The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution.
What is the University of Pennsylvania?
The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1749 by Benjamin Franklin, who was also the University’s first president. He advocated for an educational institution in which students were trained to be leaders in academia and public service.
Testing Scores for Admission
According to the college, the average SAT score ranges from 1490 to 1560, while the average ACT score is between 35 and 36. The average unweighted GPA of acceptance is around 3.9 and 96% of students placed in the top decile of their graduating class. As such, GPA is just as important as the main two standardized tests.
Acceptance & Graduation Rate
To get into UPenn, a student’s standardized test scores and high school GPA have to be exceptional. This is reflected in the acceptance rate as it is %. However, this school has enrolled some of the brightest students as the graduation rate is 96%.
How Are Applicants Rated?
Six factors are rated as being “most important” in admissions decisions at the University of Pennsylvania; Rigor of coursework in high school, GPA, standardized test scores, application essay, recommendations, and character/personal qualities. The next tier of “important” factors includes class rank, interview, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability.
Tips to Get Into UPenn
- All Ivy Leagues, including Penn accept the Common App so students should use that to their advantage by filling out the activities section.
- Penn’s exceptionally high yield rate can be explained due to the fact that a majority of the class was brought aboard via binding early decision. There are over 1,000 NCAA Division I athletes competing for the Quakers, so athletic ability counts for a lot.
- An interview is not a mandatory part of the admissions process, but 90% of applicants are typically offered one with alumni volunteers. Interviews are primarily informational in nature (although they are part of the admissions process) and can be conducted in-person or on Skype.
- Unlike many Ivies, Penn does consider “demonstrated interest” so be sure to make contact with the university throughout the process. This can include a campus visit, an email to an admissions officer, connecting with the school via social media, or attending a Penn event in your area.
How Does Penn Compare to Other Top Universities?
Penn’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is over 70%. The takeaway is that an exceptionally high number of those admitted to Penn ultimately choose to attend the university. For comparison, elite schools such as Duke, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Claremont McKenna all have yield rates closer to 60%.
Are you or will you be attending the University of Pennsylvania?
Stock up on gear to show your pride for the Quakers. Grab this sweatshirt, or this UPenn pennant.
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