Private not-for-profit
Medium
Ivy League

University of Pennsylvania SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A
ACT RangeN/A
Average GPA3.91
Acceptance Rate5.4%

At Penn, the testing bar is not optional background. With testing required and SAT submission far more common than ACT, aim for about a 1510+ SAT and pair it with a transcript near Penn’s 3.91 average GPA.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of Pennsylvania facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of Pennsylvania is located in an urban setting in Philadelphia and enrolls 10,013 undergraduates. Penn’s freshman retention rate is 99%, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 97%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1. Penn is test-required for admissions.

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Location

Philadelphia, PA

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Key University of Pennsylvania application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 5

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

November 1

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because Penn is test-required, aim to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for superscore-focused retakes. If you’re applying Early Decision by November 1, plan for October to be your last retake so scores can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

House illustration

Penn’s listed cost of attendance is about $87,860 for tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid can significantly change that price: 49% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $70,971. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $32,558.

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Student life at University of Pennsylvania

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Marching band
Choral groups
Concert band
Jazz band
Pep band
Symphony orchestra
Dance
Musical theater
Opera
Music ensembles
Literary magazine
Yearbook
Film society
Student government
Model UN
International student organization
Campus ministries
Housing

52% of undergrads live on campus

Coed
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 19% of men join fraternities, and 17% of women join sororities.

Greek housing available

Similar schools

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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