UPenn Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has built a reputation as one of the toughest schools to get into. With its top-tier programs and global prestige, it pulls in thousands of ambitious, high-achieving students every year. For the Class of 2028, the UPenn acceptance rate dropped to a record-low 5.4%.

If UPenn is on your radar, understanding the acceptance rate is key. It gives you a sense of just how competitive the process is and helps you set realistic goals for your application. This guide will break down the nitty-gritty of UPenn’s acceptance rates, the trends behind them, and the strategies you can use to give yourself an edge. Let’s get into it!

• What Is UPenn’s Acceptance Rate?
• UPenn Acceptance Rate Trends
• UPenn Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• UPenn Early Decision Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into UPenn
• UPenn Transfer Acceptance Rate
• UPenn Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is UPenn’s Acceptance Rate?

UPenn’s admissions process is as tough as it gets. For the Class of 2028, the university received a record-breaking 65,235 applications and accepted only 3,508 students. That puts the UPenn acceptance rate at a razor-thin 5.4%, the lowest in its history.

While UPenn hasn’t released exact numbers for Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rates for the Class of 2028, we can make some educated guesses:

Historically, ED applicants have a better shot because it’s a smaller, more committed pool. Around 8,500 students applied early this year, up from 8,000 the year before, leaving an estimated 56,735 RD applicants. And if trends hold, the RD acceptance rate is likely even tighter than the overall average.

This steady drop in the UPenn acceptance rate mirrors a broader trend at elite schools: more applicants, fewer spots. For you, that means standing out among tens of thousands requires not just good stats but a carefully crafted, well-rounded application.

UPenn yield rate

The yield rate tells you how many admitted students actually enroll. For the Class of 2028, about 2,400 out of 3,508 admitted students chose to attend, giving UPenn a yield rate of 68.4%.

This number says a lot about UPenn’s pull. It’s a clear sign that the university is a top choice for many admitted students, often winning out over other prestigious schools.

For you, though, a high yield rate also means fewer spots for waitlisted applicants—so your best bet is to nail your application from the start. In a pool of strong candidates, the details can make all the difference.

UPenn Acceptance Rate Trends

Over the past decade, the UPenn acceptance rate has been on a steady decline, making the already tough admissions process even more competitive. Just look at the numbers:

Applications have nearly doubled, jumping from 37,267 for the Class of 2019 to a record 65,235 for the Class of 2028. Meanwhile, the acceptance rate has decreased from 9.9% to just 5.4%. That’s a massive drop. It’s because UPenn got stricter and so many more people are applying.

A big reason for this surge is the rise of test-optional policies and increased global access to higher education. UPenn has also been proactive in reaching out to underrepresented communities, further boosting its applicant pool.

But despite all these applications, the size of UPenn’s incoming class hasn’t really grown. Like other Ivies, it’s all about curating a small, diverse, and academically excellent group of students. This means more competition for every spot and higher expectations for grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars.

UPenn’s acceptance rate vs other Ivy League schools

When stacked against its Ivy League peers, UPenn’s acceptance rate lands near the middle of the pack. Here’s how it compares to other Ivies:

For the Class of 2028, UPenn’s 5.4% acceptance rate is tougher than Cornell’s 8.4% but a touch more forgiving than Dartmouth’s 5.3% or Brown’s 5.2%. Harvard leads the charge with an ultra-competitive 3.6%, followed closely by Yale and Columbia. UPenn’s rate is a little less daunting but still reflects its status as a top-tier school.

The differences in Ivy League acceptance rates often boil down to factors like class size, program focus, and application volume. Smaller schools like Princeton naturally have lower rates because of limited space, while larger universities like Cornell can afford to accept more students.

If you’re aiming for multiple Ivies, these stats are a good way to calibrate your expectations. While UPenn might seem more within reach than Harvard or Yale, it’s still a tough nut to crack. Bring your A-game.

UPenn Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

Applying to UPenn through Regular Decision (RD) is not for the faint of heart. It’s the most competitive application route, with an acceptance rate that consistently lags behind Early Decision (ED) and the overall average.

While UPenn hasn’t revealed the RD acceptance rate for the Class of 2028, past numbers paint a pretty clear picture. For the Class of 2027, only 4.4% of the 51,465 RD applicants were admitted. That’s a big drop compared to the 14.9% ED acceptance rate for the same year. Here’s the trend:

Year after year, RD acceptance rates keep shrinking. Back in the Class of 2019, it was still hovering around 7.5%. Fast forward to now, and it’s dipped well below 5%—a sign of how steep the competition has become. The Class of 2028 saw a record-breaking estimated 56,735 RD applications, so it’s safe to assume that acceptance rates are holding steady at these ultra-low levels.

This discrepancy between ED and RD rates underscores the advantage of applying early—if you’re certain UPenn is the place for you. ED applicants show a commitment that admissions officers love, which can give you a real edge. RD applicants, on the other hand, face a much larger pool of equally determined peers, which makes standing out even tougher.

UPenn Regular Decision deadline and notification date

If you’re going the RD route, timing is everything. UPenn’s application deadline is January 5, and decisions usually roll out by April 1. Once you’re in (fingers crossed), you’ve got until May 1 to accept your spot. These deadlines line up with most other Ivy League schools, giving you a fair amount of breathing room to compare offers and make your final choice.

Just make sure all your materials—recommendation letters, transcripts, test scores—are submitted well before the clock runs out. A last-minute scramble could turn an already stressful process into a disaster, and with the UPenn acceptance rate being what it is, you want every detail of your application to shine.

UPenn Early Decision Acceptance Rate

If you’re set on UPenn, applying through Early Decision (ED) might be your best shot at getting in. The ED program is designed for students who are confident UPenn is their top choice—and it offers noticeably better odds compared to Regular Decision (RD).

For the Class of 2028, 8,500 students took the ED route, slightly up from the 8,000 who applied for the Class of 2027. While UPenn hasn’t shared the exact ED acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 yet, past numbers tell the story. ED applicants always have a leg up:

Take the Class of 2027, for instance. The ED acceptance rate was 14.9%, more than three times higher than the RD rate of 4.4% and significantly better than the overall rate of 5.9%. Looking at trends over the past decade, ED rates have steadily dropped—falling from 24% for the Class of 2019 to 14.9% for the Class of 2027.

Even so, applying ED remains a smart move because it puts you in a smaller, more focused pool, and admissions officers appreciate the commitment ED represents.

Of course, the binding nature of ED means you’re all in. If UPenn admits you, you’re required to withdraw all other college applications. There’s only one way out of this obligation: if the financial aid package doesn’t meet your demonstrated need. So, before you commit, make sure you’re ready to embrace everything UPenn has to offer.

UPenn Early Decision deadline and notification date

To meet UPenn’s ED deadline, you’ll need to submit your application by November 1. Decisions roll out by mid-December, giving you an early answer while others are still anxiously waiting. If you’re admitted, you’ll need to lock in your spot by January 5.

ED applicants can receive one of three outcomes: admitted, deferred, or denied. A deferral puts you in the RD pool, where you’ll compete with a larger group of applicants—but the binding agreement no longer applies.

To take full advantage of the ED process, make sure all your materials are in perfect shape and ready to go on time. With the UPenn acceptance rate shrinking every year, a strong and timely application can make all the difference.

How to Get Accepted into UPenn

Applying to UPenn is about crafting an application that highlights your academic strengths, personal achievements, and unique story. You’ll start by using the Common Application or Coalition Application. However, what makes you stand out is how you measure up across the academic and holistic factors UPenn values in its admissions process:

Target GPA

Real talk—your GPA carries a lot of weight. According to UPenn’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, the average GPA for admitted students is 3.9. That translates to nearly straight A’s in a demanding curriculum. It’s also about showing that you’ve challenged yourself with honors, AP, or IB classes. Admissions officers are looking for intellectual curiosity and a willingness to push your limits.

If your GPA isn’t quite there, don’t panic. A slightly lower GPA can still work if other parts of your application—like standout essays or test scores—shine brightly.

Target test scores

For the 2024-25 application cycle, UPenn is test-optional, but that doesn’t mean test scores don’t matter. If you choose to submit them, they’d better be strong.

According to UPenn’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, the mid-50% SAT range for admitted students is 1500–1570, with the ACT range sitting at 34–35. To really impress, aim for scores near the upper end. Think 1550+ on the SAT or 35 on the ACT.

If your scores don’t quite hit these benchmarks, consider skipping them and focusing on other strengths, like stellar essays or leadership in extracurriculars. But if your scores are solid, they can definitely boost your application.

Other requirements

UPenn’s holistic admissions process means they want to see the whole picture—what you’re passionate about, how you spend your time, and how you’ll contribute to their community. You can review UPenn’s first-year admission requirements to ensure you meet all necessary criteria before submitting your application.

• Extracurriculars. No need to do everything under the sun! It’s about doing a few things really well. Whether you’re leading a club, diving into a research project, or spearheading a community initiative, show depth and commitment. UPenn loves to see innovation, leadership, and civic engagement.
• Essays. This is where you can really shine. Beyond your personal essay for the Common or Coalition Application, UPenn asks for three supplemental essays. Use these to highlight your perspective, explain why UPenn is the perfect fit for you, and share how you’ll add to the campus vibe. Be authentic—your essays should sound like you, not a checklist of achievements.
• Recommendation letters. You’ll need three: two from teachers who know your academic skills and one from your school counselor. The best recommendations come from people who can tell specific stories about your work ethic, curiosity, or leadership. Pick recommenders who know you well and can bring your application to life.

With the UPenn acceptance rate at a record-low 5.4% for the Class of 2028, every detail in your application matters. Focus on your strengths, stay authentic, and make sure your application reflects not just who you are but who you want to become. For more tips on nailing your UPenn application, check out our comprehensive guide!

UPenn Transfer Acceptance Rate

Transferring to UPenn? Buckle up, because it’s an uphill battle. With a UPenn acceptance rate for transfers sitting at a slim 4.6%, it’s even more selective than getting in as a first-year student (which is already at 5.4% for the Class of 2028). UPenn’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024 shows that they received 3,885 transfer applications, admitted only 178, and saw 132 of those students enroll.

Unlike first-year applicants, transfer hopefuls are held to slightly different standards. UPenn still uses a holistic review process, but transfer students need a solid, compelling reason to make the move. It’s about showing that UPenn has what your current school doesn’t, like a specific program, research opportunity, or unique academic resources.

On top of that, you’re expected to meet the same high academic and extracurricular standards as first-year applicants. You’ll need to submit:

• High school and college transcripts, showing strong performance across the board.
• A knockout transfer essay that explains why UPenn is your dream school and how it aligns with your goals.
• Recommendation letters, ideally from college professors or advisors who can vouch for your potential.

UPenn also looks closely at your completed coursework to see how it fits with their degree requirements. If your classes don’t line up well, it could hurt your chances.

At the end of the day, transferring to UPenn is no small feat. You’ll need a standout application that showcases academic excellence, transferable credits, and a clear, convincing reason why UPenn is the perfect fit for you.

UPenn Waitlist Acceptance Rate

Being waitlisted at UPenn means you’re still in the running, but your odds of getting in are slim. According to UPenn’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, 3,010 students were offered a waitlist spot, 2,288 accepted it, and only 40 were eventually admitted. That puts the latest UPenn waitlist acceptance rate at a razor-thin 1.7%.

If those numbers sound discouraging, it’s because they reflect the intense competition for any remaining seats. And here’s the catch: waitlist acceptance rates swing wildly from year to year. For the Class of 2026, 147 students were admitted off the waitlist, bumping the rate to 5.9%. Meanwhile, the Class of 2024 saw a relatively generous 16.6% waitlist acceptance rate, with 391 students making the cut.

The takeaway? The waitlist is unpredictable, hinging on how many initially admitted students turn down their spots.

What to do if you’re waitlisted

Being on the waitlist means UPenn sees potential in you but doesn’t currently have room. Admission is contingent on spaces opening up after the first wave of admits finalize their decisions. While the odds are slim, there are a few things you can do to stay proactive:

• Accept your spot. Confirm your interest via the applicant portal as soon as possible.
• Send a letter of continued interest (LOCI). Use this to reaffirm your enthusiasm for UPenn. Share updates like new achievements or projects that strengthen your application, but keep it concise and focused.
• Don’t overdo it. One well-crafted LOCI is enough—resist the urge to flood the admissions office with multiple updates.
• Have a backup plan. Secure your spot at another college by their deposit deadline. While you wait, plan as if UPenn isn’t an option, so you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Waiting on a waitlist can feel like a long shot, and let’s face it—it is. But being waitlisted at a school with such a competitive UPenn acceptance rate is still a testament to your hard work and potential. Keep your options open and focus on what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is UPenn’s latest overall acceptance rate?

UPenn’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 hit a historic low of 5.4%. Out of a massive 65,235 applicants, only 3,508 were admitted—a clear sign of just how competitive things have gotten.

2. What is UPenn’s Early Decision acceptance rate?

The Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 hasn’t been officially announced, but we can look at the Class of 2027 for context. That year, the ED acceptance rate was 14.9%, which is significantly higher than the Regular Decision rate of just 4.4%.

3. What is UPenn’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

The Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 hasn’t been released yet. However, for the Class of 2027, it stood at a slim 4.4%. Compared to the ED rate of 14.9%, it’s clear that applying early can boost your chances, though the competition is intense no matter when you apply.

4. What is UPenn’s transfer acceptance rate?

UPenn’s transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 was just 4.6%. Out of 3,885 transfer applicants, only 178 were admitted, and 132 enrolled. That’s an even tougher rate than for first-year applicants, so you’ll need a strong case to make the cut.

5. What is UPenn’s waitlist acceptance rate?

UPenn’s waitlist acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 was a slim 1.7%. Of the 3,010 students offered a waitlist spot, 2,288 accepted, and only 40 were eventually admitted. However, waitlist outcomes can vary wildly from year to year, depending on how many admitted students decline their offers.

Takeaways

UPenn’s acceptance rate is a reminder of just how competitive Ivy League admissions can get. Let’s break it down:

• For the Class of 2028, UPenn’s acceptance rate hit an all-time low of 5.4%. Out of 65,235 applicants, only 3,508 received the coveted “yes.”
• When you compare it to other Ivies, UPenn’s acceptance rate sits in the middle. It’s higher than Harvard’s 3.6% but lower than Cornell’s 8.4%.
• The Class of 2027 saw a 14.9% ED acceptance rate, significantly better than the RD rate of just 4.4%. The takeaway? If you’re sold on UPenn, applying ED gives you a real boost.
• To stay competitive, you’ll want a GPA close to 3.9, paired with an SAT score of 1570+ or an ACT score of 35+. But don’t stop there. Essays that show your authenticity, extracurriculars that reflect your passions, and glowing recommendations are just as crucial.
• With such a slim UPenn acceptance rate, having a strategy is everything. This is where a college admissions consultant can make a difference, helping you create an application that checks all the right boxes for UPenn’s selective process.