<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I’m going to start off by pointing out that I really stink at the internet. This is my second try at posting, the first one didn’t work out too well. So I apologize in advance if it comes off as rushed (or frustrated…).</p>
<p>Anyway, a little background on myself: I’ve seen this website a couple times before, and it seems like a useful resource for people going through the application process. That said, I googled a question I had about Penn today and was directed to the Penn CollegeConfidential forum. I discovered two things: one, that there are a lot of very anxious people here, and two, that a lot of the same questions are being asked. I think I can help to answer some of those questions.</p>
<p>I’m not too worried about anonymity, as everything I post here has already been made public, but I’m going to withhold my name for safety reasons. It’s funny, in looking through this forum for five minutes, I’ve already discovered two people whom I am fairly certain I know in person. So they should be able to identify me rather quickly regardless! Anyway, I recently received an athletic likely letter to Penn–specifically the Huntsman Program. The process was rather complicated, but I learned a lot from it, and I hope that in passing on much of what I learned to you, it will help you as well. As all of this took place in the past month, I believe it should still be accurate and applicable. So here goes nothing…</p>
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<li><p>Page 217 no longer exists. Really. I promise.</p></li>
<li><p>There seems to be some minor angst about the change of the supplement length from 250 to 500 words. I wrote mine when the limit was 250, but submitted my application shortly after they changed it to 500. My essay was about 300 words, one page, double-spaced. I think it was the strongest essay I wrote. So for those who are frustrated or worried because you wrote the essay with the lower limit, I say don’t change it unless you want to change it. Unless adding information will improve it. I think the AdCom valued the conciseness of my essay, and there’s something to be said for efficient writing.</p></li>
<li><p>I saw one post where the poster had a high ACT score, a good-but-not-fantastic SAT score, and high SAT II scores. I had that setup as well, and I submitted all of my scores–including the SAT. That’s what they require. Yes, there’s no way to enforce it, but it comes down to morals and ethics. And it won’t negatively impact your application.</p></li>
<li><p>For those concerned with applying to Wharton (or any dual-degree program involving it) sans extensive business experience: I did have some experience with theoretical economics and a good amount of leadership, but the closest I came to starting a business or working a financial internship was a lemonade stand I ran with my brother for a day when I was 11. We did make 75 bucks in three hours, however, not too shabby! 
. They don’t expect high schoolers to be Wall Street traders, web-moguls, or established entrepreneurs. (I really can’t spell that word.) While all that helps you, it’s not necessary. Passion is necessary.</p></li>
<li><p>Huntsman-specific advice: some people were discussing how to prove language proficiency. I did so with the SAT II; a score of 700 or above should be fine, though the higher the better. You could also use AP scores, or just demonstrate it through the classes you take or any study abroad you’ve done. It’s pretty open, the only requirement being that if you plan to target a language in which the SAT II is offered, you are required to take it.</p></li>
<li><p>While I earned an 800 on the Math IIC SAT II, it’s not “required” for admission to Wharton. Nor is BC Calculus. I met some of the current Huntsmanites, and one of them hadn’t even taken calculus before she got to Penn. So don’t worry about your 4 on AB or your 720–it’s not going to break you.</p></li>
<li><p>Pour your heart into your essays. I had short window of time to work on my application: about a week’s notice to put it all together. But I worked my bottom off in that time, and even though an essay can never be perfect, I came out with something I was proud of, and something I felt provided an accurate representation of my personality, interests, skills, and accomplishments. So many amazing people apply to schools like Penn each year–why not take the chance to shine? Regardless of how your admission ends up, everything will work out in the end. You’ll end up where you’re meant to be, even if it’s not your first choice, and you’ll love it. :)</p></li>
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<p>I’ll be happy to answer any followup questions people have about my application process or applying in general on this thread. If you have questions you’d rather not share publicly, feel free to PM me. Also, I’d be glad to make suggestions for/edit anyone’s essays (especially the Huntsman ones…simply because I think they’ll be especially interesting to read), just post on here or PM me and I will provide you my email address. Additionally, if anyone would like to see my statistics, send over a PM as well.</p>
<p>Finally, for any of you who may question the legitimacy of my advice because you believe recruiting played a factor in my admission, I have this to say: Huntsman admits roughly 60 students per year. They do not waste those spots on applicants who are not academically qualified, and for that reason, they explicitly state that they do not allow athletics or other traditional “hooks” to factor into their decision. I went through the same, strict process as you will, and for that reason I believe my advice still stands.</p>
<p>Good luck to all of you and I hope to see you next year as members of the Class of 2015!</p>
