<p>No, they are not as heavily weighted and are easily trumped by your SATs and college transcript. Their absence may raise questions (at most), but unless you’ve done something truly extraordinary, they will not significantly improve your chances.</p>
<p>Concerning sophomore transfers, is my assessment of the following is accurate:</p>
<p><em>High School</em>
GPA: as important as college GPA; be UPenn freshman admit level
SAT: important, equal to GPA
Activities: looked at but least important of criteria; only helps if extraordinary
Letters of Rec: none?
Essay: none</p>
<ol>
<li>Will practically no EA be a serious hindrance?</li>
<li>Do they look at SAT subject tests?</li>
<li>What’s the outlook for a mediocre high school GPA at a competitive school? Do they look at entire high school record or emphasize 10-11?</li>
</ol>
<p><em>College/Undergrad</em>
GPA: most important; needs to be in top 0-5% or 3.7+ esp. at a lower-ranked school
Test scores: none
Activities: research and internships very important; club/org. leadership is good
Letters of Rec: almost as important as GPA
Essay: stellar, very good, compelling</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How much does the ranking of the school matter? Let’s say Transfer is from a public, California uni like UCSD, UCLA or UCD. What does Transfer need for a good shot at UPenn (general characteristics)?</p></li>
<li><p>Please elaborate on what kind of activities are Penn sophomore transfer level.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Many thanks for your insights and answers. :)</p>