What you seem to be, be really”

 Benjamin Franklin

Each year, the University of Pennsylvania Admissions Selection Committee selects a class of 2,420 scholars, scientists, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs—and more—who hail from all corners of the world and a wide range of backgrounds.

We seek students who aspire to develop and refine their talents and abilities within Penn’s liberal arts-based, practical, and interdisciplinary learning environment. Our ideal candidates are inspired to emulate our founder Benjamin Franklin by applying their knowledge in “service to society.”

The Admissions Selection Committee looks for students with a demonstrated record of academic excellence, a commitment to seeking challenge, and a range interests and talents. In terms of academic credentials, our primary focus is on the high school transcript, but we also take a close look at standardized test scores, correlating them with high school performance.

Additionally, Penn seeks to attract students with intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary mindset, and the desire to engage with faculty. Our ideal applicants are people who have demonstrated an ability to channel their ideas and interests into positive action—students whose talents and experiences are likely to make an impact on our campus community, our backyard of Philadelphia, and maybe even the wider world.

So how does our admissions philosophy relate to your application? While we could easily fill the class with valedictorians and students with perfect test scores, our goal is to build the ideal incubator for tomorrow’s leaders. As such, we look beyond mere numbers to intangible qualities. It is therefore essential that you help us discover what separates you from those with the same, or similar, GPA and test scores.

Let us hear your authentic voice. Tell us your story. As you prepare your application, take some time to reflect on these questions:

• What matters most to you?

• Why do you want to attend Penn?

• Down what path will Locust Walk lead you—academically, socially, and personally?

• How do you plan to use your Penn education as a foundation for making your mark on the Penn community and the larger world?

Our Admissions Selection Committee looks forward to reviewing your accomplishments, learning about your ideas and dreams, and getting a sense of what you might contribute to the Penn community.

　　每年，宾夕法尼亚大学录取委员会都会选择2420甚至更多来自世界各地、身具不同背景的人士，他们有的是科学家，有的是艺术家，有的是运动员，有的是企业家。

　　我们寻找那些渴望依托宾夕法尼亚大学的学术设施、实践条件和跨学科氛围，来发展和提升自身智力和能力的学生。我们眼中理想的候选人是那些像本杰明.富兰克林那样，将学习大的知识应用到“服务社会”中去的人。

　　录取委员会寻找的是那些学习成绩优异，致力于寻求挑战，和有广泛兴趣和特长的学生。在学术证明方面，我们主要参考高中成绩单，也会仔细参考标准考试分数和高中的学校表现。

　　除此之外，宾夕法尼亚大学旨在吸引那些具有求知欲，跨学科心态，参与院系的渴望的学生。我们理想的申请者是那些有能力将自身理想和兴趣转化为积极行动的人——也就是那些可能运用自身的天赋和阅历，为我们学校、我们所在的费城，甚至整个世界带来影响的人。

　　所以，我们的录取理念与你的申请存在怎样的联系呢？尽管我们的班级很容易会由一些演说家和具有优异考试成绩的学生填充满员，但是我们的目标是建造培育明天领导者的理想孵化箱。同样地，我们寻找的，绝不仅限于数字，而是一些无形的品质。这样一来，帮助你发掘那些区别于和你有相同或相似GPA和分数的人的要素，就显得十分必要了。

　　让我们听到你真实的声音。告诉我们你的故事。在你准备申请的时候，请花费一些时间来思考这些问题：

　　与你而言，什么最重要？

　　为什么你想加入宾夕法尼亚大学？

　　你打算怎样利用宾西法尼亚大学的教育资源，夯实将来为宾西法尼亚大学和世界作出贡献的基础？

　　我们录取委员会期待看到你的成就，了解你的思想和梦想，感受你将会为宾夕法尼亚大学做出什么贡献。