Based upon my credentials, could I get into the University of Pennsylvania early decision?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi! I’m a high school junior looking for opinions about my acceptance chances to UPenn. I would, most likely, apply early decision to pursue a major in either biology or hospital administration/management.

-My grandfather attended upenn, so I qualify for legacy status. I’ve visited many times so demonstrated interest.
-Weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale is a 4.6 (almost all As)
-took more than most rigorous courses available
-junior year schedule: AP Eng Lang, AP Biology, AP US History, and AP Spanish Lang, haven’t gotten scores yet but expect to do well. Self-studied for and took AP psych exam as well
-Senior year schedule: AP Eng Lit, AP Microeconomics, AP Government, AP Calculus AB, Anatomy & Phys (college course through local school)
-ACT: English- 31, Reading- 32, Math- 27, Science-27, Composite- 29
-I plan to take the ACT again, I know my scores aren’t great I’ve taken it three times already. Maybe I can get it up one more point, I’ve just had some bad timing in terms of life/exhaustion and then test taking
-Not taking SAT

Extracurriculars
-Class treasurer two years, junior class president
-Planned/organized the junior prom, head of prom planning committee
-Editor-in-Chief of school newspaper
-Editor-in-Chief of a prestigious science publication
-President/Founder of a Boy Scout Venture Crew
-Club soccer team captain seven years, serious commitment 20+ hours per week distant tournaments
-Varsity soccer four years, might be a captain
-Spanish Honor society, national honor society
-Freshmen orientation student leader
-statewide personal essay award
-key club
-150+ hours of community service, including a project I started myself
-Amateur filmmaker, won prestigious school award
-nominated for a prestigious school scholarship
-Tutor/Babysitter 50+ hours
-member of stem program within my school
-participated on select hs science team, won county title
-and there’s a bunch more items but they’re littler

Application
-Great college essay, very solid supplements. This area is my strong suit.
-One math recommendation, even though math is my worst subject. Close relationship with the teacher, should be great. I think it shows that even though it’s not a strong subject, the teacher still has good things to say about me?
-One humanities recommendation from a notoriously well-written teacher, good relationship there as well
-had familial struggle with serious sibling illness, that affected academic performance as well.

Sorry, this is a lot of information. But, what do you think my chances are? Should I apply ED? It’s my dream school which will stand out in the application, as well. I know there’s no way to really know, but I appreciate any feedback.

2

I also got a 32 on the ACT writing section, though. Which very few people do apparently. Maybe that somehow helps my lowish composite.

3

Unfortunately, Penn no longer requires the writing portion of the ACT or SAT which means they don’t consider it useful. Your score of 29 will definitely be an obstacle in light of the fact that you took it three times and in Penn’s newsletter, they specifically state that they find the SAT or ACT to be a very strong predictor of future success at Penn. I am curious why you aren’t considering taking the SAT since for many kids one test is better-suited for them than the other. If you’ve already taken the SAT and didn’t find it a better exam for you, unfortunately, you must submit all scores from both exams.

Penn does not consider demonstrated interest but the legacy boost does help a lot in the ED round.

If it were me, I would spend the summer prepping for the ACT (or SAT) and seeing if you can’t get your score up to at least middle of the range. The rest of your profile makes you competitive for admissions though it appears you lack awards or achievements that make you really stand out. You spend a great deal of time playing soccer which is admirable but unless you are recruitable, for most top schools this won’t have much of an impact. Good luck with everything!

4

Prepare for the ACT/SAT this summer. If you end up earning a good score, you will have a great shot, especially when taking into consideration your legacy status, grades, and extracurriculars.

5

Take the ACT again!!! Once you get that higher I think you’ll have a great chance of getting in ED. Trust me, the timing was the worst thing about it, and the best thing is just to practice a lot with those time constraints.