University of Pennsylvania
Ivy League school in Philadelphia with top business (Wharton) and engineering programs. Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, Penn is home to the Wharton School, the first collegiate business school established in the United States. Four distinct undergraduate schools, College, Wharton, Engineering, and Nursing, allow dual-degree programs that combine, for example, business with engineering. Known for interdisciplinary study and a practical, career-focused approach to the liberal arts.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education. Figures reflect the most recently published class — always confirm current-cycle numbers on Penn's official admissions site before applying.
What SAT/ACT Scores Do Admitted Students Have?
The middle 50% of Penn's admitted students scored within these ranges:
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (25th–75th percentile of admitted students). Get your own personalized chance estimate →
Will You Get Into Penn?
This estimate compares the test score you enter against Penn's real published middle-50% band (1510–1570 SAT, 34–36 ACT) and its 5.4% acceptance rate to produce a Safety, Target, or Reach label. It intentionally does not use GPA — no institution publishes real per-school GPA distribution data, so we don't invent one.
With only a 5.4% acceptance rate, Penn is a reach for almost every applicant, regardless of test scores.
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Source: Penn admissions, 2026–27 (fall 2027 entry), verified Oct 2026.
Required Supplements
- Common App
- Penn Supplement
- School Report
- Teacher Evaluation
Requirements vary by cycle. Confirm what Penn currently asks for on its official admissions site.
What Should Your Penn Essay Focus On?
- Show genuine interest in specific schools/majors at Penn
- The "environment" essay is crucial — explain why Penn specifically
- Demonstrate you understand Penn's unique structure
- Let your enthusiasm for your chosen interest shine through
What Is Penn Looking For in Applicants?
- Academic excellence clearly matched to one of the four undergraduate schools, since each reads applications separately
- A specific, well-reasoned fit with College, Wharton, Engineering, or Nursing, since each has its own admissions read
- Intellectual curiosity paired with initiative, especially for students proposing a dual-degree combination
- A specific contribution to the Penn community, drawn from real experience rather than a generic promise
See where you stand at Penn.
Skora estimates your chances from Penn's acceptance rate and its admitted students' test scores, then gives you feedback on every essay. Free to start.
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