Hey fellow Penn hopefuls, I am a decently qualified applicant, but I have low SAT scores(1970). Grades are great for my school, and mt ECs are good as well some leadership positions and diverse clubs. However, what I am really wondering is how much does my legacy help? My mom went to Penn and I am also Hispanic I was wondering if that could boost my app enough to get in?
Why not take the SAT again? How are your subject SATs?
You need great ECs, not good ECs.
You need to apply ED to get a legacy boost. Being in Philly, Penn has access to a lot more URM candidates through its relationships with Philadelphia public schools, so I wouldn’t be too hopeful about the Hispanic boost.
Also, how hard is your class schedule, and did you take all available AP classes?
yeah I am applying ED and I plan to take my SATo again. I got 720 on Chemistry and 730 on math one for my subject tests. I have taken the most rigorous course load possible. I will end with 11 APs.
I’d take the SAT again. Being a hispanic legacy (double hook in itself) should work well. I’d apply ED to fully take advantage of your legacy status.
@codemachine thanks I’m applying ED and taking the SAT again
@rhandco @codemachine I also already have had an internship at an engineering firm
Are you applying to their SEAS?
@codemachine undecided either Wharton or SEAS
What concentrations would you pick at either and what is your reasoning?
I’m mostly interested in applying to Wharton for Actuarial Science
That’s a difficulty - better chance to get into SEAS, for everyone.
Would you consider this, it appears to be available no matter what college you get your main degree in:
https://statistics.wharton.upenn.edu/programs/actuarialprogram/course-requirements-university-minor-in-actuarial-mathematics/
I agree with above. Your engineering internship could also act as a third hook.
@rhandco @codemachine Thank you and yes a minor is very interesting I will consider applying to SEAS, but if I’m going to send the money I want to make sure I get the degree I want.
That is true, and Penn makes it difficult to switch to Wharton from another college.
@rhandco “better chance to get into SEAS, for everyone”
Apparently SEAS admission rate is now as low or lower than Wharton. See the Dean Glandt letter in the thread below:
I wouldn’t go by AR, to be honest. All of the schools of Penn have relatively similar AR’s, but some are more selective. I could argue that Wharton is more selective than SEAS or A&S, so technically it would be easier for any given applicant to get into SEAS or A&S.
@codemachine I don’t know what that means. In what way is Wharton more selective than SEAS?
I don’t know this for a fact, I’m just going by what I’ve seen and read. Truly, we’ll never know how selective any of them are. But Wharton has a well documented and extreme selection process as well as a world-renowned reputation, while their SEAS department does not. It is still selective, and they require HS students to complete the highest level of Calc and Physics their school offers (other than just Calc for Wharton), but a lot of the kids at Wharton also list it as their first choice and apply ED. I’ve known very few to apply to SEAS ED for that reason. Many are also legacies, etc.
Wharton also runs some very selective and extreme dual degree programs, such as the Huntsman program in International Business and the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology. This just gives them more license to be selective, etc.
Take what I say with a grain of salt, however, as I’m sure some people would have contrasting arguments. Honestly, we’ll never know. I’d say stick with your passions and pray for the best.