How to get into University of Pennsylvania?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

Hello! I’m a senior and my dream school is Penn. I could go on about why I want to go to Penn so bad but I’ll spare you guys the detail. I know I need great extra-curricular activities, teacher recs, challenging courses, leadership, essays, GPA, rank, test scores, etc. however, my test scores aren’t exactly “perfect” and I’m concerned it will drastically decrease my chances.

I’m a female applying ED for SEAS (computer & cognitive science major). What can I do to stand out of my test scores aren’t great? Am I guaranteed rejection if I don’t meet the averages for SAT and ACT scores?

2

C’mon now, think this thru.

Unless all admitted students at a school have an identical test score, then some scores will be above the average and some will be below.

3

You’re not guaranteed rejection! Dont worry! Sat scores are only one fifth of the considered components of the application. In Upenn’s initial look, they examine test scores grades and extra curricular activities. If you are strong in grades and extra curricular activities, they will definitely take the time to look at your essays and teacher recommendations. In the final decision, each of these five components has equal weight. You can look at the mid range of test scores on their website, but remember 25% score below the mid range and are still admitted. Plus, applying ED increases your chances a lot compared to regular decision; they fill half their class this way. Make sure your essay is amazing and stands out.

4

Your chances will obviously be lower than if you had had higher scores, but nothing you can do about that now right

5

Back in March you posted your SAT score as 2060. Have you been able to get it up at all?

CS is a desirable, competitive area of study, more so than Penn overall. How was your math component? And math SAT2 score?

6

If there was some magic formula to get into Penn somebody would have figured it out by now. It is a huge mistake to pin your hopes and dreams on one school – especially one as hyper-competitive as Penn (particularly if your standardized tests are below average for the school). By all means apply to Penn and see what happens, but the you need to establish a wide reaching list of schools to include match and safety schools that you would also be very happy to go to.

7

There are lots of kids at Penn and its peers with SAT scores that do not fall within the middle 50th percentile of scores for that school. I’m talking kids with <2000 on the SATs going to Harvard. SAT scores don’t determine everything-- they’re one part of a much broader application. Put your best foot forward and all you can do is hope that it works out. Good luck :slight_smile: