<p>I’m never a big fan of these “chance me’s”, especially since you said Penn is your top choice (seeing that you plan to apply ED). Applying ED is a savior, so with the ED, your SAT isn’t too big of a problem. I’ve seen several Wharton students get in ED with 2100’s. However, I do recommend you take it for the third time (just in case you don’t get in ED, you’ll at least have a better set of scores to show other colleges!). Plus, you’ve got good SAT II’s. You have awesome GPA as well. Your essay score won’t be a problem; perhaps you can write an awesome essay for the application to show-case your writing abilities. </p>
<p>You have good EC’s as well. Just one thing, I’d stress on leadership, leadership, leadership. Nothing’s more important than leadership regarding EC’s in my experience. You’ll also need good recs, so keep in good relations with counselor and teachers (especially teachers). Your counselor doesn’t have to like you (though it wouldn’t hurt, hehe), she just need to respect and be impressed by you. Best of luck.</p>
<p>@felicity404: All excellent advise.</p>
<p>@thehistorian421, thank you, and welcome to CollegeConfidential! Best of luck to you too (and my advice applies to you as well!). Did you know Penn’s famous Spring Fling has to do with its crew team? check it out:
[Skimmer:</a> Timeline, University of Pennsylvania University Archives](<a href=“http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/features/traditions/skimmer/timeline.html]Skimmer:”>http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/features/traditions/skimmer/timeline.html)</p>
<p>@felicity404: Thanks for letting me know about that; it sounds really fun.</p>
<p>@thehistorian421: I visited the Penn campus earlier this summer, and I loved it. Even though it was in a very urban setting, Penn definitely has a campus separate from the city. I thought it was really beautiful too. Have you visited Penn?</p>
<p>@felicity404: Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely try to highlight my leadership skills and write a good essay. Do you know if Penn has come out with their supplement and essay questions yet?</p>
<p>@tennis5678: No, I haven’t. I live in Boston, so it’s a bit of a drive. I have an unofficial visit on August 22nd, and an official one September 16th-18th.</p>
<p>Wait, what’s the difference between an official and unofficial visit?</p>
<p>@Samonuh: An unofficial visit is the kind performed by anyone interested in a school. Anyone with any qualifications can go at anytime, but you have to inform the college and schedule yourself for a tour. You go to see the campus and get a general sense of what the school and students are like. Official visits are invitations from coaches to potential athletic recruits. Only coaches decide who gets one. The purpose is much more specific and process regulated: it’s about visting athletic facilities, and seeing if you have chemistry with the team and coaches. You stay on campus for a weekend without your parents, and hang out with the team. Also, colleges pay for official visits.</p>