I am currently a sophomore with an unweighted cumulative 3.3 GPA because last year I struggled with math but I am doing much better this year. I am taking the highest level of classes, 2 APs this year, because that is all I am allowed to take. I play tennis, do band (marching band included), orchestra, art ( i have won awards), writing ( i have also won awards), and multiple clubs at school, I have a language diploma and a test certificate, I interned for a researcher at UPENN, I am on a task force on the school board for my school district, I am the head of a section within that taskforce, I have volunteered at a hospital and my father works for UPENN. What are my chances on getting into University of Pennsylvania, especially with my GPA?
@lyang22 rather slim. to give you an idea, for the class of 2019 the average GPA of the incoming class was 3.93 and 97% of the class had a GPA higher than 3.5 ( 92% of the class had a GPA of 3.75 or higher).
Yes the fact that your father works there helps but your GPA is still too low. Where do you rank in your class?
You are a sophomore so you have some time to raise your GPA.
If I raise my GPA to hopefully a 3.7 unweighted, would my chances be significantly better? Also does UPenn really take into consideration weighted GPA? I am also going to take classes for SAT or ACT and on PSATs I have done well, would that help my chances even if my GPA is low?
Thing is, the people who have higher GPA’s have also done amazing in the standardized testing department. My Advice is to raise your GPA as much as you can, but don’t be completely infatuated with UPENN. Keep your options open. I was the same sophomore year when I fell in love with brown till I realized that it was too expensive and a very far reach.
With a GPA like that, you might end up getting thrown out before the rest of your application is even looked at. Stay off of CC until the end of your junior year and get your GPA up to over 3.75, if possible (or aim to be in the top 10% of your class). Junior year will make or break you.