From Colombia to California, meet three early decision admitted students from Penn’s Class of 2029

Penn released early decision admissions results for the Class of 2029 on Dec. 19, admitting nearly half of the incoming class. 

Over 9,500 students applied through Penn’s Early Decision Program this year — an increase from last year’s 8,500, according to a University announcement. The admitted students — including a record number of QuestBridge National College Match scholars — represent 64 countries and 48 states, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Mariana Islands.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest Quakers, applaud their many accomplishments, and eagerly anticipate the arrival of the rest of their classmates in the spring. Hurrah, hurrah for the Penn Class of 2029!” Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions Whitney Soule wrote in an announcement.

The 2024-25 admissions cycle comes after Penn’s announcement of expanded financial aid policies for the upcoming academic year, increasing the income threshold for full-tuition scholarships from $140,000 to $200,000 for families with typical assets.

The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke with three early decision admitted members of the Class of 2029 about their journeys to Penn and what excites them most about the next four years.

Tatiana Jimenez plans to study international relations and economics in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is from Colombia but currently resides in Orlando, Fla. Jimenez said her Penn acceptance through the QuestBridge program marked a moment of joy and relief.

“I found out on Dec. 2 that I got the Match Scholarship, and it was crazy,” Jimenez said. “I couldn’t believe it. I was scared of opening the decision because I was so scared of rejection. So I came home, and my brother was here, so he opened it with me.”

Jimenez said her interest in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, Penn’s international relations program, and the University’s faculty influenced her decision to apply. 

“I wanted to be in a big city like Philadelphia,” Jimenez said. “Since your freshman year, you can start doing study abroad programs. I’m also excited about the community that I’m going to find.”

For Lesley Hernandez — who hails from Lawrence, Mass. — the moment she realized she had been accepted to the School of Nursing was one of surprise.

“I was in my room and I was in disbelief. I literally paused and had to re-look at the page over and over again,” Hernandez said. “There was a moment of shock, and then afterwards, tears started streaming down my face. Then I ran to the living room and told my grandparents and mom.”

Hernandez said she is eager to take advantage of Penn’s student organizations. 

“I’m so proud to be representing the Dominican Republic and can’t wait to get involved with my soon-to-be community in Philadelphia,” she said. “I’m especially excited to connect with the diverse organizations offered at UPenn and build unforgettable memories.”

Mishal George, who plans to study communications in the College, was born in Philadelphia but now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her decision to apply early decision to Penn was solidified after a visit to campus last year.

“When I was in Philadelphia for a weekend, we stopped by Penn’s campus and sat in on an Annenberg class,” George said. “I was eavesdropping on the students’ conversations while listening to the lecture, and it was really cool hearing such interesting discussions from the students and professor.”

Coming from a small high school, George said she is thrilled to join a larger community at Penn. 

“At my current school, there are only 74 kids in my grade, so I’m so excited to branch out next fall,” she said. “I really want to join the Muslim Students Association. My brother and I are the only Muslims at our small school, so I would love to join a bigger community at Penn.”