<p>Hello I am currently a Penn State student who is looking to transfer to Penn for the Fall 2014(starting my junior year). I have some pretty compelling reasons and I think I have a good shot at getting in. I am still in the process of deciding whether I am going to apply to wharton or CAS. Most likely will apply to CAS to help my chances. I would really like to hear from someone who goes to Penn, went to Penn, or knows a lot about Penn's admissions what my shot of being accepted is.</p>
<p>College: Penn State (honors)
Major: Economics
Minor: Sustainability, Spanish
College GPA: 3.7-3.8
36 credits completed sophomore year
Transferring in as a junior</p>
<p>Jobs: Supervisor(intern) at work study program through psychology firm for juveniles
Tutor at Penn State's writing center
Intern and employee at Mortgage Banking Company</p>
<p>E.C.'s: Sustainability Economics Research sophomore year(hopefully will be published)
Traveled to several research conferences with honors program
Lots of international experience
President and founder of sustainability club
Active member of honors club and entrepreneurship club
500+ hours volunteering through the salvation army, habitat for humanity, relay for life, working at state parks, and coaching youth baseball.
Baseball player(could have played at least Division 2 but chose not too)
Excellent Piano Player
Looking like I am going to study abroad at London School of Economics next summer as well=D</p>
<p>Recommendations:
2 Excellent Recommendations from very close professors
1 Strong Recommendation from honors coordinator
1 Strong Recommendation from Admissions Dean</p>
<p>Essays: Two englsih PhD's are gonna help me make them as strong as possible.</p>
<p>Awards(post high school): Deans list award (twice)
Penn State Superior Academic Achievement Award (twice)
Penn State honors acceptance after freshman year and penn state honors society acceptance
Valedictorian of my major thus far</p>
<p>Other Factors: White (Caucasian)
Family income: no fin aid needed
Both parents are college grads</p>
<p>(1) Penn accepts 200 out of 2000 transfer applications.
(2) Penn prefers transferS into sophomore year. Admissions explicitly states that “Penn has very few spaces for transfers into junior year.”</p>
<p>You sound like a great kid. My D is at Penn although I don’t feel qualified to chance you. I will say that your efforts will be rewarded post-college from wherever you finish. Keep it up.</p>
<p>@fogcity. They told me that when I visited:( It scares me and I am not expecting to get in but I am figuring why not give it a shot. I plan to get an MBA at some point after my undergrad and could always go for Penn then. @Madaboutx thanks for the motivational comments I will keep working hard no matter where I am. I was just at Penn today to visit a friend. Every time I am there is grows on me more and more. It just seems like where I need to be. Gotta make it happen for myself though.</p>
<p>also here are my courses I have taken(note that I am not a strong math student but am doing much better)</p>
<p>Semester 1
Political Science: American Government Relations
Molecular Chemistry
English Rhetorical Composition
History of Jazz(gen ed art requirement)
Statistics</p>
<p>Semester 4(classes I will be taking)
Honors Effective Speech
Honors Macroeconomics
Accounting(combines financial and managerial)
Calculus
Computer Science C++ Programming</p>
<p>Per fogcity you’ll need to be in the top appx 10% of the transfer applicants, and all will be strong ones at that. And as an incoming Junior I’m guessing your odds will be closer to 5%.</p>
<p>Can’t hurt to apply though. Since you visit the campus periodically have you had a chance to sit down with one of the admissions folks and walk thru your information together? If not, you should, so that you’ll get honest feedback from someone “in the know”.</p>
<p>Off the top of my head in looking at your classes:
—I doubt the badminton / gym class will transfer
—If you’re going for Wharton then your two algebra and one pre-calc classes won’t get credit either</p>
<p>Im going for CAS and thanks for the feedback it is much appreciated. I haven’t had the time to sit down with admissions unfortunately. I only have been there on Saturdays. Do you think I should meet with admissions on a weekday? I might be able to one of these fridays.</p>
<p>Absolutely set up an appointment with one of the admissions reps. Specifically ask to speak with one overseeing transfer student applications from your region.</p>
<p>And bring a copy of your transcript, along with your current term’s courses.</p>
<p>Don’t be afraid to ask pointed questions, like:</p>
<p>—How do my stats stack up against most of your transfer students?
—How many transfers going into their Junior year does Penn typically accept?
—How many of these courses would you estimate will transfer?</p>
<p>Your comments that could help:
—No financial aid needed…I’m sure “full pays” aren’t frowned upon anyway
—Could’ve played D2 baseball. How are your baseball skills after two years off? Penn doesn’t offer any scholarships so skilled athletes that will compete for Penn may have a bit lower hurdle to get accepted.</p>
<p>I am definitely qualified to play at Penn. My skill are a bit brushy however with some training I would be back to my best in no team its in my blood. I know I could make their D1 team most likely and maybe not start but be a good member of the team. Thank you so much for the advice I am willing to take whatever steps necessary and go the distance to make sure I am qualified for this school. Never wanted something so bad in my life.</p>
<p>Also how would you suggest going about contacting the admissions team. Via email or a phone call? This also may seem like a absurd question but when I meet with an admissions officer would you suggest wearing casual or dressy attire? Not that it is an interview or anything like that but I am just curious.</p>
<p>I’d call since imo that seems like it takes more initiative. </p>
<p>Also, when you stop by I don’t really think it matters much what you wear as long as it’s not sloppy, and you shave + comb your hair. Maybe khakis and a button down shirt?</p>
<p>I’d try to ask myself “if I were on the other side of the desk, what would I like to see in me?”. Then go with that.</p>
<p>P.S. Penn St has a very solid business school and Econ department too, so make the best of an already good situation if the UPenn transfer doesn’t work out!</p>
<p>Yes they do. I just would like to be in the city and like everyone we all have dream schools. Penn has been mine since I was a kid. Being in the honors college I think should give me some weight too since its selectivity is on par with most ivy league schools. Also there are lots of perks being an honors student. If I stay at PSU I can always try a school in the city for my MBA. Also a very insightful way to look what admissions officers see during appts. Will not applying for fin aid increase my chances? Some are telling me it will and others not.</p>
<p>Also how much will my High School Stats matter? I struggled in early high school but then showed an upward trend in gpa towards the end of high school and into college. My overall hs gpa was like a 3.2 but then 1st semester I got a 3.67. 2nd semester I got a 3.75 and this semester looks like a very promising 4.0 as long as I keep my head in the books. Will this play a factor in my admissions decision. Also my sat was like a 1150 out of 1400 I am willing to retake it though if it will have a large impact on my app.</p>
I am willing to retake it though if it will have a large impact on my app.</p>