The University of Pennsylvania‘s acceptance rate for the Class of 2024 was a competitive 5.9%. This reflects the high standards of Ivy League institutions, where applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and compelling personal essays. Beyond its rigorous admissions process, Penn is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse range of programs and vibrant campus life. To learn more about the University of Pennsylvania’s acceptance rate, recent trends, and the distinctions between early and regular decision applications, continue reading.
Attribute | Details |
Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
Type | Private Ivy League Research University |
Acceptance Rate | 5.9%. |
Top Programs | Finance, Philosophy, Political science and government, Computer science, Biology/biological sciences and Management Science to name a few. |
Ranking | #11 (QS World University Rankings 2025) |
Application Deadlines | Early Decision: November 1, 2024Regular Decision: January 5, 2025 |
This Blog Includes:
The University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate 2024
The University of Pennsylvania consists of an inclusive community where international students from all across the world come together to pursue their higher education. As per the official website of the university, UPenn received more than 59,000 applications for the class of 2027. However, only 2,400 students could get enrolled in the university. Going by this, we can easily estimate that the University of Pennsylvania’s acceptance rate is 5.9%.
Take a look at this table for detailed information about the Univerity of Pennsylvania acceptance rate:
Particulars | Headcount |
Applications Received | 59,465 |
Admitted Students | 3,300 |
Enrolled Students | 2,246 |
Acceptance Rate | 5.9% |
University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate for International Students
UPenn has a notably lower acceptance rate for international students, showing the heightened competitiveness for non-U.S. applicants:
- Total International Applicants (Fall 2022): 12,222
- Accepted International Students: 431
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 3.5%
The largest international student demographics include students from Canada, the UK, China, India, and Hong Kong.
Geographical Distribution of International Students
- Asia: 42%
- Europe: 19%
- Canada and Mexico: 15%
- Africa and Middle East: 12%
- Central & South America and the Caribbean: 8%
- Australia and the Pacific: 3%
Also Read: University of Pennsylvania Rankings 2024-2025
University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate Trends Over the Years
UPenn’s acceptance rate has consistently declined as applications have increased. Here we have listed UPenn’s acceptance rate trends over recent admission cycles:
Class of | Applications Received | Students Accepted | Acceptance Rate |
2027 | 59,465 | 3,300 | 5.9% |
2026 | 55,000 | 3,300 | 6.0% |
2025 | 56,333 | 3,202 | 5.68% |
2024 | 42,205 | 3,404 | 8.07% |
2023 | 44,960 | 3,345 | 7.44% |
The increase in applications has caused a drop in acceptance rates, with over 59,000 students eyeing for a place in the Class of 2027.
Also Read: Study at UPenn
Early Decision vs. Regular Decision Acceptance Rates
Applying early can significantly increase an applicant’s chances of admission at UPenn, a common trend in highly selective institutions.
Class of | Early Decision Acceptance Rate | Regular Decision Acceptance Rate |
2026 | 15.6% | 4.4% |
2025 | 15% | 4.1% |
2024 | 19.7% | 5.9% |
2023 | 17.9% | 5.4% |
For the Class of 2026, UPenn received nearly 7,795 Early Decision applications, with a significantly higher acceptance rate of 15.6% compared to the Regular Decision’s 4.4%.
Also Read: University of Pennsylvania Notable Alumni
University of Pennsylvania: Admission Requirements for International Students
To gain admission to UPenn, international applicants must meet several academic requirements:
- Academic Transcripts and mid-year/final mark sheets
- Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)
- Standardized Test Scores: SAT or ACT
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 730-780, Median: 760
- SAT Math Component: 770-800, Median: 790
- ACT Composite Score: 34-35
- Proof of English Proficiency: IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (80)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume or CV
- Finally, an application fee of USD 90
Also Read: University of Pennsylvania Scholarships for International Students
Tips for Getting Accepted at UPenn
Here we have mentioned some of the tips to get into the University of Pennsylvania:
- High Academic Performance: Consistently high grades and impressive SAT/ACT scores are essential.
- Extracurricular Excellence: UPenn values students who engage meaningfully in extracurriculars, demonstrating leadership, service, and passion.
- Powerful Personal Statement/Essay: Crafting a compelling personal statement that aligns with UPenn’s values and mission.
- Early Application: Early Decision can improve acceptance chances due to the generally higher acceptance rate for early applicants.
- Holistic Profile: UPenn adopts a holistic approach, favouring well-rounded applicants who excel academically and contribute to their communities.
Check similar blogs on Acceptance Rate
FAQs
Yes, UPenn is difficult to get into, with low acceptance rates, especially for competitive programs and early-decision applicants.
A GPA of around 3.9 to 4.0 is ideal, though UPenn considers overall application strength beyond GPA.
UPenn’s international acceptance rate is low, around 5-10%, reflecting high competition and limited spots for international applicants.
We hope that this blog was able to provide you with all the information regarding the University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate. Lastly, for more such content on universities to study abroad, stay tuned to Leverage Edu. Thank you for reading!