<p>This isn't a 'chance me' thread, so I won't talk much about that. See my "Official Penn SAS transfer" topic for more detail about me. I did 'ok' in HS (3.3 GPA, 31 ACT) with fantastic ECs but really *<strong><em>ed up senior year. UPenn was my dream school (people and campus, not for prestige at all), and while I spent a *</em></strong>load of time researching it and even got a rec (a note to the admissions committee anyway..) from a Penn professor, I neglected my schoolwork and was rejected.</p>
<p>I attend a decent public school now (the best of 15-ish state schools in NY), and I am applying to transfer next fall. Penn is still my dream school for many reasons, Cornell a close second.</p>
<p>The thing is, I've taken a step back to look over my application, focused heavily on learning to write a great essay, and reminded myself that my GPA - is - the core of my transfer. I tackled 21 credits this semster, taking orchestra and chamber music for 0 credit (counts as ECs!) and working with the film department and the university TV station to write music for film. I'm working my butt off, but sometimes I doubt that this is even possible. I mean, my HS record is still weighing me down (the reason for my bad HS performance was laziness alone - I did well in classes I liked), and I just wonder how people do it. I mean, I have my share of accomplishments - I am a fantastic violist (three Carnegie Hall performances, two full music scholarships), and I was captain of fencing team, and I do film scoring, which very few people do. Sometimes though, I glance through stats and feel so inferior, so unworthy, I don't know what I'm going for.</p>
<p>The acceptance rate is at Penn (SAS) for transfers is 15%-ish, or roughly 250 people (I know the website says only about 175 take up the offer). I have no doubt that every single person accepted has something extraordinary about them that makes them stand out from a ridiculously competitive pool. Only 15% - that's one in seven VERY qualified applicants! ****... but then, the other way to look at it is that 250 people persevere and do make it.</p>
<p>I am going to give it all I have, and I am giving it that, if I know there's still a light at the end of the tunnel. This isn't a 'chance me' thread, I just want to know that the whole idea is possible. I love Penn, as sincerely as most very serious applicants, for its campus that makes me want to learn, for the people, for how close to home (NYC) it is, for the opportunity. I'd give almost anything to go there.</p>
<p>I guess I need some inspiration to keep me going. Tell me my work is not futile - tell me there is still a chance.</p>
<p>Or are we all crazy to even try?</p>