University of Pennsylvania

You can apply via the Common App to UPenn

You can also apply via the Coalition Application

Applying via the Quest Bridge Application is also an option

Mandatory forms

  • Common App or Coalition Application + Penn-specific Essay
  • Official High School Transcript
  • School Report
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • One counselor recommendation – your high school counselor should evaluate your accomplishments 
    • One teacher recommendation – you should ask teachers who have taught you recently (in you junior or senior year) in your major academic subjects. It is good to ask teachers who know you well and can say something about your engagement in the classroom
    • Other recommendation – this can be another teacher recommendation or a non-academic one, for which you can ask a coach, mentor, arts or music instructor, etc. 
  • Early Decision Agreement – note that this is only if you choose to apply for Early Decision
  • Mid-Year Report
    • Early Decision – should be submitted by February 2023 if a student is deferred 
    • Regular Decision – the report has to be submitted by the school when mid-year grades are available
  • Final Report
    • You should submit it in June if you are a matriculating student

Standardized testing

You can submit either the SAT or ACT

Interviews

Interviews are offered based on availability. The interviews are between the applicant and a Penn alumni volunteer, and more than 90% of the applicants are offered an interview, depending on volunteer availability. However, you shouldn’t worry if you are not invited for an interview. 

  • Early Decision – Mid October–Early December
  • Regular Decision – December–Early March

Supplementary materials

Fine Arts Supplement + Additional Letter of Recommendation (1) – The deadline submitting the portfolio are 10 days after the application deadlines

  • For the additional letter of recommendation, submit one if you feel it would add something further to your application which hasn’t been captured somewhere else
  • If you want to major in Music, Fine Arts, or Digital Media Design, it is a great idea to submit portfolios as part of the application process

For international applicants...

If English isn’t your native language or the primary language of instruction at your school,  you are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. However, it is important to note that currently, Penn does not accept the IELTS Indicator exam or MyBest scores for the TOEFL.

 Penn’s school code for the TOEFL is 2926.

Make sure that Penn is a recipient university when you register for an examination. Also, score reports should be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions through official testing agencies because Penn does not accept self-reported scores for the English proficiency exams. 

Financial aid

Make sure to check out the financial aid checklist if you decide. Here you will find all of the required documents and dates.

Check out UPenn's website for further information