That is incorrect regarding test optional.
About 38% of total early decision applicants chose not to include standardized testing as part of their application, Vice Dean and Director of Admissions John McLaughlin told The Daily Pennsylvanian. Of those admitted, 24% did not include test scores.
RD is more of a challenge for everyone given there are significantly more applicants per spots available after ED.
So, do I have a shot?
So, do I have any chance whatsoever?
Not directed at me but of course you have a shot. When the acceptance rate is as low as it is for UPenn everyone is a reach. Be proud of all you have accomplished and hope for the best!
What do you mean? I didn’t say the acceptance percentage would be proportional. But they are definitely accepting TO.
My reply wasn’t to you.
we just have to accept this year will be different for everyone T/O or not. But it is not accurate to say one group will be at disadvantage than the other. We are assuming that test score is the single most imp factor to get admission. we are also assuming that kids who did not submit test scores are not competitive for a given school. All test-optional kids will hope for a holistic review and hoping that the test score is a small but important component for some applicants but nor for all. All test-submitting kids will hope their score will help them get in. I guess we’ll never know, but yes, overall there will be an increase in number of applications and therefore a decrease in general acceptance rate whether you are test-optional or not. Everyone is at a slight disadvantage just because the applications are up 20-30% and therefore the acceptance rates will be low. Schools have a larger pool to select from. T/O kids are at disadvantage that they are competing with those who are not. Those who submitted are at disadvantage because there is a larger pool to compete too. T/O kid will have the excuse if not admitted to say that well i did not have the score, T/NO kids will have the excuse to say oh well the colleges had to admit T/O kids. Not convinced that colleges will admit a T/O kid without making sure that kid is ready for their respective college journey just to fulfill an obligation or fear of accusation.
Logically, the group submitting scores are those who have high scores. The group not submitting scores either couldn’t take the test (some of which would have scored high, some of which would have scored low), or had a mediocre score and chose not to submit. If schools are taking a substantial percentage of the TO group (which it appears that they are), then students are inevitably going to be admitted who would not have been competitive otherwise. I’m not saying it is right or wrong, but it’s a factor. (And yes, I agree, this year sucks for everyone!)
Based on UPenn data, 24% admitted were T/O and 76% who submitted scores. If you further use the numbers based on applications submitted (38% of applicants were test optional), it turns out the acceptance rate for test optional students was 9.4% and for those who submitted scores was ~18%. So overall if you submitted your score you have a better chance than those who did not (sorry T/O folks but this is just based on numbers and a fact). Also, IMHO, predicting test score range is not that hard based on your course rigor, GPA, high school historical range, participation in national/region academic competitions, science fairs, race/ethnicity and socio-economic status. I think the folks who are really disadvantaged by not submitting test scores are those who could not demonstrate their academic/course rigor proficiency/etc. and college readiness due to other reasons such as athletic committments or social hardships or any reasons that prevented them to show their capabilities and readiness specially for a top rating schools. I also understand that a high score kid if denied admission will always wonder if the test optional policy prevented them from getting that seat. It’s fair. I do believe if you have excellent credentials overall you’ll get into a good school!
I hear you. But there are a lot more people with rigor and perfect grades than there are people with 98th percentile and up scores (in my experience). It is what it is. It’s a crazy year and it’s made things very unpredictable. Best of luck to everyone.
I didn’t attend any virtual tour of any college? will that impact in any admission decision?
upenn doesnt track demonstrated interest so no it wouldn’t impact ur decision for upenn. however, other schools DO track demonstrated interest. i suggest searching which schools that you applied to track demonstrated interest and email them/sign-up for webinars etc. hope this helps!
jeez, you gave me a heart attack making me think some decisions were released! has anyone gotten a likely letter yet? Im pretty sure no one on Reddit has…maybe they aren’t sending any like last year?
Is there a way to check which documents have been received by upenn financial aid? I dont see a financial aid checklist for upenn, like we have for other colleges. Is there a link for this?
From maybe past years and/or ED this year, does being in PIF affect admissions?
Does UPenn need mid year transcripts? Our guidance counselor sent it but it doesn’t show in the portal.
There may be a document checklist in the applicant portal or you may receive a confirmation email (continuing students do). Check your email spam folder. It is also a good idea to track on your own which documents you send to Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS). Typically, Penn requires the following for a complete FA application:
FAFSA
CSS Profile
Penn Financial Aid Supplement form (PFAS)
Income taxes with all supporting financial documents
If you don’t see a checklist or have an email, you should call/email SRFS. They are very responsive to inquiries.
great thanks.
Yes, they do, yet it won’t show up in your portal. You can call the admissions office, but it’s safe to say that if it says in your Naviance (assuming that’s what your school uses) that they were sent out then UPenn has it.
Anyone know if UPenn did likely letters this year or if that is something that can possibly come this month?