<p>Hi, I'm a current high school junior and looking to apply to UPenn for political science or communications. I wasn't a very strong freshman or even sophomore for that matter (3.1 Freshmen 3.3 Sophomore) and I currently have about a 3.3 GPA. I go to a private college prep school that is extremely rigorous and tough, so this is why my GPA is low. Scattered AP and honors courses. For first semester junior year, I have about a 3.75 GPA, and it could be higher with a little work. I was wondering what my chances were of getting into UPenn. I am an African American male from a lower-class background who attended public school and received a 5.0 until I started attending my current high school. SAT's are very good (2160: 760 Writing 700 Math 700 Reading) and will be taking ACT in the spring hoping for a 31 or 32. Very good test taker and charismatic person. About 400 volunteer hours at local hospital, numerous summer leadership programs along with work experience (summer camp counselor in the town I live in). I am part of a program called A Better Chance that helps bright minority students get into good schools. I've won some awards through this program. I do intramural and club sports but nothing at school. Penn is my dream school and I am planning on EDing there this coming fall. My teachers love me and I could get really good rec letters. My dream is to go to Penn!! What are my chances. Some people say my GPA is too low, but some say my EC's will make up for it. Please respond!</p>
<p>Sure, you’ve got a good chance if everything else can balance out that abysmal GPA. </p>
<p>Among freshmen entering Penn in 2013-14, 89% had HS cumulative GPAs of 3.75 or higher. Another 7% had GPAs between 3.5 and 3.74. With a lower GPA, admission would be a real long shot. </p>
<p>The only surefire way to know if you can get it is to apply. So go ahead and give it a shot. However, you need to think about what it is that makes Penn so attractive to you, then try to find similar features in some less selective schools.</p>
<p>But doesn’t upward growth mean anything to colleges. I’ve been working really hard to pull my GPA up. I just had a tough freshmen year. I have a 3.8 currently this year. </p>
<p>I don’t want to be rude, but with a 3.3 unless you have a significant hook, it’s probably not happening. I don’t know what happened your freshman year, but most seniors had a tough time their junior year and have an upward trend. The fact that you have an upward trend will not make up for a 3.3. Also, for UPenn, those SAT scores are not particularly competitive. Could you get in? Maybe. It’s hard to tell. But don’t pin all of your hopes and dreams on UPenn. Find some less selective schools that you love.</p>
<p>2160 is not good for UPenn’s standards. That is on the lower 25 percentile who got accepted this year. They expect a minimum GPA of 3.75 throughout your whole high school year. UPenn is a long shot, I hope you have some safeties. Nevertheless, I hope you get in! Maybe your ECs will make up for that, they are good. Chance me back? I’m also applying ED UPENN
<a href=“Chance me for schools - I will post results once in - #5 by oliviaarpie - Chance Me / Match Me! - College Confidential Forums”>Chance me for schools - I will post results once in - #5 by oliviaarpie - Chance Me / Match Me! - College Confidential Forums;
<p>I wouldn’t bank on getting into UPenn. With your low GPA and SAT scores, it’s a long shot. Unless you end junior year with a 3.9, write some killer essays, secure great recs, you’re probably not getting in. However, you do have some hooks (URM) which could help so I’d advise you to apply. But remember to be practical during the college process. Best of luck. </p>
A 2160 SAT is in the bottom 1/2 at Penn. The grades will be the top concern. You are doing well, and the improvement is good. However, a 3.80 gpa would still be below the 4 year average for Penn students. URM status may help, however. I would definitely apply.
If you want to improve your chances, I would try for an even higher gpa. That is probably the most important thing. Just do your best it is all you can do. I would also work with your GC to get support in your gpa efforts an to support your application process.