What can I do to better my chances of getting in? Do I even have a chance?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>I really want to get into UPenn... what are my chances? And what can I do to improve them? I'm a junior now-- what should I do over the summer? I can't afford any summer camps so preferably easy activities close to home. </p>

<p>My Resume so far....</p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>unweighted GPA: 4.0 (not sure if this will hold)
My grades are a few As and lots of A-s. For example in AP Physics I got 89.8.
I've taken AP US History, AP Spanish, AP Physics, AP English, and AP World History. Next year I plan on taking AP English Lit, AP Chemistry, AP Economics, AP Statistics, and AP Calc BC. However, I will be dropping down to Spanish 5 and quit Orchestra, which I've taken the past 3 years. I will also take US Government and Outdoor Education.
SAT: 2300
ACT: 34
SAT II: 700 US History, 690 Chinese, am planning to take physics spanish and math
Ambassador for NSHSS but everyone knows thats a scam...
oh and I'm in NHS. 203 on the PSAT. </p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Chieftain (school newspaper)- 9, 10, 11, editor for 12
Outdoor Club- president for 11, but the school shut it down :(
Student Government- Class Representative 11, 12
Orchestra- 9, 10, 11
Piano lessons- kindergarten to 11th grade. I also reached level 7 in the National Music Certificate Program
Competitive Rock Climbing Team- 9, 10, 11, 12- 3rd place at regionals competition
Chinese School-8, 9, 10, 11</p>

<p>Community Service:
I volunteered 8 hours at the Flying Pig Marathon, and 14 hours helping out at a Middle School Play.
70+ hours volunteering at the Jewish Hospital over the summers 9, 10, 11</p>

<p>Also if its too big of a reach, what other colleges would be more feasible? I'm looking at Case Western, WashU, Northwestern, Emory... I may be a business management major.</p>

2

<p>UPenn is going to be a reach just because of its selectiveness, along with the other schools you have mentioned. That said, your stats seem pretty good to me. I believe you would be a competitve applicant to all of these schools. Just make sure you have one or two good safeties.
By the way, how can you have a 4.0 UW if you have several A-s and a B?</p>

3

<p>OSU and Indiana University will probably be my safeties. As a student from the midwest, would applying for schools along the west coast give me a greater chance of acceptance?
Also at my school anything above 89.5 is considered an A. I’m pretty sure all colleges will see is 3 As and 4A-s, not the percentage.</p>