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Testing

As part of our comprehensive admissions process, we use standardized testing to gain more insight into the academic preparation of our applicants. These tests represent only one component in our admissions process in conjunction with other academic and non-academic factors.

Penn will continue to not require applicants to submit the SAT or ACT for the 2023-24 application cycle and has announced that it will remain test-optional for the 2024-25 admissions cycle. This applies to all first-year, domestic, international*, homeschooled, transfer, and QuestBridge applicants. Applicants who do not submit SAT or ACT scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process. Students who are able to take the SAT or ACT and wish to report them may continue with that plan. Students may self-report test scores at the time of application. For more information on our test-optional policy, please view our FAQs.

Penn will continue to follow the guidance and policies of the Ivy League regarding testing requirements for applicants who expect to participate in the varsity athletic program. For more information, please see the Ivy League's website for prospective student athletes.

*A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. International applicants who meet one or both of the criteria below are considered proficient in English:

  1. English is the applicant's native language
  2. English has been the applicant's primary language of instruction for the duration of high school.

If neither of these statements is true, applicants are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test to demonstrate English proficiency. Where the TOEFL iBT is not available due to COVID-19, applicants can take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Please note that Penn does not currently accept the IELTS Indicator exam or MyBest scores for the TOEFL.

Self-Reported Scores

Applicants who choose to report test scores under Penn's test-optional policy have the option of self-reporting their SAT and ACT scores with some exceptions. Recruited athletes who submit standardized testing as part of their application are required to submit official testing through the appropriate testing agency or University-approved source. Also, any students required to submit English-language proficiency exams must have official results sent through official testing agencies to be considered with a student's application.

Prior to enrollment, students who submitted self-reported test scores on the application are required to submit official test scores to Penn.

To self-report your scores, use the testing section of Common App, the Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application. To ensure accurate super scoring (taking the highest composite score across multiple sittings), we recommend that you self-report each test you have taken to select the highest score in each section. You may also report your scores directly through your Penn Applicant Portal once your application is received. (Note: if you are using Common App, your scores will not appear in the PDF preview but we will still receive them.)

Testing Deadlines (2023-2024 Admissions Cycle)

Tests must be taken by the appropriate application deadline. Applicants may not self-report scores from exams taken beyond the deadlines indicated below.

Test Early Decision Regular Decision Transfer Decision
Latest SAT Test Date November 2023 December 2023 March 2024
Latest ACT Test Date October 2023 December 2023 February 2024

Testing codes:

SAT - 2926; ACT - 3732; TOEFL - 2926

Additional Information

  • The College Board and ACT provide free resources that can help you prepare for the exams. Follow these links to learn more about preparing for the SAT and the ACT.
  • Score Choice: Although we permit Score Choice, we encourage students to submit their entire testing history for both ACT and SAT exams.
  • SAT vs. ACT: No preference is given to the SAT or the ACT. If an applicant submits both tests, we will pay attention to the higher score from either test.
  • Superscoring: For the SAT, we will combine your highest Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing with your highest Math score across multiple tests to calculate a superscore. For the ACT, we consider the highest individual English, Math, Reading, and Science scores across multiple tests to calculate a superscore composite. If you are self-reporting exams from multiple dates to create your superscore, then we expect you to provide official reports for each test that contributes to your superscore prior to enrollment in line with our self-reported testing policy.
  • Penn will accept the digital SAT if a student opts to submit testing. The exam is scored (or superscored) the same as the paper and pencil SAT. While we encourage students to submit their entire testing history for SAT exams, we also permit score choice and will accept a combination of scores from both formats of the exam. If you submit multiple sets of test scores, we will combine your highest Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing with your highest Math score in either format to calculate a superscore.