Chances at Penn Early Decision Class of 2020

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey guys. So it’s halfway through my junior year and I’ve already been thinking about college apps for quite a while. I’m pretty confident that I will apply to UPenn early decision as long as I make it through this year all right. I just want to realistically get an idea of what my chances are to get accepted ED from people that have been accepted or know a bit about the process. Anyway here’s my resume so far:

SAT I: 2210 (770M 720CR 720W, 10 Essay) first attempt, hoping to superscore to at least 2300 by retaking this spring (I think I can hit 800M and 780+W)
SAT II: Math, Chemistry, US History (taking them all at the end of the semester, pretty confident I can get 800 Math and Chemistry at least)
Unweighted/Weighted GPA: 4.0/4.8 as of now (Might get a few B’s this year but can change them with good AP scores)
Rank: None, highest grouping (not sure what the percentile is)
AP: European History, 4
(Calculus BC, US History, Chemistry) all this year, hopefully mostly 5’s and maybe one 4
Senior Course Load: Physics AP, Advanced Calculus/Statistics AP, AP Gov/Econ, Spanish 4 (AP), AP Lit, Digital Photography
(Subject to Change)
Major Awards: Probable National Merit Semifinalist (227 PSAT), possible National Merit Finalist (unlikely, heard it’s very hard to get), National Honor Society

Extracurriculars: Junior Varsity Tennis (2 years), California YMCA Youth & Government (possible officer/leadership position for next year, Lead Justice of the Appellate Court junior year, Forum Committee Chair freshman year)
Job/Work Experience: Possibly looking for an internship under a local politician during the summer
Volunteer/Community Service: Volunteer at Toberman Neighborhood Center (underprivileged kids summer program)
Serving the homeless food at local church (Walteria Methodist)
Assistant at local elementary school math club (Cornerstone Elementary School)
Activity supervisor and tutor at Boys and Girls Club (Harbor City)
Summer Activities: John’s Hopkins CTY Summer Program (2-3 years), Quaker Peace Action Camp, (National Judicial Competition, in the process of applying)

Applying for Financial Aid: No
Intended Major: Political Science (hope Penn sees my extracurriculars are focused on politics and leadership and not scattered)
State: CA
School Type: Public, 3,000+ kids, ranked #165 in the nation
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: High enough that I can’t apply for financial aid, probably around $200,000+
Hooks: Legacy

Here’s what I have so far to add to my application. Obviously there is more stuff to add as I make it through the year, and things like recommendations and certain scores I cannot add yet. I would really appreciate some feedback on my chances at UPenn early decision for the Class of 2020. Thanks guys!

P.S. This is my first CC post even though I’ve been using it for a while!

2

Your ECs are pretty generic but you still have some time to improve that. I think you have a reasonable chance.

3

Grades are good. SAT could do with some improvement. ECs while generic for top applicants are still pretty good. I disagree with @outlooker‌, you won’t be able to add much more to the list, since most things you add now will be considered fluff for your college applications.

If you get the SAT to a 2250+, you’ll have as great a chance as most people.

4

Legacy + GPA + if you can get the SAT scores you predict means you’ll have an even chance to get in or a little better.

I don’t know what you mean about getting Bs but AP scores can change that.

5

@rhandco If you get a 5 on the AP test for calculus, the teacher will go back and change your grades to A’s in both semesters regardless. For chemistry, the teacher will raise your grade in both semesters by one letter.

6

SWEET!!! I got a 5 on an AP exam, and still I had a C in the class for the year. Oh well, still got into Penn :slight_smile:

7

@rhandco‌ Wow that’s awesome! I can’t stop thinking about attending if I get accepted. My dad went to Perelman but doesn’t talk about it much, but I’ve heard how great the environment is. Also @Woandering‌ the only things I might add are participating in NJC and becoming an officer in my youth and government delegation. I’m not sure if these are “fluff” things but I’m pretty dedicated and forgot to mention I’ve been involved in the program for all of high school. It’s kind of my central activity.

8

Make sure you visit Penn, that will help you write the Why Penn essay.

9

Yeah I’m going on a colleges trip with my dad this summer. Did you apply ED?

10

You need to apply ED if you want them to consider legacy. Which school are you thinking of applying to?

11

It’s in the title and in the intro haha. But yeah I’m applying to Penn and I understand how legacy works.