Hi, I’m from India, and I really love UPenn (will be applying to the College) . Not sure about my chances because of my low math SAT; will it hamper my application a LOT? (If so, I’m open to taking the test again). If not, should I be concentrating on scoring well in my SAT IIs?
SAT II: Haven’t taken yet, taking English Lit, World History and Physics (expecting around 750)
Doing the IB diploma, (Art/English/Physics Higher Level, Spanish/History/Math Standard Level)
My predicted grade will be around 41.
High school doesn’t do ranks or GPA, but I’m in the top 10% of class
ECs:
-Student Govt.
-Over summer, participated in an international conflict resolution program on a scholarship
-Founded school newspaper club, we got sponsors etc and now print issues bimonthly
-Did a bunch of film and design work as part of an internship at an NGO
-Won first prize/ also was a committee assistant director at some Model UN conferences including UPenn’s MUN in India
-Yearbook Committee
Your math score is fine as said above. My Dad went to UPenn and called up his friend who now works there when considering my application. Ultimately, I will not be applying because of the cost and plan to go there for grad school. However what I have for you is:
Any score above 2150 is fine, so you will do great there.
You MUST take the highest level math available at your school. This contributes to why I decided not to apply. (BC Calc is needed, not AB. For Wharton anyways.)
** I just realized you said IB. For IB, taking HL Math courses are a MUST if they are offered.
Do understand however, that when all is said and done, a one year out of state (or for you out of country haha) tuition will cost you about 65,000USD/yr at UPenn. Federal loans will not be able if you are not living here and possess the required papers. Additionally, scholarships and financial grants are very hard to come by at UPenn. And they are need-blind. This means that your families financial circumstance is not taken into consideration whatsoever when applying for scholarships. I PERSONALLY am not aware of anyone getting a single dime from them whatsoever without perfect stats and a lengthy resume.
All that being said, I am not well acquainted with how international students are handled. Good luck! I hope all goes well for you. You should do great! Just keep in mind the cost.
I’m not sure if @MCFC15 is saying that UPenn is need-blind for just domestic students or that it is need-blind for domestic students AND international students.
So, I will clarify for you. UPenn is NEED-AWARE for international students, unless you are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada or Mexico. The more financial aid you require, the more your chances diminish. And they diminish drastically. I think there are only a handful international students at UPenn who receive financial aid.
Yeah, I’ve taken the SAT twice already so I’ll just concentrate on SAT IIs now.