Application Requirements:
- Completed application forms, including a personal statement describing how your background and academic experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree and led you to apply to Penn. Your essay should detail your specific research interests and intellectual goals within your chosen field. Please provide information about your educational trajectory, intellectual curiosity and academic ambitions. If you have experienced limited access to resources or opportunites in your field of study or had other challenges with respect to your education, please feel free to share those and how they have affected the course of your education.
- Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Three letters of reference, with at least two from former professors or individuals who can evaluate your academic preparation.
- GRE scores are optional. Results from a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken in the last five years. LSAT scores may be accepted in lieu of GRE scores if the test was taken in the last five years. Use school code 2926 to have your official scores sent directly to Penn.
- Foreign Nationals: Results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for those who do not have transcripts with one year of study at an English-speaking university.
- A limited number of application fee waivers are available for applicants who demonstrate clear and compelling financial hardship. The Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences oversees the waiver process, which is completed through the application. For more information on how to request a waiver, please refer to their Application Information page. Applicants should submit requests at least 2 weeks prior to the application deadline. All waiver requests must be made through the application. Please do not send your request or any personal information by email. If you encounter any issues, please email sas-gradadmissions@sas.upenn.edu
Application Deadline:
- U.S. Applicants - October 1st, 2025 - April 30th, 2026
- International Applicants- October 1st, 2025 - April 1st, 2026