The University of Pennsylvania

“SATs: 1400+ (1450+ is better)May 16 2005Geography and Geosciences
SATs: 1400+ (1450+ is better)
Class Rank: Top 2-3% or better
Extracurriculars: Lots of them...hopefully one "interesting" one. Sports are a plus.
Apply early decision (nearly 50% of the class is admitted ED).

Just make sure that you have visited the school and realize that admissions is very selective with their applicants.
SAT: 1390 Male

“Well, I first met a required level of academicOct 20 2004Undecided
Well, I first met a required level of academic achievement and standardized test scores. But what distinguished me were other non-academic achievements. I play jazz professionally as a saxophone player and have appeared in clubs and concerts throughout the Philadelphia area, gigging frequently for small parties, etc. I was the member of my high school jazz band and a prestigious jazz ensemble at Philadelphia's famous Settlement Music School. I also was in the show orchestra, pep band, concert band, and orchestra at my high school and I jammed a lot and gigged with my good friends. I also performed community service through Hebrew high school which I attended bi-weekly until 11th grade. I am also an artist and I submitted a portfolio of my work with my application. I am also triple legacy.
SAT: 1380 Male

“Work hard in high schoolJul 05 2004Accounting
Work hard in high school. GPA is the most important thing, do well on SAT I's and II's. The thing that separated myself from everyone else, though, was extracurriculars and the leadership I demonstrated in those activities. For the most part, all the kids applying to UPenn will have the grades and the scores. Find something you're interested in and pursue it. Don't spread yourself too thin, but really focus on what you want to do and be a leader. Don't be afraid to be assertive.
SAT: 1530 Male

“Apply from a non-East Coast stateMay 27 2003Other
Apply from a non-East Coast state. Move to the Midwest or West Coast to increase you Diversity odds. Discover that you have Native American, African or Hispanic ethnicity. Alumni, sports are also edges.
SAT: 1300 Male

“1.) Get your SAT's above 1400May 12 2003Other
1.) Get your SAT's above 1400
2.) Have a hook or a lot of extracurriculars
3.) Send in a striking photo of yourself (its one of the things they ask for in the application)
4.) DO THE INTERVIEW
ACT: 31 SAT: 1430 Male