Hi everyone. I am feeling really defeated because I did not get into my ED choice, which really puts me at a disadvantage in terms of getting into a top-tier school RD. UPenn is definitely one of my top choices, but I feel like I basically have no chance because of my ACT score, which is a 33. It is a 34 superscore. I applied to the criminology program, and am really just wanting some input on how much of a disadvantage I am at because of my ACT. Please give it to me straight because I got my hopes up for my ED choice and was told by everyone I had a great chance but was crushed.
33 is within their 25/75 range. In fact, it’s probably just about their average, or just a hair below.
What are your unweighted GPA and level of rigor? Those are probably more important.
The qualitative aspects of your app are important too.
Penn is probably a reach for almost everyone in the RD round, and it probably is for you too. But you’d have a shot.
Penn’s middle 50 percentile range for ACT is 32-35. Both your highest composite and your superscore are in the middle of the middle 50. While I assume you know the low acceptance rates (e.g. Penn last year RD 7%), your ACT does not put you at any sort of disadvantage. Good luck!
Is this a joke?
Hi! I go to a rigorous dual curriculum private school and my GPA is a 4.1/4.3 unweighted. I have taken the most rigorous courses available at my school!
What’s your unweighted GPA?
4.1/4.3
How can the unweighted GPA be over a 4.0. I’m totally lost on this post.
I think they’re saying the GPA is out of 4.3, does your school do A+? Probably around a high 3 recalculated. Your stats are fine and if you don’t get in it’ll be for another reason, or maybe no reason. Good luck!
They said it was out of 4.3. Their school may give a 4.3 for A+ – still unweighted, just different scale.
Hi! @bodangles is correct. At my school 4.3 represents an A+ and 4.0 an A.
Hi, don’t feel defeated and don’t feed on negative comments. Your Act score is sufficient enough to be considered. Keep your GPA high, and work on your essay. You want to highlight why you should be chosen over others with equivalent scores. Point out to them “The Why You” factor, point out that which makes you a unique fit for their Institution. Highlight the positives factors and attributes about yourself. Above all don’t limit yourself, there are many great academic institutions to choose from.
PS: Think of it like this, Your ‘STATS’ get you the job interview. Your Essay /Interview get you the job.
Penn super-scores ACTs–therefore you have an ACT score of 34 for University of Pennsylvania admissions.
Which university was your ED choice ?
I don’t think anyone is being negative. The poster’s score is fine and I think he probably knows that already.
I agree with lil shortay
I stand by my comments, I am sure the poster is getting feedback from more than one source. College Confidential is just one source of information but not the only source. My comments were not addressing the feedback they are receiving from this thread.
Gotcha! Poster, may I ask what your ED choice was?
I appreciate the responses, everyone! My ED choice was Vanderbilt, which looking back was not a good idea. They have never accepted anyone from my school and historically have accepted an extremely small number of students from my region despite high stats and incredible resumes. I also feel the admissions process at Vanderbilt has been less holistic and more focused on scores. I hope this helps!
I think that you are correct about your first choice school admissions.
I am also not sure whether this gives you guys any insight, but so far I have been accepted to the Tulane honors program with scholarship, the University of Miami with scholarship, the University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, and UNC Chapel Hill (all out of state). I have not received any rejections so far aside from Vanderbilt (admittedly these other schools are not at the same tier).