Hey, I’m currently a 15 year old attending a public high school in Northern Kentucky. I am currently in my freshman year. UPenn has always been my dream as long as I can remember. So, because of that, I want to start preparing as early as possible. My goal is UPenn Premed and I want to know what I should do/continue doing within the next few years in order to get in.
Currently:
Taking-
2 AP’s
2 Honors
4.0 GPA unweighted // Not sure how they’re going to weight it but I’m going to guess It will end up being a 4 because 2 years prior I took alg 1 and geometry and ended up getting B’s
EC’s:
Debate Team (Won 2 competitions 2nd place)
KYA (Mock government) - Passed Bill
KUNA (Mock U.N.) - Passed Bill
Democrats Club (Leader)
Science Olympiad
If you are fifteen, I will assume you are either in ninth or tenth grade. I am also a ninth grader but I live in India because of my dad’s overseas assignment. I am interested in Premed and hope to attend JHU and see where it goes from there. I am by no means an expert but this is what I would say:
- Always keep your GPA up. Every single person (seniors) and my counselor has told me that every university needs to see consistency with a high GPA. Also take the most challenging courses your school offers. Here in India, the concept of APs does not exist but I take 'em anyways.
- Probably try to show leadership. Your debate and government clubs may or may not show it. Try to be the club captain if possible. Another great way is MUN. I am not too sure about the US, but in India, MUN is a huge thing. Once you have established yourself as a delegate, you can branch of to becoming part of an Executive Board for a conference and if your lucky, also part of a Secretariat which basically puts the whole thing together. I personally love MUN which is why I am recommending it but you don't have to do it.
- SATs and ACTs speak for themselves. I was told to take the Level 2 exams as well in your field of interest to demonstrate knowledge and passion.
- Try to make your ECs more line with your field of interest. Right now, I am shadowing doctors at clinics. I have seen procedures like endoscopes and a colonoscopy. If you can, try it. It really provides usefull insight.
- Its really never to early to start work on essays
This is my two cents and there is a myriad of people more qualified than me to dispense advice. Hope it works out for you!
I don’t know about what the other, more experienced people here would say, but I agree mostly with @EdwardKenway I think last three points are very, very good. Find something you love (he enjoys Model UN, and devotes himself to it). My friend who went to HYPSM devoted herself to just a few extracurriculars (she wasn’t swamped with 70 APs, but she did pick a challenging courseload that reflected her interests).
As a current junior, one of my biggest regrets is not picking something I’m passionate about and immersing myself in it. I’m planning to complete a pre-med track in college as well, and if I’d discovered my passion for medicine and service earlier, I might’ve been able to spend more time doing what I love. As of right now, my entire application revolves around my ACT score, which means I have no chance at the top, top schools.
I just recently learned to keep my options open. People at my suburban high school have made the same “mistake” over and over: they apply only to Ivies and the elite west-coast schools, only to end up at our state school with less $$$ than they probably would have gotten at some slightly less competitive but equally amazing schools. I used to obsess over Columbia, but as I started calculating finances, it looked less attractive (that’s if I somehow make it in, which I won’t).
You’re just beginning high school, and a lot will change. You look great for a freshman, I wouldn’t sweat it. Just be genuine; admissions officers have x-ray vision!
P.S. At my school, high school credit classes taken in middle school don’t go on the transcript. Oh, and I recommend getting a job when the time comes! You will learn so much about American life and values (not to mention the moolah)!
BUMP!
Updated question:
" Hey, I’m currently a 15 year old attending a public high school in Northern Kentucky. I am currently in my freshman year. Penn has always been my dream as long as I can remember. So, because of that, I want to start preparing as early as possible. My goal is Penn Premed and I want to know what I should do/continue doing within the next few years in order to get in.
Currently:
Taking-
2 AP’s
2 Honors
AP Bio (Expect to get a 4/5)
AP Human Geography (Expect to get a 5)
EC’s:
Tennis
Debate Team (Won 2 competitions 2nd place)
KYA (Mock government) - Passed Bill and endorsed by the governor
KUNA (Mock U.N.) - Passed resolution and endorsed by the sec. general
Democrats Club (Leader)
Science Olympiad (Won 3rd place in write it do it at state)
Class President of the grade elected by the student body
Beta club (15 service hours)
Internship at a hospital over this summer (About 72 hours) "
Same thing just more details
Remember for pre-med you can major in anything you want.
Also remember that less than 10% of applicants get into ivy league schools, so it is okay to dream of Penn, but also have a safety that you can afford and also you would be delighted to attend figured out.
Take the most rigorous classes you can (and do well in)
Study for ACT/SAT ahead of time and do well.
It is good that you are volunteering at a hospital.
@HusssK - from a person who just completed the college admission cycle, quick points.
- Please understand that the college admissions process is complicated (to say the least). So, let UPenn not be the only college on your mind. Your chances of getting in are barely in your hands.
- Having said that, you should pursue your passion, rather than prepping for a specific college. Your passion will likely get you into a great college.
- And of course, GPA, SAT/ACT, etc are also very important.
Good luck.
Bump Bump
Instead of trying to be ‘well-rounded’ in the sense of more activities, I’d recommend trying to develop just one or two ECs that you love and spending all your time in either of those. Now, service, tennis, debate, MUN, and Dems Club is great – but maybe whittle it down to the ones you love AND are good at? (emphasis on AND; it’s a lot easier to get leadership opportunities if you’re already good at the activity from my experience, so take that into account) Definitely keep the internship though, that’s a great start to exploring medicine!
In the end, remember that Penn is just one school out of thousands across the country. Instead of seeing Penn as the end goal, use it as a means to an end; if medicine is your goal, then Penn undergrad may be one great way to achieve it, but there are other wonderful ways to do so too. Best of luck, and enjoy your high school years!
^^ That’s the plan, but I don’t really feel like giving up any of them at this point. I love all of them.