Chance me SEAS ED

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

Major - Computer Science
School that I’m applying to: SEAS (Early Decision)
Country - USA
Gender - Male
Race - Half White/ Half Asian
GPA - UW: 3.79 Weighted: 4.79
ACT - Composite: 33 (E: 34 M: 35 R: 30 S: 32 Essay: 8 (E/W Composite: 31))
SAT Subject Tests - Math II: 730 (Retook it; Probably got at least a 760), Chemistry: 740, U.S History: 650
AP Classes I took so far - Chemistry, Physics 1, U.S History
AP Classes I will take Senior year - Calculus BC, Biology, Government and Politics, Statistics
I’ve taken all Honor classes throughout high school
I’m not reporting (nor self-reporting) any AP scores because I’m bad at them.

Extracurriculars and work experience (only ones I mentioned in Common App) - Play the violin for the school orchestra and show orchestra (9-12 Grade), played Ultimate Frisbee (11-12 Grade), Interact Club (10th Grade; was chosen to be Treasurer), Debate Club (11-12 Grade), Robotics (11 - 12 Grade), used C# to program video games (10-12 grade), Learned to play piano on my own (12 grade), making English tests for Chinese kids (9-11 Grade), working at USDA as an intern this summer (12 Grade), learning Japanese on my own (10-12 grade)

Honors/Awards: Commended for National Merit Scholarship (12 grade), Qualifier for the National French Contest (10 grade)

Recommendation letters - One from my math teacher (who I had for 10th and 11th grade) and one from my 9th grade History teacher (who is also the Debate Club coach, so I do know him well)

Essays:
Personal statement was about the interesting aspects of my family members. Not extremely impressed by the quality of it; probably a 7/10 at best?
For penn supplement, I talked about how learning computer science at Penn will allow me to contribute to the medical field. I also talked about how I will try to start a new group that involves talking to students in China. Again, not extremely impressed by the quality of it and probably gets a 7/10.

Hooks(?): My mother works at UPenn’s Perelman School of Medicine.
I have a cousin who got admitted to Penn last year (not sure if this would help me in any way)

2

I’m going to say no because you don’t seem to present an application that stands out to me in any way. Also, not reporting AP scores can suggest grade inflation, so that is a negative. Your ec’s are rather weak (learning to play the piano in grade 12 looks silly as does the Japanese (it looks like resume padding)).

3

@grapist Dont be demoralised by this ^^. I absolutely dont agree that you don`t stand any chance. The only way someone has zero chances is if he/she doesnt apply. That being said, it will be an uphill battle for you, as it is for everyone applying.
I hope you are not taking chance me threads to seriously, and are just doing it for fun.

4

@grapist I guess some of the posters are right that you haven’t done something super super super extraordinary but don’t lose heart! While visiting websites such as College confidential it can look like everyone cured a disease or started a major non-profit but that’s simply not true. You’ve got some amazing tuff going for you, now just nail your essays! I can’t guarantee you’ll get in to Penn, but then again no one on this site can tell you whether you get in or not, only the adcom can! I personally think you would be a competitive ED applicant.

5

I am not sure whether employees children have any enhanced status. I would guess that some do, and it probably depends on what her position is, but I am just guessing. Perhaps she can investigate that for you. It can’t hurt to ask.

My guess is that it is a reach to get in if you don’t get a boost from your Mom’s position, but you are close enough that it is definitely possible.

6

@ShaunakK98 I never said he had no chance. I just said I don’t think he will get in. Like you said, it is going to be a very uphill battle.