<p>So, Penn is pretty much my dream school. I'm close, and I love the atmosphere. All of my teachers who I have talked to know I can get in. </p>
<p>The thing is though, my SAT scores to be blunt, suck. I've only taken them twice but they're not good enough. I don't know why, either. I've never been to good at standardized testing (I get waaay too nervous) but I just can't get in the 1800-1900s range. My score right now is a 1650. Bad part is, I'm a straight A student with a 4.0 GPA. And I'm in about 5 different clubs, along with other things.</p>
<p>I'm applying early decision this Fall, and I just want some advice. Should I go all out on another part of my school career to make up for the mediocre SAT scores? I'm building up my list of completed AP courses if that helps. </p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who helps me out, I just get so nervous and worried when thinking about it.</p>
<p>I could list my accolades, but I felt like that wasn’t necessary.</p>
<p>Try taking the ACT. It is supposed to be more of a test of the subject content rather than aptitude. And I hope you know that you can study and practice taking these tests and usually can improve your score by doing so. 1650 will have big negative effect on your chance of getting in.</p>
<p>No way are you in with that SAT score. The ACT is definitely worth a try - people tend to be better at one or the other, and you just might be an ACT person! Good luck.</p>
<p>When you’re applying to a reach school, everything has to be the best you can do. Because you’re competing with ppl who have strong courses, strong GPAs, and strong SAT grades. I’m sure if you have a 4.0 GPA you can do fine on the SATs. 
Just prepare!</p>
<p>Yea take the advice of others and just study tremendously hard for those standardized tests. Scores can in part make up for lackluster ECs but ECs can rarely ever make up for lackluster scores. I would definitely give ACT a try, but you really need around a 2200+ or 31+ ACT score to have a good shot of getting in.</p>
<p>Hi, I am almost in the same situation as JonWasNotHere, but in my case I am struggling with one specific section : CR. I am planning on taking the May SAT and although my last practice SAT score was reassuring, (2100 = 800M - 740W - 560CR) the critical reading section is still preventing me from getting a 2200-2300. I am wondering how much it will hurt me since I am applying to Wharton and the mid-range test scores for critical reading is 660-750. Finally, I’d like to know how much will interning at a prominent bank (Bank of America) help me get into Wharton.</p>
<p>Wharton3: You definitely should get that score up. You want to be at least in that middle 50% range! </p>
<p>If you mean the Bank of America Student Leaders ([Bank</a> of America | Corporate Philanthropy | Student Leaders](<a href=“Bank of America resources: grants, sponsorships & ESG reports”>Bank of America resources: grants, sponsorships & ESG reports)) then it’s not a huge boost at all. In fact, this program is knowing for accepting numerous students nationwide and thus it is not a huge add at all. It is good experience, though.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for that answer hardworking21! And no, i interned at bank of america in investment banking (not the Student Leaders program)</p>