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University of Pennsylvania - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler5.00

Academics

A+
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1
Full-Time Student Population 20,470
Part-Time Student Population 4,004
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,297
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 544
Total FT Faculty 4,386
Faculty with Terminal Degree 100%
Average Faculty Salary $124,679
Full-Time Retention Rate 98%
Part-Time Retention Rate 96%
Transfer-Out Rate 1%
Graduation Rate 95%
Programs/Majors Offered 176
Average Course Load 4–5 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 72%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 21%
  • 50 or More Students: 7%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Penn students tend to be genuinely impressed with the knowledge and commitment of their professors but concede that, now and then, an uninterested or uninteresting teacher can slip into one’s schedule. While members of the faculty are usually more than willing to get to know their students, in larger classes, the student must take the initiative by attending office hours or requesting research opportunities. The University definitely encourages students to make this effort and will pay for lunch with a professor at the faculty lounge. Penn students who speak to upperclassmen and “shop around” for courses usually end up enjoying their course-load immensely; the enormous amount of classes offered at Penn (the course book is the size of a phone book) practically guarantees ample opportunities to find ideal classes and professors for each student.

Ben Franklin founded Penn with the idea that the young people of Philadelphia should receive a well-rounded and pre-professional, not just a religious, education. Many things have changed since 1749, but Penn is still a remarkably well-rounded school. The business program may be unsurpassed, but practically every department at Penn is strong and will provide students with knowledgeable professors and a wide area of relevant classes. Despite the fact that the undergraduate school is populated by almost 10,000 students, the majority of classes are comprised of less than 20.

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Penn Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of Pennsylvania

schuschuj

'15

Biology and Biological Sciences

4.2
A-

Highly Competitive

At the University of Pennsylvania, I am in the College of Arts and Sciences, and so far I am satisfied with my choice. Upenn has high standards for academics and most people there are extremely intelligent. Professors are very helpful, but only if you reach out to them for help-if you stay in the background it is easy to fade into anonymity. All of the professors are highly accomplished in their fields, and the quality of the education is superb.

Jan 07, 2012

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Academics at University of Pennsylvania

pkothari92

'14

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

4.2
A-

Numerous Majors and Interesting Courses

There are so many interesting majors, and interesting courses for non-majors. The professors are helpful and really help students understand the material.

Nov 30, 2011

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Academics at University of Pennsylvania

janessap

'12

Social Sciences

3.8
B+

Huge!!!

For those who don't know, Penn is regarded by many as the Pre-Professional school (pre-law, pre-med, etc). For those interested in law school, poli sci is undoubtedly the most popular major. Its even popular among those who aren't interested in law.

Aug 20, 2011

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Page 1 of 10

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5 or higher
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College at Penn (School of Arts and Sciences)
  • School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • School of Nursing
  • Wharton School of Business
Degrees Awarded
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Other
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 3%
  • Finance, General: 5%
  • Law: 2%
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 1%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
  • Weekend/evening college
Best Places to Study
  • Fisher Fine Arts Library
  • Houston Hall
  • Huntsman Hall
  • Van Pelt Library
Did You Know?

In 1778, University Provost William Smith was serving prison time due to a political struggle with the Provincial Congress of Philadelphia and chose to continue teaching his moral philosophy class from Philadelphia’s Old City Jail.

Penn’s first commencement took place on May 17th, 1757, with a graduating class of just seven.

Penn is home to America’s first medical school (1765), business school (1881), and law classes (1850).

The team of architects who designed the winning rebuilding plan at Ground Zero in New York City is headed by an architect from the University of Pennsylvania, Daniel Libeskind.

Honors and Awards Bestowed Upon the Faculty at Penn:
• 2 National Medals of Science
• 28 Guggenheim Fellows
• 21 Fulbright Scholars
• 2 Nobel Prizes
• 11 National Academy of Sciences
• 3 National Academy of Engineering
• 11 Institute of Medicine
• 23 NEH Fellows

 

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Penn

Name: Perry Petra-Wong

Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.

Major: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

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