International student (Russia) – low SAT Reasoning score

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Hello everybody!</p>

<p>I wanna know, whether some of you have an experience with the admissions in the University of Pennsylvania, which is a college of my top-choice, and could provide me with some vague idea, what my chances to be accepted are. I am interested in pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering and I am extremely motivated student, but I am in trouble with my SAT score. </p>

<p>SAT. Reading 560, Math 720, Writing 520 (1800 composite).</p>

<p>Considering these facts:
– TOEFL composite score of 111 out of 120
– IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma with 7 on Chemistry HL, 4 on Biology HL and 5 on English HL
– Very compelling essays, expressing my passion and my professional goals (doctor of medicine – surgery). This is not my opinion, but the conclusion I've drawn from the feedback of the school counselor and some teachers, also my fellows and parents.
– Art supplement in form of an advanced-level piano piece and also involvement in two extra-curricular activities connected with music, also participation in a large performance.
– Swimming certificates of prizing in the regional olympics in Moscow.
– I am sixteen now, will have turned seventeen by September 2014, so I'm younger than everybody.</p>

<p>Also, another problem is that I cannot present any other papers of honors for other activities and talents, because I just kept it all to myself until I enrolled in a boarding school last year, so this is quite everything that I have by now. Please, tell me candidly, I know that may seem ludicrous, but it's still really important to me.</p>

2

<p>For Penn, I think you should retake the SAT and apply RD. But try not to put all your eggs in one basket.</p>

<p>Also, if financial aid is not a huge problem, you could try looking at some good public schools (just google top US public colleges and see which you like). Public colleges sometimes have just as good offers as private colleges.</p>

3

<p>Penn ED: reach. (if you don’t apply for aid…)
I agree with caribgurl, retake the SAT/ ACT and apply RD. and if money is not a problem, consider Canada too.</p>