Master of Science in Engineering in Computer & Information Science (CIS/MSE) 

at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

The University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University, both are the most reputed institutions in the USA. There is no comparison between them. However, students can decide where to go as both of them are extremely popular and can lead to a successful career. Students with extremely excellent performance can make a place in either of two as their acceptance rates are very low. The Harvard University acceptance rate is 3.41% which is the second the lowest in history and UPenn acceptance rate is 5.4%. Both universities provide a wide range of programs in over 100 specializations and their tuition costs are high. Students can check the below comparison table and decide where they must apply:

The University of Pennsylvania is very competitive for international student admissions with an acceptance rate of around 5.4%. This shows that only 5 students are selected for admissions out of 100 every year. However, students can easily be considered if they have submitted all the required documents by the given deadlines. Some of the general documents that are required at Penn University are academic transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, English language scores, and additional documents that will increase their chances of securing an admission at the university. 

In order to secure an admission, all the overseas applicants must fulfill the University of Pennsylvania entry requirements for international students listed below:

Undergraduate Requirements:

• Official high school transcripts  (English translation);
• Mid-year and final mark sheets;
• Early Decision Agreement (if applying for Early Decision);
• Cumulative 2.7 GPA (on a 4.0 scale);
• Secondary school counsellor evaluation;
• Proof of English language proficiency;
• Letters in case of the, shorter in comparison to ACT.">SAT/ACT scores.

Graduate Requirements:

• Official college/university transcripts (English translation);
• Minimum 3.0 Letters of recommendation  (LOR);
• Statement of purpose  (SOP);
• Proof of English language proficiency;
• Resume/CV;
• GMAT/GRE score; and
• Other course-specific requirements.

To gain admission to the University of Pennsylvania, Indian students must adhere to the procedures listed below:
Step 1: Select a program: International students can select from more than 100 undergraduate and about 100 graduate programs, as well as review their eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Complete the application: International students can apply for PG programs through the University application portal and for UG programs through Coalition or Common App. Before the University of Pennsylvania admissions deadline, upload the necessary materials, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, standardized test results, English language proficiency test results, and more.
Step 3: Pay the application fee: International students must pay USD 75 (INR 6K) for undergraduate studies and USD 95 (INR 7.5K) for graduate studies. (USD 1=INR 83.5 on 4 July 2024)

Step 4: Await a response: After a student applies for a UG or PG program, they will hear back from the university in a few weeks.
Step 5: Pay tuition fees: Depending on the course students have selected, international students must pay UPenn tuition fees. For master's degrees, the tuition ranges from INR 18L to INR 72L, whereas for undergraduate programs, it is between INR 51L and INR 57L.

During the 2024–2025 application period, providing the GRE is optional, and skipping it won't negatively impact a student’s application. However, students must take the test and submit it if get a valid score. Along with the GRE, students must focus on providing their best academic performance, English language scores, and GPA. Students with prior relevant experience and who take part in extracurricular activities get precedence over the other students.

International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents such as LOR, SOP, transcripts, and many more. The academic requirements of UG and PG for the University of Pennsylvania admissions are given below:

PG Requirements:

• Background Information
• Essay
• GMAT/GRE score
• Resume
• LOR
• Transcripts
• GRE (optional)
• English language proficiency score

UG Requirements

• High school documents
• Transcripts
• LOR
• ACT/SAT scores
• English language proficiency score

At the University of Pennsylvania, international students can choose between more than 90 undergraduate majors and over 100 graduate degree programs. According to the historical data of the university's alumni, some of the most popular UPenn University courses are:

Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Marketing, Business Commerce, International/Global Studies, Organizational Leadership, and Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.

Students can enroll in a master's programme at the University of Pennsylvania that lasts 12 to 36 months. The program's target audience is professionals and recent college graduates who want to make a difference in a world where combining business and technology is essential to social and economic growth. Some popular specializations include Computer and Information Science; Data Science; Scientific Computing; Integrated Product Design; Translational Research; Robotics; Clinical Epidemiology; and Integrated Product Design.

Yes, Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Jayant Sinha are two popular Indian alumni members of the Pennsylvania Uni.

Shweta Bachchan Nanda is an Indian Columnist, Author, and Former Model. Additionally, she has been a Columnist for Daily News and Analysis and Vogue India.

Jayant Sinha is an Indian politician who is the Member of Indian Parliament and formerly the Minister of State for Finance and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation in the Government of India. He pursued a Master of Science in Energy Management & Policy in UPenn University.