Hi everyone, I am having the same problem here–I’m really okay with doing either CAS or SEA, but I don’t know which one to apply to. I’m a female applicant (asian ethnicity) from Canada and my science and math stats aren’t really high in the pool of engineers. However, for me personally I do better in sciences than arts, so my course is also STEM emphasized. I’m in a dilemma right now and I really don’t know which school I’m leaning towards, unlike OP. My counsellor recommended me to apply to engineering (given that i’m also a female) in terms of stats. I feel like they won’t “lower the standards” just for female applicant in engineering though. I was told that SEAs had a higher acceptance rate but I’m also getting the feeling that the applicant pool is much stronger itself that makes SEA actually “harder”. I’m on in this really awkward middle ground where both options sort of work for me but none really stand out. What are your thoughts on this?
My ACT is a 32.25 (32)
and my breakdown is following
english 33
math 34
reading 32
science 30 (but for september i’ve gotten 32 here even though upenn doesn’t super score the act)
sat math 760
sat physics 750
I’d appreciate your feedback and thoughts. Thanks guys!
Even though the acceptance rate for SEAS may be lower than CAS, you should still go for SEAS if that is the school that you really want. Even if you do end up applying to CAS, you will still have plenty of opportunities to take science related classes, and can even do a minor at SEAS.
As far as admission goes, how are your gpa and ECs? I think those test scores are okay, they are not “sub-standard,” but your gpa and ECs will make the difference. Also, what major are you considering?
I agree with @UPennSEAS2020. The admission rates are similar, and I would apply to the school that you prefer. You will find absolutely amazing STEM students in both schools.
Additionally, it is not that difficult for STEM students who are doing well to switch between the schools later, if you change your mind.
@much2learn
I’m a Canadian applicant and my junior year grade average is 90.7/100, and this year my average is around 94-94%
my extracurricuars are pretty decent, might be comparable to ivy leaguers
my gpa in context of my school is actually not very high, nothing really stands out in my profile…
i am considering earth sciences in CAS and material science in SEAS (they don’t really have environmental engineering which I’m more passionate about), it will be easier to craft my essay for engineering since for earth sciences i really don’t have any experience directly related to the field (lol it’s earth sciences)
that’s why i have an equal preference for both schools, and i’m aware of the one school policy of switching–my priority choice used to be VIPER but it’s too competitive that’s why i’m asking for CAS vs SEAS
thanks!
@MayiqueCynthia Just keep in mind that although it is technically possible to do an internal transfer, it is not guaranteed. Although with that said, I have a gut feeling that it might be easier to transfer from SEAS to CAS than from CAS to SEAS.
yeah i know @UPennSEAS2020 transferring isn’t my priority to think about–my priority is to decide which one to apply to in terms of chances. i’m still at a point which i haven’t narrowed down my options for my future, unlike many of my classmates who have set heart to do medicine or whatever. i’m okay with both earth sciences and material engineering so at this point i’m just trying to figure out which is easier for me based on my background and stats