Current Penn Freshman Taking Questions

ProudPenn
Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:05:14 +0000

21

_Class size- Depends on the class. Intro, or beginner classes (Intro to Psych, Biology 101) are the largest. They could range from 160-300 students. The smallest class I’ve taken has been my writing seminar and that had 13 students. Language classes are also fairly small (~20 students). The most other common class size is around 50~60 students. However, most bigger classes or lectures have recitations that meet once a week. A recitation is basically a weekly review session for the course. The class is broken up into smaller groups (no more than 20 students) and that will give you the chance to seek more individual attention.

_High School- I went to a public high school in the city and participated in the IB (International Baccalaureate) Program. I had a 3.85 gpa and was top 5% of my class. I was Vice President of NHS, Secretary of Student Government, Youth Council for 3 yrs, Model UN, a local program called Operation Understanding and over 200 hours of community service.
My advice- Don’t stress yourself out too much in the earlier years. I didn’t do too well my Freshman year but what Penn is looking for most is an upward, not downward, trend in grades. The higher up you go, your grades should remain consistent or improve. Leadership and dedication in activities is important as well so choose a couple and stick with it. I couldn’t afford Test Prep classes so I bought the Collegeboard/AP practice books to help me with the SAT and ACT. The more strategies and tips for test-taking you know, the more prepared you will be.