<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>You might want to take the SAT again for a higher score that is more in their middle 50% range. Study hard for SAT II’s (and target a 34-36 on the ACT). Keep working hard this year–colleges love the upward trend. </p>
<p>Repost on the Ivy League/Penn forum</p>