Chance for ED to Penn CAS?

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Standardized Testing:
SAT I:
- March 2011 (560 CR 690 M 680 W - 1930 Composite YAK)
- June 2011 Taking next weekend; expecting improvement - 2100 ish
SAT II:
- Bio M - 650 - Retake?
- Chem - 720
- Math II - 750</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA: 3.978
Weighted GPA: 4.332
Class Rank: 2/250ish</p>

<p>AP Classes (so far):
-AP Chemistry (predict a 4 or 5)
-AP Statistics (predict a 4 or 5)
Have taken all honors classes and a gifted english class, as well as an honors level chorus.</p>

<p>Senior Schedule:
-AP Biology
-AP Calculus
-AP Comparative Government
-AP Physics
-Honors English
-Honors Special Chorus</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
-National Honor Society (President)
-International Thespian Society (Vice President)
-Amnesty International (Vice President)
-Spanish Honor Society
-Peer Counseling
-Math League (Champions)
-Piano Lessons (10yrs)
-Drama Productions and Musicals: "Godspell" (Ensemble), "How to Succeed" (Womper), "Brighton Beach Memoirs" (Stanley), "RENT" (Paul), "The Wiz" (Lion) - extreme devotion and passion for this.
-Small Group Choir</p>

<p>Community Service:
-Various events/activities through NHS and SHS
-Tutoring
-Teacher Assistant since 10th Grade, 4 hrs/wk
-Peer Counseling: Teacher Dinner, Freshman Orientation, New Teacher Tea, New Student Breakfast, Breakfast for Haiti (2010)</p>

<p>Major Awards, etc:
-Undergraduate Award (9th) - World History Honors
-Undergraduate Award (9th) - Spanish II Honors
-Undergraduate Award (9th) - English I Honors
-Undergraduate Award (9th) - Foundations of Health, Science, and Technology
-Math League Champions (10th)</p>

<p>Summers/Work:
Summer@Brown 2010 - Neuroscience Course
CJSA Certified Soccer Referee - Discipline
Applied for a job at Michaels Arts and Crafts</p>

<p>Other:
- Major: Pre-Med Track
- State: CT
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Gender: Male
- Income: Approx. $100K
- Struggle with a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder (entered high school at 50-60lbs and weak) which has inspired me to specialize in gastroenterology and have empathy for others who have similar disorders. Passion... will most likely write my essay about how the experience in hospitals, diagnosing, and tests has changed my view on life and what I want to do with my life</p>

<p>Let me know if you need more information, thanks guys.. I appreciate your opinions. I am definitely considering applying ED to Penn CAS; how much would this help me?</p>

2

<p>Yeah, can someone please respond as to how much ED helps? Preferably someone who got in with ED and can share their stats. Wharton students greatly appreciated too!</p>

3

<p>As a pre-med, you have 650? The adcom will see that and be a bit put off. I don’t think your chances are too hot due to low SAT2s and SAT1s and lack of diverse/ unique ECs</p>

4

<p>I haven’t taken AP Bio yet (only honors, in sophmore year), so the Bio SAT II was self taught thru barron’s. I will be considering a re-take in October. Also, as I mentioned, I have been preparing non-stop for the SAT I next week, so even though that number is currently there, I am working to improve that anywhere from 2050-2200.</p>

5

<p>Also, I still am not sure how applying ED will affect my chances… can anyone provide input on that? Thanks for your contribution, jenga.</p>

6

<p>You sound sincere and passionate, so that will stand out in the early round. I was accepted ED this year, and, I, too, am from CT (not from a competitive school). I think there are a few very important things:

  1. Do not make testing an extracurricular. If you seriously think you can improve (i.e. Taking AP Bio should seriously help for SAT II Bio), then do it. Maybe give ACT a try next fall (I personally liked the test better, even though it was not statistically “better” than my SAT score).
  2. Make sure your “soft” qualities speak volumes–my letters of rec were very laudable, my common app essay was very strong, and my Penn supplement was direct and focused on all aspects of Penn (academics, environment, opportunities, programs, etc).
  3. If you want Penn, go for it! I applied ED to Penn thinking there was absolutely NO way I’d get in (3.9 unweighted GPA, 4.78 weighted GPA, 2030 SAT, 31 ACT, 720 Bio m, 730 Chem, 4s on AP Bio and Chem). I was all ready to apply elsewhere and was emotionally braced for the bad news which never came, so go for it!
  4. Most people will offer good constructive criticism on CC, but do not let them tell you no. Just don’t.
  5. Lastly, keep in mind that while ED acceptance rates are higher, it isn’t “easier” to get in necessarily. This admit rate counts legacies, recruited athletes, and other valuable, but seat-taking, individuals, so it is not “easier” to get into Penn ED, per se, but it is easier to demonstrate passion and to be heard, from my experience. ED apps this year rose 18% to something like 4500 (with a 26% admit rate). I’d guess at least 4500, if not more, will apply next year, but there won’t be more seats offered to the freshman class.</p>
7

<p>Thanks, Porphyria, that really raised my confidence a bit :). I’m taking the ACT this June and in the fall, as well as the SAT again next week and if need be (PLEASE, NO…lol) in October. I definitely have passion for Penn and for what I would like to do there. Thanks for the personal advice and tips with regard to ED :). I believe my common app will be very heartfelt and truly show how my experience with my condition has changed me completely since middle school.
Also, congratulations on your acceptance :slight_smile: I’m sure you are very deserving!</p>