I am a prospective student in the IB Program. My GPA is rather low for UPenn standards, but I think that I have a lot to offet in the other areas of admission. My GPA is a 3.6 UW/4.0 W - these are low, I know. I believe I am in the top 20% of my high school class. I go to the most competitive public school in the region. My SAT is a 2280 and ACT is 34. Hopefully, this might offset the negativity of my GPA. I will have taken 4 AP exams by the end of my junior year and almost 10 by the end of senior year (which I guess won’t even matter at that point). I think that this will be a long shot for me, but here are some things that I will mention in the application:
-I come from a low income family (I will be applying through the questbridge program next year, if accepted)
-I am an Eagle Scout (I have had some leadership positions within scouts) Does anyone know how popular Eagle Scout applicants are for Penn??
-I really love to cook. (not sure how common this is- I’m thinking about writing about pasta in my essays, it is my favorite thing to eat!!)
-I published my own cookbook and gave proceeds to the VA Children’s Chorus
-I have been in my school’s Madrigal Chorus Ensemble for 4 years (it is a heavily involved group- much more than people think)
-I created my own suicide awareness club (no personal connection in doing this, I just felt it was a cause that no other clubs at my school were addressing)
-I have participated in District Chorus for the past 2 years
-I hopefully will be participating in All-Virginia Chorus this year
-Music and cooking are my two biggest passions. I’m just worried about over emphasizing one of them or having them conflict with the other. Which one should I use that looks more unique??
I will be applying to the College of Arts and Sciences probably for a major in Psychology. Just let me know what your thoughts are. Please be as honest as possible. If I have everything stellar on my application with the exception of GPA (which isn’t terrible) what do you think my chances are at early admission?? Thanks.
- I am very nervous about my low GPA as well, you should PM me and we could discuss it or wahtever lol