Currently, I am a prospective Penn Student and in the midst of working on my app. However recently I have been looking around online for the average SAT scores of other applicants and of the school and I seem to be below average. The highest score I have gotten is a 1480 (690CR/W & 790M), while the average score for Penn as of last year was 1510. Now I know this is only a few points difference, however, I plan on applying to the Wharton School, which I have heard tends to have a higher average SAT score for its applicants (maybe 1530-1540). While this is not intended to be a “chance me” thread I would like to know if I should even bother focusing on this school.
I am applying to other schools such as Stern and Cornell(CAS) which I have the scores for and am a bit less unsettled about, but I would like to know how the Wharton Admissions committee may look upon my scores, especially considering that I come from a competitive region.
Extra Info(if it means anything:
UMR Status: Black
Location: NJ (One of the most amount of applicants from this region)
SAT II: 790 Math II, 740 US History
I feel fairly comfortable with the rest of my ECs and activities, but it just seems to be that darn SAT1 that’s weighing my confidence down
You don’t compare yours against averages. Follow this link to the most recent CDS and search on ‘SAT.’ You want to be near the 75th percentile, at least. Your math is in range and while the 690 is off, this is where ECs and how successfully you present yourself in the whole app, supp, plus LoRs comes in. You know what they look for, besides stats?
There is nothing wrong with putting in a reach application. I’d say to go for it but to also be sure to have match and safety schools that appear affordable and that you would be happy to attend on your application list.
I suggest you apply to Indiana Kelley as a safety. You are an auto admit, and will get some scholarship money. It is a solid top 10 business school to have as a backup. Also look at Texas Mccombs, tho it is harder to get in. Did you apply to Michigan Ross? BC Carroll? You need some 50/50 choices.
There is no available data that suggests this, so you can’t really take it as a given. Penn in general is known for giving a chance to people with lower scores if they have something else great going on that they really want. Given your URM status I would say you have good chances.
@lookingforward As far as other things going on, I would say I have a fairly mixed range of activities:
Interact and Model UN President
All-State Choir member
Black belt in Karate
Telluride Asociation Sophmore Seminar (TASS)
Community Problem Solving International Bowl Qualifier
…
And various other things actives along with these.
Would anyone have an idea of how the school would look at these? Since it is a business related schools business related ECs are encouraged, but I have heard from a few ppl that many of those who enter Wharton come in with no business experience at all. I seem that I (unintentionally) became a more “well-rounded applicant” and focused more time on things I was interested in, and not focus on 1 or two particular areas. Would my lack of focus potentially be frowned upon?
For all those willing to take a look at a more comprehensive overview of activities/responsibilities I take part in, please private chat me so I can send you more information. Your time will be greatly appreciated!!
@BigPapiofthree Yes, I have considered Ross. I will definitely take a look at some of the others schools you’ve mentioned as well.
Aside from recommendations for other schools, would you happen to have any idea of how I may end up being presented as a Wharton undergrad? Is there any way I could potentially position better myself/application?
@Penn95 Correct me if I am mistaken, but when you refer to my URM status as me “having a good chance” are you implying that it is more used as deciding factor between two similar applicants, or would it entail larger implications?
Being a URM is definitely a tipping factor. In fact some people here would consider it to be a ‘hook’. In admissions parlance, having a hook will outweigh other factors (low GPA, test scores, etc).
Agree with other posters, definitely you should apply. Being a few points lower than the average doesn’t put you out of the running.
