I’m lost in this process; idk where to apply. I’d like to go to upenn but i must have other schools as well. What should i consider???
Just finished Junior year
ACT: 36
GPA: 3.581
Extracurriculars: President of Model U.N., Debate and Student Council. Volunteer at local hospital currently have 500 hours. Science Research at Regulated Institution
Awards: Siemens Finalist and Local Debate Tournaments
State: Mass
Junior Schedule:
AP BIO
AP PHYSICS
RESEARCH
PRECALC
APUSH
APCOMP
FRENCH
FReshman gpa: 3.443
soph; 3.3
junior: 4.0
LMK where i should apply. Thank you in advance!!!
I don’t really think that this is something that a bunch of strangers can advise you on. I could list ten colleges based on your numbers, but your numbers aren’t nearly as important as what you want to major in and where you feel happy- I would really recommend going on as many visits as possible! My school uses a website used Naviance where you can type in info about yourself and it shows you reach, target, and safety schools- I’m sure there are many online tools like this!
P.S. A lot of the top schools are going to be concerned with your freshman and sophomore GPAs because those coupled with your 36 suggest that you are really smart, but you didn’t apply yourself at the beginning of high school (I’m not saying that is what happened, but that will be the assumption) So just a piece of advice: make sure you and your counselor explain your low GPA in your application. Make it clear that you intend to continue working hard, because otherwise the GPA could overshadow your 36. Good luck!
@CDOESenior2k16
Based on my stats awards and ec’s do u think an ivy is possible?
I’d say your perfect ACT score will boost your chances of getting into an ivy. Is your GPA weighted or unweighted?
Also, does it help a lot having a recommendation from a professor at the university i am applying ed to? @CDOESenior2k16
I think your application seems really strong with the exception of your GPA! But a lot of people are going to be applying to these schools with very good scores AND perfect GPAs AND amazing EC’s, so no one can tell you for sure whether you will get in or not. It really depends on the applicant pool, which varies from year to year.
Your extra curriculars seem great but I’m not an admissions officer! If you can get a letter of rec from UPenn that would definitely help your application. I think that you probably have as good a shot as anyone else, just make sure that you make it clear in your applications and essays that you are passionate and will work hard, and also offer a legitimate explanation for your freshman and sophomore GPA. If it’s that you didn’t apply yourself at the beginning of high school that’s fine… you just need to convince the admissions officers that you will succeed at their university, because at the end of the day that’s the most important thing. They want to see that you have taken advantage of every resource that has come your way, and that you will work hard once you get to their school.
Good luck!
P.S. I meant to say letter of rec from a UPENN professor:)
Wait, I don’t get why you need our help. You’re a siemens finalist! That’s one of the most prestigious awards you can get I think.
I’m pretty sure you’re a shoe-in at most of the schools in the country with that award alone.
Apply to UPenn ED if that is your top choice, you’re basically a shoe in unless you’re trying for the M&T program or wharton.
Idk why your GPA is a 3.5 when you’re a siemens finalist but…I think it means you’re smart but don’t try hard. Try not to let that kind of mentality spill over into your counselor rec or teacher rec.