I'm really interested in applying to the University of Pennsylvania and I'm trying to get a better understanding of how competitive it is. I've heard that Ivy League schools have pretty low acceptance rates in general, but I was hoping someone could provide more specific information on UPenn's acceptance rate. How does it compare to other Ivies? Also, are there any particular programs or majors within UPenn that are notably more competitive? I'd love to hear from anyone familiar with their admissions process. Thanks!
The University of Pennsylvania, like other Ivy League schools, does indeed have a rather competitive acceptance rate. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the acceptance rate was around 8%. That means for every 100 applicants, roughly 8 get accepted. It's worth mentioning that this rate fluctuates slightly each year, but it typically hovers somewhere in the single digits.
When you compare UPenn's acceptance rate to other Ivy League schools, it falls roughly in the middle. Some Ivies like Harvard and Columbia tend to have lower acceptance rates (around 5-6%), while others like Dartmouth and Cornell tend to have slightly higher rates (between 8-12%). But the differences can be quite small and vary from year to year.
As for specific programs within UPenn, the acceptance rate can vary quite substantially depending on which undergraduate school within the university you apply to. Some programs, like the Wharton School of Business, are notoriously competitive due to its prestigious reputation. Other programs like the School of Engineering and Applied Science or the College of Arts and Sciences might have slightly higher acceptance rates. However, UPenn (like many other universities) doesn't publicly disclose acceptance rates broken down by major or school.
In terms of the application process, having strong academic credentials (GPA, test scores, rigor of high school curriculum) is crucial, of course. However, it's also really important at highly selective universities like UPenn to have impressive extracurricular achievements, notable leadership roles, and compelling application essays. Hope this insight helps as you consider applying to UPenn! Best of luck in your preparations.
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