University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania overview
Penn, also known as the University of Pennsylvania, is an Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding leaders, established it in 1740. Penn is one of the earliest institutions of higher education in the United States. It is known for its emphasis on both teaching and research. Its alumni include many notable figures from diverse disciplines, including politics, commerce, science, and the arts.
Penn's 12 colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's professional schools are especially well known. They include the Wharton School (the first collegiate business school, 1881) and the School of Nursing. They also include the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Perelman School of Medicine. Penn is also known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary education. The university encourages you to take courses from a variety of disciplines and institutions.
Penn's urban campus sits in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood. It is a lively place that blends historic and contemporary architecture with numerous libraries, research centers, and student lodging facilities. Penn has more than 450 student societies and organizations covering a broad spectrum of interests, including academics, the arts, culture, athletics, and more. The university also provides student support services such as academic advising, career services, and wellness resources.
Penn belongs to the Ivy League and has a long history of excellence in varsity athletics, intramural sports, and physical education. The Penn Relays, one of the most prestigious track and field competitions in the United States, is held each year at Franklin Field. Numerous traditions shape Penn's distinctive culture. For instance, "Hey Day" is an annual spring event that marks the transition from junior to senior status.
About University of Pennsylvania
Penn, also known as the University of Pennsylvania, is an Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding leaders, established it in 1740. Penn is one of the earliest institutions of higher education in the United States. It is known for its emphasis on both teaching and research. Its alumni include many notable figures from diverse disciplines, including politics, commerce, science, and the arts.
Penn's 12 colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's professional schools are especially well known. They include the Wharton School (the first collegiate business school, 1881) and the School of Nursing. They also include the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Perelman School of Medicine. Penn is also known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary education. The university encourages you to take courses from a variety of disciplines and institutions.
Penn's urban campus sits in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood. It is a lively place that blends historic and contemporary architecture with numerous libraries, research centers, and student lodging facilities. Penn has more than 450 student societies and organizations covering a broad spectrum of interests, including academics, the arts, culture, athletics, and more. The university also provides student support services such as academic advising, career services, and wellness resources.
Penn belongs to the Ivy League and has a long history of excellence in varsity athletics, intramural sports, and physical education. The Penn Relays, one of the most prestigious track and field competitions in the United States, is held each year at Franklin Field. Numerous traditions shape Penn's distinctive culture. For instance, "Hey Day" is an annual spring event that marks the transition from junior to senior status.
University of Pennsylvania faculties and programs
Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Feminist Studies
Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Global Gender and Sexuality Studies
Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - LGBTQ Studies
Biological Mathematics
General Mathematics
East Asian Languages and Civilizations / Dual Language
Data Analytics and Social Sciences
Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences
Insurance and Risk Management
Management
University of Pennsylvania scholarships and financial aid
The University of Pennsylvania offers financial aid to international students in the form of need-based financial aid and scholarships. The university has a need-aware admission policy for international students. This means the university may consider your financial need when making an admission decision. However, if you are admitted to the University of Pennsylvania as an international student and you demonstrate financial need, the university is committed to meeting 100% of that demonstrated need.
To be considered for need-based financial aid, international students must submit the CSS Profile during the application process. This information helps the university assess your family's financial situation and calculate the amount of financial aid needed. Financial aid packages at the University of Pennsylvania typically consist of grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid. A package may also include a work-study component, which gives you an opportunity to work part-time on campus.
University of Pennsylvania Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate
Application Materials
- Common App or Coalition Application
- Application Fee
- School Report
- Teacher Evaluations
- Official Transcripts from Secondary School
- Mid-Year Report
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of basic education
- High School Diploma
- Certificate in English Proficiency
- A certificate in English proficiency from an internationally recognized test such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic.
- High Grade Point Average
- SAT or ACT Standardized Test Score
- Supplemental Application Essays
Please note that AP and IB exam scores count as additional pieces of academic information. They can help the university understand your level of preparation and your potential for college level work. AP and IB exam scores do not guarantee admission to the University of Pennsylvania.
Graduate
- Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High Grade Point Average
- Official transcripts of the courses you took during your college or university education
- Work experience may be required for certain programs
- Certificate in English Proficiency
- A certificate in English proficiency from an internationally recognized test such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.
- A GRE/GMAT exam score may be required, in line with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of Pennsylvania application process.
Take a closer look at University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania's urban campus is in the University City section of West Philadelphia. It gives you a rich, interactive environment for your studies. The campus is known for historic architecture mixed with modern facilities, beautiful landscaping, and easy access to downtown Philadelphia.
The campus blends historic and modern architecture. It includes the Fisher Fine Arts Library, a National Historic Landmark, and the modern Singh Center for Nanotechnology. College Hall, built in 1871, is one of the oldest structures on campus. Penn's campus has a number of green spaces, among them College Green, which is often busy with students studying or relaxing. Locust Walk, a tree-lined pathway through the heart of the campus, is a popular spot for student organizations to promote their activities.
The university has several libraries with extensive collections. The Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center is the main library on campus. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, commonly called the Penn Museum, houses an extensive collection of artifacts from around the world. The campus also includes Franklin Field, one of the oldest stadium facilities in the country, and the Palestra, a historic arena that hosts basketball games.
The university has several college houses, which serve as living-learning communities for undergraduate students. This is a group of buildings on the campus that provide space for student activities, events, and services. Houston Hall, in the Perelman Quadrangle, is America's first student union building. The campus holds a variety of public art, including the LOVE sculpture and the Benjamin Franklin statue in front of College Hall.
Penn, also known as the University of Pennsylvania, gives you numerous opportunities for social engagement, personal development, and academic enrichment. The university has more than 450 registered student organizations. They represent academic, cultural, performing arts, professional, political, recreational, religious, service, and athletic interests.
Numerous fraternities and sororities make up a substantial Greek community at Penn. Most first-year students live in one of the College Houses on campus, which are designed to bring living and learning together. After the first year, you can move to the University City neighborhood. Numerous dining facilities, cafés, and food carts are spread across Penn's campus, so you have a variety of dining alternatives. The culinary services provide a variety of menu arrangements to meet various dietary requirements.
Penn is a member of the Ivy League, and students compete in numerous varsity sports. Along with club and intramural athletics, the university offers fitness and wellness programs. Long-standing Penn traditions include HeyDay, when juniors become seniors, and Spring Fling, a weekend of concerts and festivities. Another is Throwdown, a large culinary competition between college dormitories. Numerous theater productions, dance performances, a cappella concerts, and other events take place at Penn throughout the year, creating a thriving performing arts scene.
Penn provides a variety of support services for your success and well-being. These include academic assistance, career services, counseling and psychological services, and multicultural resource centers, among others. Penn's urban location gives you access to the cultural, historical, and social opportunities of Philadelphia. Numerous students explore the city's institutions, attend concerts, enjoy the local culinary scene, and take part in community service in the city.
Since the day it was established, the University of Pennsylvania has produced alumni who have made creative and significant contributions. Their work reaches society, the arts and sciences, business, and national and international affairs. Notable alumni of the University of Pennsylvania include:
- Abby Huntsman
- Ahmed Zewail
- Ahn Cheol-soo
- Alice Paul
- Andrea Mitchell
- Beau Biden
- Becki Newton
- Bobby Troup
- Bruce Dern
- Candice Bergen
- Charles Addams
- Dick Wolf
- Donald Trump
- Elizabeth Banks
- Elon Musk
- Ezra Pound
- Finnegan Biden
- Gloria Allred
- I. M. Pei
- John Doman
- John Legend
- John Sculley
- Jonathan Haidt
- Ken Olin
- Laurene Powell Jobs
- Lia Thomas
- Lynn Toler
- Martin Seligman
- Maury Povich
- Mehmet Oz
- Melissa Rivers
- Naomi Biden
- Nikki Giovanni
- Noah Schnapp
- Noam Chomsky
- Rebecca Rittenhouse
- Selçuk Bayraktar
- Shakira
- Steve Wynn
- Sundar Pichai
- Tiffany Trump
- Tory Burch
- Vanessa Bayer
- Warren Buffett
- William Henry Harrison
- Yakov Smirnoff
- Zahi Hawass
University of Pennsylvania awards and achievements
- 36 Nobel Laureates
- 24 Rhodes Scholars
- 21 Marshall Scholars
- 2 NASA Astronauts
- 5 Medal of Honor Recipients
- 8 Signers of the Declaration of Independence
- 7 signers of the U.S. Constitution
- 2 Presidents of the United States
- 3 U.S. Supreme Court Justices
- 32 U.S. Senators
- 163 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives
- 12 U.S. Cabinet Secretaries
- 46 Governors
- 27 State Supreme Court Justices
- 9 Foreign Heads of State
- 28 Tony Award Winners
- 16 Grammy Award Winners
- 11 Emmy Award Winners
- 4 Academy Award Winners
- 81 Olympic Medallists
University of Pennsylvania Frequently Asked Questions
University of Pennsylvania Location
Philadelphia, United States
University of Pennsylvania Contact
University of Pennsylvania
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into University of Pennsylvania
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
Why University of Pennsylvania?
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