<p>I’m a Junior at a large low-performing high school in Tri-State Area (I’m middle class and white)</p>
<p>SAT: 2300+ (based of psat)
SATII: 730, 760, 760, one more that is not so stellar (does it count, considering they ask for 3?)
Rank: top 10 students of ~512
APs: 5/4/4/5</p>
<p>ECs:Prez of Investment Club, Prez of Student Gov, Prez of NHS, Mock Trial Capt, science research at nyu, volunteering, internship w/ politician, finance internship in manhattan, Varsity Tennis (not that great though)</p>
<p>Any chances? Advice?
Be honest… If Wharton is totally out of my league, which colleges should I look at?
Thanks, in advance!!!</p>
<p>I'm no expert, but I think your chances are good, especially if your SAT score does end up being 2300+.
I got in with a 2040, 4.0 weighted gpa, 3rd/578 also in a large, public (nyc) school. I was NOT expecting to get in. I had originally checked of the CAS but one of the essay questions was something like "how will a Penn education help you achieve your career goals", and since I plan to pursue IBanking and Real Estate Development it would have made little sense for me to apply to the CAS when Wharton has a real estate program. So I switched to Wharton before I submitted the application.
Anyway, my point is that I think your stats won't stop you from getting in, now you just have to write essays that will help make you stand out. This is the advice I was always given, and now I see that the essays probably did make all the difference. Show that you are really interested in the unique programs Wharton has to offer... I guess it also depends on what you actually want to do once out of Wharton.</p>
<p>Mock Trial 12th grade, Leadership committee 12th, Arista honor society 11th and 12th with community service involvement through that, work as assistant teacher at after-school program for the past 3 years</p>
<p>I agree with br9172. I also feel that the essay is particularly important--and you have to make yourself stand out from thousands of applicants. This is your way to do it. Avoid, avoid, avoid the usual cliche essays--"I traveled to Rome and I learned a life lesson," etc.
Also, try to up your SAT score and I think your SAT IIs are fine, granted that they only ask for 3. But, btw, I applied for engineering, but, considering it's WHARTON, you must probably place yourself at even a higher level of competition with greater stats. You have a real good balance of extracurriculars, esp. those targeted toward business. However, that is based on the assumption that you did significant work and got a significant experience doing them. Just filing papers isn't going to cut it. But, if you are able to talk about these experiences (and maybe incorporate them into your essay or any other related essay that wharton asks for) with a sense of depth, then I think you have a good chance. But! I have lots of friends who made if their "life goal" to get into Wharton--and turned suicidal, etc. when they didn't. Honestly, hold yourself up to high standards and set a goal, but keep your mind open because you'll be much happier in the end! Good luck! ;)</p>
<p>P.S. Since you're the prez of many clubs and you're looking at wharton, it would probably be most impressive if you showed some business or actual leadership skill in these clubs by organizing a fundraiser, etc. Just a suggestion.</p>