Is UPenn lenient towards kids who come from atypical backgrounds?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>hey,</p>

<p>im trying to figure out which schools i should apply to and really want to get into an ivy school. My scores and gpa are low(2000sat/90gpa) but im not your average student. i come from an abusive household, my dad was arrested, parents went through a rough divorce, wouldnt see my mom( who i lived with) for weeks at atime, very poor, etc.</p>

<p>im not trying to start a sob story or even asking for sympathy, i truly feel greatful for my situation cause in the end its made me a stronger person. but i am curious if UPenn or any of the ivies are a worthwhile application for me considering i do have a very weak application (although i have very strong ECs and Recs as well as a really great essay)</p>

2

<p>An 2000 sat is on the lower side, yet not low enough for you to not consider Penn.
If you have good ECs, essays, and recs, you will, though, have a better chance.</p>

3

<p>My friend with pretty low tests scores and not a great GPA got into yale last year with a good background story. Go for it…</p>

4

<p>@sweet-i have solid ECs, (hopefully) spectacular rec’s, and my essay is very solid in my opinion. penn is third favorite ivy, behind harvard and columbia. what about the latter two?</p>

<p>@nan-what kind of a background story if you dont mind me asking?</p>