How to Get Into UPenn
Many of our students pine for admission to top schools, such as those in the Ivy League. Gaining admission is notoriously difficult, and every year, admission rates decline further. With that said, admission is not impossible. Read on to learn how you can separate yourself from the competition, and gain acceptance to schools like UPenn.
University of Pennsylvania Overview
UPenn was founded in 1740, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, one of nine colonial colleges chartered before the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The university focuses on interdisciplinary education — is Open University Policy encourages students to take courses in all departments and the majority of graduate schools. Underpinning the curriculum is a community service program that links academic coursework to the surrounding community
“Penn’s academics are boosted by its inherent culture and ecosystem of innovation. You name it, if it’s cutting-edge, the University’s faculty—and students—have their hands in it.” — University of Pennsylvania
How Difficult is it to Gain Admission to University of Pennsylvania?
It is very difficult to gain admission to UPenn. The average unweighted GPA of accepted students is 3.9, which requires nearly straight As. Meanwhile, the average SAT score of accepted students sits at 1520.
While the school is extremely selective, chances of admission increase drastically for students that have completed a passion project, research, and that have compelling essays.
We recommend scheduling an initial consultation to discuss crafting a successful application.
What was UPenn’s Acceptance Rate in 2022?
UPenn’s acceptance rate was extremely low, as they admitted 4.4% percent of applicants to the Class of 2026. This means that admission to school is very competitive. For those with certain racial demographics, or international students, the numbers look even lower.
What is UPenn Looking For?
UPenn is looking for students that will take advantage of the resources on campus, and contribute to its culture in a way that prioritizes impact. UPenn is looking for students who “are inspired to emulate [the school’s] founder Benjamin Franklin by applying their knowledge in ‘service to society, to our community, the city of Philadelphia, and the wider world.”
“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.” — UPenn Admissions
How do I Submit an Application?
UPenn uses the Common Application. To apply to UPenn, complete the Common Application.
What are UPenn’s GPA Requirements?
UPenn admission officers will look most closely to the unweighted GPA, not the weighted GPA. This is because of the variability of different schools’ curriculums. Students with an unweighted GPA of 4.0, and a class rank in the top 5%, have the best chance of getting accepted. A class rank of top 10% is nearly mandatory barring exceptional hooks.
Does UPenn Require AP or IB?
Students are strongly encouraged to take a rigorous, renowned academic curriculum such as AP, IB, or A Levels. If your school does not offer such courses, you are advised to self-study and take the exams independently.
What are UPenn’s Standardized Testing Requirements?
Ivy Brothers recommends sending test scores, unless they are very low, as our data suggests that students who submit their test scores, even if slightly low, fare better in the admission process than those who don’t. This is especially true for students that are unhooked. For reference, unhooked means that the student doesn’t have a compelling admission advantage, such as being a recruited athlete or a child of a donor.
Students may submit either the SAT or ACT, and there is no advantage to one over the other.
What are UPenn’s SAT Requirements?
The minimum SAT score needed for UPenn’s is 1450, the 25th percentile. However, at Ivy Brothers, we suggest that students score in the 75th percentile for their desired school; for Upenn, this would mean an SAT score of 1560.
*SAT requirements are liable to change in future admission cycles
What are UPenn’s ACT Requirements?
The minimum ACT score needed for UPenn is 32, the 25th percentile. However, at Ivy Brothers, we suggest that students score in the 75th percentile for their desired school; for UPenn, this would mean an ACT score of 35.
*SAT requirements are liable to change in future admission cycles
What are UPenn’s English Language Proficiency Requirements?
UPenn requires a strong, fluent knowledge of English. Proficiency exams are not required, but international students are welcome to submit them, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
What are UPenn’s Common App Essay Prompts for 2022-23?
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
These prompts are intended for admission officers to better understand your background, goals, character, integrity, and other positive characteristics. The essay should be vulnerable, and should be unique. One of the biggest pitfalls we see in students’ essays is the topic being cliché and dull. To see some examples of successful essays, please schedule a virtual consultation with us.
What are UPenn’s Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2022-23?
UPenn requires three supplemental essay prompts as follows:
Penn Supplemental Short Answer Prompts (Required)
1) Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)
2) How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)
3) Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, describe how you intend to explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania. (150-200 words)
For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.
UPenn is looking for personal essays that allow the admission office to better understand you. Additionally, the essays should be creative, with an eye toward outside-the-box thinking. To see some examples of successful supplemental essays, please schedule a virtual consultation with us.
What are UPenn’s Extracurricular Activity Requirements?
UPenn seeks students who will be engaged in their community or field of interest. UPenn is well-known for having a pre-professional atmosphere, as students are vying for top opportunities, and making progress to this end can be beneficial for aspiring applicants. Extra-curricular activities is an area where many students go wrong. You should develop a spiked passion in a particular field of interest. Here are some examples of extra-curricular activities of past, successful students in the admission process:
Started a Small Business
Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Predictions of Several Aspects of Trees with respect to Air Quality via Ardunio Sensors
Created a Novel Technique to Write and Run Neural Networks in C on x86_64 CPU Architecture
Wrote a Research Paper on Climate Policy in China versus Taiwan and Submitted to the Journal of East Asian Studies
ISEF Finalist
USACO Gold
Quantified Human Lung Toxicity During Space Travel by Regolith in Project Funded by NASA
Create a Literary Journal that Focuses on Mental Health
These are examples of top-tier extracurricular activities. If your activities do not resemble something similar, then we suggest scheduling a consultation to learn how we can create a game plan for your activity section. It is important to schedule a consultation to tackle this part of the process sooner rather than later. You don’t want to look as if you are doing projects last minute just for the college application.
What are UPenn’s Application Deadlines?
Early Decision: November 1st
Regular Decision: January 5th
Does my Race or Ethnicity Affect my Acceptance Rate at UPenn?
Yes, UPenn considers race and ethnicity. Students who identify as East Asian, Southeast Asian, or South Asian have significantly more difficult chances at admission. Many of our students fall into this category, and we make it our mission to help them stand out in a highly competitive pool.
This is backed by data from the National Centre for Education Statistics. Below is a graph that shows how, even as the Asian American population increases, the % of enrolled students has remained constant at top schools.
Does my Choice of Major Affect my Acceptance Rate at UPenn?
Yes, UPenn will compare you to other students who are seeking similar majors. In general, students will face the highest level of competition, and lowest acceptance rates, in majors such as Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
What is the Average Salary of a Graduate of UPenn?
UPenn graduates, on average, make $123,600 ten years after finishing undergrad. Graduates who enter fields like consulting, technology, or finance regularly make a starting salary of $120,000 to $200,000.
For all students, the price of professional help in the admission process is well worth it in terms of return on investment. The last thing you want is for your student’s hard work in high school to go to waste.
Final Thoughts
Gaining admission to top schools is not an easy feat. UPenn is looking for students who will contribute positively to their campus, upholding the school’s values, and who are ambitious and yearn to contribute to their field of interest.
Ivy Brothers helps students to stand out in the competitive admission process through one-on-one mentorship. Schedule an initial consultation to learn how we help students achieve their educational and career goals.
