After touring various universities, I’ve chosen Penn for many reasons which I am choosing no to disclose (my essay!!!). That said, I will be applying early decision to the University of Pennsylvania this coming fall.
SAT Score (shoot): 2120 (740CR+710M+670WR)
ACT: will be taking
GPA: 3.8/4,0
SAT IIs: TBD…
School does not offer APs
ECs
Vex Robotics- (3x) excllence, 5x Tournament Champion 3x Tournament Finalist, 1 Division Champion (5th overall in the world…11,000 in total–top 500 get to go to world champs)–42 hr/wk 40 wk/year
Research at Jefferson medical school 8wk (summer)
China Trip-18 days (hiking, homestays, etc.)
Co-president of my friend’s non-profit…won’t disclose too much
Co-founder and President of Astronomy Club- Amassing funds to purchase telescope currently have $2500
Squash JV- six hr/wk
Ultimate Frisbee- Division II City Champs
Mock Trail
Honestly, I’m worried about my GPA and test scores. I’ve been scoring around a 33 for the ACT, but I took 60 practice tests for the SAT and got 2300+ on all of them (just choked). Also, I’m confident that my subject tests will check the box–just worried about my actual SAT. My GPA is very salvageable during the first semester. I’m generally a strong creative writer and can express my feeling through writing clearly
IDK my dream of admission to UPENN seems slightly far-fetched and sometimes I debate if it is even worth it to apply sometimes. Thanks in advance!
Your ECs are good (not awesome, but strong). Your test scores may need to improve a little bit. I’m not very sure but I’m pretty sure a 2120 puts you write around average for Penn. Your essays will be the most important. Bring out your passions and show admissions you are more than just numbers on a sheet. Good Luck.
Yeah, 2120 is around average for Penn but keep in mind that includes recruited athletes and children of very generous Alumni so realitiscally its probably higher. I think Penn enjoys students who love penn (which I do demonstrating that through essays and ED). I’m predicting deferral and also should probably mention I’m from the philly area.
What school are you planning to apply to? SEAS? Are you a PA resident? that will help. Class rank?
I suggest retaking SAT, 2120 puts you near 25%-tile. I also see very interesting ECs and if you play to that in your essays you have a shot.
No CAS with an intended major in physics w/ a concentration in bio (different from penn’s biophysics major) @zebacarns. Class-rank isn’t released, and I go to a private boys school outside philly (penn has good relationship with us). Yeah the SAT is the low-end of things, but I’m take the ACT hopefully well.
Take the ACT this fall, try to get at least a 34. That will really make you a strong applicant.
I think if you you ED you’re definitely in the upper range.
Reply to my last comment?
You have a remote chance of admission. Any factors like URM, first gen or legacy?
You mention you are a strong creative writer- if I were you I would contact the Kelly Writers House and submit some samples of your writing to them to see if they will “recruit you” ( I think they they write a letter in support of your application) this might be the bump you need to make up for your lower GPA and test score… Son didn’t know anything about Kelly Writers House but they contacted him after he was admitted bc they liked his essays and are trying to get him to take classes w them or join them in seminars/ events to encourage his writing further . They are open to and inclusive of students in all schools at Penn… You don’t need to be any kind of writing or English major.
I mention this bc you say you are a strong creative writer - so this might be something you would be interested in? Apparently, they also will “support” the applications of students whose writing they like for admission! Send them an email and some writing for consideration- it can’t hurt!
@runswimyoga Hahahahaha I’m not THAT strong of a creative writer, rather can effectively express my thoughts in writing.
I’m submitting the research paper I’m working with my PHD-mentor at Jefferson Medical College on neruoimmunology. I’ll consider it, but I don’t think my writing is that amazing. Hopefully, my ACT and first semester are strong to help warrant admission, but I’ll tell my friend (who is applying as English Major) about it!
Thanks
I got a 770 on bio…taking math in october and the ACT in sept/oct. Aiming for 33+