TLDR: Want to apply to UPenn, but they only admit 1 from my school. Competing with a guy who has much better GPA and ACT, has been to State (twice) for tennis but won’t be playing in college. I’m involved in more ECs and have lots of leadership, founded a club and have more electives (all of them are art), but my GPA went down junior year. Should I still apply ED to Penn or take advantage of ED elsewhere?
****Disclaimer: I swear I don’t mean to brag at all, I really just want to know whether I’m wasting my time
Long Question:
UPenn usually only admits 1 (sometimes 0) students from my high school. It’s my dream school and I want to apply ED to CAS. However, I just found out this other guy is probably also applying there ED and he has much better grades than I do and has been to State (twice) for tennis. He’s not playing tennis at college though. My grades weren’t so great junior year, which I’m SO worried about. Not sure what his exact GPA/scores/ECs are but I have a pretty good idea of it.
My question is whether it’d be a waste to apply ED to Penn instead of a school that I’d have a better chance of getting into…advice??
GPA: (Only weighted at my school)
Me: 5.12W (3.5-3.6 UW?)
Him: 5.5W (3.9 UW?)
ACT:
Me: 34
Him: 35
Courses:
We both have the same math classes & science classes throughout high school
(both currently in Multivariable Calc and AP Physics-1)
I’ve been in art classes every semester & TA’d last year for a graphic design class. Currently in AP Art.
I don’t think he’s been in any electives except for Law Honors last year to fulfill the consumer education requirement.
ECs/Athletics:
Me:
founder + president of art club
co-leader of human rights club
member of environmental club (all 4 years)
tutor for EDS (tutor kids at disadvantaged schools) (all 4 years)
member of NHS
Him:
varsity tennis (all 4 years) - went to state soph. + jr. year
member of NHS + Cum Laude Society
Thanks in advance!