<p>The UPenn kids started this, and I thought it might help us pass the time.</p>
<p>I'd get accepted because I'm a bright kid with diverse interests and a strong sense of self, and I'm not afraid to try new things, from Ice Hockey to Math Team. I also wrote a very unique essay (unique in topic, not style) that I think may be the strongest part of my application.</p>
<p>I'd get deferred because my GPA isn't quite as high as it should be, and I should have worked a little harder during high school. My SATs are strong, but not stand out, and they're not yet sure if they're comfortable giving me a spot in the class of 2009.</p>
<p>I'd get rejected because nothing about my application really stands out (with the possible exception of my essay). I haven't used my resources as well as I might have, and I don't show many outstanding talents. </p>
<p>What about the rest of you? Why would you get accepted/deferred/rejected?</p>
<p>Hey. I finally got up the nerve to join, even though I'm not too sure I belong. Anyway ... on with the fun.</p>
<p>Accepted: Because I have a few dedicated passions for I have turned my life around. They have shaped me from a very early age and everything revolves around them. Also I just love academics.</p>
<p>Deferred: Nothing outstanding in the way of grades, althought not subpar. I did manage to completely screw up my SAT the second time, which is just an impressive downfall. I haven't exactly delved into all possible areas, nor dabbled, just stuck to a few loves. Also I graduated early (3yrs high school) and they might not think I'm ready.</p>
<p>Rejected: They could really not think I'm ready and that I have not accomplished what I could have. I could just be a blah person whose application they stare at and laugh...</p>
<p>I would be accepted because I've shown the ability to handle responsibility by having a job since 9th grade while still achieving grades and scores that, if I may say so, have few flaws. Also, every school is looking for a little economic diversity, right? (Hopefully). If I may say so again, I would be a first generation student that has done very well with what he's had so far.</p>
<p>I would be deferred because my ECs aren't spectacular in the least. I think I've done good things with my spare time, but I don't stack up well to the top EC applicants, especially if work experience isn't included in the picture. On the positive side, I think the ECs I have done work well with the rest of the application to paint an accurate image of who I am. My awards are in a similar state.</p>
<p>I would be rejected because, at the moment, I don't even have an essay to turn in. I feel very much crushed by my inability to produce what I consider to be an adequate college essay. I would also be rejected because the class of 2009 may just have enough applicants similar to me who are "better" than me.</p>
<p>Accepted: Highest GPA possible, Valedictorian, Decent SAT scores, and I think I wrote a great or at least decent essay, lots of awards and leadership positions, lots of volunteer work, first generation, love of knowledge</p>
<p>Deferred: ECs are fairly normal and SATs not as high as I would like</p>
<p>Rejected: Minimal sport involvement, no eye-popping ECs</p>
<p>Accepted: I have a high GPA, high test scores, and a decent number of high qualifty awards; I've been very dedicated to one EC, and fairly involved in a few others. There are no obvious flaws in my resum</p>
<p>Accepted: Good SAT and SAT II's, very high GPA, top five percent, good peer rec, strong high school curriculum. I'm very much into my ECs, and hey, someone's gotta run the newspaper. I also wrote my essay on Garden State, which may kind of stand out a little bit, I dunno, topic-wise. It was an "impact of arts" variety. </p>
<p>Deferred: Nothing that really "jumps" out. Even though my numbers are good, other people are better.</p>
<p>Rejected: Too much of a BWRS. Maybe I'm too vanilla, I dunno.</p>
<p>Accepted: Decent extracurriculars, good writing ability, teacher and counselor recs which say I am the brightest student they have had in 30+ years of teaching AND am very humble and down to earth (really if anything gets me in it will be my recs.) Also, not to boast, 1600 SAT + 3X800 SAT II in my areas of interest.</p>
<p>Deferred/Waitlisted: Perhaps because they don't want to offend my school.</p>
<p>Rejected: My essay isn't quite as good as it should have been, my interview was not stellar (kinda rushed, he was in a hurry,) My rank/grades are not stellar (3.91 weighted/ I don't know what, probably only 3.7 or so unweighted + class rank of 14 of 218,) light senior courseload (I'm only taking classes in things I'm really good at... no Calculus or Physics AP for me!)</p>
<p>Accepted: high SATs, good grades, leadership positions in my EC's, strong and developed interests in English and the law, did two interviews with them that went really well</p>
<p>Deferred/Waitlisted: maybe not many awards or distinctions from departments, or musically even though I've been in it so long...essay is good but a safe topic</p>
<p>Rejected: my rank is not great...top 5% but still...easy APs my senior year...I've never taken Calculus...I'm taking Physics Honors as a letter grade because I knew I wouldn't do well...no 5's on any of my APs...only taken 5 AP's in my high school career....also I'm from Long Island, very overrepresented...</p>
<p>eek. see how it's easier to think of reasons to get rejected than vice versa? haha</p>
<p>Accepted: decent SATs(I think my 1500 is good enough for an international student, so is my Writing 700); almost straight A school records; leader of several clubs, intramural soccer team and class band; dedication to other ECs; national awards in almost all sciences; strong independent research experiences and achievements; international background (had education in China, UK and the US); unique work experiences...etc.</p>
<p>Deferred: maybe the essay is not so great for American readers. (though I think it's very good) another reason, though not likely, is that I am an international student and I need almost full financial aid.(FA for Int'ls are not need-blind and is limited)</p>
<p>Rejected: I don't know why they don't want me at all. Maybe they think I should go to Princeton or Harvard, that I am overqualified for Dartmouth. :-) (joke la)</p>
<p>Accepted: Test scores, grades, and I think my history teacher's rec...should be a really good mix of pretty much everything you can ask for though I haven't seen it yet. I have a pretty strong school too that sends lots of kids to Ivies. Meeting the adcom at my school and making a pretty good impression. </p>
<p>Waitlisted: Lack of pursuing cirriculum beyond the school...I can excuse that because of sheer difficulty of courses. Lackluster counselor rec. since she's brand new this year and hasn't had much experience. No major awards. Essay doesn't strike a chord with the adcom. </p>
<p>Rejected: Dearth of leadership (not for lack of effort), only a little bit of work, and only a small amount of community service. No athletics either.</p>