宾大本科申请 FAQ

 

Freshman Admission

Can you give me some statistics regarding Penn Admissions?

You can view our most recent admitted class profile here: Class Profile

You can also see some more statistics regarding Penn in general here: Penn facts website     

Can I apply Early Decision to multiple schools?

You cannot apply Early Decision to more than one school. Do keep in mind that Early Decision at Penn is a binding agreement. If you are accepted to Penn, you will be required to withdraw all other applications.You can apply Early Decision to Penn and early action to other schools, as long as they are not single-choice or restrictive early action programs (which restrict you from applying early to other schools). It is best to check with any schools to which you are applying early to see what their policies are.

Are my chances of getting in better if I apply Early Decision?

Early Decision is recommended for students who are confident Penn is their first choice school.  There is a higher rate of admission during the Early Decision application process than in the regular decision pool, but also a typically more competitive pool of applicants on average.  Applicants considering other options are discouraged from applying Early Decision since it is a binding agreement.

Can I apply to multiple Undergraduate Schools at Penn, or do I have to apply to a specific Undergraduate School or program?

You must apply to one of the four Undergraduate Schools – when admitted, that school will be considered your home school.  All students at Penn can take up to four courses at any of Penn's Undergraduate Schools, there are also cross school majors and minors.  

Is it more competitive to get into some of the schools at the University over others?

Some of our schools look for particular skills sets or strengths, but the overall admission rate for each of the four undergraduate schools is equally competitive.

Is it easy to transfer between schools?

While it is possible to transfer between the undergraduate schools, it is not guaranteed.  Students should apply directly to their intended school as a freshman rather than attempt to make an internal transfer later in their undergraduate career.

Can I apply to start during the Spring Semester?

Penn does not offer spring semester admissions; students can only apply for the fall semester.

Who should write my teacher recommendations?

Penn requires two (2) teacher recommendations.  We highly recommend they come from teachers who have taught you in junior or senior year academic classes.  These commentaries are quite important, so it is best to find teachers who are well acquainted with your work and potential.

Should I submit supplemental materials with my application?

Please refer to the Application Supplements webpage.

Can I have my application fee waived?

You can request an application fee waiver through the Common Application.  

How many years of a language/science/math do you require?

We do not have any specific requirements, but we recommend four years in all core subjects.

What are my chances of being admitted?

Penn Admissions evaluates applications holistically which is why we are not able to provide applicants with their chances of being admitted.  Because such a high percentage of the Penn applicant pool is academically qualified for admission, there are ultimately more qualified candidates than spaces in the class.  Please visit the most current profile of our admitted class.

Does Penn have quotas on how many students the school will accept from one high school?

No, Penn does not have quotas. We evaluate all applicants, no matter how many may be applying from one school, to determine which students will benefit most from a Penn education and also contribute to our community. We are just as interested in Penn being a good fit for the student as we are in them being a good fit for us. We are looking to put together a diverse, intellectual and talented student body that represents students from throughout the United States and around the world.

When can I reapply to Penn if I am denied admission?

Students who have been denied admission to any Bachelor’s degree program at the University of Pennsylvania must wait one year before re-applying to the University of Pennsylvania.

Is housing guaranteed for freshmen?

Living in Penn’s residential communities is an essential part of the Penn experience.  All first-year students are required to live on campus and have a meal plan.  They must apply for housing and may list their preferred room choices.  Students’ requests are considered in the assignments process, but not guaranteed because of limited quantities of each room type.  After the first year, students are encouraged to continue their College House experience.  Space on campus is generally available because some upperclass students elect to live off campus; however, on-campus housing is not guaranteed after the freshman year.

Can I submit an additional letter of recommendation?

Please refer to our webpage regarding Application Supplements.

I am a high school student who is also taking college courses. Should I apply as a freshman or a transfer applicant?

Students who are completing their senior year of high school concurrently with their first year of college, or who are enrolled in a dual-enrollment program taking courses in college while still enrolled in high school, should apply as freshmen.

 

International Applicants

Does Penn have a quota on the number of international students they admit each year?

No, Penn has no quotas on the number of students admitted from any one particular school, city, or country. All students are considered in the same pool, regardless of citizenship or the school they attend. Penn is home to more than 1,000 international undergraduates representing over 100 countries (international students are defined as those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States). The current incoming class includes well over 300 international students.

I am a dual citizen (a citizen of two countries, i.e. United States and Bahamas). Should I note both on my application form?

Students should disclose all countries that they hold citizenship or residency ties with. This is important information to have so that the selection committee has a better understanding of the student's background. Citizenship has no impact on the chance of admission. It is important to provide full disclosure because:a) the university tracks this information for records purposes, andb) Citizenship or residency status may impact the type of financial aid a student may qualify for.

To find out more information about financial aid for international students, please visit our website.

I am an international student who moved to a U.S. Boarding School in Grade 10 or 11. Which transcripts do you require?

Should I submit recommendation letters from my old school? If your current school transcript does not provide the Admissions Office with your actual letter/numerical grades earned at your previous school, the Admissions Office will require copies of both your current school’s transcript and previous school's transcript. Students should also include certified copies of any national level exams they have taken. Students must submit a letter of recommendation from their current school counselor, but are welcome to submit an additional letter of recommendation from the counselor/principal in their former school if they feel the letter would provide additional insight into the student's abilities and achievements.

What type of services does Penn provide to International Students?

Penn's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) exclusively serves the needs of the International Student Community. The staff assists with problems related to immigration and employment status, social and personal adjustments to a new culture, and practical matters related to a student's stay in Philadelphia. There is also a special International Student Orientation held before the start of new student orientation for all freshmen.

I usually use a nickname instead of my legal name. Is this okay?

We certainly want to know your preferred name, so that we can properly address you as you would like. However, you should always use your legal name when you are filling out your application and sending school transcripts and test scores, as this will affect our ability to track documents within your application file. When students are admitted, it is the legal name on their passport that is used to secure their U.S. visa. Any difference between legal name and the name on the application can cause problems securing necessary travel documents.

How and when do I receive my student visa from Penn?

This process begins AFTER a student is offered admission. Admitted students will receive an Entry Document Application Form known as the "I-20" with their online decision notice. Students must complete and return the I-20 application form to Penn's Office of International Student and Scholar Services immediately upon accepting the offer of admission. Once received, the I-20 application form will be processed and approved, and only then is the I-20 mailed to the student. Students then present this document to the United States Consulate in their country of citizenship to receive their F-1 or J-1 student visa.

I am a non-U.S. citizen but my family is in the process of receiving their green card to become permanent residents of the United States. How does this affect my application and how do I inform the Admissions Office of changes in my status during the application cycle?

Applicants should always keep the admissions office informed of changes in their citizenship and/or residency status. A student's citizenship and/or residency status may affect the types of financial aid they may qualify for. Students should submit photocopies of all paperwork documenting their status with their admissions applications and with their financial aid application forms. They should also mail us and/or email us with any updates regarding changes in their status. Unless a student meets one of the following designations, they are not eligible for financial aid from the US government:

         A. U.S. citizens

         B. U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swain's Island)

         C. U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C (Alien Registration Receipt Card)

         D. Possess eligible non-citizen status with the U.S. Government. To be an eligible non-citizen, you must have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:

         1. Refugee

         2. Asylum Granted

         3. Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending

         4. Conditional Entrant (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)

         5. Parolee (You must be paroled into the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become a citizen or permanent resident.)If you have only a Notice of Approval to Apply for P.R. status (I-171 or I-464), you are not eligible for federal student aid.

         (This information is subject to change per U.S. government regulations.)

         Where can I find out more about Penn's international involvement? Please visit the Penn Global website.

As an international student, am I required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam?

A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose families do not speak English at home, or applicants who have not attended a high school or secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English, are asked to take the TOEFL. Non-native English speakers who are attending English-speaking schools are also encouraged to take the TOEFL. It is good practice for all applicants who have English as a second language to take the TOEFL.

What is the required TOEFL score Penn would expect from an applicant?

On the TOEFL-iBT exam (Internet-Based Test), competitive applicants tend to have a composite score of 100 and above (the exam is scaled from 0-120, with 120 being a perfect score) with demonstrated consistency on each section of the exam (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). On the Paper- Based TOEFL, Penn tends to admit students with a score of 600 and above (the exam is scaled from 310 to 677, with 677 being a perfect score).

Will you accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) instead of the TOEFL?

If you are only able to take the IELTS examination, you should submit the results with your application, but we strongly encourage applicants to take the TOEFL examination when possible.

Can my A-Levels/IB evaluations be submitted in place of the SAT and two SAT Subject Tests?

Credentials earned within your educational system CANNOT be substituted for these examinations. The SAT test results are required for a complete application.

My school curriculum offers A-levels, but I'm not going to take the A-Levels. Will I be denied admission if I don't have the A-levels?

Are they compulsory for admission to Penn? Competitive applicants to Penn who are in a schooling system that offers A-levels will have taken their A-Levels.  You can choose to apply without them.

Is there financial aid available for domestic and international transfer students?

The University of Pennsylvania provides need based financial aid for all transfer students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, Canada or Mexico.  For all other international transfer applicants, we are need-aware as we have limited funding available.  Approximately two to five international transfer students receive financial aid each year.

Does Penn work with agents or third parties?

Penn Admissions does not support the use of agents in the application process.  Our office works directly with applicants, schools, government, Education USA, non-profit and community based organizations.

 

Testing

What are the average test scores for admitted Penn students?

Please visit the Incoming Class Profile page for the range of test scores of our most recent class of admitted students.

If I take the SAT more than once, does that hurt my chances of getting in?

We consider the best combination of SAT components, but require that all testing scores be sent to us. Taking the SAT more than once does not hurt your chances.

Which SAT Subject Tests should I take?

    Wharton Applicants:  We recommend Math Level 2 SAT Subject Test and another subject test of your choice

    Engineering Applicants: We recommend Math Level 2 SAT Subject Test and a Science SAT Subject Test (preferably physics)

    Science Related Programs: It is recommended you take a Science SAT Subject Test and another subject test of your choice

    College of Arts and Sciences: Any two SAT Subject Tests

Can I take tests in January and still apply during Regular Decision?

We accept January testing for Regular Decision applicants. Please indicate on your application that you are taking the SAT/ACT in January so we know to look for those scores.

Can I take tests in November and still apply during Early Decision?

We accept November testing for Early Decision applicants. Please indicate on your application that you are taking the SAT/ACT in November so we know to look for those scores.

I have taken several SAT subject tests but not the SAT itself. Should I still submit my subject test scores, even though I intend to submit the ACT plus writing?

Yes.  Penn requires applicants to submit their entire testing history. 

Is standardized testing required for all transfer applicants?

Yes, we require the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Test with Writing for all transfer applicants.