Princeton University vs University of Pennsylvania

Princeton University is the more selective of the two at 5%, versus 5% at University of Pennsylvania. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Princeton University
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1570
Private · New Jersey
University of Pennsylvania
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · Pennsylvania

Princeton University vs University of Pennsylvania: the differences that matter

How Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania are almost equally selective (5% vs 5%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Princeton University leans more on class rank, standardized test scores, while University of Pennsylvania puts more weight on a similar mix of factors. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Princeton University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1570 and University of Pennsylvania's is around 1560. Admitted students at Princeton University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorPrinceton UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankimportantconsidered
Standardized test scoresvery importantimportant
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantvery important
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantvery important
Talent / abilityvery importantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Princeton University or University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?

Princeton University is harder to get into, with a 5% acceptance rate versus 5% at University of Pennsylvania.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania?

Princeton University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1570, and University of Pennsylvania's is around 1560.

What are my chances at Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.