Am I being realistic?

mommalis
Sat, 25 Jul 2020 19:54:18 +0000

Absolutely apply to UPenn. I am not sure about ED, I will leave that “strategy” to others as my Daughters both applied RD. My oldest Daughter, Valedictorian, High Test Scores (SAT - one and done), State and National Champion Dancer - danced since she was 2, Habitat for Humanity, not many ECs, but the ones she did, she stuck with from a young age (dance was 20 hours a week), which I feel Colleges view as more important - shows commitment and true interest not just “application padding”. She was admitted to her Dream School, Princeton. My youngest Daughter, 2 years younger, straight A, not straight A+ student like her Sister, test scores at lower end of Princeton admitted range (took the SAT and ACT 3 times each - she was never “test taker”), number 5 in class, same ECs. She fell in love with Princeton after visiting her Sister for 2 years. Princeton was not on the list approved by her HS counsellor. At the last minute, she applied (what did she have to lose), submitted application and Dance video on December 31, despite her counsellor telling her she would never be admitted. Fast forward - she was admitted, graduated Magna Cum Laude , Psychology Major, Certificate in Dance, Thesis Prize. She is now a PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology at UCLA. My Daughters had no 'hooks", white Girls from a Private High School in a fairly wealthy suburb, their Father and I both went to State Universities and Law Schools - facts that I feared would work against them. My point - you have a wonderful story, bring it out in your essay, never say never. I think you will kick yourself if you do not apply and give it a shot! If you are not admitted, at least you tried. If you do not apply, you will never know.Best of luck!!!