So you want to apply to Penn State? Just kidding, we know you came here for advice on how to apply to the private, Ivy League research institution in Philadelphia, PA (and not the similarly named state school). The University of Pennsylvania, often just called Penn or UPenn, is a great choice for work-hard-play-hard types, budding business students, interdisciplinary liberal arts majors, and those looking for an elite East Coast institution. Cards on the table, we have a little soft spot for Penn since our founder is an alum.

The University of Pennsylvania is an iconic and storied Ivy League university in the heart of Philadelphia. Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the university has innovation and idealism at its core. While admission has long been coveted, the 21st century has seen the acceptance rate plummet parallel to demographic changes (more people going to college) and the strong draw of Penn’s unique perspective on education and purpose. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 was 5.8%. This was a small, about 1%, uptick from the previous admissions cycle (2024-2025). We do not take this small adjustment as a meaningful trend change, as it just keeps getting harder to get into Penn.  

The University of Pennsylvania, or Penn, is a prestigious Ivy League university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university has a strong global perspective, and is ranked #1 for study abroad among its Ivy League peers. The focus on global affairs plays out on campus, too. Students in the Class of 2028 came from 90+ countries, and 15% of the class has addresses outside of the United States. Penn isn’t just about globe-trotting, though. What the school is particularly well-known for, actually, is being home to the most famed undergraduate business program in the United States. The university is home to nearly 30,000 students across and over 10,300 undergraduates. The overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2029, including both the Early Decision and the Regular Decision rounds, was 4.9%.