UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 9,995 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Ivy+Pre-Professional
Accept
5.9%
Yield
—
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1500–1570
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
730–770
SAT Math (mid 50%)
770–800
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
34–35
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTEAverage unweighted 3.9; 92% of enrolled in top 10% of HS class
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED | Nov 1 | 14.8% | ED: Nov 1, 14.85% |
| RD | Jan 5 | 4.0% | RD: Jan 5, ~4% |
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$60,920
Total COA
$87,860
Avg need-based aid
$66,764
Avg merit award
None
Net price after avg need aid
$21,096
Penn meets 100% of demonstrated need on average.
ImportantPenn does not award non-need merit scholarships. All institutional aid is need-based. Use this honestly with families: a strong applicant here gets in, but the price is set by the FAFSA/CSS, not by stats.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Penn's AP Policy
With the exception of the Foreign Language requirement, no AP credit or waivers can be used to fulfill the General Education Requirements.
Min score
4
Credit cap
32 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application essayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Very Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
The University of Pennsylvania is a scholarly community that advances discovery and opportunity toward a better future for all. We embrace excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect. Penn’s culture is inspired by its founder, Benjamin Franklin—open-minded and curious, inventive and practical, exhibiting brilliance across fields, imperfect but self-improving, and relentlessly focused on enhancing social good.
Distilled Themes
interdisciplinary researchservice to the publicleadership in a globally connected worldinnovation and entrepreneurship
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Intellectual curiosity and a love of learning for its own sake.
- 02A demonstrated commitment to community service and making a positive impact on the world.
- 03Leadership potential and a track record of taking initiative.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a strong academic record, particularly in the most challenging courses available.
- 02Write a compelling essay that showcases your unique voice and personality.
- 03Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A generic application that doesn't show a specific interest in Penn
- A lack of demonstrated passion or leadership in extracurricular activities
- A weak essay or letters of recommendation
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
The Wharton School (business)School of Engineering and Applied ScienceSchool of NursingPerelman School of Medicine
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 1, 2025
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Apr 1, 2026
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
Not trackedWeight: Considered
UPenn's official admissions policy states they do not track demonstrated interest, although their Common Data Set indicates it is 'Considered'.
Save the energy
Focus on essays and academics; do not spend effort on interest signals.
Provenance