Am I too "average" to even try?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>I loveee Upenn and would loveee to go there! The school is simply amazing!! Honestly, do I have a shot? I'll make this short and sweet and to the point :)</p>

<p>White female @ public school in MA</p>

<p>GPA: 3.9 UW (4.25 W)
Class Rank: 1/240
Most Rigorous courses taken (this only includes 5 AP's)</p>

<p>(this is where I'm worried)
SAT I's: 650 M, 710 CR, 670 W (2030--taking again in october)
SAT II's: 720 US History, 530 Chem (ouch! circumstances on that test day, but of course this won't be able to be explained lol--taking two more in Nov)</p>

<p>EC's Awards etc
Model UN: 9,10,11,12 Vice President
Foreign Culture Club: 9,10,11,12 President
School Newspaper: 9,10,11,12 Editor In Chief
Theater: 9, 10, 11, 12
200 + hours at Horseback riding farm that provides therapeutic riding for mentally disabled children
National Honors Society: 11, 12
Peer Tutoring: 9,10,11,12
Huminatarian Project in Costa Rica
Study Abroad in France
Superintendant Scholarship
National Merit Qualifier
a bunch of other stuff but i only included the important ish :)</p>

<p>Possible Major:
I want to go in as a history major</p>

2

<p>Mmmm, I am not sure, you are a good kid, but this is UVA, really don't know, maybe Maryland College Park?</p>

3

<p>upenn you meann lol (but i am appling to UVA also :]) Thanks though.</p>

4

<p>I have pretty similar stats and ECs (Your rank is way higher) and I'm applying. If you look at my chances thread, last page, I have a profile of the girl who got in from my school last year. Maybe it will make you feel better.</p>

5

<p>Do you have any AP scores? The chem score is iffy and since you're taking the SATs again in Nov I'm guessing you're planing on RD? ED you have a shot, RD is a bit iffy.</p>

6

<p>With a higher SAT score and SAT II Chem, you have a shot. You'll have to do all the marginal things really well (essay, interview) - press the foreign angle of your experiences.</p>

7

<p>we have similar stats actually, and i'm applying. don't worry about it. </p>

<p>applying early could give you an advantage, but remember that all the legacy kids and other really qualified people are applying then too. i'd go for ED if you really like the school though.</p>

8

<p>If you get any other SAT II up to the 700 level, I think you have a very good shot. I would make sure you talk about what you care about, in this case, community service and horseback riding? Make a "theme" of your application</p>

9

<p>ahhh the general consensus is that my chem sat II is gunna hurt :[ :[ i really hope that one test in a subject i have no desire to pursue is what sets me apart. thanks everyonee for the advicee tho!!</p>

10

<p>I remember someone saying that Penn said grades in school can make up for poor SAT scores. I'm not sure if that applies to the subject tests, but I'll just put that out there. I'm sure they won't just throw your app away because of one grade.</p>

11

<p>You have a very impressive collection of activities; considering that you don't want to pursue chemistry at university, you might consider adding a subject test in a different science in which you're more comfortable, or perhaps the Math II. This is standard practice: taking tests in a variety of subjects is an important part of your candidacy, rather than a unique aspect. (A survey of UPenn students in the room verified this fact). If you're taking the SATs again, your already quite respectable score will most likely increase, which can only help your chances.
Relax. Take a deep breath. You have a strong candidacy, and it looks like you're taking the appropriate steps to shore up what appears as the comparatively weakest area of your application. UPenn is a marvelous place, and it's good to hear that someone appreciates what a good school it is!
Gaming the system is pointless: only apply early decision if you actually absolutely know that UPenn is the place for you. I'm not impressed by the students I've met who are here because "it was my only choice in the Ivies". Make a decision based on what is right for you, not what seems the surest way to achieve the purported cachet of an Ivy League acceptance.</p>

12

<p>Average? Are you kidding me? Those ECs are really convincing... especially how you stuck with most throughout high school.</p>

<p>Those 3 officer positions = pwnage</p>

13

<p>thankkkk youuuuu i justt hopee applying regular decision wont lessen my chances</p>

<p>anyone elsseee??!!! bump bump</p>

14

<p>i would encourage ED..coz the acceptance rate for ED is 33% and RD is 15%</p>

15

<p>and 50% of an incoming class in Penn consist of ED applicants</p>

16

<p>wowww 50%! thats a lot..i wish i could apply early decision but my parents wont let me cuz they want me to apply early action to a few songs. but its deff my numnber!!</p>

<p>anyonee elsee pleasee??! bumpp</p>

17

<p>yes, no, maybe so? bumppppppppppp</p>

18

<p>bump bump bumpppp. soo im applying RD which is worrying me cuz its BY FAR my top choice, but due to money reasons could ED anywhere. i want to go here sooooo bad but idk if i havee a shot at all cuz everyone is else is so rediculously qualified =[ PLEASE HELP!</p>

19

<p>u said u retook the sat in october and took the SAT II's again too. what'd you get on them?</p>

<p>by the way, that horseback riding thing really stood out to me when i was reading your post, for all that's worth</p>

<p>good luck</p>

20

<p>i did likee the samee. blahhh. i went up ten points haha. so ill just take my 2040.</p>

<p>i pushedd the sat II's to december since im doing RD and ill have more prep time
plus..i was in no state to take them the day after halloween lol ;)</p>