Chances- Yale, Penn, Georgetown, Princeton

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>What are my chances at Penn (Early decision and general admission), Georgetown, Yale, Princeton, and Harvard? Note that I have a sibling who is a graduate from Wharton and an active donor (along with other members of the sibling’s extended family). This can help me, but will I be at a disadvantage if I don’t apply ED compared to other regular admission Penn applicants? I’m worried if I apply regular admission that they might ask why I didn’t apply ED given my family’s connection.</p>

<p>2320 SATs first try (740 Math, 780 CR, 800 Writing)
SAT IIs: 800 Bio, 720 (or maybe 740, I don’t remember right now) Chem, 780 US History
AP scores: All 5’s for US, World, Chem, Bio, Stat, English Comp, Psych, US Gov (self studied Gov)</p>

<p>Currently ranked 1/about 400 students
GPA: 4.00/5.35 (unweighted/weighted), I assume weighted really doesn’t matter much</p>

<p>National Merit Semifinalist</p>

<p>Intern with a presidential candidate’s campaign from 06 (a campaign for another office by the same person) through 08, though I spent significantly more time there in 08 than in 07 and 06.</p>

<p>Intern at another Senate campaign in 07</p>

<p>Worked on local races in summer of 07</p>

<p>Officer positions: Pres. Student Council, Pres. Political Science Club (for two years), Captain of Academic Team, Secretary Key Club</p>

<p>Other activities: NHS, Latin Club, Science League</p>

<p>As far as community service goes, I visit a nearby assisted living center with my dog once a week for about an hour. I’ve been doing it for some time and it’s totally independent of any group or program. One of my contacts there is writing me a recommendation.</p>

<p>I think one of my essays is creative enough to stand out (don’t want to really give the details though). </p>

<p>Also, I don’t do any sports, but one of my essays in some supplements may include references to an independent physical activity I do enjoy (I love kayaking and running).</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Okay . . . if you didn’t get into at least ONE of those schools I’d say the world is ending. Very good chance at all 3.</p>

3

<p>I think you are very competitive. I wouldn’t apply to Penn unless it is your first choice. I don’t think you would be disadvantaged by applying RD at Penn, you have very good chance without the connection.</p>

4

<p>Thanks! My main concern is the Penn issue… I don’t want to mess up a good chance there by not doing ED but I’m just not sure enough that I’d want to go there… Please, if anyone does think not doing ED there will make it harder to get in RD, PLEASE say so. That’s the elephant in the room for me now because I know my chances for Penn are better than at the other schools.</p>

5

<p>If you’re not sure that you want to go to Penn, then don’t apply there. You still have a good shot there RD, plus if you applied ED and got accepted, you would never know if you’d be happier somewhere else…</p>