Hey guys,
I’d like to share my story and get your input on my 'Penn application:
I’m an Arab student who applied to SEAS for the MSE program: I’m interested in pursuing nanotechnology and continuing a post-doctorate degree at 'Penn.
I’m doing the IB Diploma:
Higher Levels: Physics, Math, and Arabic.
Standard Levels: Chemistry, History and English.
My SAT I and II(s) are
Math: 800/800
Reading: 620/800
Writing: 760/800
Math II: 690/800
Physics: 620/800
I also took the TOEFL Examination and scored a 103. (Perhaps it could make up for my Reading score?)
I did terrible in the latter exam, mainly because of time and IB deadlines, and I can’t take it again unfortunately.
My GPA is 3.5/4.0 and my IB predicted score is a 36/42 (updated to 39, but not part of my Mid-Year Report).
As for extracurricular activities,
I’m involved in entrepreneurship, environmental activism, and public speaking/debate at school:
I started an Entrepreneurship Club, and I’ve been involved in MUN for four years now (I won one international award, which happens to be the “Penn Ivy League Conference”, and one local award)
As for out of school, I work on a “Listener” website - you could relate it to an online free therapy service, except instead of consulting/providing advice, our role is to listen to anyone who feels like talking. I’ve had work experience for four summers in a local shop, and I was a Digital Media intern for a non-profit organization where I was able to propose, develop and lead motion for a month-long Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign which successfully raised 40,000$ (210% funded).
I’m also in the process of creating my own networking project (app), but I didn’t stress on it much because I’m still in the mid-stages of
I’d also like to add that I applied for financial aid, and as an International Student this may be decrease my chances.
I got my Penn interview a week ago - a great deal of stress was off my back. Though, my interviewer had to leave early for an interview, and he said he would schedule another interview, though I haven’t received anything. Am I stressing too much or is that normal? Should I send him an e-mail?
I managed to prepare a resume (although I wasn’t asked to) and send it to my interviewer before-hand, and my interviewer ended up asking me questions from it instead from the questions the Admissions office wrote on their websites. He told me my activities were impressive, but I didn’t get any further compliments.
I’m assuming that my GPA and SAT reading score aren’t going to help me for consideration - even though I really wanted to boost the latter a bit more. As well as that, I’m sure that there are many students who have already done a lot of preparation in nanotechnology - research, school science fairs, projects, etc.
I was wondering if I could an idea of how my admissions will be considered, or what my chances will be for financial aid at SEAS?
I spoke about how there are two teachers that I find interesting at 'Penn, and their solid R&D. Of course, I added the clubs that genuinely interest me, and I talked about the Penn Center for Innovation.
I was wondering if I could also get any advice for my (potential) follow-up interview - I wasn’t asked to discuss why I wanted to attend 'Penn or what my vision/plan for the future. (I was really prepared for those ones.)
And I wanted to ask from any Penn student who happens to see this about their Penn experience. The food, teachers, recommended courses, activities?
I never managed to visit Penn, but I did a lot of digging into this university and I can tell that it’s a perfect match for me.
Thanks for taking your time guys!