It's never too early to start preparing your application. Application requirements vary based on the graduate degree program. Select your program of interest below to find out exactly what is needed.
If you are applying between September 1 and March 1, the $75 application fee is automatically waived. If you apply outside the fee waiver period, your application may require a fee. Applicants with specific program affiliations may be eligible to receive a fee waiver.
Our application review process is thorough and holistic, and we consider each application in its entirety. In selecting an incoming class of scholars and practitioners, we look for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to education and the potential for academic and personal success at an Ivy League institution. Penn GSE is a dynamic and diverse learning community, and we welcome individuals with a wide range of life experiences and professional backgrounds to apply.
Admission to our doctoral programs is selective and highly competitive. We encourage doctoral applicants to research our faculty and their areas of interest, and to acquaint themselves with our research centers and projects and initiatives. Because fit between applicants and faculty is key in doctoral admission, we invite a small number of Ed.D.* and Ph.D. applicants to campus (all expenses paid) during the month of February to meet with faculty and learn more about our school and programs.
* The Ed.D. programs Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management and the Penn Chief Learning Officer (PennCLO) do not request candidate interviews.
Recognizing the challenges of teaching, learning, and assessing academic performance during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Penn’s admissions committees for graduate and professional programs will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant. In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/Fail and other grading options during the period of COVID-19 disruptions. An applicant will not be adversely affected in the admissions process if their academic institution implemented a mandatory pass/fail (or similar) system for the term or if the applicant chose to participate in an optional pass/fail (or similar) system for the term. Penn’s longstanding commitment remains to admit graduate and professional student cohorts composed of outstanding individuals who demonstrate the resilience and aptitude to succeed in their academic pursuits.