CHANCES, especially from those accepted

Colleges & Universities University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>I’ll keep this brief:</p>

<p>SATI: 2400 (once)
SATII: Math: 800, Chem: 770. Span: 770
AP’s in junior year: Calc BC, Physics, Chemistry, Spanish Language, APUSH (5’s on all AP tests plus micro)
GPA unweighted: at least 4.0; weighted in mid to high 4’s
Rank: Top 5% for sure (don’t know what exactly)
Awards: NMS, District Distinguished Scholar all semesters, Athlete/Scholar award in 9th, 10th grade</p>

<p>Deep ec’s:
~Boy Scouts
-eagle scout
-very strong leadership (SPL, chief, mentoring, etc.)
-elected into elite honor society
~School paper, award-winning
-News editor, Associate/managing, In-Depth editor, Ad manager
~District technology committee
-evaluation, implementation of infrastructure for district
~volunteering at Heart Center
-very specific goal</p>

<p>Other ec’s:
~tutoring
~School safety/environmental committee
~school clubs: Cricket, Finance
~involved with transition group for entering freshman</p>

<p>work/internship experience:
~2 summers at NASA doing extensive research in Life Sciences and Nano; took on role in research team, carried out project, and presented to research community
~Math learning center for young children</p>

<p>other things I’m passionate about:
-international relations/politics
-Ultimate Frisbee
-Spanish (traveled to Mexico)</p>

<p>Location: Los Angeles, California
Indian</p>

<p>Thanks a lot, guys!</p>

<p>PS. are there any suggestions for what angle/aspect of my app to emphasize?</p>

2

<p>I’m especially interested in M&T</p>

3

<p>Note: I am not familiar with M&T admissions.</p>

<p>Most impressive aspects of your application:
[ul]
[<em>] Strong scores
[</em>] Eagle Scout
[<em>] Newspaper involvement
[</em>] NASA research, depending on individual vs. shared responsibilities
[li] District technology committee, depending on selectivity and significance of responsibilities (current description is rather vague)[/li][/ul]</p>

<p>If you have a close mentor from either NASA or the district technology committee, I would recommend asking him/her for a supplemental recommendation to highlight your passion for science and leadership skills. However, only submit a supplemental rec if: (a) the person knows you very well, and (b) you had significant individual responsibility in either of the activities.</p>

<p>Although your titles as Eagle Scout and News Editor are very impressive, there are many other applicants who hold these positions. A supplemental recommendation from one of your mentors in NASA/tech committee would be more unique. However, if you feel that an adult in either Boy Scouts or the school paper would better testify for your potential, obtain a recommendation from him/her instead.</p>

<p>Additional Tips:
[ul]
[<em>] I’m not sure what the M&T essay prompt is, but keep in mind that your most significant achievements don’t always make the best essays. Sometimes, a seemingly insignificant anecdote can say a lot about your character, your method of thinking, your unique quirks, and your intellectual fervor. Of course, it’s possible to write an excellent essay about an extracurricular achievement, but I’ve read many that lack the genuine, personal tone that college admissions officers love.
[</em>] Read Harry Bauld’s On Writing the College Application Essay. Do not buy any other books on application essays; this is the only one worth reading.
[<em>] The M&T program probably coordinates overnight visits in the fall. If possible, stay overnight with a current student. Make an excellent impression while you’re there–on your host and the people you meet. The visit will: (a) demonstrate interest, and (b) give you ideas for the “Why Penn” essay.
[</em>] Writing “math learning center for young children” on your application sounds awkward–at least in my opinion. Using the official name, followed by a brief tagline, makes the activity sound more legitimate.
[/ul]</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>M&T is a very competitive program, but it seems like you have very good stats! I think it now all rests on your essays, bc everything else is flawless.
Good luck!
I’m applying to Huntsman early by the way. Only 40 people a year :(</p>