Is it worth it?

inthelab
Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:39:47 +0000

Hey everyone, I’m a rising senior, and Penn is, without a doubt, my top choice school; I’ll be applying ED. While I’m pretty dead-set on Penn, I’d also like to stay within the realm of reality since I realize my grades aren’t that great, and I’d like for you guys to honestly tell me how strong of a chance you think I have, essentially if it’s worth applying. I attend a rigorous high school that doesn’t rank. My prospective major is chemistry, and I plan on taking pre-med courses.

GPA: 3.64 (UW) 4.26 (W)
SAT I: 2160 (800M, 680CR, 680W, first time)
SAT II: 800 Math II, 790 Chemistry, 750 Biology M
ACT: 34 (35E, 35M, 34R, 33S, 8 essay, also first time)
AP’s by time of application: AP Chemistry (5), AP Computer Science (5), AP Biology (waiting on score, likely a 5), AP Calculus BC (waiting on score, almost certainly a 5), AP US History (either a 4 or 5)
Senior Course Load:
AP Statistics
AP Physics
AP Microeconomics
AP Government
AP Environmental Science
AP Art History

I’ve taken the most rigorous course load my school has to offer.

Race: Asian (male)

National Awards: Based on prior cutoff scores, my junior PSAT should qualify for NMSF. I got 10th place in an international math competition in 10th grade (Log1 contest). I’ve been to the Mu Alpha Theta National Convention twice, and I received an award in the Polynomials and Rational Functions test the most recent time.

Extra Curriculars:

I volunteered at a hospital the summers after 8th and 9th grade (roughly 250 hours total).

I did research the summer after 10th grade (roughly 300 hours) and managed to get an abstract published in the journal of nuclear medicine (first author). This project was recently presented at the 2012 Society of Nuclear Medicine Annual Meeting in Miami. I’m currently working on publishing this project in the journal of nuclear medicine as a full publication, not just an abstract.

I’m currently doing cancer research (roughly 300 hours expected this summer as well) and will hopefully have another publication out by the time I apply.

I’ve been playing competitive chess for five years and have numerous 1st/2nd place trophies from statewide competitions. Most notably, I’m a one of the four members of the team that was won the State Team Chess Championship (K-12) three years in a row. I’m ranked within the top 10 high school chess players in the state (1322 USCF rating).

I’ve been on the math team since 7th grade and have numerous awards to show for it.

I’m a member of NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club.

I’d like to thank everyone who has read this far and ask three questions:


My 34 ACT is definitely better than my 2160 SAT. Should I submit just the ACT or the ACT and the SAT?
I was three points away from qualifying for the AIME on the 2012 AMC 12 B (careless error). Is it worth mentioning this anywhere?
How competitive is the Vagelos Program, and do I stand a decent shot?


Once again, much thanks to everyone for reading!