Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

I’m a double legacy on Penn, but I’m not even sure if that’s my top choice yet. Still, I’d like to know what you guys think about my chances there if I apply ED. I’m also interested in Bowdoin, Williams, Middlebury, Tufts, and would appreciate any input on those, too.

SAT I:1490
Verbal:760
Math:730

SAT IIs
Chem:750
Writing:760
Math IIC: hopefully high 700s

Unweighted GPA: 3.88
Weighted GPA: 3.95
At least top 15% of 350
Very competitive high school

All honors classes when offered

7 APs:

AP Bio
AP Chem
AP Language and Comp.
AP Environmental Studies
AP English
AP Stat
AP US Government

No AP test results yet.

ECs:

Freshman year basketball and baseball, didn’t make either sophomore year and started rowing crew. Now one of the top rowers at my club (I know the freshman sports don’t matter, but possible essay topic?) Slight chance of rowing in college.

Music (Trombone)—
Jazz Band
Top school orchestra and band for 3 years
Founder and president of the school brass ensemble
Made Western Regional Orchestra 9th grade
Taught private lessons
Learning Bass Trombone
A few lessons on trumpet

Peer Advisor
Contributor to literary magazine
Work at Four Brother’s Pizza

Community Service—
Youngest volunteer ever at Connecticut Braille Association at age 11. I am still actively volunteering (transcribing) and now raising money and awareness. I am in the process of beginning a 10-pronged fundraising plan.
Newspaper and internet articles about my participation
Volunteered at Habitat for Humanity over the summer

I write a lot on my own and my essays and recommendations should add to my application substantially.

By Feinwine (Feinwine) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 06:24 pm: Edit

Anyone??

By Portlandboy (Portlandboy) on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 01:25 am: Edit

Well, your sat is good enough, your gpa is ok, but not unusually high for an applying penn student. Your Ec's are weak, try to beef them up. Other than that, i don't see any reason why you shouldn't try EA.

By Lauraanne (Lauraanne) on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 11:28 am: Edit

you definitely have a great shot ED with that double legacy, but I think that your stats are strong enough that you would also have a shot RD if Penn isn't a clear first choice. I think your ECs are nice - you have clear commitments, some leadership in there, music, sports, community service, work experience - you seem pretty well rounded.

By Celebrian23 (Celebrian23) on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 11:39 am: Edit

with that double legacy you have a great chance ed, though rd i seriously doubt you would get in

By Slipper2002 (Slipper2002) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 12:27 am: Edit

You'll have a pretty good shot getting in RD to Penn. No one has a "great chance" ED, but then is highly unlikely to get in RD.

Among Bowdoin, Williams, Middlebury, Tufts here's what I know having visited them all for at least a weekend.

Bowdoin - Not much social life if that is what you are looking for. Personally not for me.
Midd - All Bowdoin offers but more community/ social life.
Tufts - Close to Boston but far enough to not be worth it. Suburban school, but not as beautiful as the others on your list. Some community, not nearly as much as other places though. Good but not amazing academics/ rep.
Williams - Great school, but small so social life also constrained. More "frat-like" than Midd/ Bowdoin, but without that many parties to back it up.

Seriously look at Dartmouth. Like Midd/ Williams but with more community + social life. You have a pretty decent shot ED. Similar admissions as Penn...

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 01:01 am: Edit

Penn is a school that gives legacy preference only if the student applies ED. It also gives all other applicants a big boost for applying ED. They are forthright about this policy. So if you would have no regrets going to Penn and ending this whole college app process by December, you certainly should apply to Penn. Looking at ED vs RD stats for the other schools, none of them give as big of an advantage for ED as Penn does, and many of those schools are every bit as selective.

By Celebrian23 (Celebrian23) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 05:07 pm: Edit

that's why i think applying ed would give you a GREAT chance, becuase rd=no legacy,