Chance as a transfer from top 20 to UPenn?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>I have posted a similar one before (1 month ago?) and now I know my college GPA so I need further advice. I'm currently a freshmen whose major is applied math & statistics, with a second major in econ.</p>

<p>Current University: Vanderbilt University
Current courses:Cal 3, intermediate microecon, Java, Composition
Current GPA: 4.0 out of 4.0
Next semester: C++, Statistics, Existential Fictions, Linear Algebra, Intermediate Macro (all sophomore standing)
Rec: one from math professor and one from econ professor. Both are really good--I am the best student in their classes. </p>

<p>High School (international):
GPA: 3.8
HS Rank: 15/570
SAT: 2230
SAT 2: Math level 2: 800, Chemistry: 780, Physics: 780
AP(all 5): US history, Micro, Macro, Cal BC, Chemistry.</p>

<p>EC's:
Research assistant at Vanderbilt Medical Center, statistics work
Vanderbilt Mobile Applications Team
Vanderbilt Computer Science Club
Vanderbilt Math Club
Vanderbilt Student Volunteer for Science
Internship at a consulting company, statistics and analysis
President & Co-founder of a Volunteer Society, interviewed by national TV
Captain of secondary school debate team
Journalist at a News Agency, several articles on national newspaper
Public Sector at an NGO</p>

<p>Awards, Achievement, and Recognition:
ACM-ICPC regional final
Best representative in MUN
Best debater in regional contest
Vanderbilt Dean's list
AP scholar with distinction
High school model student</p>

<p>Reasons: my major is math and I am very interested in applied math and statistics. But Vandy does not offer a statistics major nor an applied math major. Moreover, for my secondary major Econ, Vandy does not have a good connection of econ and math. And since I want to start my own enterprise after graduation, Nashville, a small city in the south, cannot provide me with enough international environment and internship/job opportunities. </p>

<p>Financial Aid Needed?:
No</p>

<p>What is my chance for UPenn, CAS? Will the reputation of my current school matter? </p>

<p>In writing my "why" essays, should I be creative and surprising or should I be straightforward and plain?</p>

2

<p>I am also trying to transfer to UPENN just like you. Well I’m actually trying to get in Wharton. But your stats look great. You definitely have a strong chance of getting in. Good Luck!!!</p>

3

<p>For your “why” essays, I think you should be straightforward but not plain - make it interesting. Connect what you like about penn to yourself and your interests/backgrounds/personality so that it’s truly personalized. Also, don’t forget to tell Penn what you can do for them, not just what they can do for you :)</p>

<p>As for your profile, it looks good. I think you have a solid shot. You have worked hard in college thus far and your HS profile is not weak; also, you have a real reason to go to penn - the stat major.</p>

4

<p>@CrazyPluto: congrats on your UPenn admissions! Do you want to read my transfer common app essay? (why transfer?)</p>

5

<p>you have a great shot… i dont think you could be in a better position…</p>

6

<p>just fyi penn doesn’t have a stat major…only a minor…there’s a stat concentration in wharton, but that doesn’t sound like what you’re looking for. just something to keep in mind!</p>

7

<p>Thank you. I wrote in my essays about the Actuarial Math program and only mentioned the stat major in one sentence.</p>

8

<p>bumppppppppppppppppppp</p>

9

<p>I think you have a good shot, but just to respond to your previous point, a 4.0 is not everything. Just because you go to a good school, does not mean your grading scale is any harder for mine. In fact, my school does not practice grade inflation and Vanderbuilt does. I could argue my school is in fact more rigorous. Further, the Ivies look for people who are passionate and humble, not for arrogant students who ‘believe they are the best in their class’. These are some points to take into mind as you prepare your applications.</p>

10

<p>sorry if my words to your previous chance thread were arrogant. I was just considering the competitive pool since some of my friends with perfect GPA are transferring from GPA deflation schools like Berkeley. I think you should emphasize on your “Dream Act” stuff in your essays. That’s very special and impressing at least to me. Vandy is not in GPA inflation btw. Good luck to you and happy new year!</p>