By working with specific geographic regions, the regional directors are completely familiar with the academic offerings and extracurricular programs of regional secondary schools. Because a large percentage of Penn's applicants have not only maximized the academic opportunities available at their high schools but have also excelled in non-academic pursuits, initial evaluations also look for commitment as well as depth in activities and personal interests. Initial evaluations are presented and discussed by the Selection Committee. This committee includes admissions officers, faculty members, and representatives of various University programs such as athletics or the alumni association. In reaching decisions, the Selection Committee actively seeks students who have expanded both scholastically and personally by taking full advantage of their high school years.
Students enter as transfers after completing a year or two of advanced study at another institution.
Each year, approximately 250 students transfer into Penn's four undergraduate schools, selected from over 1,500 applications. The committee gives careful consideration not only to academic preparation and achievement, but also to all aspects of the application for admission, in accordance with a desire to maintain diversity of background, intellectual interests, and accomplishments within the student body. The most competitive transfer applicant is the student whose college transcript, high school transcript and testing, recommendations, essays, and non-academic activities and achievements evidence excellence. Although the admissions process for graduate and professional programs at the University of Pennsylvania are handled independently by the 12 graduate schools, there are several similarities. Admissions tend to be highly competitive because of the ratio of applications to places available and the average credentials of applicants.