Alert: UPenn is test-optional this year because of Covid-19. If you’ve had your sights set on Penn but you’re not sure how to proceed, keep reading for a few tips on starting your application. **Please do read the blog linked above that breaks down what their announcement means, and be sure to send in your scores if you’ve already taken the test and done well**
Start Your Common App Essay Today:
If you’ve been following our Ivy League test-optional series, we might be starting to sound like a broken record. But we need to stress the importance of starting your common app essay ASAP. June and July have been deemed common app essay month for our clients, and we’re in the throes of the brainstorming process now. We like to get a few ideas on the board, and we suggest you do the same! We have countless resources on our blog – start here, here, or here. The reason why your college essay is so important this year is that second-semester junior year grades are now pass/fail, extracurricular activities stopped in March, summer plans are solidly paused, and standardized test scores are no longer required. This means that multiple aspects of your application, which we like to think of as your personal brand, are missing. Your best bet is to start looking at what Penn WILL see, and figure out the gaps that need to be filled.
Look At Past Data Points:
We have written a lot about what it means when colleges go test-optional. Finances of these schools are always a factor, and by that we mean that they are making moves to ensure that more people apply. What this means for a singular applicant is that your chances of being accepted decrease. So before you move on to tip number three, you should gather your transcripts and resume and honestly evaluate your chances of getting in. Ask yourself: do my grades reflect those of an Ivy League student, or am I only interested in Penn because they just went test-optional? We say this not to discourage anyone, but instead to debunk the theory that it will be easier to get into Penn this year because of their test-optional policy.
START POSITIONING YOURSELF TO APPLY NOW:
Penn will be posting their supplement in less than two months. If you’re planning on applying to Wharton, start reading books from their reading list. If you’re interested in their PPE curriculum, research the course catalogue. We know that Penn is going to ask you why you want to attend, and it’s helpful to show them that you’re deeply interested in Penn specific opportunities. DO NOT ACTUALLY START WRITING YOUR SUPPLEMENTS UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN RELEASED IN AUGUST, AS THEY MIGHT CHANGE. However, it doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the kind of research you’ll be doing – so read this blog post on Penn’s supplement from last year.
Need help with your common app essay? Contact us here.