University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania - Ivy League

Admission Counselling :

Written by UnivAdmitHelp
Category: Insights & Information
Published on 19 Jan 2017

Ben Franklin’s original vision, which saw “an Inclination joined with an Ability to serve Mankind” as “the great Aim and End of all Learning.” Community service runs deep in Penn’s blood.

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is one of the oldest universities in the United States, founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin—printer, inventor, and future founding father of the United States. Penn is highly selective and known for its commitment to academic excellence, research opportunities, and diverse student body.

What would get me admitted to the University of Pennsylvania?

“Hide not your Talents. They for use were made: “What’s a Sun-Dial in the Shade?” by Benjamin Franklin

Like the Sun-Dial in the quote by Benjamin Franklin (founder of UPenn), let your talents and differentiated offering – that is ‘you’ - shine through when you apply to Upenn. Your unique offering highlighting your achievements, preferably structured as a story arc, would help you succeed in getting into UPenn.

The University of Pennsylvania (also known as “Penn” or “UPenn”) is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Penn has 12 schools that offer top-rated undergraduate and graduate programs in the world.

In the University of Pennsylvania admission process for undergraduates, it is essential that the application helps them discover who you are, what is important to you, and how you would flourish at Penn’s campus. Your application should not look like anyone else’s, authenticity is paramount for them. And your hopes, dreams, accomplishments, and interests are yours and yours alone; they should reflect in your application. For them, the ideal candidate believes in applying their knowledge in “service to society” to the wider world. Very clearly, a differentiated application which reflects your persona and helps you stand out from others is what will get you through UPenn.

Important Facts for Undergraduate Programs (Class 2026)

Total applications for Class 2026 – 54,588 (Includes Early and Regular Decision)

Total Admits for Class 2025 – 3,549

Acceptance rate – 6%

Standardized tests – Test-Optional policy for 2023-2024

Average need-based scholarship/grant award - $63,971

Average SAT Score – 1510 - 1560

Average ACT Score – 34 – 36

Average GPA – 3.9

Upenn Student Faculty Ratio – 7:1

According to US News University of Pennsylvania is #7 in the national Universities. It’s a private university.

Did you know UnivAdmitHelp can help you get into top colleges in US and UK? Find out more about our Undergraduate Admission Counselling to see how we can help you gain admission to your dream US or UK university! Check out our results page to find out about our successful UnivAdmitHelp students.

Popular Majors

The University of Pennsylvania (Upenn) offers a wide variety of majors for undergraduate students. These majors are organized into four schools: the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), the School of Nursing, and the Wharton School of Business. In addition, many students opt to pursue an interdisciplinary major or minor.

Business/ Marketing – 20%

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers a Business/Marketing major that provides students with an understanding of the principles and practices of business, economics, and marketing. The major combines coursework in business, economics, and marketing to develop a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of a business. In addition to the core courses, the major also offers an array of elective courses in areas such as consumer behaviour, international marketing, digital marketing, and product development. These courses help students tailor their degree to their particular interests and career goals.

Social Sciences – 16%

The Social Sciences major at UPenn is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the social sciences, including topics such as psychology, sociology, economics, history, and political science. Students will be exposed to a variety of theories, research methods, and perspectives from different disciplines, allowing them to develop a well-rounded understanding of human behaviour, social systems, and social change. Through courses in economics, psychology, sociology, and political science, students will gain an appreciation for the complexity of social phenomena and develop an understanding of the diverse range of theories and research approaches used to study them.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences – 9%

The University of Pennsylvania’s Biological and Biomedical Sciences program is one of the most comprehensive and well-respected programs in the country. The program provides students with a wide variety of research and educational opportunities in the areas of molecular, cellular, and organismal biology, immunology, neuroscience, genetics, and human physiology. Research conducted in the program ranges from basic science to clinical, translational, and biomedical research.

Engineering – 10%

The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (M&T) is one of the most famous engineering majors among all engineering concentrations at the University of Pennsylvania. Students take classes in both engineering and business, allowing them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technological and business aspects of the world. Students have the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in consulting, finance, product design, and more.

Computer and Information Sciences – 9%

UPenn's Department of Computer and Information Science, offers two types of undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) and the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS).

Philosophy and Religious Studies – 7%

At the undergraduate level, students can major in Philosophy or Religious Studies, or pursue a dual degree in both. The curriculum includes courses in the history of religion, ethics, and metaphysics, as well as the study of major religious traditions and theologies. In addition, UPenn offers specialized courses in topics such as the philosophy of religion, religious experience, and the philosophy of science.

What are the most popular programs at the University of Pennsylvania?

Benjamin Franklin advocated an educational program that focused as much on practical education as theory. Penn was one of the first academic institutions to follow a multidisciplinary model pioneered by several European universities, concentrating multiple “faculties” in one stream.

Penn has 12 schools which offer top-rated undergraduate and graduate programs in the world. Penn’s highly-ranked graduate programs include its Wharton School, School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Law School, and School of Medicine. Penn’s other notable graduate programs are its Design School and School of Dental Medicine.

Why University of Pennsylvania?

Penn is situated near the heart of Philadelphia, which is the only World Heritage City of U.S.
Penn is a national leader in academically-based community service through Netter Center for Community Partnerships.
Penn is one of the world’s most powerful research and teaching institutions, with a research budget last year of nearly $1 billion and more than 4,000 active faculty members.