Northwestern's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
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The University of Pennsylvania’s Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
12/26/2024•9 minute read
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Early Decision Results
Why Apply Early Action?
Regular Decision Results
Key Trends & Insights
How To Stand Out
What Makes UPenn Unique?
Key Takeaways
UPenn, ranked 10th in the nation by US News, has admitted the first round of applicants to the Class of 2029. The number of early decision applications broke a new record, with UPenn receiving 9,500 early applications, compared to 8,500 last year. Keep reading to get the latest from Crimson Education COO Arkesh Patel on UPenn’s admissions data and trends as the Class of 2029 begins to take shape.
Class of 2029 Acceptance Results Overview
As an Ivy League school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, UPenn is considered a highly prestigious university, making the school’s acceptance rate highly competitive. UPenn has announced its Early Decision results for the Class of 2029, with Regular Decision results to follow on Ivy Day — March 26, 2025. Below is an overview of this year's acceptance statistics and key trends, based on available data.
Early Action Acceptance Results
- Total Applications: ~9,500
- Accepted Students: TBA
- Acceptance Rate: TBA
UPenn received an all-time high number of ED applications for the Class of 2029, handily surpassing the approximately 8,500 received last year.
UPenn’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate Trends
Although UPenn hasn’t yet released this year’s Early Decision acceptance rate or the number of Early Decision applicants accepted for the Class of 2029, we can make thoughtful projections based on years of UPenn data we track.
We do know that last year, about 50% of students who enrolled at UPenn came from the ED round. Assuming similar statistics this year, we estimate an ED acceptance rate around 13–15% for the Class of 2029, in line with ED acceptance rates at UPenn last year and the year before.
The most recently reported Early Decision acceptance rate statistics for UPenn are for the Class of 2028:
- Total Applications: 8,500
- Accepted Students: 1,221
- Acceptance Rate: 14.4%
Why Apply Early Action or Early Decision?
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Action and Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
- Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows UPenn your strong interest in joining their academic community.
What To Expect for Regular Decision Results
The Regular Decision results for the Class of 2029 won’t be available until after March 2025. Last year, however, UPenn's Regular Decision acceptance rate was an ultra-competitive 3.7%. Based on current trends, we anticipate another challenging admissions cycle.
Key Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):
- Applications Received: 54,239Â
- Students Accepted: 2,082
- Acceptance Rate: 3.7%
Key Trends and Insights
- Increasing Application Numbers: After going test optional in 2020-21, UPenn received more than 56,000 applications, compared to just over 42,000 the prior year. During the past two admissions cycles the number of students applying has climbed even higher, exceeding 65,000 last year (Class of 2028), a nearly 10% increase from the prior year. The rising number of applicants is driving historically low acceptance rates at UPenn.
- Holistic Admissions Approach: UPenn evaluates applicants beyond academic metrics, considering essays, extracurriculars, leadership roles, and recommendations. Last year, after the Supreme Court ruling in June 2023 striking down affirmative action, it was reported that the number of underrepresented students admitted to UPenn decreased slightly, by about 2%.
- Shift Back to Testing Requirements: UPenn is in its fourth year of having a test-optional admissions policy. This may affect the number of applicants and overall acceptance rates, even more so perhaps as other Ivy League schools are reinstating testing requirements.
Historical Acceptance Rates at UPenn
| Class Year | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Overall Rate | RD Rate | ED Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2028 | 65,236 | 3,508 | 5.4% | 3.7% | 14.5% |
| 2027 | 59,465 | 3,489 | 6% | 4% | 15.5% |
| 2026 | 54,588 | 3,300 | 6% | 4.4% | 15.6% |
| 2025 | 56,333 | 3,202 | 5.7% | 4.2% | 15% |
This historical data demonstrates UPenn’s consistently competitive admissions process, with application numbers having risen sharply beginning with the Class of 2025.
How To Stand Out in UPenn’s Admissions Process
Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades in rigorous coursework.
Strong Essays: Use your essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
Test Scores: If submitting, aim for scores within or above UPenn’s reported range.
What Makes UPenn Unique?
UPenn’s outstanding national and world rankings, its location in a bustling urban center, and its commitment to academic excellence and diversity make it a highly attractive institution. With a holistic admissions process, UPenn selects students who not only excel academically but also contribute to its dynamic community.
Key Takeaways
- UPenn’s Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 reflects the increasing competition for spots at top universities, but applying ED offers you a significant statistical advantage compared to the school’s Regular Decision acceptance rates.
- Historical trends show UPenn remains highly competitive, even more so after going test optional four years ago.
- While several Ivy League schools are reinstating test score requirements for admissions, UPenn remains test optional.
- With Regular Decision results due in March, students should continue preparing their applications with care.
What’s Next for Applicants?
For those admitted early, congratulations on joining UPenn’s prestigious Class of 2029! Regular Decision applicants should continue preparing strong applications and essays to maximize their chances.
Need Help with Your Application?
Crimson Education specializes in guiding students through the admissions process to top universities like UPenn. Speak to an admissions advisor today!
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About the Contributor
Arkesh Patel
Arkesh Patel is the Chief Operating Officer of Crimson Education, the world's largest and most successful university admissions consulting firm. Crimson Education has helped thousands of students gain admission into the Ivy League and top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, MIT, and many others. Arkesh graduated from the University of Cambridge with a B.A in Chemistry (First Class Honors) and received his M.B.A with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
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