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University of Pennsylvania Law SchoolBy Susan Tull
Admissions and Tuition Ranked seventh in the U.S. News law school rankings, Penn Law School has high admissions standards to match its ranking. Only 16.3% of applicants are admitted and the average G.P.A ranges from 3.5 to 3.8 and average LSAT scores range from 166-171 (these ranges are for students at the 25th and 75th percentiles respectively). Several joint degrees are available, including with the world-renowned Wharton School of Business, with each school requiring a separate application. Penn Law does not offer evening or part-time degrees. Early notification is an option if applications are submitted by November first. Although financial aid is offered, tuition at Penn Law is expensive, with an academic subtotal of nearly $42,000 and a total, including room and board, of more than$55,000. Penn does offer several scholarships itself, in addition to outside aid and awards. Since Penn is private, in-state and out-of-state tuitions are equal. Penn Law School Curriculum
Penn Law School places an emphasis on its clinical programs in which students work with local residents and gain experience in their field while completing coursework. Externships are also available to those students wishing to work at local firms or in public offices while still in school. In addition to classes, each student must complete seventy hours of law-related public service prior to graduation. Penn is committed to its students learning the value of pro bono work. Students are allowed to choose an organization, and then design a project to legally aid those who might otherwise be unable to afford help. While the faculty represents an impressive list of undergraduate and graduate degrees, Penn stresses not only their academic excellence, but also their approachability. First year students are required to have lunch with each of their professors to foster a greater sense of community within the school. Special lectures and presentations are also given by a variety of professionals from not only the Philadelphia area, but also from nearby New York and Washington, DC. Student Life, On Campus and Off
A beautiful campus, Penn Law School contains lounges, courtyards, and even a fountain. Students can work outside, discuss their classes, or simply take a break and enjoy the sun. The Biddle Law Library overlooks the courtyard, and contains not only the volumes necessary for study, but reading rooms, and common areas. One of the oldest law schools in the country, Penn has managed to simultaneously renovate its law school to meet student needs while maintaining the historical integrity of the architecture.
Penn’s campus is adjacent to Drexel’s, and the two universities provide a college-town atmosphere within a major city. Penn has its own subway stop, allowing easy access to all of Philadelphia, and is minutes away from Thirtieth Street Train Station, for those looking to venture beyond the city limits. Employment Opportunities After Penn Law Penn Law School boasts a high bar passage rate of 94.4% for the state of New York, compared to the average 77%. Of the class of 2006, nearly 80% entered into private practice, with a median salary of $145,000 while the median salary for the public sector was $50,000. The Career Planning and Placement Office actively works to help graduates attain employment, hosting a weekly class for first-year students, distributing a Career Development manual, and sponsoring meetings between students and alumni, in addition to on-campus recruiting and counseling. Conclusion
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Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Penn Law School is all that an ivy league promises: a great education, a beautiful campus, and a memorable experience. Founded in 1790 with a signer of the Declaration of Independence as its first professor, Penn Law has a right to be proud of its past while providing its students with a future of which they can also be proud.
First-year students take the normal array of classes, from constitutional to contract law, but are also allowed the opportunity to take co-disciplinary classes, including those in technology, business, and the health sciences. Areas of focus within the law school are business and finance, commerce, constitutional law, criminal law, family and estate law, international and comparative law, labor law, law relating to the health sciences, property and land development, taxation, public interest law, regulation of business, and intellectual property law. 
In addition to classes, students are invited to participate in Moot Court competitions, participate in one of the many student organizations, or write for a publication on campus. The University of Pennsylvania Law Review is the oldest in the country and well known in the profession. Since 1896, The Law Review has been edited and run by Penn law students.
Across the street from Penn Law School are a series of cafes and restaurants for students to take their meals when they do not feel like eating in the student union, which is, itself, comprised of several smaller restaurants, each with a unique culinary theme. Within a short walk, students will find a number of stores, both large chains and small boutiques, coffee bars, art galleries, and of course, the Penn Bookstore. 
Penn provides an Ivy League experience, but unfortunately at an Ivy League price. Students are privy to a great education, a great campus, and great name recognition, and a great tuition bill. However, Penn’s expense is one of its few deterrents, and this law school is well worth consideration.