<p>Every college and admissions staff has its little quirks and idiosyncrasies. Is there anything you’ve noticed that Penn particularly likes? </p>
<p>Are they very numbers-driven or do they like creative, risky applicants? Do they frown upon too many APs, like longterm athletic commitment, have a penchant for accepting the multi-lingual, or admire people in student government? How do they feel about turning in additional material?</p>
<p>I think every acceptee or current student may have a bit of advice that every rejectee, waitlistee, or prospective student is anxious to hear! What have been/are your experiences with Penn admissions? Who <em>is</em> the University of Pennsylvania?</p>
<p>What does Penn like?</p>
<p>Applying ED</p>
<p>In my opinion they are very much about the whole package and showing that you are passionate about something. People told me you had to have amazing SAT scores to get into Wharton but I surely didn't (1890 SAT, highest SATII 600) and by no means are these scores good compared to many other applicants. But I worked hard on my essays and really showed them that I loved business. </p>
<p>Also about sending in additional materials I don't think it hurts. I got a couple of awards and I faxed the letters I received to Gtown and Penn and got into both.</p>
<p>I was accepted ED. Penn definitely does not hesitate to weigh the essays more than the scores and such. I had a 2080 (top score in each subject) on the SAT. It's not in the upper eschelon of SAT scores, but it was enough for admissions into Penn. I believe the essays are pivotal for admittance to Penn. I also sent in a four page activity list detailing my activities in depth.</p>
<p>The University of Pennsylvania is looking for extremely passionate students; students who may not have the highest scores, but have the potential to do great things in life.</p>
<p>It's a crapshoot. The only tip that would work is applying ED. </p>
<p>I had a 2160 SAT, perfect GPA, etc. Academics should have been no problems. My focus and dedication in music was where I hoped to show my passion. I've played nationally, in front of orchestras, played with the Cornell Jazz bnad, etc. In the end, I got rejected straight out. SO to prove it to you, do everything right, and apply ED. Luck is the most important key to success.</p>
<p>i don't really think applying ED makes that big of a difference for the normal applicant. in fact, i think ED for most ivy league schools has morphed into solely an opportunity for schools to grab their big-time athletes and the kids of wealthy, pledge-making parents</p>
<p>penn, as has been stated already, values specific talents and perspectives, not just scores.</p>
<p>Although ED applicants do have a higher percentage chance of being admitted I think it actually hurt me when I applied early to Yale. I felt totally rushed and got rejected when in fact many other great things happened to me in my senior year which I never got a chance to tell them. Overall, I thought my Penn app was a ton better regular and if I had applied early I don't think I would have gotten accepted. That's my own story though and everyone is different.</p>
<p>Work hard on your essays. I got in with 1960 SAT.</p>
<p>Yale has EA</p>
<p>Penn has ED</p>
<p>Admissions officers at Penn actually tell applicants they have a better shot if they apply ED because Penn wants people who WANT to be there.</p>
<p>izporter: bad advice. ED helps tremendously at Penn.</p>
<p>Apply ED and don't go to prep school. Ironically, they punish you for going to a difficult school. I know, it's weird.</p>
<p>Work hard on your essays and ECs.. Penn doesn't care whether ur a 2400 SAT scorer but it definitely cares if you are a couch potato and a class nerd. I got in ED with a 1960 SAT and my highest SAT II was 640 in Math 1c. Also, make sure your recommendations are top class. In the "Why Penn.." question.. you really really need to show you absolutely love the school passionately. thats what they want. and Yeah applying ED works. :p</p>
<p>My scores were good but not stellar (2150 SAT) and I got into the Huntsman Program. Penn is great because they truly look at the whole applicant. My essays and obvious interest in international business definitely helped me to get that spot.</p>
<p>bongo: i'm just speaking from my own experience. at my school and at similar schools in the area, ED benefited the kids i mentioned in my first post.</p>
<p>izporter: your right, it helps legacy and recruited athletes alot. The problem I had with your comment was that it "solely" helped these two groups, whcih is not true by a long shot.</p>
<p>bongo: i agree. i shouldn't have used the word solely. but you know what i'm saying</p>
<p>1) Apply ED. They blatantly tell you that ED gives you a huge boost. Even if you are deferred, it should help you in the RD round.
2) In the Why Penn essay, the important part of the question is how you are a match for Penn (not just the other way around).<br>
3) Supplemental stuff is very acceptable at Penn. I sent in a supplemental recommendation and even a supplemental essay that I liked.
4) If you are deferred, make contact with your regional director. Often times, s/he'll tell you or at least hint about what you should improve in your application.
5) For ECs, make sure you are passionate and at least a little unique. I had few in-school activities, but outside of school, i had done so much related to skateboarding (owned my own business, ran discount boards to poorer skateboarders in the city, won a competition, etc), and now I've been accepted to Wharton.
6) Most important thing is showing how much you love Penn. I didn't really realize this until I was deferred, and then I reworked my entire appplication wholeheartedly with emphasis on making as personal as possible. Penn really really really wants those that really are in love with Penn and can show it in their application.</p>
<p>^ agree with above post</p>
<p>izporter: lol, I just realized I was arguing with you over a word. I get what you are saying :)</p>
<p>What about your rank in class......important?</p>
<p>yes class rank is important, but the difficulty of high school and the difficulty of schedule is considered. </p>
<p>Oh, besides ED, the second most important thing is essays. Make sure they are very, very good</p>
<p>Sorry for bumping a 6+ year old thread but wondering if anyone has a fresh prospective to bring to the thread.</p>