<p>I really want to apply to Penn engineering... but I'm thinking of waiting for RD instead of applying early. It sounds weird, but I'll explain it better down below.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.81 UW</p>
<p>SAT: 2340 (790 CR 770 M 780 W 10)</p>
<p>SAT Subject Tests: 800 Math II, 780 Chem, 770 Math I (fall of freshman year)</p>
<p>Senior year courses: AT Physics, BC Calculus, AT Macro, AT French, English (~3.9 this quarter)</p>
<p>AP Exams: 5's for Stat and US Hist (course options are pretty limited)</p>
<p>EC's:</p>
<p>Competitive chess (rating ~1950)
School science journal (editor-in-chief)
Internship at physics lab going into 12th grade
Math Team (1st place in regional championship)
Chess Club (President)
Teach ~100 kids at a chess club in an elementary school
SAAST summer before junior year (engineering program at Penn; final grade: A)</p>
<p>Job/Work:
Tournament director at scholastic chess tourneys</p>
<p>Probably worth mentioning that I've won quite a few chess tournaments... I came in 2nd place in my section at the Manhattan Open. And I might reach an expert-level rating soon.</p>
<p>Academic Awards:
National Merit Semifinalist
Honor Society</p>
<p>One of my recs is from my physics teacher junior and senior year. That one should be amazing, since he loves me and he's pretty much known for writing amazing recs (he even gave me an interview). My other rec should be pretty good too, but it's from a one-semester humanities class so overall it's mediocre.</p>
<p>I'm also getting a rec from the professor I worked under in the physics lab.</p>
<p>I mentioned before that I was leaning towards RD for Penn... A few reasons:</p>
<ul>
<li>My US hist teacher is writing me a rec for RD schools (it's complicated), and so if I wait to apply to Penn RD, then I can get another legit (and awesome) rec from him as opposed to the mediocre rec I mentioned before</li>
<li>My GPA this quarter is ~3.9, but I think it'll go up to a 4 for 1st semester overall</li>
<li>I'm still interning at the physics lab, and soon I might have my name on some pretty big research</li>
<li>I might be reaching an expert-level rating in chess soon</li>
</ul>
<p>If or when these things happen, it'll be too late for them to factor into early decision. ED is a huge boost, but I'd rather wait and send the best application possible.</p>
<p>My counselor wants me to apply Northwestern ED, and she makes it sound like ED is a sure thing... RD is harder, though. Also, a lot of legacies from my grade are applying to Penn ED... So, am I being ridiculous? Should I pack it in with Northwestern? Or is it worth it trying Penn RD or ED (and which one)?</p>
Hoping for Penn ED</p>