What resources are available for student-athletes at Penn?
The resources that our athletics department provide for our student-athletes, whether it’s in preparation for competition or preparation for the classroom, are second-to-none. On the athletic side you’ll have access to a full-time sports nutritionist, first-in-class medical care from our athletic trainers and partnerships with Penn Medicine, a strength and conditioning program tailored to your sport and your individual needs as an athlete, and programming centered around mental health. On the academic and professional development side you’ll have access to an academic support team (in addition to your academic advisor from the school), leadership training through the Wharton School of Business, a team-based mentoring program that connects you with former Penn student-athletes, and student-athlete specific career fairs and information sessions. For more information about the abundant resources available to student-athletes at Penn, see the links below:
Who do I contact if I have admissions questions?
Your first point of contact should be your recruiting coach who will then be able to answer or facilitate your questions.
What are the application deadlines?
The Early Decision application deadline is November 1, while the Regular Decision application deadline is January 5. The deadline for transfer applications is March 15.
What will my application process consist of?
Holistic review of high school academic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, essays, and optional interviews. Prospective students who are non-native English speakers or who did not attend a school where English was the primary language will also have to take the TOEFL or IELTS tests. Visit the
Penn Admissions website for more information!
What are the available areas of study at Penn?
- College of Arts and Sciences – More than 60 major options, as well as many other concentrations and minors that will prepare you for a career path in any area.
- School of Nursing – Niche.com’s top-ranked undergraduate nursing school in the country. As an undergraduate you are provided the opportunity to work and learn at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP).
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences – More than 15 programs are offered ranging from computer science to mechanical engineering.
- The Wharton School of Business – Widely regarded as the best undergraduate business school in the world, Wharton offers more than 20 concentrations and exposure to some of the most respected business minds in the country.
What courses should I be taking in high school to prepare myself for Penn?
- The College of Arts and Sciences would like to see strong preparation in the core academic areas, as well as a well-rounded, real world knowledge. There are no specific prerequisite courses for the College – all AP credits can be accepted with appropriate scores.
- The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences would like to see a strong preparation in physics and mathematics, particularly Calculus, as well as expressed reasons for pursuing an engineering education.
- The School of Nursing would like to see a strong preparation in the sciences, particularly in Chemistry, as well as a desire to explore the world of patient care.
- Wharton School of Business would like to see a strong preparation in mathematics, particularly Calculus, as well as an interest in business and demonstrated leadership.
Visit the
Penn Admissions website for more information!
What is Financial Aid?
The University of Pennsylvania awards need-blind financial aid (US citizens and permanent residents) and need-aware financial aid (international students). All Penn aid is need-based (no award for merit-based or athletic scholarships). Financial aid packages include grants and work study jobs. Grants do not require repayment and are provided by Penn, the federal government, and/or some states.
Click here for more information!
How much financial aid will I be eligible for?
While every family’s situation is different the Student Financial Services office offers a calculator that provides a rough estimate as to the financial aid award that you may be eligible to receive.
Click here to view the financial aid calculator!
Is Philadelphia a good city in which to attend college?
What’s often-times referred to as the birthplace of America, Philadelphia is a city that makes everyone feel at home. Although it’s a city full of our country’s firsts – zoo, library, stock exchange, hospital, and school of medicine (Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine) - Philadelphia isn’t just a city of history. Replete with a world-renowned food culture, a lively and passionate professional sports scene, and a diverse offering of activities there truly is something for everyone. As the fifth largest metropolitan economy in the U.S., it’s home to five Fortune 1000 companies and corporations across many industries. This means that you’ll have a wealth of internship and job opportunities and also a vast network of Penn alumni in the surrounding area.
Check out our
Visit Philadelphia page or the
Digital Visitor Guide for all of that information!