Rodin Legacy >

Penn has enjoyed a rapid rise in status and reputation under President Judith Rodin. Now considered one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Penn tops the national rankings, coming in fifth, up from 16th a decade ago. Penn’s applicant pool has soared 37 percent during the last decade, and the University has become much more selective, currently accepting only 20 percent of its applicant pool. The caliber of its students has risen, with the average SAT scores of matriculants up 56 points since 1994. The Wharton School, Law School, Medical School, School of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Education, and School of Nursing consistently place among the nation’s top 10.

New programs and facilities have enhanced academic programs and student life. Penn leads the nation in sponsoring academically-based community service courses. The integration of undergraduates’ residential and intellectual lives has been accelerated by the introduction in 1998 of the College House system, and academic hubs such as Kelly Writers House, Civic House, and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Funding. There are more opportunities and meeting places available now than ever before, with a newly-renovated student center and the addition of new and improved recreational and athletic facilities.

• Since 1990, Penn has seen the greatest increase in applicants of all the schools in the Ivy League.

• Penn placed fifth, up from 16th a decade ago, in the U.S. News &World Report annual rankings of national universities.

• The admissions yield rate is 63 percent higher, compared to less than 50 percent in 1993.

• Admissions applications are 37 percent higher since 1994.

• Average SAT scores of matriculants have climbed to 1412, compared to less than 1350 in 1993.

• The creation of writing, technology, and community service hubs has given students with shared interests a place to collaborate and relax.

• Penn offers greater service-learning opportunities, with more than 130 academically based community service courses.

• Penn has raised more than $170 million in new financial aid endowment.

• The Wharton School consistently ranks as one of the world’s leading business schools.

• Renovation of the College Houses and Perelman Quadrangle, the University’s student center, have improved the quality of student life.

• Arts and Culture on campus have been invigorated with the restoration and renovation of Irvine Auditorium, Van Pelt Library, the University Museum, and the Kelly Writers House.

• The state-of-the-art Pottruck Fitness Center, opened in 2002, offers students a wide range of fitness facilities, including a rock-climbing wall and golf center.

• Penn students win some of the nation’s most prestigious honors, including the Rhodes Scholarship, the Marshall Fellowship, the Soros Fellowship, the Gates Fellowships.