How much is enough?

Colleges & Universities University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Hey guys of CC, I’ve been really stressed out lately because the only university I want to attend is UPenn, and I don’t know how to make myself stand out and prove that I want this because I appreciate the school and its history, not because of the prestige.
Academically, I think I’m pretty mediocre for UPenn, SAT ~2200, and I haven’t taken the ACT yet, but I think it will be around 31-34. My rank is really bad at the moment because when I was a freshman, I transferred from a school that didn’t have Pre-AP or AP classes, so I had no idea what they were and only took regular classes freshman year at my new high school, which ranked me at 49/410 after sophomore year of all Pre-AP and AP classes(2) I could take as well as two mandatory electives. Now to get that up I’m taking 5 AP classes and 3 Pre-AP classes this year (as a junior), and I’ll be taking a full eight senior year to try and get in the top ten. I make really good grades, but I’m worried that if my rank and stuff aren’t sufficient, admissions would not look at the rest of my application.
With extra-curricular, I’m CX Debate Captain, UIL Literary Criticism and UIL Social Studies Captain. Founder and Captain of my school’s Mock Trial team. Volunteer hours just like everyone else, but I don’t stand out.
I feel at home at UPenn, and that if I can’t express how much I want this and that I could make a contribution, nothing about my application would stand out. I can expect to have a soulful essay when I apply for undergraduate (probably a Biochemistry major), and good recommendations, however, I don’t know what is enough. Can anyone advise me on what significant changes I could make? Thank you in advance.</p>

<p>[Edit]I’m also going to volunteer at a local hospital this coming summer to experience the real world.[Edit]</p>

2

<p>Class ranking (and in theory the gpa that you don’t list here along with it) will hurt you. However, UPenn like most other highly selective universities looks at things as a whole.</p>

<p>I’d suggest applying in the ED round (binding if they accept you) and showing true self in the essays.</p>

3

<p>I think I can get my class rank up because I make extremely good grades, it’s just the task of making up for those lost Pre-AP classes freshman year. I plan on applying ED. What else? Thanks.</p>

4

<p>I wouldn’t worry so much about your class rank. Make sure your grades are good, your courses are challenging, and you actually enjoy your extra curriculums. In other words, don’t do all these extra-curriculums to look “impressive” on paper. Do them because you enjoy them. Remember, you only get one high school experience. Have some fun. </p>

<p>Penn wants well-rounded and grounded students. However, my best advice is to stand out in your essays. The numbers (GPAs, SATs etc) are the same for most people selected to Penn, it is the other things, such as essays, recommendations, extra curriculums, and interview that make you stand out. </p>

<p>Good luck</p>

5

<p>If you’re smart enough to handle 8 AP classes, you’ll be fine. If you truly have a great essay and desire to attend, that should help you a lot. But, seeing as you’re just starting your junior year, don’t worry so much about it right now.</p>