Chance Me for Wharton?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

I know nobody can give me an accurate chance me, but I’m just curious as to my general chances of getting into Wharton ED. Also I’m a junior that goes to the best school in Frankfort, KY (not hard to be best school in Frankfort, KY though lol). I want to major maybe in Entrepreneurship w a minor in social impact or something like that. Thanks so much to those who actually read this wall of text :P.

Objective:
SAT I: 1560
ACT: 35, 36 superscored
SAT II: Math II, confident I can get at least 750, probably 800. Maybe Physics too, which I think I’ll get 700+ on as well
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.9
Weighted GPA: about 4.5
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): doesn’t rank
AP (place score in parenthesis): 2 freshman (4,5), 2 soph(4,5), 6 junior (all probably 4s/5s), 4 to 6 APs next year.

I don’t have any major awards, just basic stuff like AP Scholar (hopefully w/ distinction) and NMSF (got 1520 so def happening). I’m hoping to get featured in a local newspaper for something (don’t want to reveal identity) and I’m attending a statewide economics competition (but it’s KY, so not that competitive or impressive lol).

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis):

  1. Founder and President of a nonprofit. Holding an event that donates books to underprivileged kids (oversimplification, a lot of community impact here, very proud of it).
  2. President of my school’s economics club.
  3. Director of Finance/Expansion in another nonprofit.
    that’s all my leadership positions… rip.
  4. Black Student Union
  5. Ultimate Frisbee + Gym
  6. Confident I’ll be able to attend KY GSP (summer program)
  7. Familial Responsibilities (a lot fresh and soph year because of financial issues, junior year onwards not as much - just babysitting after school for 2-3 hours)
  8. Personal Research. I manage my own stock portfolio. It’s very small (<$1000), but I spend a lot of time working on it and I’ve learned a lot from it. shoutout to r/wsb for letting me know what NOT to do.
  9. NHS. Led a couple community service projects, but not sure if I’ll include this since it’s kind of inconsistent (i.e. no consistent involvement).

Job/Work Experience: Nothing formal, neighborhood tutoring school year and lawn mowing over summer - I clean an office once a week year-round though. Like 90% of the money I make from all of this goes to my family though which is something worth mentioning if possible.
Volunteer/Community service: A lot, mostly meaningful (nonprofits from first and third ECs tie in w my background and stuff).
Summer Activities: Fresh and soph summers I just mowed lawns and babysitted my two little siblings. Junior hopefully GSP (EC #6).
Essays (rating 1-10, details): not sure what to write about - maybe rising out of poverty and/or babysitting siblings (both pretty young, big age gap) and/or not knowing my biological father personally. I’ll prob be able to tie all this in together, and all of this really built who I am as a person - very authentic.
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): Econ teacher literally offered to write me a rec, so I’m sure it’ll be great. Latin teacher likes me a lot, and I’m hoping to take AP Latin (if I can, I’ll be the only AP Latin student, demonstrating initiative and forming a relationship w my Latin teacher).
Counselor Rec (rating 1-10, details): Been talking to her a lot recently, and she helped me plan events for my nonprofit. Knows my community-mindedness and general concern for others’ wellbeing very well.

Financial Aid: Yes, family income of around 80-90k. Not sure if this matters but it used to be significantly lower (I was homeless for a year in 7th-8th grade because money was so tight). On food stamps till i was like 11.
Ethnicity: African-American
Gender: M
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): URM

Again, thanks SO SO much to those who read all this!! I know it’s a lot to take in haha. If anything kills me, it’s my lack of legit awards and leadership like these other kids who are the President of every club at their school lmao.

2

ur literally getting in

3

You have a shot but it is impossible to chance at a school with such a low acceptance rate. Apply and give it your all. But also be sure to have an application list that includes match and safety schools that appear affordable (run net price calculators) and that you would be excited to attend.

4

Some good there. But you’ll benefit from standing back and trying to see yourself through adcoms’ eyes.

You didnt need a non profit to collect and donate books. What might impress would be, eg, involved in literacy. Similarly, you dont need a fancy business-sounding title (dir f/e) for Wharton or any good business school.

If you write too much about family resps, it can leave the impression you can’t leave home. And those resps aren’t what the college looks for in traits. (Closeness, willingness, etc, sure. But college related traits can matter more.)

Si try to stand back, try to learn what matters to Wharton or other targets.

5

While it is impossible to say what exactly it takes to get into Wharton, and what exactly they are looking for each year, you seem like are an excellent candidate! I’d say you have a great chance!

My son is currently at Wharton, and has noticed they seem to be actively encouraging entrepreneurship and social impact paths so the fact that those are your goals may be a plus for you. Your grades and test scores fit. I think the fact that you started a non-profit is a huge plus. It takes strong leadership skills to actually start a non-profit. The research, applying for/ legally incorporating to receive 501 C 3 status, writing by laws, and ongoing compliance required shows strong skills. Recognizing a need in your community and working to implement solutions is big. The fact you are getting press recognition is another plus.

I like your essay ideas- the resilience you show overcoming hardships in your background to achieve the success you have achieved will resonate! The fact you not only have overcome adversity, but have actively worked to help your family and others along the way will resonate. Being a URM and bringing geographical diversity will also be pluses. IMO, from what my son has told me, they are looking for not only a strong intellect, but also diverse perspectives and resilient, go-getter attitudes, which your resume shows! I don’t think you should change anything. Good luck!

6

OP, I don’t believe in chances, but let me just say that your stats, story, and ECs are incredible. The fact that your are an African American male brings out a sense of pride as I don’t see many young black men competing at your level (my African American son has similar stats and he is an “unicorn” even at his high achieving school). But your story and your ECs are much better than his. I believe you will end up with a fantastic option if you cast your net wide regardless. I am rooting for you and please let us know how the beginning of your story (What schools you get into and what school you ultimately choose) ends.