Apply to Wharton or School of Arts and Sciences

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
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<p>I was deferred at Yale so I'm working on my other apps and I'm having trouble with UPenn's. I'm very interested in both Wharton's program and would like to concentrate in Global Analysis/Business Ethics, but I also like the School of Arts and Sciences' program in International Relations.</p>

<p>Here's my biggest issue: I am horrible at math. While my ACT is a pretty good 34, my SAT had me bombing my math section with a score of 600, and on Wharton's website it states that it encourages applicants to submit a Math II subject test, which I didn't take and probably couldn't even pass if I did. </p>

<p>So do I go Wharton or just School or Arts and Sciences?</p>

<p>My stats:
Female
Puerto Rican
Family Income: <$40,000
Weighted GPA: 3.95
Unweighted GPA: 3.85
Rank: top 10%</p>

<p>PSAT: 211
SAT I : CR 780, WR 720, M 600, 2100
SAT II: 700 Lit, 670 Chem, 740 US History
ACT: 34 (35 Writing, 33 Math, 35 Reading, 35 Science)
APs: Eng Language 5, World History 5, US History 5, am taking Bio,Chem,Eng Lit, Stats, US Gov, Micro, Macro, and Euro History this year</p>

<p>ECs:
Theater: I've only been in theater 2 years but in that time I've been in every single show (about 16), have had 5 leading roles, been head of two different crews, and am now assistant director/student director. I'm also a National Honor Thespian in the ITS.
Speech & Debate: done since sophmore year. Am a 2x National Semifinalist in Student Congress, 2x District Champion of Student Congress, current VP of school chapter, coach 3 events for my team, and have a degree of Special Distinction in the National Forensics League.
Mock Trial: Since freshman year. Best Advocate in district competition, Best Witness in district competition, stuent coach of the team that finished #5 in the nation two years ago, lead attorney.
Varisty Quiz: since freshman year. Team captain all years.
Choir: I'm part of both my school's choir and my church's choir. Cantor.
Broadcast Media: The club only started last year but I've been the Head Writer for it. I've written and co-directed 10 news broadcasts and promotional videos for my school so far.
We the People program: only seniors allowed to do this. Basically a debate on the Constitution. I'm a unit leader and our team got first in districts and is going to state next month.
Snack Bar Manager: During Little League baseball season (August-October) I manage a snack bar at one of the fields. I've done this since freshman year.
I also spent 2 weeks this summer on a debate/ cultural exchange program in Jordan debating Israel/Palestine relations. The program was hosted by the King of Jordan and Gen. Tommy Franks (the Desert Storm leader)</p>

<p>Honors:
AP Scholar
National Hispanic Recognition
National Merit Semifinalist (and probably finalist)</p>

<p>Hooks: URM, 1st generation</p>

2

<p>I think it may be safer to do CAS because Wharton has those high expectations for math, but since it’s difficult to transfer between schools, you really should look into which program is best for you.</p>

<p>It’s better to apply to the school that you want to attend than to get accepted and spend 4 years in a program you don’t want to be in.</p>

3

<p>@owlwise: I sincerely (and with all the respect) recommend you NOT think about which program to apply to based on which one is easier to get into. If you’re only mildly interested in the program and more interested in the prestige of the university, they WILL be able to tell from your application. Please don’t be offended but it seems to me, according to what you posted, that Wharton is probably a better fit for you, and you really shouldn’t shy away from applying to Wharton simply because CAS is less selective.</p>

4

<p>Definitely go with your gut–if you want to apply to Wharton, than apply to Wharton; if you want to apply to CAS, than apply to CAS–regardless of your scores. I applied to Wharton ED and sent only ACT scores–my scores were on the lower end of the mid-range but my counselor and parents insisted that I should apply to the school I wanted to attend most as my true feelings would be very evident in my essays–I got in, bum scores and all. </p>

<p>Penn does have a “send all scores” policy but you may want to consider creating an alternate CommonApp and self report/send only your ACT scores (which are very good) if you decide to apply to Wharton. This way, you won’t have to worry as much about them seeing your 600 in math, or send subject test scores as the ACT is equivalent to Sat I/II’s.</p>

<p>Best of luck and go with your gut!</p>