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University of Pennsylvania Admissions Consultants

What Makes Admission To The University of Pennsylvania So Special?

The University of Pennsylvania (usually called "Penn") is a private university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is one of the Ivy League schools. It was founded in 1740 and is home to the world-renowned Wharton School of business.

 

Before becoming one of the "founding fathers" of the United States of America, Benjamin Franklin founded Penn around an educational program that focused as much on practical education for commerce and public service as on the classics and theology. The university coat of arms features a dolphin on the red chief, adopted directly from the Franklin family's own coat of arms.

Penn Quick Facts

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Year Founded: 1740

US News Ranking: 8

Application Deadline: January 5th

Must receive SAT/ACT score by: December

2021 regular decision acceptance rate: 8.39%

Total applications received (2021): 40,413

University of Pennsylvania Admissions Counselors

Few institutions in human history can boast the accomplishments that Penn has achieved for example, the first general-purpose electronic computer was built in Penn's engineering school.  Originally announced on February 14, 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), was hailed by The New York Times as "an amazing machine which applies electronic speeds for the first time to mathematical tasks hitherto too difficult and cumbersome for solution," the ENIAC was a revolutionary piece of machinery in its day.

In modern times, Penn has pioneered interdisciplinary education for undergraduates. All Penn students have the ability to cross academic disciplines within their “home” undergraduate school and the flexibility to integrate courses, ideas, and research across Penn’s four undergraduate and twelve graduate schools.

Prompts for Penn's 2017-18 Undergrad Supplemental Application

  • As a part of the application process, applicants must complete a personal essay. Additionally, Penn applicants must complete the Penn-specific Essay.

  • How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying. (400-650 words)

  • The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business specific essay: Discuss a current international issue, which demonstrates how international affairs and business intersect and explain how the Huntsman curriculum might assist to resolve the issue. (500 words maximum)

  • The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management specific essay: LSM seeks students who are enthusiastic about combining science with management. What excites you about this combination? What kind of benefits could an individual trained in both disciplines bring to society? Be as specific and original as possible in addressing these questions. (400-650 words)

  • M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology specific essays - Please complete both prompts.

    Question 1: Explain how you will use this program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. It is helpful to identify potential engineering and business paths available at Penn. (400-650 words)

    Question 2: Please describe a time in which you displayed leadership. (250 words maximum)

Penn's Programs Ranked

Business School:  #2 (USNews)

Education School: #1 (USNews)

Law School: #6 (USNews)

Engineering School: #18 (USNews)

Medical School: #9 (USNews)

Nursing School: #3 (USNews)

Economics Department: #10 (USNews)

English Department #3 (USNews)

Penn Admissions Consultants
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