What are my chances of acceptance?

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Im currently in my first year as a full-time college student. While I was accepted at a variety of top ranked (sub-35 on the US News and World Report Rankings) universities as a first-year applicant, my family's financial situation became much more of a factor than I had anticipated and I was left all but precluded from attending a four-year institution. I eventually decided to make the fiscally responsible decision and enroll in community colllege for a year; an action that, while conscientious in nature, did little to alieviate my feeling of chagrin stemming from the stigma of being labeled a "community college" student.</p>

<pre><code> As you might be able to tell, I'm desperate to get out of here and would appriciate any insight you can offer.
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<p>Here's some of my info:</p>

<p>Colligiate GPA: 4.0 (44 credits in a 3-credit-per-class system)
High School GPA: 3.75 (D in P.E. freshman year)
SAT 1: 1840
CR: 690
Math: 580
Writing: 570
ACT: 27 composite</p>

<p>Extracurricular activities: </p>

<p>I'm a professional musician - I perform and run a small music school business
I volunteer as a tutor
I will be interning at a Fortune 500 financial consulting firm this summer.
I run an after school program for elementary school-aged kids where I teach them the fundamentals of football.
I was also a four-year starter at quarterback on varsity football at my HS if that matters at all</p>

<p>Other pertinent info:</p>

<p>I'm a Phi Theta Kappa member
I have 2 excellent recommendations from two teachers, one of which who told me he would "singlehandedly have me admitted."
I have a well rounded course load
I've been deemed a "presidential scholar" at my current school (this is the highest level of academic recognition they offer)
My application is very strong in terms of writing - I would consider my essays to be the best part of my application
My high school was also recognized as one of the top 50 in the nation according to the US News and World Report (again, I'm not entirely sure how much high school info has to do with a transfer app)</p>

<pre><code> I realize my test scores are not exactly exemplary but, considering the fact that standardized tests are administered in an effort to afford prospective universities some insight into the kind of college student they are considering, I'm hoping my existing collegiate record will overshadow my average scores. Anyways, unless you're a journalist that consistently waits until 25 minutes are left before his deadline before even considering the subject of his piece, I cant think of any profession that would require you to craft a well-thought-out and engaging essay in under a half hour. Personally I think the stringently timed nature of standardized testing is a bit rediculous but thats just my opinion.

I will be applying for transfer to Wharton for the fall semester.
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<p>So what do you think? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.</p>

2

<p>I should also mention that, despite the fact that my stats may not seem to mimic the generally accepted or “textbook” format present in most applications to upper tier schools, my freshman acceptances included NYU, UCLA, and William and Mary with a wait list at Cornell. Considering those results, I feel that I aimed too low. That is pretty much the justification behind my application to Penn.</p>

3

<p>If they only looked at your college grades and activities you would have a higher shot, but considering your SAT score and GPA I would guess that lowers your chances. That isn’t to say you have no shot because after entering college High School factors play in less, but they do still play a part. Applying to Wharton is also tough just because of how selective it is. I would say that Penn would be a mid to mid-high reach on the more mid-high side. Make sure you get amazing recommendations and that your essays are strong, focused, and show clear passion and excitement. Good luck with your application!</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the reply. </p>

<p>Would it be worthwhile to retake the SAT and/or ACT? I have a sort of odd situation in that the first time I took both the SAT and ACT, I hadn’t completely learned some of the topics that are covered in the tests. I could figure some answers out but, due to the extra time it took to conceptualize on the fly, I didn’t finish most of the sections. </p>

<p>I could probably improve my score by 200-250 points (or the equivalent on the ACT) now that I know the various shortcuts of sorts present in most sections. </p>

<p>So would a 200-300 point increase drastically improve my chances of acceptance? Does admissions weigh the standardized test scores of transfer applicants that highly?</p>

5

<p>I’m no expert on admissions (and don’t let anyone else on here fool you that they are) but I would say retaking the SAT would help. I’m not sure how they would view a college student taking it, but if you could get 200-300 points better I would strongly recommend it. SAT’s are a huge part of admissions for both transfer and incoming students, though I’m not 100% sure on how they are for transfers. I would want to say they are less but like I said I’m not expert. IMO, take the SAT again and study to make sure you get over 2050. Even that is low but the extra 200 will make you much more competitive. Also, if you have the time can you chance me on my thread? I would appreciate it. Thanks!</p>

6

<p>Iam no expert man, but your ACT and SAT are REALLY LOW… you GPA is decent, but those scores need to be higher. I would say at least a 32+ in ACT and a 2200+ in SAT. Check the profile pages and you will see that most people applying get a 34ish on the ACT and 2300+, but some have gotten in depending on your essay.</p>