Chance Me at UPenn LSM

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

I’m currently debating whether or not to apply ED to UPenn’s dual degree program LSM. I’ve heard that the program is extremely selective, and applying would be almost like applying to Harvard or Stanford-- at least. I don’t know if I should even consider going for it, because I’m also looking towards Johns Hopkins. Maybe I’ll ED to Hopkins if LSM is too much of a stretch.

I’d like to hear all your advices-- would applying ED to LSM or Hopkins be a better choice? I really, really want to enroll in LSM, but again, if it’s too far of a reach then I would rather invest more time into trying to get into Hopkins.

Also, should I submit SAT or ACT? I know they don’t matter, but I always get the impression that SAT holds more worth/weight to it.

Information:

Gender: Female
Ethnicity: East Asian

GPA: 3.93/4.0 (weighted)

-AP Chem: 5 (avg. grade: A-)
-AP Bio: 4 (avg. grade: A)
-AP BC Calc: 5 (avg. grade: A-)
-Total AP classes: 11 (will be taking Stats and English Lit senior year, and Physics and Spanish at a college)
-ACT: 34 (essay: 10/12)
-SAT Reasoning score: 1540 (reading/writing: 760 | math: 780 | essay: 18/24)
-SAT Subject Math II: 780
-SAT Subject Chem: 780
-SAT Subject Bio M: 740
-Class rank: School doesn’t rank

(extracurriculars)
-Red Cross Club chapter board member
-High school symphony orchestra (nationally acclaimed and recognized)
-High school varsity tennis
-Summer camp at CDC
-Research experience at university hospital lab
-Volunteer/event leader at local Sunday school
-Hospital volunteer
-National Honor Society & community volunteer
-Personal interest: writing (got a memoir published in a magazine, won some minor awards)

(other)
-Not sure if this’ll give me some kind of boost, but my personal motivation for studying bio/chem is because I had cancer in the past, and I want to do my own cancer research in the future to develop new treatments. Would provide more of a closing on the door on my own battle against the illness. I plan to somehow incorporate this into the “special circumstances” portion of my application.

Thanks!

2

With ED to LSM, you have a chance to ED to the college as well if you can not get into LSM,

3

I understand that, and my secondary choice would be CAS. Would that be harder to get into than Hopkins?

4

Penn CAS is harder to get in than Hopkins. However, you have decent chance to get in.

5

@f2000sa, would you say I need business experience (i.e. dealing with customers, talking about ideas, etc.) to get into LSM? I have some science experience (listed above), but my “business” experience comes from other places that don’t tie into my science ones. Should I at least mention them in some way?

6

@jding67 yes you are right that LSM is insanely hard to get into (comparing it to Harvard/Stanford level of difficulty is quite accurate). But it is a really unique program so I would highly encourage you to apply since you have very competitive stats. As mentioned above you can ED CAS as your second choice. CAS sure is harder than Hopkins but def easier than LSM. You do not need to have specific business experience that ties into your science experience. You dont even really need to have crazy business experience. Many incoming wharton and dual degree kids do not. What they do have is a demonstrated track record in leadership and extracurricular involvement, and a well-articulated interest in business.

i think you should definitely mention your personal story and journey regarding your motivations for studying biochem. If I were an admissions officer that would make a big impression on me and would sure stand out.

7

Thank you for your input, @Penn95 !

8

@jding67, LSM is totally merit-based. Current LSM student profiles may indicate something. How you can tell people including AO “I really, really want to enroll in LSM…” not just its prestigious? Is there anything regarding “Research experience at university hospital lab” not just experience? Anything can show your passion on business? ED probably is the best opportunity. GL