University of Pennsylvania Video Review

The University of Pennsylvania, commonly called Penn, is a private institution in Philadelphia. Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, Penn is a member of the Ivy League and is ranked 5th in the nation in the 2008 America's Best Colleges report created by U.S. News. Among Penn's many strengths are programs in architecture, medicine and the arts and humanities. The medical, law and business schools at the university are each rated among the best in the nation.

The university is known for its impressive financial resources, and numerous libraries, museums and research centers. Downtown Philadelphia, located only a few blocks away, offers the dining, shopping and cultural opportunities of a world-class city. A strong tradition of tolerance is seen today in the diverse student body and the variety of interests represented in over 370 campus organizations.

Penn offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs through four undergraduate schools and 12 graduate schools. Interdisciplinary studies are also encouraged, allowing students to craft their own curriculum. Popular undergraduate majors at Penn include finance, economics, history, political science and nursing.

Penn has an undergraduate student body of nearly 10,000. One of the 'most selective' schools in the nation, the university has a freshman acceptance rate of 18 percent. Incoming students have a grade-point average of 3.9 and typically score in the 1330 to 1530 range on the SAT and between 31 and 34 on the ACT.

-statistics compiled by U.S. News and World Report in its annual list 'America's Best Colleges.'