Required Tests
Penn requires either the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests OR the ACT with Writing.
Penn's Testing Policy:
All Scores Required for Review
Penn's response to The College Board's Score-Use testing policy for students is to request the student's entire testing history.
Penn's admissions office requires data and information to make informed decisions. Although Penn will always utilize the highest scores from any test or subsection in the review of a candidate's application, having the complete testing profile provides deeper insight. Improvement in scores over a period of time, consistency in scoring or the knowledge that a student took the test once (as a relatively high scorer or even a lower score) provides information helpful in the review process.
We do expect that many students will have a higher composite during one sitting, with an individual score on one of the three sections higher from another administration. Again, Penn will take the highest of any individual scores from any administration.
Furthermore, if the new Score-Use policy creates behavior that may be unproductive, like taking the test at an earlier stage and taking the test more than 3 times, the Admissions Committee can benefit from that information. And if students know that some schools will ask for all the tests, this behavior may be discouraged.
Which Test?
Penn requires either the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests OR the ACT with Writing. No preference is given to either test. However, Penn requires that applicants submit all testing results from each administration of the ACT, SAT, and SAT Subject Tests.
The SAT
- Freshman applicants choosing the SAT must take the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests.
- Candidates to the School of Engineering and Applied Science or the Wharton School taking the SAT are encouraged to take a Mathematics Subject Test.
- Students interested in science-related fields who are taking the SAT, and especially applicants to the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the School of Nursing, are encouraged to take a science Subject Test.
- Registration materials for the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests may be obtained from your guidance office.
The ACT
The American College Test with Writing, may be used in lieu of the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests. No preference is given to either test.
When to Take the Tests
- Early Decision candidates should take these examinations either during the junior year or in the summer before the senior year, but no later than November 2009. Early Decision candidates who opt for November examinations must rush their test scores to us.
- Regular Decision candidates should complete all testing by December of their senior year. First-time testing delayed until January will place the applicant at a disadvantage in our evaluation process. Tests retaken in January will be accepted.
- Please Note: Using the score suppression option may result in scores not being received by the applicable deadline.
