I’m a senior that has already applied to Penn ED (results come out in a few days). In my sophomore year, I ran at the Penn Relays, which is a track meet that features competitors from high schools and colleges as well as Olympic-level athletes from around the world. It is hosted at Penn’s Franklin Field. Test scores (and virtually everything else) aside, does competing at the Penn Relays make a huge difference in my chances at Penn specifically? I am leaning towards yes, as it shows interest in their school/international level competition/contributes to their community, but I just need some reassurance and a second opinion. Thanks!
Imo, it wouldn’t make a big difference at all. To me, it doesn’t seem like anything beyond demonstrated interest, unless you specifically mentioned something about how that event affected you or if you placed well during the event. Other than that, I don’t think it would significantly help your chances.
I mentioned the Relays in my Penn essay and in my interview, and how it was my first exposure to their campus, as well as sparking my interest in the Philly area.
Plenty of kids run in the Penn Relays because it’s part of their T&F schedule, so no, I don’t think it matters. The fact that you used your familiarity with the school to highlight your interest and fit is good.