i have a lower GPA then the average (3.65 UW) and a 2180 SAT, but i have double legacy. i missed the early decision deadline (i know I’m dumb). Should i just apply?
Legacy has virtually no effect on the regular decision round, so unfortunately, you missed out.
Penn states that double legacy is no different from single legacy. There’'s no higher level legacy status- it’s either legacy or not. If your family is known for donating large amounts of money to Penn, then that’s a different thing in itself- that’s a developmental candidate.
It’s important to note that Legacy is a boost, not a remedy. It may help those slightly below average get in, but for a school whose average GPA is in the 3.9x’s, it’s difficult to see how much of an effect it would’ve had with your application.
But I’m just a random guy on the internet, so if you take anything to heart, take this: Don’t feel bad about missing out on anything because there’s nothing you can do. If you want to go to Penn, apply regular and get those grades up in First semester. But ultimately there are plenty of other colleges who would love to have you, and you would be extremely happy in attending.
Thank you! but i cant help but feel like i missed out at at least having a chance to go to an ivy. I know I have no shot at regular decision, and ill probably be getting a B this semester.
Nobody has a great shot at getting into an Ivy. If you want to go to Penn because you think it’s the right place for you, then apply! The ivies truly take a holistic approach to your application. A close from of mine scored 690s on every section of his SAT and he went to Wharton. A friend of mine in Engineering scored a 590 on the CR section of the SAT and he did just fine. I have 2 friends at Yale who both scored well below their average SAT score and they still got in. The reality is that we don’t know what constellation of qualities will earn you acceptance to these schools. Just go for it if you really want it (and if you can afford the application fee)! There’s no harm in trying
but is it true that legacy doesn’t really matter at regular decision? I’m pretty under-qualified for penn and if i even have remotely a chance it would be because of legacy.
and yes it would be a dream to go there.
You lose the legacy advantage in the RD round. Why should Penn confer any advantage to you if you weren’t willing to commit to them back by applying ED? Anyway, give it a shot, you have nothing to lose except the fees and time. Why didn’t you apply early, just out of curiosity? You must have seen the stats that legacies are accepted at 40-45% rate. This is a lot higher than most of the other elite schools.
i did not see those stats. i thought i had no shot. so does legacy not help at ALL in regular decision . @Falcon1
It was very careless/thoughtless for you to miss the ED deadline. If you really wanted to go to Penn you would not “forget” such a critical thing.
i never said i “forgot” @TomSrOfBoston
i just felt under prepared, overwhelmed, and i didn’t know what i really wanted.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “There’s no use crying over spilt milk.” That applies here. You can’t undo the past, so there’s no point in regret. If you want to go to Penn, apply RD. You probably won’t get in, but your chances of getting in are better if you apply than if you don’t apply. And if it’s any comfort, you probably wouldn’t have gotten in if you had applied ED anyway. You’ll find a great school to attend. Once you do, then just look forward and focus on getting everything you can out of it. Good luck!
That does give me comfort. This answer was heart felt and informative. Thank you so much. @cosar
Hey! I think you should go for it. Penn has a very holistic approach to choosing who gets in. Legacy might have increased your chances in ED, but it may not be the only quality you possess that might highlight you to admissions. Be yourself and apply! The chance of not getting in is 0 if you don’t. If you need any help, check us out here
IvyLaunch.net
I’m of the opinion that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. If you want to go to Penn, apply! No body has a 0% chance of getting in unless they don’t apply. is it likely you’ll get in? nope. Is it likely any one will get in? nope. So why not just give it a go if it’s your top choice and the application fee isn’t to expensive? The only reason not to apply is because of a fear of being rejected. But lots of kids who don’t have the typical profile get into these schools. You never know what happens with the admissions committee on any given day.