It’s the first of November, and for high school seniors across America, that means many schools' early Common Applications are due. And for around 5,500 seniors, that means they need to submit their Penn early decision applications.
ED makes up a large portion of Penn's new classes, with ED applicants comprising 54.6 percent of the Class of 2020 and 54.4 percent of the Class of 2019.
Last year, 23.2 percent of the 5,762 students who applied ED to Penn were accepted. The acceptance rate went slightly down from the previous year, where 23.9 percent of the 5,489 applicants were accepted.
Class of 2021 hopefuls have taken to College Confidential to ask questions about the impending deadline. The UPenn ED Class of 2021 Discussion Thread, started on Feb. 29, 2016, already has 359 posts (ED Class of 2020 has 7,554).
Students have been comparing SAT and ACT scores, recommendations and grades. Students noted their important strengths like their #21 worldwide FIFA 2016 ranking, $70,000 Tech Startup Company (a Huntsman applicant), and the fact that they play cricket. Others worried that their status as a "Generic Smart White Girl" put them at a disadvantage.
Regardless, students applying today will have to wait until mid-December to see if they've claimed a spot in the Class of 2021.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate