<p>I know that I judge my chances of any school by the information on collegeboard; acceptance rate, average SAT/ACT scores, and GPA. However, when we look at these statistics they are always the averages of the most recent FRESHMEN. My question is, assuming my SAT scores fall within the average or slightly above it, should I feel confident or not because suppose 80% of applicants had these scores but only 20% were admitted. </p>
<p>The reason I even made an account to post is because I am in love with UPenn and am applying Early Decision. I wanted to know my realistic (probably poor) chances of getting in and also if I should bother applying to any other top-tier universities with an application like mine or just save the $70/school. If any Penn students want to chime in that would be great, love to hear your story of getting in</p>
<p>Background
Senior
First SATs : 2150
ACT: 31
Brazilian, son of two immigrants, 3 languages
Working 30 hours a week
Captain of track team year round and quit football to play soccer now that I work.
3.91 UW GPA, taking the most rigorous course load I can.</p>
<p>I’m not associated with UPenn, and not an admissions counselor, but something about your situation stood out to me:</p>
<p>Brazilian, son of two immigrants, 3 languages
Working 30 hours a week</p>
<p>I don’t like to make blanket statements about “diversity” or “hooks”. To me, every student is an individual, and I think it’s more important to assess students in their individual circumstances. </p>
<p>Your GPA is good. At first glance, one would say your scores are on the low side compared to applicants with very high scores. However, a 31 ACT and 2150 SAT from a student who is working 30 hours a week speaks volumes to me, especially if that student is also keeping up with grades and EC’s and taking the most rigorous classes. If English is not your first language or the language spoken in your home, then that makes a difference too. Being tri lingual is a skill. You must have a strong work ethic.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s a good idea to present your circumstances as an excuse- you don’t need one. You’ve done well in many areas. I think it is more impressive to anyone- not just college, but people, jobs, to have the kind of personal quality that makes the most of what you have- and you look like this kind of person to me. Let your application be unique and show who you are and what you have accomplished.</p>
<p>Nobody can predict admissions. There is no denying that you will be in a large pool of highly qualified applicants, but you are also highly qualified and you have an interesting background. IMHO it is worth the $70 to take this chance- on UPenn and other top tier schools that you are interested in as long as you also have some less selective, but still good- colleges on your list that you are most likely to be accepted at and can afford. This is the same advice for any student applying to schools with low admissions rate, but I think you can certainly apply to them.</p>