Is it worth it?

muckdogs07
Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:39:35 +0000

Inthe lab,

I suggest you submit your ACT score with your ED application (assume you will do this because Penn accepts almost 50% of the student body this way). Then re-take the SAT in October (2160 is solid, but borderline at Penn, especially with your UW grades). If you like your scores, there is still plenty of time to submit them.

As you note, the key issue is probably your grades. Penn is known for taking mostly the top 1 or 2% (if not the top 1 or 2 in the class). Although your school does not rank, assuming other students from your competitive HS will apply also, Penn will figure out approximately where you stand (at least among the best students applying there). Still, you have a very good schedule and that will help. Also, see if Penn has a competitive chess team and contact the coach or administrator. Every little bit helps.

My son is interested in pre med and I really like Penn’s program and am encouraging him to apply. For what it is worth, some other pre-med programs I especially like are Wash U, Haverford, Oberlin, Duke, and Vandy. Not saying these are the best programs, just that like Penn they seem to do a nice job of getting lots of students into med school with out torturing them that much in the process.