How can i get into Upenn or Cornell?

Question

my first choice would be to upenn? Im a sopohmore right now and people have told me not to worry but i do so what should i do to get into these colleges? I have a 3.44 gpa unweighted but i take all honors/ap class. Im on varsity cross country for extracurricularv activities. i am very good in math and have 100 average in math Alegebra 2 trig honors

actually baby p, my school is located in the suburbs of NY and my school does not allow calculus to be taken during sophmore, im in the highest rank classes i can be in for my sophmore so y dont u go f*** urself

by the way, i do way more ex activites than xc such as community service but i didnt put it in there cause ithought u guys would assume that, most community services are used by juniors and seniors since im an underclassmen.

Answer 1

I'm sorry but I have to be very honest with you. Lots of other people will give you fluff advice to make you feel better but that's not going to get you into UPenn or Cornell. 3.44 unweighted is in the "unacceptable" range for both schools. Your one ec is insufficient and unless you're ranked nationally I do not see how that works in your favor. Moreover, you're only in Algebra? Majority of the kids who get into these schools are taking Calculus by now. So my advice is, WORRY because both schools are insane reaches for you.

To Matt: You have no idea what you're talking about. Cornell is the LEAST prestigious of the Ivies and in terms of actual entrance difficulty it's about where Georgetown's at. UPenn is VERY picky with their candidates as their applicant pool is similar to that of Stanford/Duke/Yale, etc

Answer 2

These schools are among the top in the country; many of the most qualified students get rejected.

To have a shot, you'll want to get your GPA up, you'll want to continue on honors/AP courses, you will want to excel at the PSAT (Junior Year), become a National Merit Semi-finalist or finalist; excel at SATs, and SAT Subject Tests, lead in some of your sports/clubs/community service. You'll want to demonstrate a passion for certain subjects or causes. Secure "the best" letters of recommendations from teachers who know you well and can speak from personal experience about your intellectual capabilities.

Make sure you visit the campuses, e-mail the admissions offices to request literature, sign up for more literature at college fairs, show them that you're interested. Consider applying early decision.

But, to be realistic, have some back-up schools in mind. There are many schools that can be a good fit for you, so keep your mind open. You may find yourself at one of those back-up schools, learning so much, having such a great time, that you wonder why you were so keen on Cornell or UPenn in the first place!

Best of luck. Make the most of your brains and education!

Answer 3

Keep taking AP classes & make sure you do well in them. Keep up the extracurricular activities. Then all you need to do is get 2100 or so in your SATs and you have a good shot.

Even well qualified students ar eturned down at these schools -- but if you are qualified -- then you will get into some comparable program even if you don't make it to these schools.

Answer 4

thats quite a load. It seems that your a very organized , punctual and determined person . With that under your belt you can easily strive for Harvard or Yale

Answer 5

cornell is much harder to get into than upenn. upenn is probably the easiest of the ivies to get into, along with dartmouth. I think you need a higher GPA, try 3.7 or so. Much of it will depend on your SAT scores also.