Chance for Wharton? For CAS?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
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<p>Hi, I'm relatively new here. But I'd really like the community input on what you all think is my chance.</p>

<p>Background:
Race: Asian (Chinese)
Income: Poor family (<60K/yr), applying for finaid
State: Florida</p>

<p>School:
GPA: 4.0/4.0 UW, 5.04/6.00 W (6.00 is literally impossible, unless you take 4 years of all AP's and get straight A's)
Grades: straight-A's (on path for valedictorian)
Rank: 4/873</p>

<p>SAT I: 2320
SAT II: Math2 (760), Physics (760)
AP: Human Geography, Calc AB - 5
World History, Language/Comp, Art History (req. for magnet program), US History - 4</p>

<p>Senior Courseload: All AP's
Physics C
Japanese
Statistics
Macroeconomics
Psychology
Literature
Calculus BC</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
1. Interact Club 10th, 11th, 12th - VP this year. Attend Rotary meetings and RYLA leadership workshops. I enjoy volunteering and have done 90+ hours for this club. Volunteering around community @ elementary schools, community centers, Salvation Army
2. Piano - 7 years (since 5th grade). Second place in a local competition. All Superior ratings in every NFMC Festival event participated (Solos, Concertos, Theory). Perform at churches every so often
3. HTML/CSS - self taught. Web master/designer of my own website and my mom&dad's company website. Currently self teaching Java. Know very basics of C.
4. Co-found Mu Alpha Theta 12th - just founded the club. Haven't done anything, but plan to tutor and participate in AMC 12
5. Quiz Bowl member 12th - weekly matches, does take up time. Have won 4/6 matches so far. Rank 4 in our little district (not so impressive, actually heh)
6. Other Activity - plan on joining weightlifting team in Spring. I have taken weights class previously, and I list that I eat healthy and exercise regularly (3hrs/wk) at home and at the gym. Not sure if this is a valid ec though, could someone comment?</p>

<p>Essays/Recs:
Guidance: blew my mind when I first saw, but I'm not sure what a "fantastic" rec is. I guess it's generic? Perhaps slightly above generic
Teachers:
1. Math teacher/Math Department Chair - she loves me
2. Physics teacher - not sure
Common App: I think it's good... lol
Supplement: haven't started :D</p>

<p>Thank you for taking the time to review my stats. I hope you comment. Please let me know what else I need to add to provide further insight!</p>

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<p>You can code?</p>

3

<p>I’m learning</p>

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<p>Oh, and I forgot to mention: I am applying for ED</p>

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<p>Pretty good scores + ECs. Personally, you seem like more of a fit for CAS, but I think your chances for Wharton are also pretty decent if you feel that’s where you truly belong. Good luck in the coming cycle!</p>

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<p>Thank you kboli</p>

<p>Personally, I am divided between Wharton and CAS because:
Wharton: in-depth and teamwork-focused Economics courses, great alumni & connections, but low acceptance rate (like throwing away my ED)
CAS: broader; more variety in subjects, and I’d much rather go into CAS than not to go UPenn at all because UPenn is my #1</p>

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<p>Just out of curiosity, if you’re applying ED, how have you not decided yet? Aren’t the apps due in a few days?</p>

<p>Also, I know exactly what you mean. I basically had a similar reasoning as well, but decided to apply to Wharton since, in the end, it’s really where I wanted to go to most.</p>

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<p>I don’t think eating healthy is a valid extra curricular lol. Just put that you’re joining the weightlifting team. </p>

<p>Do you have more ECs? I’m also applying ED wharton but I personally feel as though my ECs are stronger. I’m willing to pm them to you if you’re interested. You have 2 leadership positions, both acquired your senior year. Is there a reason you waited till Senior year for your Mu Alpha Theta club; Wharton will wonder why you waited till then to do it.
What have you done the past summers? Be sure to indicate it on the app.</p>

<p>You’re chances are much better for CAS. No hooks, and no business related ECs doesn’t necessarily mean Wharton will reject you, just means it’s tougher.</p>

<p>Least that’s my two cents, do with it what you will.</p>

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<p>@kboli - Since UPenn is my first choice, I’ve a conflict within myself. To risk or not to risk? I’m actually leaning more towards CAS since it seems like it would let me explore almost any subject I wish</p>

<p>@ Inquirer - well, I figured that a healthy diet is part of exercising. I mean, if one doesn’t eat right, the effects of the workouts are essentially nulled.
Yes, I’d appreciate it if you could PM me your EC’s. It’d be interesting to compare.</p>

<p>And where would I list my summer activities? Upload under Additional Info?</p>

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<p>Yeah it certainly is, my point is it’s not linked to any organization. If you play the piano independently, you can quantify achievement like you do via competitions. I guess it can work, I just don’t think it’s a very credible activity.</p>