<p>I want to go to University of Pennsylvania. I am a legacy. I have a 4.2 GPA, which places me in the top 7% of my class. My concern is though that they'll see this is because of A's in AP classes (which have been inflated to 6.0's). I have a learning disability which impacts me in math. So while I have achieved A's in all my other classes this year, I've gotten C's in algebra (this year as well as the past two). For my PSAT's (having not taken the SAT's yet) I received a 66 in writing (which I am working on to surpass 700) a 70 in reading (which I could realistically bring to a 750), but a 47 in math. I know that I can have both the reading and writing improve so they're in Ivy range, but for math I'll be thankful if I can get a 550. Would this ruin my shot (even if they knew about the LD)? Would they be willing to go lighter upon this blemish on my GPA if they learn the reason (and if they hear of my extracurricular involvement, below?)
In ninth grade I was the recipient of a school award for science achievement, and I also participated in our school's newspaper, NJHS, and helped organize a Senior Citizen's Prom through interact club. (Our school houses freshmen at a different location, thus EC's are different in my freshmen year from the rest of high school. I know ivy's are picky about consistency in EC's, so should I explain this?)
I received a first place in my county's science fair. I am very interested in theater, having been involved in our school's theater department from different angles both on stage, and behind the scenes as the publicity leader. I got the opportunity to gain graphic design experience from this position. In addition to graphic design, I am interested in the fine arts, having won a calendar art contest for a national corporation. Our school's administration selected me as a member of a student leadership council which enables me to give my input on school and district wide decisions.
I would love to major in Anthropology and/or English at Penn and I have participated in several EC's which feature my interests. I am an editor of our school's nationally award-winning student publication. My pieces frequently focus on topics of an anthropological and linguistical interest. I have interviewed nationally-recognized authorities on such topics including authors and professors. I believe I would bring experience and passion to the Daily Pennsylvanian. My other published writing experience includes a poem in a nationally anthology. I have always been very interested in cultures and have won our school's Geography Bee three times, which allowed me to advance to states twice (one time of which I ended up in the tie-breaker round for semi-finals). I am currently in the process of establishing a school district-wide culture club which will culminate in a community-wide culture festival featuring guest speakers, musical acts, and international food selections. In addition to learning about the world from an anthropoligical perspective, I am interested in viewing it from an environmental perspective, having volunteered for a nationally-recognized environmental group. I currently write a blog combining my geographical and anthropological interests.
Please let me know how much of a shot I have, and how I can capitalize on my love of Journalism and Anthropology. Thank you for your help!</p>
<p>I forgot to mention that I’m a white female from PA</p>