How much does Penn consider essays in admission? Are they a significant factor in admissions (on par with grades, test scores) or more of just a supplement? Sorry if this question has been asked before. I can’t seem to find it on here. Thank you
Think about it, Penn has an abundance of 4.0s, 36s, and validictorians. The essay is extremely important in getting to know the student on a personal level, and judging interest.
Looking through previous results threads, it is impossible to know how much each component of the application is weighted. None of us should take any piece for granted, but personally, I continue to think that test scores (and grades) are very important – Look at your school’s Naviance database if it is available for admission/rejection/waitlist data.
Of course, we’ll all know better by this time tomorrow.
As one of those “elusive” 2400/4.0 URM applicants, I’d be more than happy to provide you with the final verdict on how much any of that helped towards my chances at Wharton.
I was accepted (2330 SAT/800-800-800 subject tests/4.0 GPA/Not an URM) and still can’t tell you how important any one component is…they all matter a lot!
My scores are considered relatively low- 2240 SAT, 790/770/770 Math II, Chem, US History, Asian male- and I was accepted. Scores are definitely important, but once you get above a certain threshold they become less important and what really distinguishes you are your personal achievements and definitely your essays.