The University of Pennsylvania

“Obviously be an all around outstanding student, eg grades,Aug 24 2007Undecided
Obviously be an all around outstanding student, eg grades, boards, etc.

There is a slot for all sorts of people at Penn, and it is a large school, so don't be scared to throw an app in— you never know.
SAT: 1580 Male

“I had a 4Jul 31 2007English
I had a 4.0 in high school and great test scores. But I also demonstrated passion. I mean, I knew someone from my public school with a 2080 SAT who got in after being deferred, because she too showed passion. Show admissions you want to be here more than any other school. It just may compensate for a 3.5 GPA or an SAT in the high 2000s (but probably not both). I sent in extra stuff, like poetry and art. It helped.

“Be yourselfJul 20 2007Anthropology
Be yourself. I know all the programs and admissions officers say that, but it's true. Don't bolster your resume or exaggerate thinking that it's the only way to make it into an Ivy League school. Just be yourself. Write about things that you care about in the essays. Strive for originality. Now, we're not talking Joyce "Ulysses" originality here. Just write about something that speaks to you and your abilities. Stay away from mission trip stories, and stories that over-emphasize "personal growth." Keep it small. What's something strange or interesting that happened to you? How did it affect you? Don't talk about how Mother Theresa is your idol. And don't write about all your community service hours unless that's REALLY who you are. Admissions officers are experts at seeing through BS. That's why it's best to be yourself. Write in your own voice, your own style. Another thing - SAT scores and the like are NOT, I repeat, are NOT as important as you think. Standardized tests only measure ONE kind of intelligence - there are many. And educators realize this. Your SAT score does not need to be 2300 for you to get in. I know people who, back in the day of 1600, had 1200s, but were smarter than people with 1600s. What matters most is whether or not you can THINK. That's what you should demonstrate in your essays. Test scores - moderately important. GPA - important, but it's not the nail in the coffin. Essays - the best guide to your personality and intellectual capacities. If you're weak in one area - that's okay. Still go for it. But if you're weak in several, it's time to face the facts. A bad SAT score and GPA does mean something. Or if you can't write, forget it. College is WRITING. But if one area is weak - that's okay. Believe me, these people are human. They understand that some BRILLIANT people aren't good test takers, etc. Overall, just be yourself. You want to match with the university. It's not about prestige - it's about finding a home. Honesty is the best policy.

“Getting in is not about scoresMay 06 2007English
Getting in is not about scores. It's more about the essay. You have to distinguish yourself in your essay. Do not write the conventional application essay. Write the alternate one, the one answering the question: what would the 202nd page of your autobiography say?
SAT: 1310 Male

“* Apply earlyApr 14 2007Undecided
* Apply early
* Go to FTCAP for help
* Try to get the required SAT scores
* Be involved in your high school
* Apply ONLINE, it's supposely easy to get in that way (it's what I did)