I was wondering what my chances would be for an Ivy League (Penn is my dream) with my current application. Additionally, I am looking for ways to improve my application; any feedback is welcome! I am currently a rising senior and an Asian male from California.
GPA (9-11) 4.5 Weighted / 3.97 Unweighted
ACT 34
New PSAT 1400/1520
SAT II Math 2 760
Extracurriculars:
NHS President
Key Club Vice President
Local Museum Exhibit Interpreter on Weekends
Prospective Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America
Only Freshman to play Board 1 in Chess League (As a freshman)
Interact Club
Cross Country
Basketball
Volleyball
Link Crew
400 total hours of community service since becoming a high schooler
You’re ECs are not focused and also because you’re asian, it is going to be so much harder for you toget in because you have so many rivals. Penn is a high reach for you. Try applying to other less competitive schools too.
Good Luck!
I agree that you need to find a way to focus your EC’s more, but I disagree with the presumption that is a “high” reach. With the impressive ACT score and GPA that you have accumulated over the years, I think that you are a great candidate for admission! My only question would be the course load that you fought through for that GPA- a ton of APs and a 4.5 would be amazing! Keep doing your thing and your future should be very bright!
I applied to Penn and was rejected RD, didn’t apply ED.
My SAT was 2190 (1460 R+M in a single seating, superscore was higher), GPA was similar to yours (3.97 UW, due to A-, no Bs). Had decent ECs too including trombone and Governor’s School. However, I was Asian Male as well.
It seems that for Penn, they will only take SAT >2300 or ACT >35 for Asian applicants. Also for a non-NM Finalist Asian (I don’t know what the new system is) to make any Ivy League is extremely rare these days.
What major are you applying for? That may have a big impact on the final decision.
I am currently a rising senior and an Asian male from California.