University of Pennsylvania: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 6% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1560 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 35 |
| Location | PA |
| School type | Private |
The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It admits roughly 6% of applicants each year, placing it among the hardest schools to get into in the country. UPenn is known for combining strong liberal arts programs with professional schools under one roof.
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A 6% acceptance rate puts Penn in the same range as its Ivy League peers. For every 100 students who apply, about 6 receive an offer. That kind of selectivity means qualified applicants are regularly turned away, and no single factor guarantees admission.
The students who do get in usually bring a combination of rigorous coursework, strong grades, solid test scores, and some form of genuine passion that comes through in their application. Penn also looks for intellectual curiosity and a sense of why you specifically want to be there.
Test scores that make you competitive
Admitted students at Penn score up to 1560 on the SAT and 35 on the ACT at the 75th percentile. Half of admitted students score below those marks, so high scores help but are not the only thing that matters. Penn has adopted a test-optional policy, giving applicants the flexibility to decide whether submitting scores works in their favor.
What University of Pennsylvania looks for
Penn places a lot of weight on intellectual engagement. Students who show real curiosity about ideas, not just the ability to earn good grades, tend to stand out. Beyond academics, the admissions office looks for students who have pursued something with real commitment, whatever that area happens to be.
A clear sense of why Penn fits you specifically is also valuable. With its mix of professional schools and a strong college of arts and sciences, applicants who can articulate their specific interests in connection to what Penn offers tend to write more compelling essays.
Estimate your chances at University of Pennsylvania
CollegeCalcAI offers a free calculator at collegecalcai.com where you can enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular profile to get an estimate of your odds at Penn. It is a quick way to see how you stack up and decide how to position Penn on your college list.
Frequently asked questions
What is University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate?
Penn's acceptance rate is approximately 6%, consistent with its standing as an Ivy League university.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for University of Pennsylvania?
The SAT 75th percentile for admitted students is 1560, and the ACT 75th percentile is 35. Scores in that range are competitive, though Penn considers the full application.
Is University of Pennsylvania hard to get into?
Absolutely. With a 6% acceptance rate, Penn is one of the most selective schools in the country. Strong applicants are regularly denied, which is why fit and the quality of your overall application matter so much.
See your real odds at University of Pennsylvania
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.