Most people don’t know there’s a deal with Philadelphia. Students will assume you got in because you are exceptional in our own personal way (you are, right?) And are there for the same reason they are. If you’re self conscious about your sat score and it comes up, just say you think it’s a bit ridiculous to be speaking about a test you took over a year ago. It’ll never come up (kids who talk of SAT scores are seen as ‘stuck in hs’). For everyrhing else, if you are asked to introduce yourself , tell the truth “I attended high school in Philadelphia” + add what makes you special.
@MYOS1634 i actually got a decent SAT score at the lower 1500s, so that’s not really something I am concern about tbh.
You can still use that line 
And everything else’s fine. You really shouldn’t worry about it.
There may be a few just like there may be people that question a URM or football/basketball player or anyone that was helped by a hook. They’ll also might be people that will look down at anyone that doesn’t spend the Winter Break in Vail or skiing the Alps or people that can’t understand why anyone would choose to major in 'insert non-STEM major>, etc. They are all easy enough to ignore in college due to it’s size.
Go to penn if you don’t like it there will be other options. It’s not a prison sentence. I bet you love it more than you could guess right now.
@Angelababy30 You were admitted because Penn believes you have what it takes to be successful. They would not accept you if you didn’t have the grades, scores, ECs etc. Being from Philadelphia just checks off a box of the spots they are looking to fill to form a well-rounded and diverse class. If you didn’t satisfy the other requirements first it wouldn’t matter that you are from Philadelphia.
A few Philadelphia high schools have so many of their students accepted because their students have a great track record. You will be no different. Don’t doubt yourself or your accomplishments.
^ they admitted you because they believe you will succeed. No one will realize the they are part of a group where 5% got in RD.
So after all these comments what are you leaning towards? Are you closer to making a decision? Btw, if someone told me they grew up in Philadelphia and went to Penn I would just think they were really smart. I wouldn’t question anything else.
I guess I was really blindsided by the fact that so many students from my school got accepted into Penn into thinking that Penn is not as selective as it is.
I pretty much crossed Penn State Schreyer Honor College off my list, even though some of my friends are going there next year. I am definitely leaning toward UPenn at this point.
@MYOS1634 @Dolemite Thank you for the reassurance! Really appreciated.
Yeah, go to Penn. Great school.
Nice!
@Dolemite @MYOS1634 @privatebanker @Cookies510 I guess the biggest reserve I have about UPenn is their reputation of being a “party school”, “lower ivy”, and “social ivy”. I know they are just stereotypes that people put onto the school, but would anyone be able to provide any insight on the social/party side of the school?
I actually have never heard that ever. Really I’m not just saying that. When I went to my grad program (albeit a short executive program) just five years ago, it was incredibly serious and undergrads seemed very earnest.
@Angelababy30 Never heard of that negative reputation for UPenn. Think it is a case of familiarity breeds contempt. And just the people that you know dissing this amazing opportunity. Basically you have won the college results lottery this year. Accepted to a well regarded Ivy for almost free. “Lower ivy,” give me a break.
You have amazing test scores in the 1500s. You are well qualified for this amazing opportunity and you are going to throw it away on stupid gossip?
Angela. Go to penn state if you will feel more into it. It’s not some door number 2 lousy alternative and you won’t be throwing anything away. Most of here. Especially parents know what s rare gift it is to have the option to go to Penn. but it is not as though psu isn’t exceptional too. Go where you feel excited not where people think you should go.
@privatebanker : except Penn State is four times more expensive than Penn.
Penn is serious and preprofessional. Some halls, like Quads, have more parties on weekends whereas Gregory will be more low key, but during the week everyone is all about their classes and clubs. And if you’re worried about parties then Penn State should not still be on the list.
I really think it’s a case of familiarity breeds contempt, the grass is greener…causing you to not realize what an amazing opportunity you have. Because Penn is just way above your other choicesnin everything except football.
@MYOS1634 I told her to go to Penn and congratulated her. Read the posts
At some point you have to stake a claim. If she doesn’t want to go to penn. penn State is great school. It’s a financial mistake. But we are not paying or going
So I’d I see your point. Basically, “make a costly mistake if you really want to, there’s not much else we can say”…
Yes
@privatebanker @MYOS1634 I am still very likely going to just go to Penn as many of you suggested, and I do like the campus overall with their excellent academic and opportunities. I just want to know how others perceive the stereotypes that people put into Penn before I commit to Penn.