<p>How much weight do test scores (SAT/ACT/SAT-II)'s have in admissions at Penn? I've looked at the Common Data Set, heard the admissions officers, etc. But in your honest opinion (especially those who were accepted), how important are test scores? Is it true that as long as you are within the 25-75 percentile range, then that won't be the factor for your admission/rejection to Penn?</p>
<p>If anyone wants to give their scores up (optional, but probably helpful in discussion), please include context...state, gender, race, etc. Not to be prejudiced, but the truth of college admissions is that affirmative action is real...not the MOST important, but still present. </p>
<p>Hi. I got into Wharton with an ACT score of 34 (Math: 36 English: 35 Reading: 34 Science: 31 Essay: 10).</p>
<p>In my opinion, this is how admissions to selective schools generally work: once you hit a sort of threshold for the quantitative portion of your application, scores/grades begin to matter much less. Basically, aim for at least a 33 on the ACT, around a 2200+ on the SAT, and 700+ on SATIIs. After that, your admission will be determined by the qualitative aspects of your application, which is how most admissions decisions are decided really. At the Ivy level, 4.0GPAs, and great test scores are essentially givens, so most of it will come down to your essay, personal traits, ECs etc.</p>
<p>I got into Penn with 2230 SAT I and 1400 combined my two SAT IIs. I honestly believe that they don’t really care once you hit a certain level. Because, honestly, what’s the difference between a kid who got 2200 and a kid who got 2300? One more retake?</p>
<p>My essays showed that I had actually researched the school and their beliefs. My reccomendations were amazing, from what I gather. So, I feel that really tipped the scales in my favor. </p>
<p>I’m an international student, so I don’t really get the benefits a typical URM would get. I’m listed separately on their data sets and all haha.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with idontjoke and kayb92. If your scores are in the Ivy League ballpark, say 2050-2400 and 700+ for SAT IIs, then I think they’re all looked at equally. The only time SAT scores might keep you out of a school is if there is a strong discrepancy between your scores and your GPA. (A high SAT score and low GPA might indicate laziness, while a high GPA still may not compensate for scores in the >25th percentile.)</p>
<p>If your scores fall anywhere in Penn’s range, though, your application will taken seriously. A unique app with great essays and personal recommendations is more important than whether your standardized test scores put you in the 90th percentile or the 95th. Here’s a table (albeit from 2007) that shows you approximately what percentile your scores put you in, and how many students per year get the same score:</p>
<p>I didn’t completely believe people last year when they told me that SAT scores aren’t everything. On the other side of the process, though, I’m the one preaching good essays (start early! try multiple topics!) and telling the juniors not to fret over the SATs.</p>
<p>As a non-URM from NJ, I got into Penn with a 2210 composite score. I did have a 680 in Math, though, and was accepted to Wharton. To compensate for the low Math score, I explained in my “Why Penn?” essay that I thought I’d be capable of the Wharton curriculum, anyway, because I’d taken- and done well in- two years of calculus. You can make a case yourself in your essays! You can use the “Additional Information” section to include another writing sample or an expanded activities resume or an explanation of a grade or a score! Make sure your application communicates who you are and both what you’ll get from a school and what you’ll give to it. If there’s a niche for you, you’ll get in. </p>
<p>My D got relatively high ACT scores (35 composite: 36 in English and Science, 35 in Math, 32 Reading, SAT not taken), but Penn emphasizes other elements much more than standard test scores. (I felt columbia put more emphasis on test scores.) Penn seems to look more intensely at the rigor of high school courses taken, GPA, and EC’s. Also, different colleges at Penn may have different criteria. Even 32 ACT and 2200 SAT will make you a pretty decent candidate if you have strong EC’s.</p>
<p>34 on the ACT, but only high 600’s on SAT IIs (Only had the opportunity to take them once, and one of them was in a subject I hadn’t taken for 2 years). Wyoming, male, white, if that helps.</p>
<p>I like to think that my essays were above average, but I gave a STELLAR interview, so I think that’s what got me in.</p>
<p>Since Penn looks at total testing history, will it matter if the highest composite score is on an ACT testing that was taken without writing, while other ACT’s taken do have writing? Would they combine the highest composite with the highest writing? Thanks!</p>
<p>35 ACT and then some subject tests, I think 780 800 730 and then some pretty awful ones in the high 600s. You don’t need a perfect testing history!</p>
<p>Thanks to all who replied back. It is nice to see that those who are accepted truly aren’t because of (2400 SAT, 800 800 800 SAT-IIs, 36 ACT). This is not to say that test scores don’t count, but rather, that there are other more prevalent factors at work here! Happy Easter (to all who celebrate it)!</p>