Do I have what it takes for PENN?

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>So, I applied ED to Wharton, and now I'm curious to see what you guys think! I posted this in the Chance Me forum but I only got 1 response...</p>

<p>Schools
Wharton ED</p>

<p>Applicant
Canadian White Guy
Hooks: From a fairly rural area/school (town of 6000 - live outside in mid. of nowhere) where I don't think anyone has applied to Ivy League. I don't know if that's a hook though.</p>

<p>Intended Majors: Finance and Management</p>

<p>Academics
Pretty bad school, maybe 60% go to university (give or take).</p>

<p>UW 9-12 GPA: 90/100 (60-69=C, 70-79=B, 80-100= A)</p>

<p>Rank: top 5% overall, #1 in Gr. 11</p>

<p>Good upward trend - mostly 80s in gr. 9, 80s and 90s in 10 and all high 90s (one 88) in 11</p>

<p>Senior courseload (all most difficult available):
Philosophy
Drama
Functions
Law
Calculus
French
Biology
English</p>

<p>No APs or Honors or IB at my school (GC said Most Demanding Curriculum though)</p>

<p>Tests Scores
SAT:
1 Attempt: M 760 CR 790 W 750</p>

<p>SAT Subjects:
Math Level 2 - 700 (I know....no time to retake)
Bio M - 740
French - 700</p>

<p>Awards
Plenty of school awards for Biology, English, History etc.</p>

<p>Extra-curriculars</p>

<p>Students' Council - Gr. 9 Rep., Executive Assistant, President last year and this. A lot of fundraising and spirit-raising events (dances, pep rallies, etc)</p>

<p>Anti-bullying committee - Co-founder and Co-head. Organized and helped with school-wide awareness campaigns (LGBT awareness, anti-bullying in general, one random tanning awareness one lol), hired motivational speakers, etc.</p>

<p>MUN Club - Founded club at end of last year (and president) out of a genuine interest in debate and foreign affairs, attending first conference this spring. Haven't done much with it yet other than prepare, recruit, secure funding.</p>

<p>Theatre/Drama - Extensive participation as lead actor in community theatre and drama club at school, composed score for one show, directing/producing one-act play for upcoming local theatre festival. A show I starred in won "Best Play in Province (Ontario)" (12 chosen out of ~320 province-wide) a few years back in the Sears Ontario Drama Festival.</p>

<p>Other: Self-teaching german, skiing, local radio correspondent last year (and likely later this year), worked at children's theatre school as workshop leader during gr. 10 year and summer, math tutor and piano instructor gr. 10, sales associate at clothing store this year, Gr. 8 First Class Honors RCM Piano Certification (performed at annual local recital every year and two church luncheons)</p>

<p>Recommendations
French teacher/Students' Council advisor - very strong relationship, certainly glowing
English/History teacher/MUN advisor - likely glowing as well, has hinted at me being best student he has ever taught
(I explained that I didn't ask math teacher for rec because I had developed great relationships with two other teachers)
GC - Actually saw it, maybe generic. Still very praising, spoke to my leadership and public speaking abilities, sense of humor</p>

<p>Essays</p>

<p>Personal - I thought it really showed who I was. I was uncomfortable having my mom look over it because it revealed a side of me that she wasn't aware of. Incorporated humor that worked (I'm told).</p>

<p>Penn supplement - I referenced specific Wharton professors and courses, Penn clubs, etc. I think it was solid and showed that I am passionate about business and Penn (which I think might have been a little lacking elsewhere in app)</p>

<p>That's it; thanks to anyone who takes the time to give me their thoughts!</p>

2

<p>I would say it is reach:
-International applicant pool, especially to Wharton, is very competitive
-No real tip factor (no URM etc.) or standout EC.</p>

<p>Though with your stats, much will come down to your essays and recs.
You have a definite shot, it’s just that Wharton tends to be a reach for most people - best of luck.</p>

3

<p>Thanks idontjoke! But I think Penn considers Canadians and Mexicans in the same pool as US citizens.</p>

4

<p>Can someone help me out here – I didn’t think you could go to Wharton as an undergrad.</p>

5

<p>^ You definitely can. And obtain a Bachelor of Science in Economics.</p>

6

<p>Please help a canuck out!</p>

7

<p>I don’t know how Penn views Canadians or how competitive the it is to get into Wharton from another country but your Sat’s are great and I think you have a good shot. Good Luck!</p>

8

<p>yeah I think for Canada and Mexico residents, the “international” tag is a little different, at least in financial aid terms it is. Maybe even in admissions terms it is closer to just being a US citizen.</p>

9

<p>From the Penn website:</p>

<p>

</p>

10

<p>Good for Penn! It’s the only school I’ve heard of that doesn’t have different pools for international and American students.</p>

11

<p>Bumpadoodledoo…</p>

12

<p>canadians are still international (as is mexico) for admissions. financial aid is likely different due to national policy towards such cooperation. That said, it’s not quite as bad as some other areas (such as Asia) where the education system is radically different. US/Canada have very similar educational systems so you won’t need to do all the extra work many other internationals do but you are considered international. That said, unless you’re living in dire poverty and doing all that, not much hook so I can’t say you chances are great, although you do still have a chance.</p>

13

<p>^ How do you know this? (the admissions/ fin. aid info)</p>

14

<p>It’s a little slow at work so I went to the Penn website:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>So your financial need will not affect your chances of acceptance and if you are accepted they will meet your full demonstrated need.</p>

15

<p>^ Thanks pea!</p>