Quaker Chronicles: Inside the University of Pennsylvania
Beyond its impressive statistics, UPenn is rich in tradition and achievement. It was the first university in the country to establish a medical school and was home to the first general-purpose electronic computer, ENIAC. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary education is exemplified by programs like the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business.
From its historic roots to its cutting-edge research, UPenn continues to be a leader in higher education, shaping the minds of future innovators and leaders. Here are some insights into UPenn.
Admissions Rate:
The University of Pennsylvania, often referred to as Penn, has a highly selective admissions process.
The acceptance rate for Penn is less than 6%, making it one of the most competitive universities in the United States.
GPA and Test Scores:
According to Penn’s Common Data Set, the average unweighted GPA of admitted students is 3.9.
The average SAT/ACT score is 1540/35
Fun and Little Known Facts
UPenn was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740 and is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
First University Museum: The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, founded in 1887, was the first university museum in the United States.
UPenn is home to the Wharton School, one of the top business schools in the world.
The Wistarion: UPenn's yearbook, The Wistarion, is the oldest continuously published college yearbook in the United States, first published in 1857.
Innovation Hub: UPenn is known for its innovative spirit and has been home to many groundbreaking inventions, including the first general-purpose electronic computer (ENIAC) and the first spelling checker.
Penn Relays: The Penn Relays, held annually at Franklin Field, is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, dating back to 1895.
"The Red and Blue:" UPenn's school colors, red and blue, are among the oldest school colors in the United States and were first used in 1875.
Locust Walk: The central pedestrian walkway on UPenn's campus, Locust Walk, is named after the trees that line the pathway and is a popular gathering place for students.
Penn Varsity Club: The Penn Varsity Club, established in 1897, is one of the oldest varsity clubs in the United States and supports UPenn's varsity athletes.
Civic Engagement: UPenn is known for its commitment to civic engagement and was the first university in the United States to establish a community service requirement for graduation.
One aspect of the University of Pennsylvania's admissions process that may not be immediately obvious is "Penn's commitment to interdisciplinary education and research."
While many universities value well-rounded students, Penn specifically looks for applicants who show a strong interest in exploring connections between different fields of study. This can include discussing how they plan to take advantage of Penn's interdisciplinary programs, such as the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business or the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research.
Admissions officers at Penn are interested in applicants who not only excel in their chosen academic area but also demonstrate a curiosity and willingness to engage with diverse perspectives and disciplines. Applicants who can articulate how they will contribute to and benefit from Penn's interdisciplinary approach may stand out in the admissions process.
