<p>i am not looking at yale though, i am looking more towards penn, which i believe is a school that is easier to get accepted at. I am also hoping my 1/307 class rank sticks out to the people viewing applications. Also on the act are any subjects looked at more than others??</p>
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<p>You absolutely should be VERY proud of your class rank. BUT you also need to know that MANY vals do not get accepted at the Ivies (including Penn) every year. No ONE thing is going to outweigh a poorer showing in another area. You really should retake the ACT…really. Try to improve that score…it will improve your chances.</p>
<p>a 33+ is pretty much a requirement for all ivy league schools if you are white with no other hooks (development, legacy, athletics). A 36 ACT with a #1 class ranking can easily be denied from even Penn.</p>
<p>Vaultipod, what thumper is saying is that you should do your personal best on ALL parts of the application process for ivy consideration. If you scored 30 with no prep, and perhaps could score 34 with some additional effort, will you be happy with yourself if Penn does not accept you? Or will you forever be wondering what could have been if you’d tried a little harder? The same process will repeat when it’s time to write your essays - would you say “good enough” rather than rewrite an awkward sentence? Do what you feel is your best and, if it doesn’t work out, it will be easier for you to live with the outcome. Good luck!</p>
<p>For a more specific response to Vaultipod’s initial post on the cost of attendence at UPenn- I can tell you that in our case, our family contribution at Penn matches the EFC on our FAFSA. Last year, we had an older child in final year at better-endowed Ivy. That Ivy asked for 50% of family contribution while Penn required about 57%. By contrast, the UPenn education will cost us about one-third more than the top Ivy. </p>
<p>Its also worth keeping in mind that that the schools that have removed Stafford loans from the financial aid package (UPenn included)will be effectively $20,000 cheaper over the course of 4 years than schools which include these loans.</p>
<p>Yes, Kelsa…$20K less in out of pocket from the families in the end. BUT this will NOT reduce the EFC.</p>