CAS or Wharton?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
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<p>I have already decided to apply to Penn ED (Iama senior), but I am unsure as to whether I should I apply to CAS or Wharton. At the moment, my plans for after include probably entering a career in business, and getting both an MBA and a law degree (unnecessary, I know, so don't hate on it, it's just something I think I want to do). If I applied to CAS and got in, I would major in politics and economics, but I would probably subsequently apply to internally transfer to Wharton as well and dual major in politics and Wharton economics. If I applied to Wharton and got in, I would also want to apply later to major in politics at CAS as well (Political science is a big interest of mine). I understand that acceptance at either CAS or Wharton is relatively unlikely, but I would like to know your thoughts both on which I should apply to based on what I'm telling you, and which I should apply to to maximize my chances of acceptance.</p>

<p>In helping you create an informed opinion to provide to me, here is a brief summary my stats:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.76 UW, 4.51 W.</p>

<p>My school does not rank normally, all colleges will see is that ~the top 15% of my class has a 4.51 WGPA and above. One thing to consider is that my graduating class is approximately 600, and my school is one of those extremely high achieving public schools in the suburbs of a major metropolitan region. There will be ridiculous competition for highly ranked schools: many students will get in to some, but many will be outmaneuvered/out-competed.</p>

<p>My schedule is rigorous, even in the context of my school and others like it. (6 APs this year, 4 last year, 1 sophomore year. Classes that are not APs are essentially all honors, save for gym). I am not going to put up my whole schedule, but the classes are relevant and I do well in them. Except 1 thing: I am not a math person, and that is easy to see (it is most of why I don't have a 3.9+).</p>

<p>My EC's are relatively modest, but they show commitment and are relevant to my interests. A couple of them are a little intriguing and demonstrate initiative. Also I play a couple musical instruments.</p>

<p>I am still working on my essays, but I am quite confident that they will be pretty good in the end.</p>

<p>Finally, my counselor has informed me that she has written a very good letter of recommendation for me, of which she seemed kind of proud. She says that it is a little longer than usual (in a definitely positive way). One of the teachers who is writing a rec for me knows me very well, as I excelled in his class and continue to assist him in helping students learn the class's material. I am pretty confident that he will write a superb recommendation. I still need another teacher for a rec, but I have a couple good prospects.</p>

<p>Sorry I am vague on some of the specifics, but as I said, I have lots of competition. Anyway, I look forward to your input. Thanks in advance.</p>

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<p>I forgot to mention I took the SAT twice and my superscore is 2300. SAT subject tests are 800, 750, and 760 in relevant fields. AP scores are four 5s and one 3.</p>

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<p>You’re all over the place, internal transfer to a dual degree program is incredibly almost impossible hard. You have a much better shot applying to a dual degree program as a freshman/incoming student. Since you want to do get a degree from both the college and wharton, and have a certain interest in politics, economics, and law, I would suggest applying to the Huntsman Dual Degree Program in international relations and business (It’s a Dual Degree program between the college and wharton)</p>

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<p>^^^Is that program harder to get into than let’s say, an individual school such as CAS? If they reject you from the program, will they still consider you for one of the schools?</p>

<p>Edit: Nevermind I found my answer. I’m pleased with what I’ve found :)</p>

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<p>shaheirunderdog, I think you may be a bit confused about my proposed ideas. I am not seeking to transfer into one of the coordinated duel degree programs (such as Huntsman), because that is impossible, nor do I want to apply to one, because they are difficult to get into and somewhat constricting. I am saying that I would want to pursue two majors at Penn, one being political science at CAS, and the other being economics at Wharton. Perhaps that was a little unclear.</p>

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<p>^ That’s impossible to do at Penn, you can only do two separate majors at two different undergrad programs via a dual degree. If you’re interested mostly in pre-law/law and political science, than you should definitely apply to the college, one major very popular at the college is the PPE major (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics), it fits your interests really well, and will also allow you to apply to law school after you graduate.</p>

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<p>Sorry to highjack this thread. Out of curiosity, is it possible to transfer from CAS to Wharton? This is purely for my own reference.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>^ It is incredibly hard, much harder to do than getting in as a freshman/incoming student</p>

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<p>Thanks shaheirunderdog.</p>