Is it even a possibility?

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>I am a senior in a small private Texas high-school. Upon learning my UW GPA, I assumed I had no chance at any top schools, but I'm afraid that I will regret not giving some top-schools a shot when I'm older. What do you guys think my chances are for UPenn CAS ED?</p>

<p>Class Rank: 10/91
UW GPA: 3.62
----I had a huge upward trend in GPA. Prior to Junior year it was a 3.48, now it's a 3.62. I went from rank 19/91 to 10/91 in 1 year. Will this help?
SAT: 2190; 700 CR, 730 M, 760 W w/ 11 essay
SAT Subject: 700 US History, 750 Math 2</p>

<p>Extra Curricular's:
-Co-founder and treasurer of FBLA chapter at our school
-Tier 1 hockey for 2 years in hs, 10 years overall
-Varsity Golfer Junior and Senior yr
-African Library Project (Raised 4500 books and 800 dollars to build 2 libraries in Africa)
-Academic Meet (Placed 1st in Editorial writing, 2nd in headline writing, 3rd in ready writing. Each competition had around 40 kids)
-Started a financial literacy class at school
-Young republicans club-- club representative (9, 10, 11)
-NHS Fundraiser Committee (organized canned food drive for NHS)</p>

<p>Volunteer service:
-children's home: 50 hours
-Goodwill: 35 hrs</p>

<p>Work Experience:
-Walked dogs for 2 years
-Private tutored for 1 year</p>

<p>Honors and Distinctions:
-NHS (2,3,4)
-Mu Alpha Theta (3,4)
-Hockey team captain (9th grade)</p>

<p>Interested to hear what you guys have to say LOL.</p>

<p>Well, it is possible, but it is probably a reach. Your gpa is on the low side for Penn, but the upward trend is helpful. 2190 SAT score is just a little below average. Math 2 of 750 and APUSH of 700 are okay. Not great, but not bad. Academically, you seem to be on the low end of students but within the range.</p>

<p>It seems to me that your ECs are your strength. You would need them to be impressive. Also consider whether you might be good enough to participate in athletics at Penn. If you can participate in Hockey or Golf there, your odds would rise exponentially. You can check the golf teams scores on the website.</p>

<p>If you have been to Penn and can do a good job on articulating why you want to attend Penn in your essays, that would also be helpful. Demonstrating a high level of interest and knowledge of the school and its programs definitely helps.</p>

<p>@Much2learn -Thanks for the input. I’ve looked at the golf scores before, and I think it’s very probable that I could walk onto the team. Will displaying an interest in walking on the team help my chances, and if it does, how do I express my intent of doing so on my app?</p>

<p>@McCombsHopeful If you are good enough to participate, I would reach out to the coach. If you will be visiting the campus, I would request a personal meeting. If you are not able to visit, I would request a Skype call. </p>

<p>If the coach is interested, but you are not really good enough to provide you with a “likely letter,” they still may be able to give you a “tip.” That means that they would let the admissions office know that while you are not so good that the coach is willing to use a likely letter to get you in, you would benefit the team. This will not get you admitted, but will increase your odds of getting in if you are a borderline candidate. Additionally, your interest in golf Penn’s golf team, and a few specifics about your meeting with the coach could further serve to demonstrate knowledge of Penn and specific interest in Penn.</p>

<p>@Much2learn - Thank you so much for the advice, I will definitely consider reaching out to the coach.</p>