With an acceptance rate of just 5.4% for the Class of 2028, getting into the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is tough. Thousands of applicants fight for a spot, and only a lucky few make the cut. If you’re wondering how to get into UPenn, you must know exactly what the admissions team is looking for and how you can make your application stand out in such a competitive pool.
We’ll take you through the ins and outs of UPenn’s admissions process—from GPA expectations and test scores to essays—so you can boost your chances of getting in.
- How Hard Is It to Get into UPenn?
- UPenn Admission Requirements
- UPenn GPA Requirements
- UPenn SAT Scores
- UPenn ACT Scores
- How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into UPenn
- UPenn Application Deadline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
How Hard Is It to Get into UPenn?
UPenn is ranked #10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report and is a top pick for high-achieving students across the globe. For the Class of 2028, UPenn received 65,235 applications and admitted only 3,508 students. That’s an acceptance rate of just 5.4%, the lowest in its history.
While UPenn’s acceptance rate is slightly higher than other Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, or Columbia, it’s still incredibly selective. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Ivy League School | Acceptance Rate (Class of 2028) |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5.4% |
| Harvard University | 3.6% |
| Yale University | 3.7% |
| Columbia University | 3.85% |
| Princeton University | TBA (4.5% for Class of 2027) |
| Brown University | 5.2% |
| Dartmouth College | 5.3% |
| Cornell University | TBA (7.9% for Class of 2027) |
As you can see, even at schools like Brown and Dartmouth, the competition is fierce, and UPenn’s acceptance rate puts it right in that top-tier Ivy League bracket. Cornell may have a slightly higher acceptance rate, but still, the odds aren’t exactly in your favor.
One thing to note is that UPenn’s acceptance rate has been steadily dropping over the past few years. Here’s a quick look at how UPenn’s acceptance rates have changed:
| UPenn Class | Acceptance Rate |
| Class of 2024 | 8% |
| Class of 2025 | 5.7% |
| Class of 2026 | 6.5% |
| Class of 2027 | 5.8% |
| Class of 2028 | 5.4% |
For the Class of 2024, the rate was 8%, but fast-forward to 2028, and we’re down to 5.4%. It’s clear—competition is getting tighter every year. More students are applying, and UPenn is becoming more selective. So, if you’re serious about getting into UPenn, you’ll need to be aware of this trend and focus on making your application stand out even more.
UPenn Admission Requirements
If you’re aiming for UPenn, the application process starts with either the Common App or the Coalition App—both are accepted, and there’s no preference for one over the other. You’ll want to pick whichever platform suits you, but remember: only one application per cycle.
Knowing the ins and outs of the process and what UPenn is looking for can give you a big advantage. So, let’s break it down:
- Transcript of records. Your grades and GPA are a huge deal. Admissions officers will be looking closely at your academic performance to see how you handled the coursework in high school.
- Letters of recommendation. You’ll need three: one from your school counselor, one from a teacher in a core subject, and the third from either another teacher or a community member who knows you well.
- Application essays. Alongside the personal essay that the Common or Coalition App requires, UPenn asks for three supplemental essays. One of them is specific to the school or program you’re applying to within UPenn, so make sure you tailor it.
- Extracurricular activities. UPenn wants to know what you do outside of the classroom. Whether it’s a leadership role in a club, community service, or a sport, your activities reflect your interests and skills.
- Standardized test scores (optional). SAT or ACT scores are optional, but if you have strong scores, submitting them can help boost your application. If not, don’t stress—choosing not to submit won’t hurt your chances.
- Supplementary materials (optional). Got an extra letter of recommendation, a portfolio, or a research project? You can submit those too. Just make sure they add something new to your application. There’s no guarantee they’ll be reviewed.
- Interview (optional). UPenn offers alumni conversations as part of the process, but these interviews don’t impact your admissions decision. Think of it as a way to learn more about the school from someone who’s been there, done that.
UPenn uses a holistic review process, meaning they’ll look at your application as a whole. Your grades and course load are important, but so are your personal essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters. They’re trying to get a full picture of you—your academic strengths, your character, and how you’ll fit into the UPenn community.
What’s especially important to them? First, the rigor of your high school coursework. Taking advanced classes like AP or IB shows you can handle tough material. UPenn also really values your personal qualities—this is where your essays and recommendation letters come into play.
There are other factors that matter too, but they carry a bit less weight. These include things like your class rank, special talents, volunteer work, job experience, whether you’re a first-gen college student, your connections to UPenn alumni, and even where you live.
And what doesn’t matter? UPenn doesn’t care about your religious affiliation, how many times you’ve visited the campus (demonstrated interest), or those alumni conversations—they’re purely informational.
Lastly, while UPenn doesn’t have strict course requirements, here’s what they recommend you take in high school to be prepared:
- 4 years of English
- 4 years of Math
- 4 years of Science (with at least 3 years of lab science)
- 4 years of a Foreign Language
- 2 years of Social Studies
- 2 years of History
Taking advanced courses wherever possible will definitely work in your favor. UPenn values academic rigor, and showing that you can handle challenging classes will help make your application stronger. Following these guidelines gives you a solid sense of how to get into UPenn and what it takes to stand out.
UPenn GPA Requirements
Your GPA is a major player in UPenn’s admissions process since it gives them a snapshot of how you’ve been performing academically over time. There’s no official minimum GPA, but let’s be real—you’ll be up against students with stellar records. And once you’re in, you’ll still need to keep a certain GPA, depending on your program.
UPenn average GPA
According to UPenn’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the average GPA of admitted students is 3.9. What’s more:
- 58% of those accepted had a perfect 4.0, while another 31% landed between 3.75 and 3.99. So, nearly 90% of accepted students had GPAs of 3.75 or higher.
- Also, 92% of admitted students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.
Basically, to stay competitive, you’ll want to aim for that 3.9 or higher.
But GPA isn’t the only thing UPenn cares about. They also value course rigor. If you’ve loaded up on AP, IB, or honors classes, that shows them you’re not afraid to challenge yourself, which could make up for a slightly lower GPA.
What to do if your GPA is below average
If your GPA isn’t where you’d like it to be, don’t panic. UPenn looks at your entire application, not just your GPA. Strong essays, extracurriculars, and glowing recommendation letters can balance out a lower GPA.
And if you’ve taken those tough classes and done well, that tells UPenn you’re up for the challenge. So while your GPA is definitely important, remember it’s just one part of the whole package when you’re thinking about how to get into UPenn.
UPenn SAT Scores
Even though UPenn has made submitting SAT scores optional, if you do decide to include them, they can still make a big difference in your application. There’s no set minimum score, but considering how competitive the admissions process is, the higher your score, the better you’ll stand out.
UPenn average SAT scores
According to UPenn’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the average SAT scores for admitted students are pretty high. Here’s a breakdown:
| 25th Percentile SAT Composite Score | 50th Percentile SAT Composite Score | 75th Percentile SAT Composite Score |
| 1500 | 1540 | 1570 |
For individual sections:
| Section | 25th Percentile Score | 50th Percentile Score | 75th Percentile Score |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) | 730 | 750 | 770 |
| SAT Math | 770 | 790 | 800 |
If you want to maximize your chances, aim for scores at or above the 75th percentile—1570 for the composite score, 770+ in EBRW, and 800 in math. Though the SAT is optional, scoring high can definitely boost your application, especially since more than 95% of admitted students hit the 700-800 range in both sections.
That said, even if your scores fall below the 75th percentile, you’re not out of the running. Plenty of students get into UPenn with lower scores because they excel in other areas, like essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.
Does UPenn require SAT?
For the 2024-25 cycle, UPenn is test-optional, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores. And if you choose not to, you won’t be at a disadvantage. This test-optional policy, which many universities adopted post-COVID, allows more flexibility.
So, should you submit your SAT scores? It depends. If you’ve got strong scores—especially if they’re in the 75th percentile or higher—they can be a great addition to your application. But if your scores are lower or you feel they don’t reflect your academic abilities, it might be better to skip them and focus on other strengths in your application.
UPenn ACT Scores
Even though UPenn doesn’t require ACT scores, they’ll still consider them if you decide to submit. There’s no official minimum ACT score, but to be competitive, aiming high is a good idea. A strong ACT score can add some serious weight to your application.
UPenn average ACT scores
According to UPenn’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the ACT scores of admitted students are impressive. Here’s the breakdown of the composite scores:
| 25th Percentile ACT Composite Score | 50th Percentile ACT Composite Score | 75th Percentile ACT Composite Score |
| 34 | 35 | 35 |
For individual sections, the scores are just as competitive:
| Subject | 25th Percentile Score | 50th Percentile Score | 75th Percentile Score |
| ACT Math | 33 | 35 | 36 |
| ACT English | 35 | 35 | 36 |
| ACT Reading | 34 | 35 | 36 |
| ACT Science | 34 | 35 | 36 |
Basically, most students scoring in the 30-36 range are in good company. In fact, 100% of admitted students landed somewhere between 30 and 36 on their ACT composite score, with 99% scoring between 30 and 36 in English and 97% doing the same in math.
So, to boost your chances, it’s smart to aim for scores in the 75th percentile or higher—think composite 35, with strong individual section scores in math and English.
Does UPenn prefer the ACT or SAT?
UPenn doesn’t have a preference between the ACT and SAT. They view both tests equally since they cover similar material.
That said, more students typically submit SAT scores. For the Class of 2027, only 19% of applicants submitted ACT scores, compared to 51% who sent in SAT scores.
If the ACT works better for you and your scores are solid, you’re good to go. UPenn will evaluate your application the same as they would for someone with SAT scores—it all comes down to how you perform.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into UPenn
Getting into UPenn isn’t easy, but if you’re strategic, you can definitely improve your odds. By honing in on key areas—like your academics, extracurriculars, and how you present yourself in your application—you can boost your overall profile and stand out in a very competitive field.
1. Aim for a high GPA with challenging coursework.
To stay competitive at UPenn, you’ll want to aim for a GPA of around 3.9 or higher, which matches the average for admitted students.
UPenn really values course rigor. They want to see that you’re not just coasting with easy classes but are taking on challenges, like AP, IB, or honors courses. Especially in core subjects like math, science, and English, pushing yourself academically is key.
Maintaining that high GPA means developing some solid study habits:
- Start by building a consistent study routine and break your workload into manageable pieces.
- It helps to stay organized. Use a planner or a digital app to track deadlines and prioritize important tasks.
- If you hit any roadblocks, don’t be shy about asking for help from your teachers or classmates. Clearing up confusion early on will save you a lot of stress later.
- Joining or forming a study group is also a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned while collaborating with others.
2. Pursue meaningful extracurriculars.
UPenn wants to see leadership, commitment, and passion in your extracurricular activities.
They’re big on interdisciplinary learning too, especially in fields like business, healthcare, and social sciences. If your extracurriculars line up with these areas, it can really strengthen your application:
- If you’re into business, joining organizations like DECA or participating in the Wharton Sports Business Academy could highlight your passion.
- If healthcare is your thing, getting involved with HOSA (Future Health Professionals) or securing a research internship at a local hospital shows your dedication.
- For social justice enthusiasts, founding a Model United Nations team or leading a community outreach project will resonate with UPenn’s focus on civic engagement.
The main point is to show admissions officers that you’ve made meaningful contributions to your community and have pursued your passions with focus and consistency.
But at the end of the day, you should focus on activities that genuinely excite you, not just what you think will look good. Authenticity is key here. These extracurriculars will help tell the story of who you are, what you care about, and why UPenn is the perfect place for you to keep growing.
3. Write impactful essays.
Writing strong essays is one of the most important parts of figuring out how to get into UPenn. You’ll need to submit one personal essay through the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with three UPenn-specific supplemental essays. While the personal essay goes to all the schools you’re applying to, the supplemental essays are your chance to speak directly to UPenn, showing why you’re a great fit for their community.
For the personal essay, whatever prompt you choose, it’s all about storytelling. Instead of listing off your achievements, focus on sharing a moment or experience that really shows who you are.
So, don’t just say “I love science.” Paint a picture of the night you stayed up late watching a lunar eclipse and how it sparked your curiosity about the universe, for example. Make it personal. The goal is to let your values and motivations shine through so your reader walks away with a real sense of who you are.
UPenn essay prompts
For the 2024-25 cycle, UPenn asks for three supplemental essays. The first two are common for all applicants, while the third depends on the specific program or school you’re applying to. Here are the two common prompts (150-200 words each):
- 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!)
- How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn.
The third prompt is specific to the school you’re applying to, such as the College of Arts and Sciences or Wharton. You can check those prompts here.
When writing these supplemental essays, focus on being specific. For the thank-you note, choose someone who has impacted you in a meaningful or even unexpected way. For the community prompt, show how your experiences will help you contribute to UPenn’s unique campus. Be real, and use examples that highlight how you’ve already built or been part of a community and how that will carry over to Penn.
4. Secure strong letters of recommendation.
UPenn requires three letters of recommendation: one from your school counselor, one from a teacher in a core subject like English or math, and a third from either another teacher or a community figure who knows you well. These letters give the admissions team insight into your character, work ethic, and academic potential—things that aren’t always clear from your grades and test scores.
To get those strong recs, start building relationships with your recommenders early on. Participate in class, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with your teachers outside of academic topics. Go to office hours, seek advice, and show them who you are as a person, not just a student.
When the time comes to ask for a letter, do it in person if possible, and give them plenty of notice—at least a month before the deadline. Be sure to provide them with any helpful info, like your resume or a list of accomplishments, so they can write a letter that’s personal and detailed.
5. Score high on the SAT/ACT.
Even though UPenn is test-optional, a solid SAT or ACT score can still give your application a nice boost. If you want to be competitive, aim for a score that lands you in the 75th percentile or higher. Nailing these numbers will put you on par with some of the top applicants:
- For the SAT, that’s a composite score of 1570—about 770 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and 800 in Math.
- For the ACT, a composite score of 35 is what you’re shooting for, with individual section scores (math, English, reading, science) hitting around 35 as well.
Preparation is key to reaching these scores. Start with practice tests to figure out where you need improvement and to get comfortable with the exam’s structure. Many students swear by prep books, while others prefer test-prep courses for more structured guidance. If you want a more personalized touch, working with a tutor can help zero in on your weaker areas.
When test day rolls around, don’t forget to manage your time. Pace yourself, and flag tricky questions to tackle later. Staying calm is just as important, so practice stress-busting techniques like deep breathing to keep your focus sharp.
6. Apply Early Decision for an advantage.
If UPenn is your dream school, applying Early Decision (ED) can seriously improve your chances of getting in. Unlike Regular Decision (RD), where you can apply to multiple schools and take your time deciding, ED is binding. That means if you’re accepted through ED, you’re committing to go to UPenn and have to withdraw any other applications you’ve submitted.
The numbers back this up. For the Class of 2026, UPenn’s ED acceptance rate was 15.6%, while RD was a mere 4.4%. That’s nearly four times better odds for ED applicants. Now, 15.6% still means it’s competitive, but if UPenn is your top choice, this gives you a clear advantage. Just remember, you’re committing to UPenn if accepted, so only go this route if you’re 100% sure it’s the school for you.
Another thing: ED requires you to apply earlier, by November 1. That means your essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores need to be ready ahead of the typical deadlines. If you’re prepared to commit and have all your materials in order, ED could be one of your best strategies for figuring out how to get into UPenn.
UPenn Application Deadline
When you’re gearing up to apply to UPenn, staying on top of the deadlines is key. Here’s the timeline you need to keep in mind:
| Date | Event |
| August 1 | Application Start |
| November 1 | Early Decision Deadline |
| Mid-December | Early Decision Notification |
| January 5 | Early Decision Confirmation |
| January 5 | Regular Decision Deadline |
| By April 1 | Regular Decision Notification |
| May 1 | Regular Decision Confirmation (College Decision Day) |
Now, if you apply Early Decision, expect to hear back by mid-December. There are three possible outcomes: you’re either admitted, deferred, or denied. If you’re accepted, the commitment is binding, meaning you’re officially locked in at UPenn. If you’re deferred, your application gets pushed into the RD pool, so you’re not bound by ED anymore. A denial, however, means no more chances for that year’s admissions cycle.
For Regular Decision applicants, you’ll find out by April 1 if you’ve been admitted, waitlisted, or denied. Accepted students have until May 1 to confirm they’re attending. If you end up waitlisted, you can accept your spot and cross your fingers for movement later in the spring or summer. Lastly, if you’ve committed to another school through an ED program elsewhere, you’ll have to withdraw your UPenn RD application.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is UPenn’s acceptance rate?
For the Class of 2028, UPenn’s acceptance rate was 5.4%. It’s one of the toughest schools to get into, so expect serious competition.
2. Is UPenn test-optional?
Yes, for the 2024-25 admissions cycle, UPenn is test-optional. You don’t need to submit SAT or ACT scores, but if you do, they’ll be considered along with the rest of your application.
3. What is UPenn known for?
UPenn is famous for its interdisciplinary approach, especially in business (Wharton), law, healthcare, and social sciences. It’s also a hub for innovation and research.
4. Is UPenn an Ivy League school?
Yes, UPenn is one of the prestigious eight Ivy League schools. They’re known for top-tier academics and highly selective admissions.
5. How much is UPenn tuition?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition is $60,920. When you add housing and other fees, the total can hit $92,288. Fortunately, financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Takeaways
If you’re trying to figure out how to get into UPenn, here are the key points:
- With a 5.4% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028, you’ll need a standout application to get noticed.
- Aim for a GPA of 3.9 or higher—90% of admitted students are at or above this mark. Academic rigor matters.
- While submitting test scores is optional, if you go for it, target a 1570 on the SAT or 35 on the ACT to boost your chances.
- A well-rounded profile with strong extracurriculars, compelling essays, and great recommendation letters is vital.
- Reach out to a college admissions consultant. They can guide you through the application process and boost your chances of getting into UPenn.
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