Hi everyone,
Although I have been using this site for a long time, I finally decided to join so I could ask my own questions.
To get straight to the point, I want the increase my chances (although I know it can be quite random) of getting into Wharton, and am seeking advice on how to do so.
I am currently a Junior in High school.
I am in the international baccalaureate program (IB)
I am on the path to obtaining my diploma
I grew up on the border of France and Switzerland in the Alps in a small farming town and moved to the U.S in 8th grade ( I was born here but moved away at the age of 2).
I speak and write in both French and English perfectly.
Due to the fact that I lived in a rural, poor area, I never thought about going to college until Freshman year of High School.
It was very difficult transitioning but I have a dual culture so I feel like it helps me put a lot of things into perspective, as I am able to think liberally and conservatively. I will probably therefore write my essay about my transition, and how my two cultures shaped who I am.
Here are my EC’s:
-Youth and Government Delegate since the beginning of High School. My proposals always went far but did not reach the final round . ( I love politics becuase in France people talk about it a lot at the dinner table). I was also part of the Y&G fundraising team where I raised money for kids who could not afford it.
-4 years of Lacrosse (2 JV years as Captain, 2 Varsity, predicted Senior Varsity captain).
-IB leadership of the Junior class
-Boxing team
- Office assistant and Manager assistant for Real estate Agent company ( consists of organizing files, papers, and important documents, and managing the flow of paper work).
- Summer Day Camp counselor for 2 years ( Stopped this year so as to do my other internship)
- Junior Year summer internship at a local Hedge Fund ( I worked very hard and looked for a long time to obtain this unpaid internship).
- President of the Ski club ( Although I doubt I will put it down since it is very small)
- I play guitar ( Also doubt I will put it down since I am not part of the official school band)
Grades + Junior and Senior classes:
All A’s but one B Freshman year
All A’s Sophomore year
Junior Year classes:
IB Math SL1: A both semesters
IB Environmental Systems and societies SL (Science): A both semesters
IB Economics SL (no HL offered): A both semesters
IB Theory of knowledge and IB HL History of Americas ( Semester classes required): A both semesters
IB English HL: A both semesters
Latin 5/6: A both semesters
Senior year (Have not started yet):
IB SL 2 math:
AP Java/C++
HL English year 2 :
HL History year 2:
TOK semester 2/Government class (semester IB classes required):
Latin HL (no 7/8):
AP Tests taken:
French: 5
Macro economics: 5
AP Java ( will be taken senior year)
ACT: 32/33 ( retaking soon)
GPA: 3.98 cumulative unweighted.
Hopefully will receive IB diploma.
I am a very hard worker and have never taken the easy path. All my class choices have been based on IB requirements, which doesn’t give me much flexibility.
I really enjoy certain aspects of Business and penn seemed the best fi for me when I visited So I will be Applying EARLY DECISION. I love the people aspect of business, and the building of relationships, I love the creative aspect where I can craft my own Company, I love the problem solving part where i must find the most efficient and profitable solution, And i love many other things.
Quick additional questions: Should I instead of taking AP Java take honors anatomy or Ap physics? I am not really interested in those sciences but I am afraid it will hurt me to take a computer science class ( which I really enjoy).
I thank you guys for your time and hope to receive good advice on my essays, classes, and potential chances of getting into the Wharton School of business at University of Pennsylvania.