Standard Admission Process

Documents needed

Academic and non-academic evaluations provide a holistic overview of your likelihood to succeed at Penn. Academic evaluations will take into account the following documents. Please note that all application materials become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned. Remember to retain a personal copy of your application.

• Transcripts from each post-secondary school attended, regardless of age of transcript, number of courses taken, or grade received. A minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for previous undergraduate studies is required.
• High school transcript, if fewer than 16 courses at the college level were completed. A minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA is required.
• International transcripts: Applicants who have attended high school, college, or university outside the US are required to have a course-by-course credential evaluation (with grade point average and course levels) performed by an outside evaluation service. Credential evaluations will be reviewed by our administrators, and the determination of degree equivalency to US degrees is at the discretion of the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. The following two evaluation services are acceptable:
  1. CertiFile/CollegeNET Document Service: Applicants from international institutions are encouraged to use the CertiFile/CollegeNET Document Service within the College of Liberal and Professional Studies application to request and submit authenticated transcript(s) and other academic documents. This service provides certified documents and course evaluations which are then included as part of your application materials. If using this service, Penn requires the “Evaluation” basic service at a cost of $190.
  2. World Education Services Inc. (WES): WES must complete a course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials. The course-by-course evaluation should include the comparability level of your education and list each of your courses along with the equivalent US marks and credit. Please select the WES basic course-by-course evaluation (with grade point average and course levels) and request that WES send your evaluation to Penn College of Liberal and Professional Studies Admissions. The school can be found by searching the University of Pennsylvania and then selecting College of Liberal and Professional Studies. The evaluation becomes an official academic record and sole property of the University upon its receipt. For additional information about the WES application and their review process, please visit the WES website. Please note that these services charge a fee for the evaluation.
• Standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, are not required, but you may choose to submit test scores in support of your application.
• TOEFL scores, if English is not your native language. The minimum TOEFL scores required for admission are 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), 600 (PBT), or an IELTS score of at least 7.0. TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Indicator exam scores will be accepted. Duolingo English Test (DET) scores may also be submitted. The minimum DET score for consideration is 120. Please note that the College of Liberal and Professional Studies is accepting at-home TOEFL test scores and the IELTS Indicator exam scores through the 2022-2023 admissions year. Please visit the specific standardized testing websites for exam options in your home country.
• Current resume/CV
• One letter of recommendation from an individual who knows you well in a professional, academic, or community context, and is able to evaluate your work, such as a supervisor or professor. Submitted recommendations are required to be on letterhead with an original or electronic signature and should not be from family members.
• Application essay: Describe your educational history and background as well as your academic and professional goals by answering the following questions (responses should not exceed 750 typed words for all the questions combined):
  • What has led you to return to school at this time?
  • Discuss a specific academic topic you have enjoyed studying and explain why it is of interest to you.
  • List the undergraduate degree course blocks that interest you the most and how you envision them contributing to your overall career goals.
  • Describe any non-academic experiences that you feel strengthen your application (e.g., employment, travel, community service, volunteer work, or publications).
  • Optional Supplemental Scholarship Essay: If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, you must answer and submit the optional supplemental scholarship questions listed here. Note: These supplemental questions are not included in the word count printed above.)

System requirements

All applicants should confirm that their computer technology is up to date and meets system requirements. Review current system requirements for all Penn LPS Online students.

Individuals who are on active duty or veterans of the US military service are eligible for application fee waivers.

Your completed application and application fee payment is due at 5 p.m. ET on the deadline date for the term to which you apply. We cannot guarantee that we will review information sent to the College of Liberal and Professional Studies admissions office after the deadline of the term in which you apply.