chance me for cas? weak gpa, strong ecs?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Well, weak as in a 3.7 unweighted GPA. My primary concern isn't my overall GPA, but grades in individual classes (C in AP Bio and C in AP Calc AB). My grades are definitely the weakest part of my application. (I'm a junior right now.)</p>

<p>Test scores are mediocre:
2070 SAT (1st try. I'm retaking it this June)
30 ACT
760 SAT II Bio
5 AP Bio</p>

<p>However, my ECS are pretty strong. I am the editor-in-chief of a culture based website. It's pretty new, but traffic is increasing exponentially. The main plan is to spend time opening a fashion line based on the website itself. (I'm hoping to major in international business.)
I am a member of the marketing team for a non-profit organization that is centered around providing books for children in need.
I also have experience as a marketing and social media intern for a scholarship foundation.
Other activities include: Secretary for my school's FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and a squad leader for our nationally ranked color guard (3rd place).
This summer, I have plans to study several new languages and hopefully intern for a foreign company. (Right now, I am fluent in English and Cantonese. This is my third year taking Spanish, and I hope to start learning Mandarin and Japanese this summer.)</p>

<p>For colleges, my reaches are:
UPENN
UCLA
NYU
USC</p>

<p>I'm 'in line' with:
Boston U
UCI
UCSB</p>

<p>And my safety schools are:
UCR
UCSC</p>

<p>I'm a California resident and a first generation college student.
It would be super nice if I got tips for summer activities and things I should do to improve my chances for reaches.
(I completely understand that UPENN is a far reach for me. However, it is my dream school, and it would be amazing if I was accepted even with my sub-par GPA. I'm applying for CAS and the Huntsman Program.)</p>

2

<p>First generation college student is HUGE. Overall your stats aren’t at the top but they’re definitely that bad either. I would think you have a chance.</p>

3

<p>The way I see it, even if your stats are a little below average, you still have a chance at getting in. Not all accepted students will have a 4.0 unweighted. Maybe you could focus on making sure your essays are unique and memorable.</p>

4

<p>Hmm thanks!
I just found at internship at a psychology lab at UCLA!
Do you think this would help my application a lot?
(Or should I focus on more business-orientated summer activites?)</p>

5

<p>Yes! Summer activities (regardless of what they are) will help a lot. It shows admissions that you’re proactive about learning and broadening your academic scope.</p>

<p>Your grades/GPA are obviously the biggest pitfall of your app… However, I think the 5 on AP Bio kinda negates your C in the class. I dunno if admissions people look at that though.</p>

<p>Definitely get great recommendations and work on your essays like they’re the most important component of your life… If your essays are fantastic and your recs are excellent then I think you will have a good shot! Good luck!</p>