Chance me for Penn as a reach school?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Hi, I will be applying to Penn's SEAS for RD.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that I am well aware that this is a reach school. I just want to know how I stand. Thanks!</p>

<p>GPA: 3.67 UW
Top 5% of class.
Took 7 APs and the most challenging schedule offered by my school (one of three students taking the most difficult schedule, if that matters.)</p>

<p>ACT: 31 comp; 34 eng; 31 math; 31 rding; 29 sci</p>

<p>SAT 1930 ss (I know I did bad on it--but I did do better on the ACT, of course.)</p>

<p>SAT2s: 680 M2; 660 Phys. </p>

<p>*Retook SAT2s in December and expect low 700s on both.</p>

<p>No hooks that I know of.</p>

<p>Slightly above average HS in suburb.</p>

<p>Good ECs and good essays.</p>

2

<p>Rubi32, </p>

<p>I am not a SEAS student, but I am an SAS student.</p>

<p>The facts you listed are pretty identical to mine, give or take a few points here and there. I got into Penn last year, so please know that it is possible. Don’t feel discouraged if people tell you your scores are not high enough. Sometimes, all it takes is standing out. Good luck! Hope to see you on campus next year!</p>

3

<p>hmmm it will be a tough road but like the above person said it is possible. make sure you make your app stand out. remember that at this point the most important things that is still in your control are the essays. :]</p>

4

<p>i personally would not send your SAT, but your ACT is in the range for penn, so that’s fine. if you could give us a more detailed list of your extracurriculars we would be able to more accurately chance you. although your objective stats are impressive and high enough, without outstanding ec’s and compelling essays you will look like every other applicant, unfortunately. i would say you definitely have a chance, but stronger ec’s will boost your chances exponentially. also, what is your race and location? that plays a huge role in admissions as well.</p>

5

<p>I will offer my opinion, but take it with a grain of salt. You’re asking for the opinion of one that might be slightly biased, given that he himself was deferred ED to Penn’s SEAS program.</p>

<p>That being said, rubi32, if you want my honest opinion I think your objective stats are a bit under for applying to Penn’s SEAS. Like you suggested, Penn would definitely be a reach for you. However, do take into consideration that Penn seems to be one of those schools that don’t care about the objectives as much. This is where your subjective (ECs, idk whatever else) come into play. Try to present yourself nicely.</p>

<p>Above all, I can’t emphasize enough how important the supplements and essays appear to be. Although I spent a lot of time and dedication to my pieces of work, I, not necessarily being the creative writing type, probably came off as being very bland. I think this is one of the more key/finer points about your application to Penn.</p>

<p>More about me (if it’ll help) - a deferee, just objectively:
-I go to a competitive magnet school in the Western US
-Ranked probably in top 1%~2%
-2300 SAT (790CR, 770M, 740W)
-Perfect 800s on Physics and MathII
-3.92 unweighted GPA (on 4.0 scale), 5.1ish weighted (on 6.0 scale)
-Caucasian, Male
-Roughly 15 APs (and college classes)</p>

<p>I wouldn’t entirely discount applying at all. Hell, who knows you might have a shot - everything seems to be a crapshoot these days. It goes without saying that I was pretty disappointed in the results and it would appear as if they seem to be…</p>

<p>(NOTE) …A LOT harsher this year at SEAS in comparison to previous years. THIS IS FACT. Hell, there were more Wharton admits (as far as I know) than SEAS in the general vicinity where I attend.</p>

<p>Two other kids from my school that applied - one being URM, female (to an ENGINEERING SCHOOL of all places, haha) and the other, a really smart friend of mine, both got flat-out rejected. They’re really bright kids too, mind you. This is also ED - when the acceptance rates are supposed to be a lot more lenient.</p>

<p>Anyways, sorry for that. I guess a bit of this was just me ranting, eh? I’m still really hopeful about other schools and my chances aren’t entirely over yet - but I’ve moved on at this point. Keep everything I’ve said in mind and whether or not you decide to apply to Penn, best of luck this coming spring!</p>

6

<p>Don’t let test scores discourage you, write strong essays. I was accepted to Penn ED and didn’t have perfect SATS. My subject tests were close to yours (my highest was a 710). I would advise you to work hard on essays because they are crucial. Best of luck.</p>

7

<p>Its going to be very very hard, but if you write killer essays, you may be able to salvage a decent chance. You have a few days left, good luck.</p>