nmspunky

Hi. I'm an international student. Can you please chance me?
SAT-2200+ expected(November test)

ACADEMICS
Rank: 2/330

CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Standard 9
1. Lead role in school play
2. Bastille Day celebrations – singer and helped in organizing
3. Participant in dance at standard 10 farewell celebrations
4. Art classes
Standard 10
1. Art classes
2. Authored a YA novel (which has been published by a MAJOR national publisher)
3. 1 Day Programme at Research Institution
Standard 11
1. Class Representative to the Student Council
2. Started writing second novel
3. Editing of first novel
4. Art classes
5. French course
Standard 12
1. Writer for school literary magazine
2. Class Representative to the Student Council
3 New novel
4. Art classes
5. Literary Arts Contingent Assitant for Inter-school competition
7. Writer for Student Council Magazine

MAJOR AWARDS
Standard 9
1. Winner of national Scholarship
2. Award for Best Essay in English
3. Merit ceritificate in Science Quiz
4. Certificate for Academic Excellence
Standard 10
1. Certificate Academic Excellence
2. Trophy for Student Displaying the most outstanding Moral Values and Citizenship
3. Highest marks in History in the board exam
4. Highest Marks in Social Sciences in the board exam
5. Highest Marks in Science in the board exam
6. State-level Grade Drawing Examination – ‘A’ Grade
Standard 11
1. Australian Chemistry Quiz
2. Student from a particular sect with the highest average

VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY SERVICE
NGO teaching underpriviliged children
1. Work on reading and communication skills with children
2. Help with homework problems

OdetteRose

Wow, your extracurriculars are great! What's your GPA? How many AP classes did you take? Are you applying early decision and which college are you applying to (Wharton, CAS, etc)?

nmspunky

Thanks for replying! We don't have the GPA system in my school. We have percentages. My percentage last year was 90. Compared to other Indian schools, we have very heavy grade deflation so 90 is considered brilliant.
I'm an international student so no AP classes either. I do have the toughest course load available in my school and that's been pointed out by my teachers and counselor in the recommendations. But I'm self-studying for 5 APs and plan to give them in May next year.
I'm applying to CAS.

nmspunky

Also, I've sent my books to the UPenn Writing Center i.e. Kelly Writers House and they promised to out in a word for me if they liked them!

nmspunky

*put in a word

OdetteRose

I looked it up and a 90 is about a 3.5 gpa, which is low for Penn (but people have still gotten in with similar gpas, so don't worry too much!) If you're not applying early, I would try to bring your grades up a little. Did your letters of rec talk about grade deflation at your school?
You should also work on your essays a lot, since those play a huge role in the admissions decision. Show that you're really passionate and unique and would contribute to the diversity at Penn. I think you should talk about your passion for writing, because your novels will really help you stand out.
Overall, I think Penn's a reach because of your gpa, but you could definitely get in because your extracurriculars are really strong and your writing skills mean you can write amazing essays.

nmspunky

Hi. I know my gpa may sound low but you can't get a gpa higher than that in my school. Our evaluation system is very strict and so my counselor has mentioned that in her recommendation. I think even my teachers have mentioned it.
Do you think if my teachers and counselor have mentioned it, my 'low' gpa won't affect me?

Poeme

Gpa needs to be considered in the context of your high school in order to have any meaning. The best way to gauge your gpa is to compare it to kids from your school who have been accepted to Penn or similar schools in past years.

sm2013

I think you might have a chance--it's all so subjective, though!

sm2013

also, please respond to my private message, OP!!

nmspunky

I forgot to tell you that I need full aid. I'm an international. How badly is that going to affect me?

kbolisetty23

^I don't want to worry you, but that will hurt your chances a lot.

Sent from my DROID X2 using CC

deathblade127

If you're an international student applying for aid, especially in ED, the chances of you getting in are very slim. Unless you're Mexican or Canadian.