<p>Well, I'm currently in 9th grade and taking 4 APs (Bio, Human geography, Microeconomics, Environmental Science). I have low A's in my APs without the 10 points (except micro and human, which is a full 110). Does that increase my chances of getting into a school like UPenn? My brother goes there and is on the Dean's list, so does that benefit the application process for me in any way?
Rank: 15 out of 650 (I know, for an Asian pretty bad.)
GPA: 3.9 something unweighted, 4.45 weighted, 98.1 last semester and this semester probably around a 101
Extracurriculars: AP Club, Student Council, National Art Honor Society, JV cross country and tennis, classically trained pianist</p>
<p>So the thing is I've been told I must get 5s on my AP exams or else UPenn will not consider me, and I'm currently sitting at low 3s in bio and micro and high 4s in APES and APHU...are 3s and 4s okay or should i amp up the prepping??</p>
<p>Guess all the stress of high school is getting to me finally LOL :)</p>
<p>You’re a freshman, so it’s too early to tell whether you can get in to these schools. I do find it surprising that with A’s in these AP classes you think you would only be able to score a 3 on these exams - is your school competitive? Either way, you are at the top of your large class, and you are obviously interested in college. Keep your grades up, keep taking hard classes, and try to get involved in some leadership roles in your ECs (something I wish I had done). These super-competitive Ivies can never be sure things, but if you keep on this track you should have a good shot.</p>
<p>Well I honestly think you’ll be fine for the rest of your years in high school. You’re accustomed to a rigorous AP schedule and the academics won’t be as stressful for say a sophomore in 1 AP class who will be taking 4-5 APs as a junior. I agree with the previous poster. Continue on the track. That’s a pretty good rank. You’ll have acquired God knows how many APs by the time you’re a senior. Best of luck! :)</p>
<p>ah you’re just a young one; it seems like you’re already taking rigorous courses and doing alright so keep it up. AP scores aren’t really used as much for evaluative purposes but if you’re not getting mostly 4s and 5s that could raise questions. That said you’re only in freshman year and I’m sure you will improve your study habits and such as high school goes on to succeed in the AP coursework/tests. With the ECs as warmweather suggests, see where you can focus your efforts to gain leadership, significant achievement. You have this website (acceptance threads) to see what kind of activities other people had to get into top schools. Oh and it could help a little that you have a sibling who attended Penn. </p>