Chance me at UPenn RD Class of 25"

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

This is one of my top choice schools, however, I am aiming for a higher GPA to submit around the regular decision dates.

Sorry this is LONG

Demographics :
Gender - Female
Ethnicity - Hispanic
California Resident (born in NY however)
Intended Major: Biomedical Engineering
Attending Arts School/ Charter School

Stats :
3.7/4.0 UW
4.2/4.0 W
Aiming to submit 4.4 GPA and 3.85 UW
Total of Advanced Classes I will complete/submit - 18
6 AP , 8 Honors , 4 Community College Classes
SAT Intended Score - Aiming for the 1500s, I am devoting hours a day until I take the test.
Ranking - No Ranking at School, Reaching a certain GPA qualifies you as Valedictorian (includes me)

ECs :
Music (Violinist) (7 Years)
-Principal Player of High School Orchestra for 2 years so far
(California School of the Arts Philharmonic Strings)
-Led orchestra to Regionals : Superior Rating (highest rating orchestras are able to receive)
-Participated in collaborations with other University Orchestras and world class soloists
-Selected to perform solo with orchestra at Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) by 11 time Grammy nominated artist

Children of the World Project (11-12th grade year)

  • Started Own Non Profit Organization (Creator and Founder of Project)
    -Collaborations from 9 Countries

The Children of the World Project gives youth the opportunity to learn about various and different arts as not all K-12 schools provide more than 1 artistic program. Children get to speak with individuals who are passionate about the same art children decide to be more interested in. Project’s name is inspired by Michael Jackson’s “We are the World”, quoting “We are the World, We are the Children” as it is true that children will be the inspiration to the future generations to come.

As a passionate musician myself, I wish I had discovered more about the arts when I was younger, as music has shaped the person I am today. My leadership, determination, and dedication have all come from learning the art. It has even led me to creating this project that has the goal of giving children the chance to learn more about something that may be their passion or drive that shapes them into their bright potential future.

Dragon Kim Foundation (9-12th Grade year)

-Mentor for K-5 students( Teaching Students Guitar and Music Fundamentals)

This foundation was influenced by Dragon Kim, a boy who was passionate about many things, including music. He initiated a project that provided kids with free music instruction, and in order to fulfill his legacy after his death, this foundation was created. We provide young kids with various different music programs.

Foundation was founded in 2015.

Taekwondo (9-12th Grade year)
-1st Degree Black Belt
-Taekwondo Mentor for Beginner Students
Black Belt claimed 2020

Summer Programs (9-10th Grade Year)
-Accepted and attended NYU Summer Program
-Attended Berklee College of Music Summer Program
-Accepted and attended Ingenium Academy in the UK.
Worked with Musicians from more than 45 countries

Competitive Mathematics Club (9-10th grade year)
-Co-President of Club
-Participated in the American Mathematics Competition

Movies (Work) (9-10th Grade Year)
Playing with Beethoven - Portrayed Musician (Paid)
Bloody Corral - Violinist for Score (Paid)

Honor Societies (9th-12th Grade Year)
-Tri M Music Honor Society (Founder and Elected President 2020)
-National Honor Society (Elected Officer 2020) 5 officer positions for 160 students
-California Scholarship Federation (No Positions Available)

Community Service (9-12th Grade Year)
504 Hours of Community Service Hours
More known as :
-Project Coordinator
-Math Tutor
Created and participated in various projects for Community

Awards -
Dean’s Award (Berklee College of Music) at International Summer Program
Regina Carter Award- Awarded at International Summer Program
Pillar Award- School Choice of Leadership Exemplary
Ambassador Award- Community Service Award
Principal’s List/Honor Roll

I have a great passion for music, however all the skills I have learned, such as leadership, dedication, and determination I hope to use in Biomedical Engineering. I always thought my doctors as superheroes, as some have even saved my life (have never had it easy). In fact, my doctors have introduced the major of biomedical engineering to me! Physics, and Biology fascinate me!

I believe most can learn what it’s like from going to internships with other amazing students, but I know my music experiences can be a good different for colleges compared to those who went to them. My GPA may be low but I am super dedicated to the things that I love. I appreciate music more as an art than the competitions and how it looks for college. I am super hard on myself and I am worried that it’s too focused on music. An internship did get canceled for me this summer.

I received merit based financial need for all the summer programs. My mom worked hours to provide me with those opportunities as well.

( Have not seen my biological father in 8 years.)

Any strong safeties for me?
Thank you!

2

Unfortunately, Penn looks like a far reach for you at this time. Your GPA and rigor are below average, and your ECs are very impressive, but they are mostly not related to biomedical engineering. Assuming you are able to achieve a 1500+ SAT score, the strategy would be to apply to Penn as a reach school, then have a solid balance of match and safeties. Reach out to your counselor to see what schools could be a better fit with your stats and extracurriculars.

3

Noo! I disagree with the other comment, I think you totally have a shot! Your GPA is a little low but your ECs seem really unique. Maybe you could apply as a music major or something more related to your ecs and then switch once you get into college since penn is pretty leniant on non Wharton major changes.

4

I recently was accepted into JHU biomedical engineering program for this fall, most say it is a competitive process and I am not sure how this may help at all, but I am doing this because I rather enjoy it. I am also publishing my own research textbook on cancer therapy this fall, and I forgot to list these things!

5

As for my counselors, they actually have encouraged me to go for it. As much as music changed my life , I tend to value it as an art rather than competition and auditions etc. As it might seem that my GPA is low, since I attend an arts school, I am one of the “valedictorians” in my class. I understand that it may be a reach, and of course I have my college list set! I really wanted some opinion and I really appreciate it! I wanted to demonstrate unique activities as I believe most can attend internships and programs. I also forgot to list I have a disability. And it has affected my GPA but not so much.

6

You were accepted into JHU’s BME program? Like the undergrad degree program or the fly-in? Also if I think you have a shot but if Penn is your top choice then ED because your chance will be a lot higher.

7

It’s for high school, and it qualifies for undergrad credit at John Hopkins which is why it is a rigorous course they say. It’s obviously virtual now because of covid :frowning: .

8

Hi Danielle! Strong profile overall, but I would say that you should ED. Here’s how I see it: you will show Penn it’s your #1 choice, and if they think that a higher gpa would seal the deal, they would defer and not reject you. I find it hard to believe Penn would reject an ED applicant if there was any chance that their senior year grades would change their decision. If FA is an issue I totally get that and ignore this comment. Otherwise, you have some super interesting stuff on your resume and a lot going for you. Good luck!

9

As much as I hate to say it, I think you’d have a great chance (I only hate to say it because I am applying to UPenn for bioengineering, as well). It seems like you have all of the qualities of a great applicant. Don’t let your GPA stop you from going for it.

10

You guys are all so helpful and kind, and Sasha I’m sure you are too! Essays also play a great account into who they accept !