College choices (preferably UPenn)?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

Note: I’m on my brother’s account so please ignore any past posts as they do not apply to me. Thanks.
I am a junior attending a public high school in Northern Kentucky. I’m Asian-American (specifically Pakistan), if that matters at all. My plan is to apply for colleges this summer, as the school year wraps up. My long-term goal has been able to get into UPenn. I’m not sure how I compare to other candidates that are applying as well, but I thought, I might as well give it a shot. Below are the details of my classes/accomplishments over the past three years.
Middle School (Yes, some of it does carry over):
Algebra 1 (4.0)
Geometry (3.0)
GPA: 3.5
Freshman Year:
2 A.P. Classes
2 Honors Classes
3 Regular
GPA: 4.29
EC’s:
Democrats Club
Debate Team
KYA (Mock Kentucky Legislation Assembly)
KUNA (Mock U.N.)
Science Olympiad
Tennis (outside school)
Accomplishments:
Started the Democrats Club and am currently the official leader
Won 1 competition 1st place on debate team
Passed legislation/bill at KYA
Passed resolution and endorsed by sec. general are KUNA
Won 2nd place in towers at state in science olympiad
Won 2nd place in write it do it in science olympiad
Was elected CLASS PRESIDENT for the incoming sophomore grade
Sophomore Year:
2 A.P. Classes
1 Dual Credit Class (weighted)
3 Regular
GPA: 4.5
EC’s:
Same +
Speech
School Tennis & Outside School
Sophomore council
Accomplishments:
Continued leader of Democrats Club
Won 2 competitions in debate team. 1 at regionals (2nd place). 1 at state (3rd place)
Passed legislation/bill at KYA
Passed resolution and endorsed by sec. general are KUNA
Won 1st place in towers at regionals in science olympiad
Won 1st place in write it do it at regionals in science olympiad
Won 3rd place in towers at state in science olympiad
Won 3rd place in write it do it in science olympiad
Won 4th place in microbe missions at state in science olympiad
Won 3rd place in speech at regionals
Won 3rd place in speech at state
Was re-elected CLASS PRESIDENT for the incoming junior grade
Junior Year:
4 A.P. Classes
1 Dual Credit Class (weighted)
1 Regular
GPA: 4.83333 (Currently)
EC’s:
Same
Accomplishments:
Was elected the 3rd place position at KYA - Secretary of State (voted amongst 1500+ people)
Was elected 1st place position at KUNA - Secretary General (voted amongst 1500+ people)
Continued leader of Democrats Club
Won 2nd place in towers at regionals in science olympiad
Won 2nd place in write it do it at regionals in science olympiad
Won 3rd place in towers at state in science olympiad
Won 3rd place in write it do it in science olympiad
Won 2nd place in microbe missions at state in science olympiad
Won 1st place in speech at regionals
Won 2nd place in speech at state
In the running for CLASS PRESIDENT
At the end of Junior Year (Expected, based on current status):
GPA Cumulative:
Unweighted: 4.0 (3.95)
Weighted: 4.5 (4.53)
SAT: 1500

So, in the end, my main question is: what should I be applying for? Is UPenn a good choice? What should my safe schools be? My main goal is to go to a school with a good pre-med program, so what would some good ideas be? I’m going to start touring again soon so I could use some suggestions as well as comments on my classes and accomplishments so far.
Thanks a lot in advance!

2

Also, I’d love to apply to Northwestern University, as my friend has chosen to go there and it seems like a nice school. Chances?

3

Since Northwestern Only accepts the ACT. My ACT ended up being a 33 I’m pretty sure…

4

You have a good shot at both U Penn and Northwestern. Your state level awards and leadership roles help, but the lack of national or international awards can hurt your chances at the most competitive universities. By the nature of U Penn and Northwestern, I would still consider them reach universities. Have you done any volunteering work? Have you conducted research in a university lab? Is there something like that you could do this summer to add to your application?

When putting together your list of reach and safeties to apply to, consider the cost also, and whether you will need scholarships to afford a particular university. You would be a strong candidate for scholarships at some universities, but not all universities have big scholarships, especially public universities. Some universities have guaranteed scholarships based on GPA and SAT scores alone. Finances and scholarship opportunities can be a big factor in deciding where to apply.

5

Wow, I completely forgot to add my volunteer work! Can’t believe I forgot that. Yes, I do.
For all 3 of my HS years, I was in BETA club completing the required number of service hours.
I was also a member of NHS this year.
I did a summer internship at UofL in which we conducted some research
I also watched some procedures at hospitals during the summer to show my interest in the medical field.

6

Bump. I could use some more responses.

7

They have a forum specifically for chancing people, you know. :wink: