I’m considering applying to Penn early this fall. I have a 1530 (730R/W, 800Math) and a 4.0UW GPA. Both my parents went to Wharton grad school. Some decent connections. Haven’t donated. I play tennis competitively but not good enough to get recruited. Other ECs include math tutor, tennis coach volunteer, stock market club, and I created a tennis forecasting website. Intended major: mathematical economics. Do you think I have a shot under ED? What can I do to improve my chances?
You have a solid chance especially given your legacy if you apply ED. If I recall correctly, approx. 25% of ED acceptances were legacy students for the class of 2023. Your stats are good for Penn – EX Curr are not jumping off the page, but you are a solid candidate. Not sure about your academic rigor… that is something that is looked at at Penn closely. Write a great why Penn essay… very important to show fit and appreciate what Penn has to offer. On the other hand, no guarantees… get those other applications ready to go whether or not you get into Penn… you are going to go to a great school, regardless. Connections and whether or not your parents donated are unlikely to move the needle either way unless the donations or connections are off the charts.
Legacy and ED will help, but in your Why Penn essay, you have to show them exactly where you will fit into the Penn community. Your EC’s are ok, but that’s why it’s so important that you write a very compelling common app and supplemental essay. You need to show Penn exactly where you would fit on campus and how you would use the resources specific to Penn. Don’t just list unique things you find on the website, connect them to your passions and explain how they help you achieve your goals. Even if you have good stats, good EC’s, and legacy, nothing is for sure. I applied to Princeton through restrictive early action, with legacy (about a 30% acceptance rate according to a letter sent to my father by the university), but was deferred and ultimately rejected. Then I got into Penn Wharton through RD, no connections (<5% acceptance rate). College admissions is really strange, but for most people I know, including myself, it seems to place you at the institution that is best for your interests and personality.
Good luck!
You get in?