Hey everyone! For the students who have sent me their essays or asked if I could review them, I really wish I could :/ Unfortunately, school is pretty hectic right now with midterms and demands from my job and clubs. If I were going to review someone's essay, I'd want it to give well-formulated advice, and because quite a few of you guys have sent me essays, I don't think I'd be in a position to do that. However, I'm always open to answering general questions about application tips and especially about experiences at Penn.
Ellise Starr hi! I am new to your videos and I think they are super authentic! You have a lot of charisma! I was wondering if you could give me your input on what perks does UPenn Have for you to grow intellectually and personally? Thanks!
Thank you! And hmmm... Personally, my growth has come from a lot of things, but one thing in particular has been surrounding myself with people who help and inspire me. I've become so much more ~woke~ because of some of the awesome friends I've met. Everyone's experience is different though, and I don't think there's any specific thing people to do become more intellectual. I hope that makes sense, but it was kind of a tough question to answer
Awe I really love this go girl help the high schoolers get their education video was very informative wish I was in high school again watching this video for the tips lol
This video is on point girl!! I'm applying to Penn this year and I'm working on getting a strong application since i'm an international student. Wish me luck!! (:
Hey! I love how peppy and sprightly you are in ur vids and I am a huge fan! I am joining as Penn'22, and I AM SUPEREXCITED TO MEET YOU!!!!! Btw, you are extremely pretty :)
Hello Ellise, great video! I feel that my SAT/ACT situation is similar to yours. I had a satisfactory GPA, but my testing scores were low.... way lower than yours. I did not include the reasons why they were low in the essay because I did not want to seem like I was seeking pity to get in. I asked my counselor to write an additional recommendation that explains how the school lacks certain programs and resources, and how I could not afford some of them. Did I make a big mistake by not explaining the test score situation in my common app essays?
Hey! I have one more doubt! How is the community and the people really like? Is it possible to be left out? Are the people friendly and nice or just mean and condescending?
I'm sure it's possible, but you can also express your interests in the Penn supplement (that's what I did). My Penn supplement was basically talking about my interests and why they make me a perfect fit for Penn.
Hi, I'm currently working on my QuestBridge app, and Penn is my dream school... Just wondering if you got matched with Penn, or did you apply RD afterwards?
Hi! I'm actually not sure :/ I'm pretty sure everyone's case is unique but I haven't met anyone who hasn't taken AP or IB but that's just my experience.
Hi! So I'm applying next month ED to penn cas, and well... my sat score isn't that high. Here are my stats:I'm Mexican (idk if that helps) SAT: 1150 (retaking it next month aiming for a 1200)GPA: 8.2 out of a 9 point scale. Converted to the 4 point scale, my gpa is around a 3.6 I KNOW.. it's low BUT I was one of the three students who got the highest gpa in my school. ECS: created a website company that helps children who can't afford food or clothes. Internshiped at several companies as their social media manager. Managed my church's social media. Volunteered every month to build churches,fix houses, clean the streets, and to teach English to little kids who can't afford English classes. I was a teacher assistant for 3 years. Created a study and English club for the school, played football for 2 years, was in the swimming team for 3 years( won several awards).ESSAYS: really strong essays.RECCOMENDATIONS: my teachers and counselor told me that they really put a lot of work and dedication into my recommendations.I wanna major in communications and I'd like to know if you think I have a good chance into getting in?
Don't count yourself out! Your extracurriculars show that you're extremely accomplished, a leader, mature, and passionate about bettering your community; these are excellent qualities to have. If your GPA is amongst the highest in your school, even if it's comparatively "low" to other applicants, it still demonstrate that you made the best of the resources you were given. Not everyone can go to world-renowned high schools, and the applications committee will surely weigh your class rank with your GPA. SAT scores can make your application very competitive, so I'd say make sure to really study and take lots of practice exams! Also, you mentioned being Mexican: I'm not sure if you live in the USA or in Mexico, but if you are a U.S. resident I'd definitely check out Questbridge. Getting into this program could also make your application a lot more competitive. Overall, I think you definitely have a chance of getting in, and I hope you do! Best of luck!! :)
Thank you!! I need another advice from you .I'm debating between taking the sat subject tests. I'm applying to CAS and I'm planning to major in communications. PENN says it won't hurt my chances of getting in if I don't submit my subject test scores but others say it will ... Why do you think i should do?
Personally, I didn't take the subject tests and I don't know how it affects your chances of getting in. However, if you can afford it and have the time, it wouldn't hurt to try them out!
Thank you so much for this video! It was really helpful and really funny 😄 I just had one question, how do I plan a college visit for penn? btw I’m a junior right now
Hi, I'd love to go to Penn and I really loved your video. Is the essay about an experience you've had? I'm finding it quite hard to make it unique, how or why did you end up talking about spaghettis and glue ?
Hi, thank you! That's a great question. So, I started the science club at my school and one of the first projects that our mentors (teachers who helped us out with the club) chose for us to do was to make a bridge from just spaghetti noodles and glue. It was hard because it was so new, like who thinks to make a bridge out of spaghetti noodles and glue, right? lol so i wrote my essay about how I'm great at finding a solution in novel situations, which would come in handy in college because it's such a different experience. So basically, I wasn't saying I was already super knowledgeable of what I would be studying, but that I would be alright because I know how to make the best of what I have. Hope that helps!
I’m super torn between applying E.D. To penn or just applying R.D. Along with a few other schools. I absolutely love penn and think I’d be a great asset to the school but I’m not 100% sure if it’s my perfect school since I’m not able to visit and I’m a bit weary about financial aid. I want to apply early to increase my chances and get the process done early but I also heard the strongest applicants apply early and I could be drowned out by them (even though my app is pretty strong). Any advice would be great!
Ahh I feel this!! I felt the same exact way. I ended up applying RD because I didn't like the idea of being binded to a school (and I was really lazy about filling out college applications). I would recommend RD in your case because you don't want to be committed to going to a school you're unsure about. I feel like applying ED is for students who are dead set on Penn. Financial aid is especially a huge deal and will really vary based on where you go, and I think it's important to have the option to see how other schools will support you financially. That was a major part of my decision-making process. There was a school I was very interested in, and I didn't think I would get into Penn, so I was ready to commit. The financial aid there would have left me paying $17K per year, which is $17K more than I pay at Penn! If I had just accepted their offer to go, that would have made a huge difference.
Ellise Starr Thank you so much for the advice! 💗I didn’t qualify for QuestBridge (though I’m an African American girl from the south), so I’m terrified of my chances during regular decision since I’m in love with Penn, but I’m not sure if my parent’s wallet has the same feelings. I think at this point I’m going to see how my cards lay and I guess if I’m meant to be at Penn, it’s hopefully where I’ll end up.
Hi! I really love your energy and helpful advices! I am from a low income family as well, as you mentioned in this video, we have fewer resources. How can I explain that to the Penn? I am afraid that it would sounds like an excuse, and would you like to review my essays? I would love to have your advices!
Hi! This is a really good question! I would say instead of your essay tone being like, "I wasn't able to do [something] because I'm low-income", it should be about how you made the best of a situation you were given. For example, my SAT scores weren't as competitive as the typical score for students here, but it was the highest in my school. The committee should be well aware of the limits placed by low-income status, but you just have to show that it wasn't something that held you back! Unfortunately I can't commit myself to reviewing your essays at this time (I'll make a pinned comment) :/ But I'm so grateful you enjoyed the video and I'd be happy to answer any more general questions you have!
Hey! Thanks for your answer and I am in the same situation with SAT here, but did you included in your application that your score was the highest in your school?
I didn't include that in my application specifically because I did QuestBridge, so I wrote an essay specifically about challenges I've faced and overcome
Hello, I loved your video and found the tips really useful. When applying to Penn, does being a first generation, low income, and a minority help? I meet all three. My school is very small, with limited academic opportunities. But I did take advantage of what little my school offered. Will Penn hold this against me? I got a 3 on the new AP course, AP Computer Science Principles. I didn’t have any real way to prep for it, and I was pretty much the only student that cared. I was the only one who passed. How would Penn react to this? Thank you!
I was pretty much in the same boat as you when I applied actually! Penn definitely would not hold it against you. If you've clearly demonstrated in your application that you made the best of your limited resources, I think it will be received well. Stellar test scores/grades (a lot of the time) come from rigorous training to take the test, which comes from classes/tutors/workshops, which cost money! Not everyone has those resources and they know that. Also about the APs, I know it is very tough to AP out of classes here. They usually require a 5, and the occasional 4, to get out of (www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/freshman-admission/externalexamcredit) Personally, I only got a 5 on AP Calc AB (which isn't accepted here), so I opted out of sending my scores. I honestly don't know how the admissions committee would react to the scores, but if you think it's important to send, go for it! Good luck, and thanks for reaching out!! :-)
I got a full ride through financial aid! I come from a low-income family and I was considered an independent student. I did have a few scholarships from my high school but not enough to cover any tuition costs.
@@ElliseStarr what do you need to do to be considered an independent student ? Do you think if you are an independent student it makes the chances of getting a full ride more higher ?
@@nadineadnane7313 good question! being an independent student just means that at some point you were either in foster care or otherwise taking care of yourself, so you don't have to provide info about your parents' income on the financial aid forms (FAFSA, CSS Profile). Typically your financial aid application is processed after you're accepted, plus Student Financial Services and Admissions are separate departments at the university, so it definitely didn't influence my admission criteria. Hope that helped!
hi! i was wondering about the upenn social life, is it okay if you’re not into greeklife/partying because i heard it’s a really big party school?? im really interested in applying for e.d but i’m a but worried about this aspect
Hi!! It's true that Penn is a party school but I know plenty of people who don't go out, and they're just fine! There is actually a Facebook page for Penn students who don't party to get to know each other, but it's also fine to make friends with people who do. Everyone has their preferences and I've never witnessed a situation in which someone was teased for not going out. Hope that helps :)
Hello! I'm from Malaysia and am hoping to join the undergrad Wharton School class of 2022! I'm currently doing my Cambridge A Levels and am still confused on what additional items would need to be done for an international applicant. I've got a few questions to ask... 1) What is the average SAT score for a student to achieve and are there specific scores for each school eg. Wharton or School of Nursing? 2) Did you sit for SAT Subject Test aswell as I noticed it's only recommended and not required. What is your field of study also? 3) Should I take IELTS or TOEFL? IELTS is more known here and easier to get studying resources rather than TOEFL. Currently I am taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Economics as my four A Levels and expecting a good forecast judging from my AS grades. I have also captained my school's soccer team and took part in debates aswell as a Duke of Edinburgh bronze award. I totally agree when you said that colleges want students who will make a name for themselves in the future and am hoping my CA essay corresponds to that idea. Thank you for such an informative video!
Hi!! To answer your questions: 1) I'm not sure what the average score is but collegeboard.org should be able to answer all your technical questions 2) I did not take the SAT Subject Test, but if I knew a lot about them I would have! I study Cognitive Science with a focus in computation and cognition also :) 3) I don't have experience with those tests. I know that requirements for international students are slightly different, so I'm not sure sorry :/ But thank you so much for watching and for the positive feedback! Good luck with your applications process!
Hi, I'm actually a Questbridge prep scholar right now, and am almost ready to submit my application to the Questbridge college match program. I really would LOVE to go to Penn, but IDK if I should over stress my score because I worry to much about everything. As of now I have a GPA of 97.398/100 which is a 4.0 and I have a 1430/1600 (790 math and 640 CR+W). I don't know If i should really worry about improving my score significantly. Beside my score, I am an attorney of a mock trial team that began competing locally and is now competing nationally(with regional wins), I am in a Student Union which has one our school district fair funding, I am the Student Representative,of both the student union and my school student council, to the Board of education. Besides thing concerning law/gov I also like art and am part of the art honor society and mural club. Lastly I am in the National Honor Society. I also immigrated to America so IDK if that helps at all. I think my essay and recomendaciones are strong as my teacher, a literature major at Yale, went over my essays and corrected any errors and gave recommendation. So should I be worrying about aiming for a higher score or just relax and focus on other aspects of my application?
Your score is not bad at all! But if you want to improve it and you think you have the ability to (and you can afford to take another test), it wouldn't hurt. You have a very strong application and worry is natural! I was an emotional wreck during the applications process!
hi I'm applying to penn this year - having some trouble with the supplement - most of my other areas of my applicaiton are solid so the essay is the last thing im worrying about - I was wondering if you could give some more advice on that aspect of your application
Hi! Do you have any questions in particular? The best advice I was able to think of off the top of my head was in the video, but if there's anything specific you need me to elaborate on then I'd be glad to :)
I would say there's a good mix both here and anywhere really. I think you just have to find your niche of people! Some people are really out there and some people keep to themselves, but I wouldn't say it's overwhelming in either direction
Ellise Starr I don’t have enough financial ability to get AP classes that’s why. Plus I am from India.. Do you have any advice on how I can afford penn (except financial aid and work study) how How Did u afford your penn education? Can you guide me on this? I would be obliged!
Aw man unfortunately I rely primarily on financial aid and work-study to get by, so I'm not the best person to answer that question :-/ but most people I know use scholarship money if they can't receive loans.
That was weighted. I think unweighted was a 3.8? My school was very small and didn't have a wide selection of APs so I only took 4: Calculus AB, APUSH, Electromagnetism, and Lit
You didn’t take any subject test ? I want to take chemistry because I am going to major in nursing and they encourage you to take chemistry and I also want to take Spanish.We don’t need to take the essay right
Hey Ellise! I know, I am more than just late to the party. Regardless, in the spirit of "hoping to help or have helped someone," I have a task for us (a lot of you is involved though). Lemme frame it as a question. Will you be my recommender? Like an insider selling out information, only this time its different cause the outsider wants to get in. I want you, as a Quaker, to help me graduate from the world of "possibly." I know what you're thinking, "I barely know this guy." We can figure out the rest sooner. Not very comfortable with later. I'm working towards joining The Elite (to-be) Class of 2023. I promise not to scare you off. For starters, I discovered your wonder-full content on my RU-vid adventures. I even gave the videos a 'thumbs up.' Look at that, you owe me already. Looking forward to hearing from you, sooner.
I was wondering if I could have like your email or your insta (for dm) because I'm really struggling on my common app essay and I was wondering if you had any specific advice to my rough draft
I am planning to ED to Penn CAS! My stats are decent (1530 sat) but I am just not a great writer so I am really stressed out about the essays :( But thanks for the tips! They are really helpful
Wow that's an awesome score! And don't stress yourself too much, you're your own worst critic. I'm sure your essays will be great, but if you're unsure you can ask teachers, counselors, and peers to give you some feedback also :-) But thank you, I'm glad my tips helped!!
Yes! I loved my interview. It was at a Starbucks and my interviewer was super nice and made me feel really relaxed. He emphasized that it wasn't formal; it was more of a way for me to express myself in a way that wasn't on paper. It went really well!
