It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
Featured guides
View all University of Pennyslvania guides here
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Get to know University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a prestigious Ivy League institution known for excellence in business, science, humanities, and social impact. It blends academic rigor with real-world application, fostering innovation and leadership.
Overview
Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League institution located in Philadelphia. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, Penn offers a diverse range of programs, a strong emphasis on research, vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams.
Size
As of fall 2023, Penn's total enrollment is 28,201 students, with 11,250 undergraduates and 16,951 graduate and professional students.
Acceptance rate
Penn has an acceptance rate of approximately 6%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1500 and 1570 or an ACT score between 34 and 35.
Cost
For the 2024–2025 academic year undergraduate tuition and fees were $68,686. Graduate tuition and fees vary by program; specific details can be found on Penn's official website. Penn practices need-blind admissions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. Approximately 46% of undergraduates receive grant-based financial aid.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Penn is ranked #10 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
Penn offers over 90 majors across four undergraduate schools and numerous graduate programs. The university maintains a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close interaction between students and professors.
Traditions
UPenn's traditions include the Hey Day, where juniors march down Locust Walk to celebrate their promotion to seniors, the annual Penn Relays, a world-renowned track and field event, the Toast Toss at football games, the Spring Fling festival, and the Convocation and Commencement ceremonies marking the start and culmination of student journeys.
Campus landmarks
The University of Pennsylvania's best landmarks include the iconic College Hall, the LOVE sculpture, the Penn Museum, Locust Walk, and the Fisher Fine Arts Library, all showcasing its blend of historic architecture and modern innovation.
Student body
Over 80% of University of Pennsylvania students come from outside Pennsylvania, with strong representation from New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida, alongside a diverse international student population from over 100 countries.
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Become a guideYour UPenn questions, answered
What GPA Is Needed for UPenn?
UPenn has no official GPA requirement, but the average admitted student has a 3.9 GPA. To be competitive, aim for at least 3.75 or higher. Most successful applicants rank in the top 10% of their high school class, and over half have a 4.0 GPA. If your GPA is lower, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and extracurriculars can help boost your application.
Is UPenn Part of the Ivy League?
Yes, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is an Ivy League university, one of eight prestigious private schools in the U.S. Known for its academic excellence and research, UPenn is among the most competitive universities in the country.
Why Is UPenn So Famous?
UPenn is a prestigious Ivy League university with a rich history, founded by Benjamin Franklin. As one of the nation’s oldest institutions, it boasts a diverse urban campus, a top-ranked medical center, and world-renowned graduate programs that attract top students and faculty globally.
Is the University of Pennsylvania Difficult to Get Into?
Yes, UPenn is highly competitive, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 5.9% for the Class of 2025. The Early Decision acceptance rate was 14.9%, making it slightly less competitive than regular admission. With its selective admissions process, a strong academic and extracurricular profile is essential for applicants.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend UPenn for 4 Years?
The total four-year cost at UPenn exceeds $200,000, covering tuition, fees, housing, books, and personal expenses. For 2024–2025, tuition is $58,620 per year, with fees at $7,484. However, financial aid reduces costs, with the average net price after aid around $14,578 per year.
Is It Cheaper to Live On or Off Campus at UPenn?
Living off campus can be more affordable than on-campus housing, but costs vary based on location, rent, and utilities. While on-campus living offers convenience, students should consider commuting expenses and time when choosing off-campus housing. Living at home, if an option, can significantly reduce costs.
What Degrees Is UPenn Known For?
UPenn is renowned for its business, social sciences, biomedical sciences, engineering, computer science, and health professions programs. Its Wharton School is especially prestigious, making UPenn a top choice for business and finance.
Does UPenn offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
How Can You Tour the University of Pennsylvania?
UPenn offers in-person guided tours, self-guided tours, and virtual tours. You can schedule a guided tour through the UPenn Admissions website, explore campus independently with a self-guided tour map, or take a virtual tour online. Visit the UPenn Admissions website for more details.
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