University of Pennsylvania

Getting in is the hard part. University of Pennsylvania admitted 5.4% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1510–1570 on the SAT and 34–36 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of Pennsylvania actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

A Wharton student takes neuroscience; an engineer studies ethics — Penn is built to cross disciplines.

Four undergraduate schools with seamless cross-enrollment.

• Oldest business schoolFounded 1881 · #1 ranked · 1,200+ undergrads
• M&T & HuntsmanBusiness + Engineering · Business + Language
• $2.17B a year2nd in the US · 200+ research centers

Verified from upenn.edu and admissions.upenn.edu.

• Next deadlineNovember 1, 2026 (ED)
• Regular decisionJanuary 5, 2027
• Recommendations0 letters
• Personal essayRequired
• ApplicationCommon App

Verified from upenn.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

• Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!)

  Up to 200 words

• How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn.

  Up to 200 words

• The College of Arts and Sciences is designed to foster discovery and connection. Describe something you are curious about—something you'd like to learn more about or find a new approach to—and how you might pursue that curiosity in the College.

  Up to 200 words

• Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science. Why are you applying to Nursing, where do you see yourself professionally in the future, and how will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare?

  Up to 200 words

• Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

  Up to 200 words

• Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Discuss a current issue of importance to you and how you hope a Wharton education would help you explore it.

  Up to 200 words

• Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Describe how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn, particularly within the intended major you selected.

  Up to 200 words

• Describe your experience with the target language you selected. You may wish to share the length of time you've studied or used this language, how you've learned it, the skills you've acquired, and/or the skills you still wish to develop. Please also explain why you are interested in studying this language and the region(s) of the world where it is spoken.

  Up to 200 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from upenn.edu.

The sticker price is about $89,028, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $28,699.

The Quaker Commitment meets 100% of need with grants and scholarships only — zero loans.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $111,371.

Verified from upenn.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“Work hard, play hard — debating at midnight, networking by day, gallery-hopping at 2am.”

Step into a Gothic quad, step out into a thriving city; houses mix undergrads, grads and faculty.

How hard is it to get into University of Pennsylvania?

Very hard. University of Pennsylvania admits 5.4% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1510 to 1570 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

When is the University of Pennsylvania application deadline?

The next deadline is November 1, 2026 (ED). Regular Decision closes January 5, 2027.

How much does University of Pennsylvania cost?

The list price is about $89,028, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $28,699. University of Pennsylvania meets full demonstrated financial need.

Is University of Pennsylvania worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $111,371 ten years after enrolling, and 97% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.