Early Decision to UPenn? Forum

[Bandush]

My dream school is UPenn. I really love the school, I really love their JD/MBE dual degree program, and I really love Philadelphia.

I just received my June LSAT score. I got a 170, which I'm happy with. I felt like I did my best and am not open to retaking the LSAT (I have already taken it twice--once in January and once in June). I was a Biotechnology major in undergrad and graduated with a 3.98 GPA. I also have strong softs (I was a Fulbright ETA and have been working in genetics research for a couple years).

My question is: should I apply early decision to UPenn with my numbers and softs? I am hesitant because of the potential for scholarship money at other schools, but at the same time, I want to maximize my chances of admission to UPenn.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[cavalier1138]

Do not ED.

ED does not significantly increase your chances of admission, but it is likely to impact your chances at getting the scholarship you should get with those numbers. And bear in mind that despite loving Philly and Penn, your goal from law school should be a school that gives you a reasonable chance at your goals while minimizing your debt. If UVA gives you a massive scholarship and Penn gives you nothing, you should go to UVA.

Your numbers put you in an excellent position for admission and scholarship offers at CCN on down. Don't get hyper-focused on a single T13 school based on feel or location.

[Wild Card]

Be careful: Penn lowballs applicants with respect to financial aid. Very dirty.

You're perfectly competitive for regular decision. Squeeze as much money from them as possible.

[Platopus]

Rising Penn 2L here. I agree, dont ED. Write a strong why Penn including the MBE program and I think you have really good odds. Penn loves the cross disciplinary vibe and they love pushing the MBE program