<p>dolphie4lyf3,
I go to a public school in the suburbs of Philly (30 minutes away from Penn's campus). I plan on applying to Penn ED, but I don't seriously expect myself actually being accepted. You may call me negative or not confident, but that's truly how I feel unfortunately. I can tell you this though: if I were to get an e-mail from Penn in December saying that they have accepted me, I will literally faint..</p>
<p>Anyway.. do you go to a public or private school? Roughly the top 5% of the graduating class has about a 1400 (M + CR) or so. The top 1% normally has 1500+ SAT (between M + CR). Unfortunately for me, I know at least 15 other people applying to Penn (approximately 10 who are applying ED). The only thing that could remotely help me is that I'm an Asian male. I'm not an URM per se, but there are not many Asian males in suburban Philly schools that are academically motivated (I'm the only Asian male in my grade who is in the top 5% of his class-- I know it doesn't make a difference, but it makes me feel better everytime I tell myself this..:o). However, I do know a good handful of Asian males from private school that work hard and get into nice Ivies, etc.</p>
<p>I supposed Penn considers schools of the Greater Philadelphia area as being a part of Philadelphia as well (or maybe it's because we're all a part of Pa?). The Penn admittees from past years were not super duper spectacular, but they had at least one distinguishable aspect about him or her that stood out (no Olympic gold medals or Nobel Prizes, but an activity that he or she stuck with for all 4 years of high school).</p>
<p>So as I have said before, I wouldn't be surprised if I got flat-out rejected from Penn. The only problem would be telling my parents and all the kids who ask at school.. :( </p>
<p>Sorry for making you read all of this! I hope you found it insightful or interesting in a way.</p>