 2021.

Want To Learn More About University of Pennsylvania?

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

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