Help a Junior Improve His UPenn Application?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Hey guys. So I'm in the middle of my junior year, and am obviously starting to look at colleges. Back during my sophomore year, a friend and I visited UPenn during February break, and suffice it to say, I fell in love with everything at the school, from the fantastic architecture to the lively community and city life. As someone who wants to major in economics and pursue a career in business, UPenn really seems like my dream school!</p>

<p>Since admittance into any Ivy League University is basically luck of the draw at this point for most applicants, rather than asking the usual "what are my chances?" that you all probably see on CC, I'd simply like to know what I can do to improve my application, and make myself stand out during the admittance process. Any and all advice is deeply appreciated, and thank you in advance!</p>

<p>GPA: 3.8 unweighted; 5.3 weighted
Class Rank: Top 10% (out of 271 students)
SAT I: 2140 (Math - 750, Critical Reading - 670, Writing - 720). I'm retaking the test in May and am hoping to get 2200-2250+ the next time around.
SAT IIs: So far, I've only taken Math I, and got a 720. I plan on replacing that score with one from the Math II, and will also take the Physics and French tests (each projected to be 700+).</p>

<p>As for APs, my school does not offer a lot, by my class load is still without a doubt rigorous.
I am currently taking AP French, AP Physics B, Honors Biology, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors English, and Honors Modern American History. Next year, I plan on taking AP Calculus, AP Biology/AP Physics C, in addition to a lot of other honors courses (seriously, my high school does not offer any AP history or English classes; only sciences, languages, and math).</p>

<p>I plan on taking the AP French, AP Physics B, and AP History tests this year, and will likely get 4s or 5s on the three.</p>

<p>As for ECs, I have done a lot more musically than I have athletically, but that does not really bother me.</p>

<p>I was the drum major of the school marching band junior year, and will be continuing for senior year.
I've played the violin privately and for school orchestra for over 11 years.
I've been part of a local youth orchestra for 2 years now.
I've played the piano for 12 years.
I've played the saxophone in concert band, jazz band, marching band, and privately for 3 years.</p>

<p>As far as sports activities, I play recreational soccer and basketball (detest school teams). I also like to play golf for fun with my father.</p>

<p>As far as any academic awards:
In the National Honor Society.
Best middle income country in 2010 at the International Economic Summit at Harvard University.
Planning on making it to nationals during National History Day 2012.
Planning on participating in Fed Challenge 2012.
Also, I'm auditioning for my state's Senior District Festival for either violin or saxophone.</p>

<p>Additional Information/Hooks:
Underrepresented minority - I am an African American student.
Application - I plan on applying early decision to Penn.</p>

<p>I plan on double majoring in economics and government in college.</p>

<p>Again, thanks in advance! :)</p>

2

<p>It seems like you really enjoy music so I would just continue what you’re doing. Maybe do something musical over the summer or maybe just chill or get a job or something. I never post on threads like this because I think a lot of them are stupid. Just don’t sit on your butt all year - do something active that is related to your passion. But, make sure whatever you are doing is fun.
For instance, I went to France for a month over the summer. Sure, you could say it was a huge educational experience for me and I truly did learn a lot. But the main point is that I had an awesome summer vacation that I really enjoyed. try to do stuff like that. I liked French so I did that, you seem to like music so find something like that to do for music.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, thanks for the reply! I definitely will focus on what defines me as a character!</p>

<p>I’d also like to add that I got an 800 for math I, 800 for math II, and 720 for physics for subject tests. Clearly I’m going to submit the math II and physics as the math I is obsolete (unless required by penn regardless). Is it recommended that I take another subject test on top of these two (or three) to send in? Thanks.</p>

4

<p>Would anybody be able to help me out with this? Again, I’d really appreciate it.</p>

5

<p>I think your two subject tests are fine – there’s really no need to take more. </p>

<p>I think your application is pretty solid, and you have a great chance of being accepted (especially ED). Focus on raising your SAT I scores, but if you don’t, you’re still in good standing. Besides that, I think the biggest deciding factors will be your essays and recommendations.</p>

6

<p>I’m retaking the Reasoning SAT in October, so I’ll study hard over the summer and make the most of the time I have. Thank you very much for the reply!</p>

7

<p>I also have forgotten to add that as of the May SATs, my two rounds of scores are:
750 M, 720 W, 670 CR (2140)
790 M, 650 W, 660 CR (2100)</p>

<p>So superscored, I have a 2180. I was sick the second time around, and so my essay suffered, which essentially killed my writing score. I’ve already decided on retaking the SATs one final time in October, with the hope of bringing that pesky critical reading score within 700 and 750. Assuming I am able to do so, I’d now be looking at a 2210-2260. How would this affect my application in your guys’ opinions? Thanks again!</p>

8

<p>I can’t help you with your application, but I think you should look into the business and public policy concentration at Wharton. I think it combines your interests rather well. Consider it.</p>

9

<p>Yes, it does certainly seem that Wharton fits me well. However, just due to how competitive getting into Wharton is, my current plan is to apply to CAS, and later explore UPenn’s business courses, either through the occasional cross-college class allowed by Penn, or for graduate school of I really enjoyed my
time at Penn as an undergrad.</p>

<p>Thanks for the response!</p>