10-30-09: Penn: Answers From the Admissions Dean of the University of Pennsylvania, Part 5

This week in the Guidance Office, our guest is Eric J. Furda, the dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Furda was previously executive director of undergraduate admissions at Columbia University.

Today, Mr. Furda responds to questions on whether low grades in the freshman year of high school or less-than-perfect scores on an advanced-placement exam are considered deal-breakers for highly selective colleges. He also responds to whether an applicant should “neutralize” his or her religion in describing extracurricular activities in a religious setting, and whether he will accept only so many applicants from a particular high school.

Mr. Furda is no longer accepting questions for this feature. But you can use the box below to post a comment. His answers will conclude Saturday. (Some questions and answers have been edited for length, style and other considerations.) — Jacques Steinberg

Q.
I am interested in applying to a highly selective university. I have displayed dedication and leadership skills in my activities both in and outside of school, and I feel like I have distinguished myself as a very capable individual.

My problem is freshmen-year grades. I got off to a rough start in high school, and I do not feel that those grades accurately reflect my ability as a student. I have since taken the most difficult classes available and have received high grades.

When looking at a student like myself, how would you judge them in the application process? What can I do to help counter the negative impact of those grades?
—Tom

A.
The best way to counter any potential negative impact of a rough start in freshman grades is to continue on the upward trend exhibited since that time. I believe students can rebound from a less-than-stellar freshman year with consistently strong performance from sophomore through senior years.

Q.
I am a junior and considering universities like Penn and Brown. By the end of next year, I will have taken every A.P. course available at my school. My marking period grades for each have been in the high 90s, however my grades on the A.P. tests were not as impressive. So far, I have gotten a 4 and a 3. How important are A.P. scores in the admissions process? I am scared I lost my chances because of those scores.
—A

A.
You have not lost your chances for admission based on the results of your A.P. test results. If one of the tests is in an area critical to your success in a specific academic program, you may want to ask your teacher in that subject to write a letter of recommendation.

Q.
Is there a limit to the number of students Penn will admit early decision from a particular high school?
—matt

A.
Matt, the short answer is no. The same holds true for regular decision. Each student needs to stand on his or her own while also recognizing that each student is evaluated in the context of the particular school and the larger applicant pool.

Q.
A question about extra-curricular activities in high school: if a student is involved in religious-based activities — youth group, Sunday school teaching, etc. — is it best to “neutralize” them by not identifying which religion is involved? I don’t mean to say that some admissions officer would be biased one way or the other, but what is the best way to list these activities? They are a pretty big part of our daughter’s life.
—just me

A.
An applicant should in no way feel the need to “neutralize” religious-based activities. Your daughter should feel free to openly describe her experiences.

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/30/pennq-and-a-part-5/