The University of Pennsylvania, commonly known as Penn, is a prestigious Ivy League research university located in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a total undergraduate population of approximately 11,611 students and a graduate enrollment of 17,100, Penn is renowned for its rigorous academics and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and innovation.
Penn comprises four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School of Business, and the School of Nursing. Students have the flexibility to take courses across all four schools, fostering a collaborative, cross-disciplinary education. The university offers more than 90 majors and numerous dual-degree programs. Standout programs include business, economics, biology, nursing, political science, and engineering.
Admissions at Penn are highly selective. For the Class of 2028, Penn received 65,236 applications and admitted 2,396 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 3.7%. Successful applicants typically rank at the top of their high school class, with strong GPAs and a record of rigorous coursework such as AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes. While Penn has adopted a test-optional policy, students who submit standardized test scores generally present competitive results.
Penn maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, fostering close interactions with faculty and access to research and mentorship opportunities. Many classes are small, especially at the upper-division level, and students frequently collaborate with professors on cutting-edge research projects. The academic environment is fast-paced and ambitious, yet students describe it as collaborative and supportive.
Given Penn’s competitive admissions landscape, prospective students should craft a compelling application that includes a well-edited personal statement and polished supplemental essays. Collaborating with an experienced admissions consultant or Statement of Purpose (SOP) editor can provide valuable insights and enhance the quality of your application.
University of Pennsylvania Admissions Statistics (Class of 2028)
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Applicants | 65,236 |
| Students Enrolled | 2,396 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~3.7% |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | 11,611 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 8:1 |
| Average Financial Aid Package | $66,222 |
| Students Receiving Financial Aid | 46% |
| Countries Represented | 100+ |
Sources:
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Admissions data: Penn Admissions
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Enrollment and student-to-faculty ratio: CollegeTuitionCompare
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Financial aid statistics: Penn Student Services
Student Life at Penn
Philadelphia is a historic and lively city rich in culture, museums, music, and diverse culinary experiences. Penn’s campus, situated in the University City neighborhood, offers a distinct collegiate environment with easy access to the broader city. Safety is a priority, with Penn operating its own public safety department and alert systems.
Greek life is present but does not dominate the social scene. Students seeking vibrant extracurricular involvement will find over 450 clubs, organizations, and special interest groups. Whether your interests lie in entrepreneurship, journalism, dance, politics, or social justice, there are ample opportunities to engage.
Social life at Penn is what you make of it. While students are dedicated to their studies, they also find time to unwind—be it through late-night food outings, day trips to nearby cities like New York, or hosting events within dorm communities.
What’s Good
“Wharton is second to none. The network, the professors, the opportunities—it’s all real.”
“I love how interdisciplinary everything is. I’m pre-med but also taking business and philosophy courses.”
“Philly is amazing! There’s always something to do, and the food scene is top-tier.”
What’s Not-So-Great
“It’s super competitive, and imposter syndrome is real. You have to stay grounded.”
“Winter can be brutal, and you’ll walk a lot—so get good boots.”
“If you’re looking for a typical college party scene, this isn’t it. We party, but people take school really seriously.”
Admissions Requirements at the University of Pennsylvania
Penn employs a holistic admissions process, considering your academic record, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and essays. Demonstrated interest, alignment with Penn’s values, and intellectual curiosity are significant factors in the evaluation process.
Does Penn Require the Common App Essay?
Yes. Penn accepts the Common Application and requires the standard personal statement. Additionally, there are Penn-specific supplemental essays that inquire about your academic interests and why Penn aligns with your goals. These essays are crucial components of your application.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Penn is currently test-optional through the 2025 application cycle. If you choose to submit scores, competitive applicants typically present:
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SAT: Middle 50% range of 1500–1570
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ACT: Middle 50% range of 34–35
Penn does superscore both the SAT and ACT, considering the highest section scores across multiple test dates.
GPA Expectations
While Penn does not have a minimum GPA requirement, most admitted students have exemplary academic records. Aiming for an unweighted GPA of 3.9 or higher, along with rigorous coursework, will position you competitively.
If you’re aiming for Penn, ensure your application authentically conveys who you are—not just your achievements. Collaborating with a professional editor can help refine your application and present your narrative effectively.
Note: All data and statistics are sourced from the University of Pennsylvania’s official publications and reputable third-party sources as linked above. For the most current information, please refer to Penn’s official admissions website.