UPenn Class of 2021 RD Results

ZBlue17
Fri, 31 Mar 2017 00:21:54 +0000

Can’t believe I get to do this!!

Objective:
[aB][asize=4][acolor=#008000]Decision: Accepted[/color][/size]**

Accepted to CAS!!

SAT I (breakdown): didn’t send
ACT (breakdown): 32 superscored (36E, 35R, 27M, 29S)
SAT II: didn’t sent
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.81 (4.2W)
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): N/A
AP (place score in parenthesis): APUSH (4) AP Euro (4) AP World (4) AP English Lang (5) AP English Lit (4) APES (4) AP Gove (5) AP econ (4) AP Calc AB (5)
IB (place score in parenthesis): taking them this year
Senior Year Course Load: IB bio HL2 (AP bio 2), IB English HL2, IB History HL2, IB math SL, IB ESS, TOK, IB french
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): nothing, unless national AP scholar counts lol

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): tutoring inner city youth, cultural club (vague to protect identity, president), NHS (committee head), Student council (committee head), volunteered at hospital
Job/Work Experience: summer jobs, worked first semester junior year at restaurant
Volunteer/Community service: above (100+ hrs total)
Summer Activities: above

Rate out of 10
Essays: Common app-“perfected” this over a span of about 3 months, had several people read (but only made changes I wanted). Written about a very cliche topic (coming to America), but my “voice” was very very evident. Lots of figurative language. I would give it a 7-8 (judging harshly, since it’s subjective). Upenn supplement- expressed my passion for Penn, but also spoke about myself and my passions (and how Penn fits into that). I’d rate a 7-8.
Teacher Recommendation: were probably both pretty good given the acceptances and scholarship offers I’ve been given
Counselor Rec: prob good
Additional Rec:
Interview: okay-ish. It was in the phone, so that was a bit awkward. Lasted 30 minutes. Definitely would not call it “great”
Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: yes
Intended Major: English
State (if domestic applicant): Midwest
Country (if international applicant): USA
School Type: small, nationally ranked public
Ethnicity: Black
Gender: F
Income Bracket: 115k
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): URM

Reflection

Strengths: essays, AP scores, English and reading ACT scores (since I’m an English major)
Weaknesses: Science and math ACT scores, C’s is Chem honors and AP calc
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: My essays for sure! I might have been memorable because of this. I have been really involved throughout high school as well.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected:
Accepted: 3 instate safeties, Tulane, USC, Notre Dame
Waitlisted: Uchicago
Rejected: Harvard
Waiting: Stanford

Additional comments:
Wow still in absolute shock! I used to look through all the Penn results thread (starting Soph year) because it was my #1, so I’m doing this to help future applicants. My #1 advice is apply to a good range of schools, and write KILLER essays. These essays should desplay passion, creativity, and curiosity (among other things). Use descriptive language, make sure the adcoms remember you! Don’t be afraid to shoot for the sky!! I didn’t think I’d get into any selective colleges, but that has not been the case at all. But also LOVE your “safety”. I absolutely love my safety (my state school), and I’m still considering it because they gave me a full ride.
Now I’m left with so many choices that it is hard to choose, but feeling so blessed and lucky! I know I will end up where I belong. Congrats to other accepted students, and good luck to everyone else. I know you will also end up where you’re meant to be!