Required Testing for Freshmen

Penn requires freshman applicants to submit either:

  • the SAT (which includes the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections) and two SAT Subject Tests

​          OR

  • the ACT Plus Writing

No preference is given to either test. Penn requires applicants to submit their entire testing history. Although Penn will pay attention to the highest scores from any test or subsection when reviewing a candidate’s application, having the complete testing profile provides deeper insight.

Official scores must be sent directly to the University of Pennsylvania. Do not wait until after you receive your scores to send us the results.  Please reference the application deadline.   

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that official score reports are released and submitted to the University of Pennsylvania for all tests taken.

  • Candidates to Penn Engineering are strongly encouraged to take the Mathematics, Level 2, and Physics Subject Test. 
  • Candidates to The Wharton School are strongly encouraged to take the Mathematics Subject Test, Level 2.
  • Candidates to the School of Nursing are strongly encouraged to take a Science Subject Test, preferably Chemistry

Penn's testing code:
SAT:  2926
ACT:  3732

TOEFL Examination

Students whose native language is not English should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service. Results should be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions.

Class Profile

Class of 2016

Each year, the University of Pennsylvania Admissions Selection Committee selects a class of 2,420 scholars, scientists, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs—and more—who hail from all corners of the world and a wide range of backgrounds.

Class Profile