Learn how to get into the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) with expert insights on its acceptance rate, academic criteria, and what UPenn looks for in top applicants.
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UPenn’s acceptance rate is around 4.9%, reflecting its highly selective admissions process that’s typical of Ivy League institutions.
Here’s a breakdown of its acceptance rate data from the last few years as reported in the Common Data Set (CDS), a collection of standardized admissions data used by higher education institutions:
UPenn’s Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate is around 15%. More than half of UPenn’s 2028 admitted class (51%) were early decision applicants. This suggests a strategic advantage for strong applicants who apply early.
Of course, the key word here is "strong." Students should only apply early if their academic profile is already competitive.
If you're expecting significant GPA improvements in your senior year, it’s wiser to wait for Regular Decision to present your best possible application.
It is hard to get into the University of Pennsylvania. UPenn rejects over 95% of applicants, so admission is highly competitive. The school seeks students with outstanding academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and a strong fit with its interdisciplinary culture.
We based our admissions difficulty scale on each school’s acceptance rate and how selective it is compared to other colleges. The most selective schools rank as the hardest, and the least selective schools rank as the easiest to get into.
Get a clearer picture of your UPenn acceptance odds by taking our admissions chances quiz.
The average UPenn GPA is 3.9, according to the CDS. However, UPenn requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 and considers individual circumstances when evaluating grades.
The UPenn median SAT score is 1535. According to their incoming class profile, admitted UPenn students scored between 1510 and 1560 on the SAT. Aim for a score above 1560 to remain highly competitive.
The UPenn median ACT score is 35. According to the incoming class profile, admitted UPenn applicants scored between 34 and 36. Aim for a 36 to maximize your chances of acceptance.
UPenn considers several academic and non-academic factors when evaluating applicants.
According to the Common Data Set, UPenn considers the rigor of your coursework, GPA, application essays, and recommendations to be very important. Class rank is also important, while standardized test scores are considered but not required, since UPenn is test-optional.
The University of Pennsylvania clearly emphasizes academic performance. Strong applicants take the most challenging courses available—such as AP, IB, or dual enrollment—and demonstrate intellectual curiosity, not just high grades.
However, academic strength alone isn’t enough. As a liberal arts-based university with a strong interdisciplinary focus, UPenn seeks students who show interest in multiple fields.
For example, a student who pairs AP Biology with AP Philosophy and writes about how studying ethics informs their interest in medicine would stand out. Similarly, a candidate who conducts independent research in climate science while leading Model UN demonstrates both academic depth and cross-disciplinary engagement.
UPenn also values independent research. Independent research shows initiative, critical thinking, and the ability to dive deeply into a topic. These are traits that align with UPenn’s academic culture and research opportunities.
UPenn places a strong emphasis on communication and authenticity during its evaluation process. One of the main ways the university assesses these qualities is through the admissions essays. According to the Common Data Set, these essays are considered very important.
These essays give admissions officers a deeper understanding of your personality, motivations, and values. At UPenn, each application is read and evaluated by a team of two admissions officers who review it together and discuss their impressions before making a decision. This means your essays need to be especially strong, as you have to impress both readers.
Dr. Nick J. Accrocco, a former UPenn admissions officer and current Quad admissions counselor, shared the following advice in our recent Personal Statement Tips webinar:
UPenn considers students’ extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities to be very important in the application process.
UPenn also considers:
UPenn does not consider religious affiliation/commitment or the level of an applicant’s interest when evaluating applications.
The ideal applicant at UPenn shows community engagement, leadership, authenticity, and interest in UPenn’s interdisciplinary curriculum.
The CDS rates extracurricular activities, talent, character, and volunteer work as important or very important factors in admissions. In particular, UPenn places strong emphasis on service-leadership.
UPenn President Liz Magill highlights inspiring examples of students who embody the kind of service and leadership UPenn values in her Guest Column article in the Daily Pennsylvanian.
She cites one student who uses ping-pong to help support individuals with Parkinson’s and another who organizes fresh-baked goods donations for underserved communities and local nonprofits.
Importantly, Magill says:
“Service-leadership isn’t just in our founding DNA. It is also critical to the future—both Penn’s and the world’s.”
This means that UPenn seeks applicants who have already demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving others and leading with purpose before even stepping onto campus.
It’s not about the quantity of activities but the quality and personal significance of your involvement. Admissions officers look for unique, authentic experiences that reflect your individual passions.
To build a strong application, immerse yourself in extracurricular activities that resonate with you. You should also seek leadership roles where your efforts create a tangible impact.
Interdisciplinary interest is crucial at UPenn. This school encourages students to take courses and collaborate with subjects outside of their major.
Show enthusiasm for more than just one major. UPenn values students who think across disciplines and explore how different fields connect. Instead of simply listing multiple majors you're interested in, use your essay to explain how your primary academic interests intersect with other areas.
For example, you can share how your passion for biology connects to health policy or how your interest in English enhances your understanding of law.
You can also reinforce this mindset by highlighting extracurriculars that show curiosity beyond your main focus. For example, a STEM-focused student might play in the school orchestra or compose music, demonstrating creativity and balance.
Dr. Nick Accrocco shares this example of an impressive student with multiple interests:
“I had one student who loved to do glassblowing of all things. He wanted to be a physics major but he loved music. His essay was all about building an electric guitar from scratch … he’s talking about how he has to structure it and get the wood right and the mechanics of it right. So all this is conveying not only just a passion for music but also a passion for the science and the acoustics of it.”
This student example shows how having multiple interests isn’t a drawback but a strength. While many schools expect a clear career path, UPenn encourages students to explore different fields and grow as well-rounded, intellectually curious individuals.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you’ll need to apply to UPenn, including key deadlines and admissions information:
No, SAT or ACT scores are not required at UPenn. UPenn is test-optional, but strong SAT or ACT scores can strengthen your application.
UPenn does not offer evaluative interviews. Instead, some applicants may be invited to a non-evaluative virtual Alumni Conversation. These conversations don’t affect admissions decisions and are meant to help students learn more about the UPenn experience. Participation is optional and depends entirely on alumni availability.
While UPenn doesn’t consider interviews in admissions decisions, some students find them more formal than expected.
You're likely to be asked standard questions like “Why UPenn?” or “What motivates you?”, so it helps to prepare. But what matters most is how you carry the conversation, so be reflective and authentic rather than overly rehearsed.
Yes, UPenn superscores both tests. Upenn will consider your highest section scores across multiple SAT or ACT sittings to calculate the strongest composite score.
As of 2025, UPenn charges $71,236 annually for tuition and fees. Your total cost of attendance at UPenn may range from $80,000 to $100,000 depending on housing, transportation, and personal expenses.
Gaining admission to the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, isn’t easy. Our UPenn admissions consulting services can strengthen your application. As former admissions officers, our counselors can increase your admissions odds by 6.64 times.
Book a free consultation today to start building your winning UPenn application!
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