Explain something about admissions process

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Something's been bugging me lately. I know someone who got into Penn early decision. He had an amazing average and 2400 SAT score. However, unlike most Penn students, he had extremely subpar extracurriculars. However, he still got in. I was wondering what factors could have helped him to get in. I always thought of extracurriculars were one of the most important things for a school like Penn. Only thing i could imagine is he had AMAZING essays and recommendations. </p>

<p>Also, i go to one of the 10 best schools in the nation (based on top college acceptance, private schools included). Does this have any affect on college admissions officers?</p>

2

<p>One thing that pops out right away is the fact that he applied ED. That'll help him out a lot. Plus, going to a top 10 high school won't hurt either. Has there been a trend of students getting into top colleges, in this case Penn for the past couple of years? If so, what was his resume compared to them? I'll bet those two factors pushed him over to the admit pile. My 2 cents.</p>

3

<p>I had regular EC and got in with a 2250 sat score ED. What? ur saying i shouldnt have gotten in?</p>

4

<p>nobromo, define "regular Ec"</p>

5

<p>yeah... the specific term "normal" is a really tricky one. he must have done something brilliant and outstanding. my friend with 2400 SAT and more than 12 APs also got into Upenn last year. he also dont have outstanding ECs.</p>

6

<p>Remember the ED acceptance rate is at a Cornell-esque 32%....</p>

7

<p>Dude, most ED ivies had acceptance rates that high until just recently.</p>

<p>Princeton's was 32% just two years ago. All that matters is the final rate.</p>

8

<p>Princeton had an acceptance rate of 32 % ???</p>

9

<p>Yes, for ED. So did Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, etc.</p>

<p>Is this news to you?</p>

10

<p>I just recently started to care about this admissions process :}</p>

11

<p>Early decision + perfect SAT = low EC standards</p>

12

<p>Do you guys think when people with 2400s, great transcripts, but little ECs get in, someone with a 2300, a great transcript, but little ECs could also get in?</p>