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October 19, 2023

Tips for Answering the University of Pennsylvania Supplemental Essay Prompts [2023 – 2024]

The University of Pennsylvania, or Penn, was established in 1790 and is one of the oldest universities in America. This prestigious Ivy League school is known for its top-notch research as well as its undergraduate programs that focus on practical applications grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation. It accepts the Common Application or the Coalition Application and requires a Penn writing supplemental in addition to the general Common/Coalition Application essay. Your supplemental essay helps Penn gain a more holistic view of you as a potential student. The Penn website states, “Our ideal candidates are inspired to emulate our founder Benjamin Franklin by applying their knowledge in ‘service to society.’” Through your Common Application, the admissions committee is aware of your grades and test scores, and understands the level of rigor in your curriculum within the context of your high school environment. Use the supplemental essay to demonstrate how you are an ideal match for Penn and how Penn will help you to accomplish your life goals. Illustrate how you engage with and think about the world around you. Communicate your thoughts, values, and perspectives so the admissions committee can understand what is important to you!

Penn offers a binding early decision option with a November 1 deadline. Consider this option if Penn is your first choice, because the rate of admission is higher during the early decision round. In addition, if Penn is your top choice and you have any alumni ties, early decision might be the best approach. In the past, candidates with alumni affiliation received the most consideration during the early decision program. Keep in mind, applying to any school via binding early decision will limit when and how you can apply to other schools. You are allowed to apply early decision to Penn and early action to other nonbinding or nonrestrictive early action programs. Always check with the specific schools for guidelines. 

Before you sit down to begin writing your essays, do your research to learn as much as possible about Penn’s approach to education. Familiarize yourself with the unique character of the school, read through the website, get a sense of the campus and academic atmosphere, visit the campus (if possible), speak with students, and imagine yourself studying at Penn. In short, identify what makes the school a good fit for you. 

Penn is located in the city of Philadelphia and offers an exceptional education in a diverse urban setting on a primarily residential campus. Penn provides many opportunities for students to investigate various areas of interest. The availability of learning hubs is an example of how the school fosters the active and dynamic exploration of ideas. Think about how you might embrace this approach and the overall academic climate at Penn.  

It should come as no surprise that Penn is steeped in tradition. Although the curriculum at Penn is flexible, it has a high-quality liberal arts and science foundation. The four undergraduate schools (College of Arts and Science, Penn Engineering, School of Nursing, and The Wharton School) pride themselves on providing an integrated and functional education. The Penn site states that students “combine theoretical and practical thinking while developing the tools they need to innovate and lead in a world that demands an increasingly broad perspective.” Consider how these values will affect your experience at Penn. 

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, only required for first year applicants)

First, consider your overall application to Penn, because you want to shed light on something you have not mentioned in any detail elsewhere. The person you write to should be someone who has had a positive impact on you – on your life, your way of thinking, your identity, your interests, or in any other significant way. This is a short note, so use concise language to explain what you are thanking them for, how what they did (intentionally or not) affected you, and why you are grateful.

How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)

This prompt is meant to address the interplay of how you might add to and benefit from the extracurricular atmosphere at Penn. How will you participate in the Penn community and contribute to it in meaningful ways? You only have 200 words in which to express what excites you most about the Penn community, provide some insight into how you might engage with it, and reveal how you might both enhance and grow from it based on your individual identity and perspective. Among other things, this prompt provides an opportunity to express your cultural background and unique interests. Consider the diverse population of students and their experiences in light of your own identity and perspectives. 

Also consider the Penn community within the context of the city of Philadelphia. Remember that Penn’s founder, Ben Franklin, was focused on service to society, and that begins with the dynamic community around you and expands from there. Overlay your individual story with the community at Penn. This essay requires you to look at your identity and perspective and to consider the ways in which you mesh with the Penn community. How might it affect you, and likewise, what impact might you have on those around you? What do you bring with you based on your life experience? What might you gain though your potential interactions/opportunities/exchanges with others in the community at Penn?

The school-specific prompt will now be unique to the school to which a student is applying. Considering the undergraduate school you have selected, please respond to your school-specific prompt below. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section).

For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.

For this response, you will address the school-specific prompt (School of Nursing, College of Arts and Science, The Wharton School, or School or Engineering and Applied Science) in 150-200 words.

Although each prompt is slightly different based on the school to which you are applying, the underlying question is the same: how does Penn support your intellectual and academic interests, and how do your goals align with the specific mission of the school? Do your research into your school of choice. How will it prepare you to achieve your goals? You must demonstrate an understanding of yourself by articulating your personal connection to the program’s mission. Consider why you are a good fit for the undergraduate school (College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, The Wharton School, or Penn Engineering). What specific academic, service, and/or research opportunities might enhance your journey and help you accomplish your goals? Include examples of how your personal experiences make the program at Penn a good fit for you. How will the opportunities at Penn expand, nurture, and support your interests and aspirations? In closing, remember to address why you are driven to attend the program at Penn and how a Penn education will help you to effect change in the world.

Students applying to dual-degree and specialized programs should address the prompts above in terms of the single-degree school choice in your response. Your interest in the coordinated or specialized program can be addressed in your program-specific essay. 

Note that additional essays are required if you are applying to one of the Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Programs offered at Penn. These responses have limits that range from 400 to 650 words. Although these individual prompts are not addressed in detail here, keep in mind that each one asks you to share specific examples and experiences that demonstrate your potential for success, along with your enthusiasm for and attraction to the particular program. These programs are a significant commitment, so you need to convey your genuine dedication. The admissions committee uses your essays to determine whether you will be a good match for the particular dual degree or specialized program to which you seek admission. 

This is a competitive application process, and you are up against an increasingly competitive group of applicants. Although Penn withheld admission rates for the Class of 2027 in an effort to put the focus back on students rather than low admissions rates, it received 59,463 undergraduate applications, and only 2,420 enrolled in the first-year class. If we look back at previous years that had fewer total applicants and similar class sizes, the acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 is likely in the 4% to 6% range. 

Here are a few more numbers to consider. Over 90% of the students admitted were in the top 10% of their high school class, with an average SAT score of 1535 and an average ACT score of 34.5. Effectively communicating the intangibles through your essays is the best way to differentiate yourself among this prestigious crowd. Use your essay responses to discuss what is meaningful to you, project the value you could add to the campus community, and convey how Penn is the ideal place for you to achieve your dreams for the future.

Take a deep breath, and try not to be intimidated by this process. Start early to allow yourself enough time to thoroughly research, prepare, and complete all aspects of your application. All these components must come together in a compelling way to present you as a highly competitive applicant. Penn is interested in your personal stories, life experiences, hopes, and aspirations. It seeks to attract and foster great thinkers and future leaders who will play constructive roles in society. Take the appropriate time and invest the necessary energy to reveal your best self!

Marie Todd has been involved in college admissions for more than 20 years. Marie has both counseled applicants to top colleges and evaluated more than 5,000 applications for the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; College of Engineering; School of Kinesiology; School of Nursing; and Taubman College of Architecture. Want Marie to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch .

Related Resources:

• Five Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your College Application Essays
• Four Ways to Show How You’ll Contribute in the Future
• Three Tips for Parents of Applicants

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UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

August 11, 2023

The University of Pennsylvania accepted 40% of applicants back in 1980—as of 2023, that figure had plummeted to 7.4%. Those wanting to join the Quaker campus a generation ago could gain acceptance simply by producing strong grades and test scores. Today, applicants find themselves in a hyper-competitive admissions process. In 2023-24, they need to find ways to separate themselves from tens of thousands of similarly-accomplished peers. This brings us to the topic of this blog: the UPenn supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into UPenn? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Penn/Wharton: Admissions Data and Strategies. Here, you’ll find all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The UPenn supplemental essays present applicants with just the opportunity they need to showcase their unique personality, writing ability, passions, and talents. Further, those who generate responses that are authentic, honest, and compelling can truly capture the attention of a Penn admissions reader.

Below are UPenn’s two general essay prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. The College Transitions team also offers accompanying advice about how to tackle each one.

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Prompt #1

1) Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)  

In essence, this one is about how you express gratitude. A mature young person realizes that their success was not achieved in a vacuum. Rather, it was likely aided by many adults and peers. The target of your letter could be a parent, other relative, teacher, coach, spiritual leader, friend, classmate, fellow team member, or boss. This prompt, which debuted last year, is an excellent opportunity for highly-decorated applicants to display their appreciative and humble side. We recommend taking their advice and actually sharing the letter in real life. This will likely make the essay more authentic and from the heart. The more sincere your essay turns out, the better it will likely be received by UPenn (and its intended IRL target!).

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Prompt #2

2) How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)  

Keep in mind that Penn has already seen the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the impressive number of hours you volunteered at multiple nonprofit organizations. They know that you have been an active member of your high school/local community. The admissions committee now desires to understand precisely how you will contribute to  their  community of almost 10,000 undergraduate students. Highlighting the link between your past efforts and future aims is critical here. For example, if you dedicated many hours working with people with Alzheimer’s Disease throughout high school, it will be more impactful when you now express your commitment to joining Penn’s Alzheimer’s Buddies organization.

The strongest Penn community essays show evidence of meaningful school-specific research. This research process will actually give you a better idea of how you would sincerely like to become engaged at each prospective school on your list. Admissions officers will appreciate a Penn-centric answer far more than a generic (often recycled from app to app) response. Moreover, given the word count, you’ll be able to produce the strongest response if you focus on just one or two specific aspects of your identity and perspective.

UPenn Supplemental Essays – School & Program-Specific Prompts

In addition to the above, you’ll also need to write an essay that is specific to the undergraduate school or coordinated dual-degree program you’re applying to. Below, we’ve covered how to approach the most popular choices:

1) The College of Arts and Sciences

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences at  college.upenn.edu/prospective . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations.

UPenn Supplemental Essays (Continued)

In this essay, admissions officers want to see evidence of your drive, passion, and intellectual ambition. Further, they want to learn your specific plans for continuing to be academically engaged while at the University of Pennsylvania. Great things to highlight here include:

• Firstly, Specific courses offered in your discipline of interest at UPenn.
• Next,  Penn professors  whose work/research/writings you find fascinating and how you would ideally like to connect with them as an undergraduate.
• Additionally, academically-focused student organizations  at Penn.
• Undergraduate research opportunities  in the summer or during the school year as well as independent research you would like to conduct under faculty supervision.
• Lastly,  Study abroad  opportunities.

In addition to Penn-specific offerings that you are dying to take advantage of, you can also cite past experiences which will ideally be tied into future ventures. For example, if you were captain of the robotics team in high school—and hope to continue robotics in college—you might note why you’re interested in joining the UPennalizers, Penn’s student-run robotic soccer team.

2) School of Engineering and Applied Science

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about Penn Engineering and its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology  here . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests.

Similar to the prompt for the College of Arts and Sciences, you’ll want to research Penn’s engineering offerings. You’ll want to pay particularl attention to those related to your primary major of interest. You can discuss several that you find most compelling. Great things to highlight here include:

• Specific courses  offered in your discipline of interest at UPenn.
• Penn professors  whose work/research/writings you find fascinating and how you would ideally like to connect with them as an undergraduate.
• Academically-focused  student organizations  at Penn.
• Undergraduate research opportunities  in the summer or during the school year. Also, independent research you would like to conduct under faculty supervision.

3) School of Nursing

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words)   

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about Penn Nursing’s mission and how we promote equity in healthcare  here .  This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations.

There are two prongs to this prompt. First, the admissions committee wants to understand how you think scientific advancements and increased equity will impact nursing as a profession. Since you’re applying to this program, it’s likely that you believe in the benefit of both objectives. Therefore, you don’t need to spend time convincing the admissions committee that you’re on board. Instead, and based on what you understand about the nursing field consider discussing what types of positive impact nurses who are prepared for the profession in such a way can have on patient outcomes and/or healthcare in general. Lastly, if you don’t know much about the current landscape, be sure to do some research,

Second, Penn wants to understand how you—as a nursing student—will contribute to the mission of promoting equity in particular. Based on what you know about Penn’s nursing programs and initiatives (which, again, will require some research) how do you see yourself getting involved?

4) The Wharton School

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it. (150-200 words)  

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the foundations of a Wharton education  here . This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward.

To craft a strong response to this prompt, you’ll first need to choose an issue that is important to you. The issue can be on either a global, regional, or community scale. If you pick something general (and popular), like climate change or AI, consider choosing a specific angle that relates to you personally. For example, while “climate change” in general is an absolutely massive undertaking that will be difficult to differentiate, discussing the impact of flooding on your city’s downtown businesses could be far more specific and accessible.

After choosing an issue and sharing why it’s important to you, you’ll then need to discuss how Wharton’s specific offerings will help you explore it. Excellent possibilities include:

5)  DMD: Digital Media Design Program

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)

6) Huntsman: The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally-minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to make a contribution to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)

7) LSM: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words)

8) M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology

• Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)
• Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)

9) NETS: The Rajendra and Neera Singh Program in Networked and Social Systems Engineering

Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words)

10) NHCM: Nursing and Healthcare Management

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn’s coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words)

11) BIO-DENT: Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program

• Please list pre-dental or pre-medical experience. This experience can include but is not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research, etc. Please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and description of your experience. If you do not have any pre-dental or pre-medical experience, please indicate what you have done or plan to do in order to explore dentistry as a career. (250 words)
• Describe any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands. (250 words)
• What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people? (250 words)
• Please explain your reasons for selecting a career in dentistry. Please include what interests you the most in dentistry as well as what interests you the least. (250 words)
• Do you have relatives who are dentists or are in dental school? If so, indicate the name of each relative, his/her relationship to you, the school attended, and the dates attended.(250 words)

12) VIPER: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words)

How important are the UPenn supplemental essays?

There are six factors that UPenn considers “very important” in evaluating a candidate and the essays are among them. In addition to the essays, UPenn gives the greatest consideration to the rigor of an applicant’s secondary school record. Of equal consideration are GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, and character/personal qualities.

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UPenn supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

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Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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How To Answer UPenn's 2023/24 Supplemental Essays: Tips & Insights

What's New in 23/24?

What Are UPenn's 2023/24 Essay Prompts?

Short Answer Questions

School Specific Questions

Dual Degree & Specialized Programs Qs

The University of Pennsylvania's supplemental essays for the 2023/24 admissions cycle delve into applicants' gratitude, community perspectives, and alignment with specific schools and specialized programs within the university. With new school-specific prompts and detailed questions for coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, UPenn seeks to understand applicants' unique stories, motivations, and fit with their chosen academic paths. Applicants must navigate through these meticulously crafted prompts, ensuring authentic, insightful, and well-researched responses highlighting their fit, contributions, and aspirations within UPenn's diverse and dynamic community. Explore our detailed guide and examples to craft compelling essays that resonate with UPenn’s ethos and your personal narrative.

What did Upenn students write their Common App essays about?

UPenn's 2023/24 Supplemental Essay Updates: What's Changed?

Achieving admission to the University of Pennsylvania , with its selective acceptance rate of around 4% , is a remarkable feat. In the nuanced arena of college admissions, your supplemental essays are crucial in illustrating your unique story and alignment with UPenn's values.

Prestigious institutions like UPenn meticulously refine their application processes each academic year to ensure they acquire a thorough understanding of their prospective students.

For the 2023/24 admissions cycle, UPenn has instituted several key changes to its supplemental essay questions:

• Introduction of School-Specific Prompts: Each undergraduate school within UPenn now presents a unique question, reflecting its educational ethos and mission. This change underscores the university's emphasis on ensuring applicants have a deep understanding and alignment with the specific values and focus of the school to which they apply.
• The School of Nursing is emphasizing its commitment to addressing global health needs and promoting healthcare equity.
• The College of Arts and Sciences is highlighting its flexible curriculum that encourages exploration and the creation of interdisciplinary connections.
• The Wharton School focuses on the practical application of business strategies and economic theories to address real-world challenges.
• The School of Engineering and Applied Science is spotlighting its integrative approach to technology education, blending natural sciences, mathematics, and liberal arts.
• Introduction of Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Programs Short Answer Prompts: For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, U Penn has introduced specific essay prompts to gain deeper insights into the applicants' specific interests and motivations in these specialized areas.

DMD: Digital Media Design Program

Huntsman: the huntsman program in international studies and business, lsm: the roy and diana vagelos program in life sciences and management.

• M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology

NETS: The Rajendra and Neera Singh Program in Networked and Social Systems Engineering

Nhcm: nursing and healthcare management.

• Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program

VIPER: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research

• New Essay Requirement for Transfer Students: A new essay question has been introduced specifically for transfer students, seeking to understand their motivations for transferring and their aspirations in changing their educational institution.

These updates indicate UPenn's evolving admissions approach, emphasizing a heightened emphasis on ensuring a mutual fit and understanding between the applicant and the specific school within the university they seek to attend. It reflects a commitment to fostering a student body that is deeply aligned with the values, focus, and mission of their respective schools and the university.

What Are UPenn's Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2023/24?

Embarking on the application journey to the University of Pennsylvania necessitates a thorough understanding of its supplemental essay prompts, which are meticulously designed to gain a deeper insight into the applicants’ profiles. These prompts are crafted to explore your gratitude, perspectives on community, reasons for transferring (for transfer students), and your alignment with the ethos of the specific school within UPenn to which you are applying.

Penn Supplemental Short Answer Prompts (Required)

• Thank-You Note: Write a short thank-you note to someone unthanked and reflect on the experience. (150-200 words)
• Exploring Community: Discuss how you will explore community at Penn and how your experiences and perspectives will shape it. (150-200 words)

Transfer Essay (Required for Transfer Applicants)

• Detail your reasons for transferring and what you hope to gain by changing institutions. (4150 characters)

School-Specific Prompts

• School of Nursing: Reflect on the future of nursing concerning global health needs and promoting equity, and how you see yourself contributing to promoting equity in healthcare. (150-200 words)
• College of Arts and Sciences: Describe your curiosities and how you would leverage the flexible curriculum of The College of Arts and Sciences to explore them. (150-200 words)
• The Wharton School: Reflect on a current issue of importance to you and how a Wharton education would help you explore it. (150-200 words)
• School of Engineering and Applied Science: Share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn, considering its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology. (150-200 words)

Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Programs Short Answer Prompts

For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, UPenn has introduced specific essay prompts to gain deeper insights into the applicants' specific interests and motivations in these specialized areas.

• DMD: Digital Media Design Program: Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)
• Huntsman: The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business: What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)
• LSM: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management: What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words)
• M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology: Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words) Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)
• NETS: The Rajendra and Neera Singh Program in Networked and Social Systems Engineering: Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. (400-650 words)
• NHCM: Nursing and Healthcare Management: Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words)
• Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program: Please list any predental or premedical experience. This experience can include but is not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research; etc. Please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and a description of your experience. If you do not have any predental or premedical experience, please indicate what you have done or plan to do in order to explore dentistry as a career.
• VIPER: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research: How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? (400-650 words)

UPenn’s application process is notably competitive, and these prompts offer a unique opportunity to showcase your gratitude, community perspective, and the distinct perspectives you'll bring to the UPenn community.

Explore these UPenn essay examples for further inspiration to see what successful applications entail!

How Talia Got Into Penn with Crimson

How to Answer UPenn’s Short Answer Questions?

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (we encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience), - 150 to 200 words.

This prompt invites you to express gratitude and reflect on the impact of kindness, support, or mentorship. It provides a glimpse into your values, relationships, and ability to acknowledge and appreciate the people around you .

Express Genuine Gratitude

Ensure that your thank-you note emanates sincerity and genuine appreciation. Choose someone whose impact or gesture truly made a difference in your life, and express your gratitude authentically and heartfeltly.

Be Specific

Detail the specific act, gesture, or support you are thankful for. Clearly articulate what it meant to you and how it impacted you. Specificity conveys sincerity and provides a clearer picture of your relationship and the context.

Reflect on the Experience

Don’t just stop at the thank-you note. Dive deeper into reflection, exploring how expressing this overdue gratitude felt and what it taught you about appreciation, relationships, and acknowledgment.

Connect to Personal Growth

If possible, link the act of gratitude to your personal development or perspective. How did this act of kindness or support shape you, and how does it inspire you to act moving forward?

Example Response

Dear Mrs. Anderson, I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support during my high school journey. Your encouragement to explore my interest in environmental science, even facilitating my independent project on local ecosystems, has been pivotal in shaping my academic path and personal growth. Your belief in my potential has not only bolstered my confidence but also inspired me to advocate for environmental causes. I have not only learned about science from you but also about the impact of kindness, mentorship, and belief in someone’s potential. Thank you for being a remarkable educator and mentor. Reflecting on this, I realize the power of expressing gratitude and acknowledging the impactful gestures of others. Sharing this note with you has been a heartwarming and enlightening experience, reminding me of the importance of appreciating and vocalizing our thankfulness. It has inspired me to be more vocal in expressing gratitude and to pay forward the kindness and support I have received. Warm regards, [Your Name]

UPenn's first prompt is an invitation to expressing genuine gratitude and sincere reflective insight. It allows you to showcase your appreciation for impactful relationships and gestures while providing a window into your values, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal relationships . Ensure your response is genuine, specific, and reflective, offering a glimpse into your character and personal growth.

How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn.

This prompt seeks to understand your perspective on community, past experiences with community involvement , and how you plan to engage with and contribute to the Penn community.

Integrate Past and Future Community Involvement

Reflect on your community involvement and how those experiences have shaped your perspective and values. Then, consider how you will transfer these experiences and values into your future involvement at Penn.

Explore Specific Opportunities at Penn

Research and identify specific communities, groups, or opportunities at Penn that align with your interests and past experiences. Be specific about how you plan to engage with these communities and what you hope to contribute and learn.

Reflect on Mutual Growth

Consider how being a part of the Penn community will shape your perspective and experiences and vice versa. How will you grow from being a part of Penn, and how will Penn grow from having you as a part of its community?

In my neighborhood, I initiated a project, "Tech for Seniors," where we assisted elderly individuals in navigating digital platforms, bridging a generational and technological divide. This experience taught me the power of inclusivity, empathy, and the impact of collective efforts in community building. At Penn, I am drawn to the Penn Aging Research Center, where I aspire to merge my interest in technology and community service to enhance the quality of life for the elderly population. Furthermore, I am excited to engage with the Civic House, utilizing its resources to extend my community involvement, particularly in addressing technological disparities in local communities. I envision contributing to Penn by bringing my passion for technological literacy and community service, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and collaborative impact. Simultaneously, being immersed in Penn’s diverse and socially active environment will undoubtedly broaden my understanding of community needs and innovative service, shaping a mutually enriching journey.

UPenn's second prompt is a canvas for you to illustrate your understanding and commitment to community involvement. By revealing how your past experiences, values, and future aspirations will intertwine with the Penn community, you can effectively communicate your potential contributions to academic and campus life at Penn while spotlighting how’ll you’ll benefit as well . Ensure your response is genuine, specific, and reflective, demonstrating a clear vision of your community-engaged journey at Penn.

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School Specific Prompts

School of nursing, penn nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. what do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare.

This prompt seeks to understand your perspective on the future of nursing , particularly in the context of global health needs and promoting equity, and how you envision contributing to this future through Penn Nursing.

Understand and Align with Penn Nursing’s Mission

Before crafting your response, delve into Penn Nursing’s mission and initiatives toward promoting healthcare equity. Understand how they integrate science and social equity in their curriculum and community involvement. Aligning your response with their values and initiatives demonstrates a strong fit and genuine interest in Penn Nursing.

Reflect on the Future of Nursing

Consider the evolving needs of global and multicultural societies in healthcare. Think about how advancements in science and a focus on equity can shape the future of nursing, addressing disparities and enhancing healthcare outcomes.

Personal Contribution towards Equity in Healthcare

Reflect on your experiences, aspirations, and the skills you hope to gain from Penn Nursing. How will these enable you to contribute to advancing science and promoting equity in healthcare in the future?

Penn Nursing's mission resonates with my experiences volunteering in underserved communities, where I witnessed stark healthcare disparities. The integration of advanced science and a staunch commitment to equity at Penn Nursing signifies a future where healthcare transcends barriers, ensuring accessible and quality care for all demographics, irrespective of socio-economic and cultural divides. I interpret this as a call to mold nursing professionals who are not only proficient in medical science but also champions of social equity. My aspiration is to specialize in pediatric care with a focus on mental health, an often-neglected facet in multicultural societies. Leveraging Penn Nursing’s robust curriculum and its emphasis on equitable healthcare, I aim to develop programs that address mental health in children from marginalized communities, ensuring they receive adept care and support. My commitment is to ensure that advancements in healthcare science and practices are accessible and beneficial to all layers of society, aligning with Penn Nursing’s mission to promote healthcare equity on a global scale.

UPenn's School of Nursing prompt provides a platform to showcase your understanding of the intricate balance between scientific advancement and social equity in healthcare. By aligning your experiences, aspirations, and the skills you hope to acquire from Penn Nursing, you can effectively communicate your potential role in shaping a future in nursing that is scientifically advanced and equitably accessible. Ensure your response is well-researched, genuine and demonstrates how you and Penn Nursing can mutually contribute to each other and the broader healthcare landscape.

College of Arts and Sciences

The flexible structure of the college of arts and sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. what are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences .

This prompt invites you to explore your academic curiosity and how you plan to navigate through the College of Arts and Sciences flexible curriculum to forge your educational and career path.

Deep Dive into the College of Arts and Sciences

Ensure you thoroughly understand the College of Arts and Sciences offerings and structure . Explore the general education courses, majors, and any unique programs or opportunities that pique your interest. Demonstrating knowledge about specific aspects of the college’s curriculum and how they align with your aspirations will underscore your genuine interest and fit.

Express Your Curiosity

Identify and articulate the areas within arts and sciences that you are eager to explore. This could be a specific field of study, interdisciplinary interests, or particular courses and programs. Ensure your curiosity is genuine and resonates with your experiences and aspirations.

Leverage Opportunities

Discuss how you plan to utilize the flexible structure of the curriculum to explore your interests, make connections between different fields, and carve out your unique academic and career path. Mention specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities with which you plan to engage.

My curiosity lies at the intersection of psychology and visual arts, exploring how art can be utilized as a therapeutic tool. The College of Arts and Sciences at UPenn, with its flexible curriculum, provides a fertile ground to explore this interdisciplinary interest. I am particularly drawn to the “Visual Studies” major, which allows an exploration of perception and representation through various lenses, including psychological. I aim to leverage the “Independent Study” option to delve into art therapy, under the mentorship of professors who specialize in related fields, such as Professor [Professor's Name], whose work in [specific area] resonates with my interests. Furthermore, engaging with organizations like the “Penn Art & Culture Collective” will allow me to practically apply my learnings and contribute to the community. My goal is to weave a path that intertwines psychological theories with art practices, developing therapeutic modules that can be utilized in mental health interventions, thereby navigating through the rich and flexible curriculum that the College of Arts and Sciences offers to forge a career that amalgamates art and psychology.

The College of Arts and Sciences prompt seeks to understand your academic curiosity and how you plan to navigate and leverage their flexible curriculum to explore your interests and carve your path. Ensure your response is informed, genuine, and demonstrates how the College of Arts and Sciences will facilitate your academic and career journey in the arts and sciences . Your response should reflect a well-thought-out plan that aligns with your interests and the college's offerings.

The Wharton School

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a wharton education would help you to explore it. .

This prompt seeks to understand your awareness of global issues, your perspective on them, and how you envision utilizing a Wharton education to address these challenges.

Identify a Pertinent Issue

Choose a current issue that genuinely concerns you. This could be related to economics, social justice, environmental sustainability, or any other domain that intersects with business practices and economic theories.

Understand Wharton’s Offerings

Ensure you have a deep understanding of what Wharton offers . Explore specific courses, professors, research initiatives, and clubs that align with your interest in the chosen issue. Demonstrating a clear understanding of how Wharton can help you explore and address the issue will underline your genuine interest and fit.

Connect Issue, Education, and Future Impact

Articulate how a Wharton education will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and network to positively impact the issue you've identified. Be specific about how certain aspects of Wharton’s offerings will facilitate your exploration and solution-building related to the issue.

The growing wealth gap, exacerbated by the pandemic, is a pressing issue that intertwines economics and social justice. Wharton’s emphasis on applying economic theory to real-world problems aligns seamlessly with my aspiration to develop scalable solutions for income disparity. The “Business Economics and Public Policy” major, with courses like “Business in the Global Political Environment,” directly speaks to my interest in understanding and navigating the intersection of economics, business, and policy to address socio-economic disparities. Engaging with initiatives like the “Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative” will provide a platform to explore practical policy implications of economic theories. Moreover, participating in the “Wharton Social Impact Initiative” will allow me to explore sustainable business practices that can drive social change. I envision leveraging Wharton’s rigorous education, research initiatives, and practical platforms to develop and implement business practices and policies that mitigate wealth disparities, driving equitable economic growth.

Wharton’s prompt invites you to showcase your awareness of global issues, your perspective, and how you plan to utilize their offerings to explore and address these issues in the future . Ensure your response is informed, genuine, and demonstrates a clear pathway from the issue, through Wharton’s education, to future impact. Your response should reflect a well-thought-out understanding of the issue and Wharton’s offerings and articulate a clear vision of how you plan to bridge the two during and after your education at Wharton.

How Ken Got Into UPenn Wharton with Crimson

School of Engineering & Applied Science

Penn engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at penn..

This prompt seeks to understand your passion for engineering, your career aspirations in the field , and how you plan to leverage Penn Engineering’s unique curriculum to further your interests and goals.

Articulate Your Engineering Interests

Clearly define what aspects of engineering fascinate you. Be explicit about your interests, whether it's a particular field (like biomedical engineering or computer science) or a specific topic (like artificial intelligence or sustainable design).

Understand Penn Engineering’s Offerings

Deeply explore Penn Engineering’s curriculum, resources, and extracurricular opportunities. Identify specific aspects that align with your interests, such as courses, professors, research labs, clubs, or initiatives.

Connect Interests, Education, and Future Aspirations

Demonstrate how Penn Engineering’s offerings will facilitate your exploration and advancement in your areas of interest. Connect the curriculum and opportunities at Penn Engineering directly to your career aspirations and explain how they will help you achieve your goals.

The intersection of robotics and healthcare has always fascinated me, especially in developing assistive technologies for individuals with mobility impairments. Penn Engineering, with its robust curriculum and the GRASP Laboratory, provides a perfect environment to delve deeper into this intersection. The “Robotics” major, offering courses like “Medical Robotics” and “Introduction to Robotics,” directly aligns with my interest in developing healthcare solutions through technology. Engaging with the GRASP Lab will provide hands-on experience in robotics research, while the “Penn Health-Tech” initiative will offer insights into healthcare needs and facilitate the translation of technical solutions into practical healthcare applications. I envision utilizing Penn Engineering’s interdisciplinary approach, combining technical knowledge with liberal arts exploration, to develop assistive technologies that are not only functionally effective but also accessible and user-friendly. By integrating technical expertise with an understanding of user needs and healthcare challenges, I aspire to create technologies that enhance mobility and independence for individuals with impairments, contributing to more inclusive and accessible healthcare solutions.

Penn Engineering’s prompt invites you to showcase your engineering interests and how you plan to explore them at Penn . Ensure your response demonstrates a clear understanding of your interests, how Penn Engineering’s offerings align with them, and how you plan to leverage these opportunities to further your career aspirations in engineering. Your response should reflect a genuine interest in a particular engineering domain and a well-thought-out plan for utilizing Penn Engineering’s resources to explore and advance in this domain.

Dual Degree & Specialized Program Prompts

Why are you interested in the digital media design (dmd) program at the university of pennsylvania, - 400 to 650 words.

The DMD program at UPenn is a unique blend of engineering, computer graphics, fine arts, and design, aiming to prepare students for a plethora of careers in the digital media domain . Your essay should reflect a clear understanding of the program and a well-articulated reason for your interest.

Understand the DMD Program

Ensure you have a deep understanding of what the DMD program entails. Explore the curriculum, the faculty, the projects students work on, and the careers it leads to. Mention specific aspects of the program that appeal to you and are aligned with your career aspirations.

Articulate Your Interest in Digital Media Design

Clearly define your interest in digital media design. Discuss any experiences you have had in the field, such as projects, internships, or courses, and how they have shaped your interest and prepared you for the DMD program.

Connect Your Interests, the DMD Program, and Future Aspirations

Demonstrate a clear path that connects your past experiences, your interest in the DMD program, and your future career aspirations. Explain how the DMD program is the perfect next step for you and how it will help you achieve your career goals.

Highlight Your Fit and Contribution

Discuss how you will contribute to the DMD community and how your unique perspective and experiences will add value to it. Mention any specific ways in which you plan to get involved and contribute to ongoing projects or initiatives.

Ever since I designed my first mobile app as a high school sophomore, the amalgamation of design, technology, and user experience has captivated me. The Digital Media Design (DMD) program at UPenn stands out as a unique program that perfectly intertwines engineering, computer graphics, and design, offering a comprehensive approach to digital media that aligns seamlessly with my interests and aspirations. My journey in digital media design began with [Specific Project/Experience], where I explored [Specific Elements/Technologies]. This experience illuminated the profound impact of integrating aesthetic design with robust technology to create user-centric digital solutions. What excites me about the DMD program at UPenn is its interdisciplinary approach, combining courses like [Specific Course 1] and [Specific Course 2], which will equip me with the technical prowess and design thinking necessary to innovate in the digital media space. Moreover, the DMD program’s emphasis on collaborative projects and its connection with the [Specific Lab/Research Group] will provide a platform to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, furthering my skills in practical applications of digital media design. I am particularly drawn to [Specific Project/Research] being conducted at [Specific Lab/Research Group] and am excited about the prospect of contributing to this work with my skills in [Specific Skills/Technologies]. In the future, I aspire to [Specific Career/Project Aspirations], creating digital solutions that [Specific Impact/Outcome]. The DMD program, with its robust curriculum, hands-on projects, and a vibrant community of innovators, is the ideal environment for me to hone my skills and work towards this aspiration. I am particularly excited about [Specific Element of DMD Program] and look forward to contributing to the DMD community through [Specific Contributions].

Your essay should demonstrate a clear understanding of the DMD program, a well-articulated path that connects your past experiences, your interest in the program, your future aspirations, and a genuine enthusiasm for the program and the field of digital media design. Ensure your response is specific, detailed, and authentic, reflecting a true interest and understanding of the DMD program and how it will help you achieve your career goals .

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect?

The Huntsman Program is a unique intersection of business and international studies, aiming to cultivate leaders who can navigate the global business landscape with a deep understanding of international affairs. Your essay should reflect a clear understanding of the program and a well-articulated vision for how you will leverage it to address global issues .

Understand the Huntsman Program

Ensure you have a deep understanding of the Huntsman Program, including its curriculum, philosophy, and outcomes. Mention specific aspects of the program that appeal to you and how they align with your career aspirations.

Articulate Your Interest in Business and International Studies

Clearly define your interest in the intersection of business and international studies. Discuss any experiences you have had in these fields, such as projects, internships, or courses, and how they have shaped your interest and prepared you for the Huntsman Program.

Identify a Global Issue

Choose a global issue where business and international affairs intersect and discuss why it is of importance to you. Ensure that the issue is something you are genuinely passionate about and that it has enough depth to explore in your essay.

Connect Your Interests, the Huntsman Program, and the Global Issue

Demonstrate a clear path that connects your past experiences, your interest in the Huntsman Program, and your future aspirations to address the global issue you have identified. Explain how the Huntsman Program is the perfect next step for you and how it will help you achieve your goals related to the global issue.

Discuss how you will contribute to the Huntsman community and how your unique perspective and experiences will add value to it. Mention any specific ways in which you plan to get involved and contribute to ongoing projects or initiatives.

Navigating through the complex tapestry of international markets and geopolitical climates has always fascinated me, particularly in the realm of sustainable business practices. The Huntsman Program, with its dual-degree in business and international studies, presents a unique and compelling pathway to delve deeper into this intersection, enabling scholars like me to devise solutions that are both economically viable and globally sustainable. My interest in this intersection was sparked by [Specific Project/Experience], where I witnessed firsthand the impact of [Specific Aspect of Business/International Affairs]. This experience underscored the necessity of intertwining robust business strategies with a nuanced understanding of international relations to forge sustainable global solutions. One pressing global issue that captivates my interest is [Specific Global Issue], particularly how [Specific Business and International Affairs Elements] intersect. This issue not only has profound implications for [Specific Outcomes/Challenges] but also presents opportunities to [Specific Solutions/Opportunities]. The Huntsman Program, with its rigorous curriculum encompassing [Specific Courses/Aspects], and its vibrant, globally-minded community, provides an unparalleled platform to explore this issue in depth. I am particularly drawn to [Specific Element of the Huntsman Program] and see it as a pivotal enabler in devising innovative solutions for [Specific Global Issue]. In the future, I aspire to [Specific Career/Project Aspirations], leveraging the knowledge and skills garnered from the Huntsman Program to [Specific Impact/Outcome]. I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with like-minded peers within the Huntsman community and contributing to [Specific Projects/Initiatives] during my time at UPenn.

Your essay should demonstrate a clear understanding of the Huntsman Program, a genuine interest in the intersection of business and international studies, and a well-articulated vision for how you will leverage the program to address a specific global issue. Ensure your response is specific, detailed, and authentic, reflecting a true interest and understanding of the program and the global issue you have chosen to discuss.

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing, and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay.

The LSM Program is designed to equip students with a robust understanding of both life sciences and management, enabling them to drive innovation in these fields. Your essay should reflect a clear understanding of the program and a well-articulated vision for how you will leverage it to address specific issues in the life sciences .

Understand the LSM Program

Ensure you have a thorough understanding of the LSM Program, including its curriculum, philosophy, and outcomes. Mention specific aspects of the program that appeal to you and how they align with your career aspirations.

Identify a Relevant Issue

Choose an issue in the life sciences that you are passionate about and discuss why it is of importance to you. Ensure that the issue is something you are genuinely interested in and that it has enough depth to explore in your essay.

Connect Your Interests, the LSM Program, and the Issue

Demonstrate a clear path that connects your past experiences, your interest in the LSM Program, and your future aspirations to address the issue you have identified. Explain how the LSM Program is the perfect next step for you and how it will help you achieve your goals related to the issue.

Discuss how you will contribute to the LSM community and how your unique perspective and experiences will add value to it. Mention any specific ways in which you plan to get involved and contribute to ongoing projects or initiatives.

The intersection of life sciences and management, particularly in the realm of biotechnological innovations, has always captivated my interest. The LSM Program, with its interdisciplinary approach, offers a unique platform to delve into this intersection, enabling scholars to drive innovations that can address pressing issues in the life sciences. My interest in this field was sparked by [Specific Project/Experience], where I witnessed the profound impact of [Specific Aspect of Life Sciences/Management]. This experience underscored the necessity of intertwining robust scientific research with strategic management to bring innovations from the lab to the market. One issue that I am particularly passionate about is [Specific Issue in Life Sciences], especially considering its implications for [Specific Outcomes/Challenges]. This issue presents opportunities to [Specific Solutions/Opportunities], which can be explored and implemented through the integration of life sciences and management. The LSM Program, with its robust curriculum encompassing [Specific Courses/Aspects], and its vibrant community of innovators, provides an unparalleled platform to explore this issue in depth. I am particularly drawn to [Specific Element of the LSM Program] and see it as a pivotal enabler in devising innovative solutions for [Specific Issue in Life Sciences]. In the future, I aspire to [Specific Career/Project Aspirations], leveraging the knowledge and skills garnered from the LSM Program to [Specific Impact/Outcome]. I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with the LSM community and contributing to [Specific Projects/Initiatives] during my time at UPenn.

Your essay should demonstrate a clear understanding of the LSM Program, a genuine interest in the intersection of life sciences and management, and a well-articulated vision for how you will leverage the program to address a specific issue in the life sciences. Ensure your response is specific, detailed, and authentic, reflecting a true interest and understanding of the program and the issue you have chosen to discuss.

M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology: Prompt 1

Explain how you will use the m&t program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two..

The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (M&T) is designed for students who have a keen interest in both engineering and business. Your essay should reflect a clear understanding of the program and a well-articulated vision for how you will leverage it to explore the intersection of business and engineering.

Understand the M&T Program

Ensure you have a thorough understanding of the M&T Program, including its curriculum, philosophy, and outcomes. Mention specific aspects of the program that appeal to you and how they align with your career aspirations.

Articulate Your Interest

Clearly articulate your interest in both business and engineering, providing examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your passion and aptitude in these areas.

Explore the Intersection

Discuss the intersection of business and engineering, providing specific examples of issues or opportunities that lie at this intersection that you are interested in exploring further through the M&T Program.

Connect Your Interests, the M&T Program, and Your Future Aspirations

Demonstrate a clear path that connects your past experiences, your interest in the M&T Program, and your future aspirations. Explain how the M&T Program is the perfect next step for you and how it will help you achieve your goals.

Discuss how you will contribute to the M&T community and how your unique perspective and experiences will add value to it. Mention any specific ways in which you plan to get involved and contribute to ongoing projects or initiatives.

Navigating through the realms of business and engineering has always been a focal point of my academic and extracurricular pursuits. My involvement in [Specific Project/Experience] illuminated the profound impact that can be achieved at the intersection of these two disciplines, particularly in the realm of [Specific Aspect of Business/Engineering]. A pressing issue that captivates my interest is [Specific Issue at the Intersection of Business and Engineering]. This issue presents a myriad of challenges and opportunities, such as [Specific Challenges/Opportunities], which can be navigated effectively through a robust understanding of both business and engineering. The M&T Program, with its interdisciplinary curriculum and vibrant community, provides an unparalleled platform to delve deeper into this intersection. I am particularly drawn to [Specific Element of the M&T Program] as it aligns perfectly with my interests and aspirations in [Specific Issue/Area]. In the future, I aspire to [Specific Career/Project Aspirations], leveraging the knowledge and skills garnered from the M&T Program to navigate the complex landscape of [Specific Issue/Area]. I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with the M&T community, contributing to [Specific Projects/Initiatives], and exploring innovative solutions at the intersection of business and engineering.

Your essay should demonstrate a clear understanding of the M&T Program, a genuine interest in both business and engineering, and a well-articulated vision for how you will leverage the program to explore specific issues or opportunities at the intersection of these two disciplines. Ensure your response is specific, detailed, and authentic, reflecting a true interest and understanding of the program and the issues you have chosen to discuss.

M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology: Prompt 2

Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity., - 250 words.

This prompt seeks to understand your problem-solving, leadership, and creative thinking skills through a specific example. Your response should succinctly narrate a situation, your actions, and the outcomes, showcasing your abilities in a compelling manner.

Identify a Relevant Problem

Choose a problem that allowed you to demonstrate both leadership and creativity in your solution. Ensure that the problem and your role in solving it are significant enough to showcase your abilities.

Structure Your Response

Given the word limit, structure your response to clearly outline the situation, your actions, and the outcomes. Ensure each aspect is clearly communicated and that your leadership and creativity are evident.

Highlight Your Leadership

Discuss how you took charge of the situation, the decisions you made, and how you motivated and coordinated with others. Highlight any specific challenges you overcame and how you navigated through them.

Showcase Your Creativity

Demonstrate how you thought outside the box to come up with innovative solutions. Highlight how your creative approach was instrumental in solving the problem.

Reflect on the Impact

Briefly discuss the impact of your solution, providing specific outcomes where possible. This could include the immediate outcomes as well as any longer-term impact that your solution may have had.

When our school’s annual event faced abrupt cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, I spearheaded a team to transition it into a virtual format, ensuring continuity of a cherished tradition. The challenge lay in replicating the interactive and engaging aspects of the in-person event in a virtual environment. My creative approach involved leveraging various online platforms to create a multi-dimensional virtual experience. I coordinated with tech teams to integrate virtual reality (VR) environments, enabling participants to navigate through a simulated version of our school, attending different activities and sessions. Leadership was crucial in coordinating diverse teams, managing resources, and ensuring effective communication. I facilitated collaborations between the tech team, event organizers, and participants, ensuring a seamless transition to the virtual format. The event not only witnessed a record participation but also opened avenues for inclusive participation from international students, enhancing global engagement. This solution not only addressed the immediate problem but also introduced a new, inclusive format for future events.

Your response should succinctly and effectively communicate a problem, your leadership and creative approach to solving it, and the impact of your solution. Ensure that your abilities are clearly showcased through your actions and that the outcomes reflect positively on your problem-solving skills.

Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology.

This prompt invites you to explore your interests and experiences related to networked information systems and technologies, and their societal impact. It's an opportunity to showcase your understanding, passion, and vision regarding the intersection of technology and society.

Express Your Interest

Begin by articulating your interests in networked information systems and technologies. Discuss any specific aspects or technologies that particularly captivate you and why.

Highlight Personal Experiences

Share specific experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology that have shaped your interests and understanding. This could include projects you’ve worked on, courses you’ve taken, or personal experiences that have influenced your perspective.

Discuss Societal Impact

Explore the impact of networked information systems on society, considering various dimensions such as economics, communication, and content creation. Provide your insights into both the positive and negative implications, showcasing your nuanced understanding of the topic.

Incorporate Real-world Examples

Use real-world examples to illustrate your points, whether they are drawn from your personal experiences or from notable developments in the field. Ensure that these examples effectively support your discussion and showcase your knowledge and engagement with the topic.

Envision Future Possibilities

Consider discussing where you see these technologies heading in the future and any potential innovations or developments that you find particularly exciting or concerning. This is an opportunity to showcase your forward-thinking and visionary mindset.

Connect to the NETS Program

Towards the end, weave in how the NETS program at Penn aligns with your interests and how you envision leveraging the program to further explore and impact the field. Be specific about aspects of the program that resonate with you and how you see yourself contributing to and benefiting from it.

My fascination with networked information systems, particularly blockchain technology, stems from its revolutionary potential to democratize finance and enhance data security. My journey began with developing a decentralized voting system for our school elections, ensuring secure and transparent processes. This project not only fortified my technical skills but also illuminated the profound societal impact of secure and transparent networked systems. Blockchain, with its decentralized and immutable nature, has the potential to redefine economic structures, enhance data integrity, and democratize access to financial systems, especially in underbanked regions. However, it also poses challenges, such as energy consumption and regulatory dilemmas, reflecting the multifaceted impact of networked technologies on society. My experiences as a developer and user have underscored the importance of ethical considerations and user-centric design in developing technologies that are equitable, accessible, and beneficial to society. The NETS program, with its interdisciplinary approach and focus on the societal implications of networked systems, presents the ideal platform to deepen my understanding, engage in innovative projects, and develop solutions that positively impact society.

Your response should weave together your interests, experiences, understanding, and vision related to networked information systems and technologies, effectively showcasing your passion, expertise, and potential to contribute to the field. Ensure that your discussion is supported by specific examples and that your connection to the NETS program is clear and compelling.

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals?

The NHCM program at Penn uniquely intertwines nursing and healthcare management, offering a comprehensive perspective on patient care and healthcare administration. Your essay should reflect your passion and rationale for intertwining these fields and how the NHCM program aligns with your aspirations.

Express Your Dual Interest

Begin by elucidating your interest in both nursing and healthcare management. Discuss why you believe these fields are interconnected and vital to your career aspirations. Ensure that your passion for both fields is evident and balanced throughout the essay.

Personal and Professional Motivations

Share experiences, observations, or learnings that have shaped your interest in nursing and healthcare management. This could include personal experiences, interactions with healthcare professionals, or insights gained through academic or extracurricular activities.

Highlight the Significance

Discuss the importance of integrating nursing with healthcare management, considering aspects like patient care, healthcare administration, policy-making, and healthcare innovation. Your insights into why a dual understanding is crucial in contemporary healthcare will underscore your informed interest.

Articulate Your Goals

Clearly define your short-term and long-term goals within the realms of nursing and healthcare management. Be specific about the impact you wish to make, the roles you aspire to undertake, and the advancements you wish to contribute to.

Connect to the NHCM Program

Detail how the NHCM program at Penn will facilitate your journey towards your goals. Discuss specific aspects of the program, such as courses, faculty, resources, or opportunities, that resonate with your interests and aspirations. Ensure that your connection to the program is specific, genuine, and well-researched.

Contribute and Gain

Reflect on what you will bring to the NHCM community and how you will leverage the program. Consider how your unique experiences and perspectives will enrich the community and how you plan to utilize the knowledge and experiences gained through the program in your future endeavors.

My journey through volunteering in a local hospital illuminated the intricate dance between empathetic patient care and meticulous healthcare management. Observing nurses who seamlessly integrated clinical expertise with administrative acumen highlighted the pivotal role of dual expertise in enhancing healthcare outcomes. My goal is to innovate healthcare delivery by intertwining clinical excellence with strategic management, ensuring equitable, efficient, and empathetic healthcare solutions. My experience developing a community health initiative for underprivileged neighborhoods underscored the importance of strategic management in amplifying the impact of nursing interventions. It is this symbiosis between nursing and management that I am eager to explore and deepen through the NHCM program. Penn’s NHCM program, with its rigorous curriculum, esteemed faculty, and myriad opportunities for practical application, presents the ideal platform to forge my path in healthcare. Courses like “Healthcare Management” and “Nursing in the Community” directly align with my interests, while the opportunities for internships and global experiences will facilitate practical application of theoretical knowledge. I bring with me a fervent passion for community healthcare, experiences in grassroots health initiatives, and a perspective shaped by on-ground realities. At NHCM, I aim to deepen my expertise, engage in collaborative learning, and contribute to the community, ultimately driving forward my vision for an integrated, innovative, and inclusive healthcare future.

Your essay should weave together your interests, experiences, goals, and connection to the NHCM program, showcasing a genuine, informed, and passionate commitment to nursing and healthcare management. Ensure that your essay is well-structured, specific, and reflective, effectively conveying your unique journey, vision, and fit for the NHCM program.

Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program: Prompt 1

Please list any predental or premedical experience. this experience can include but is not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research; etc. please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and a description of your experience. if you do not have any predental or premedical experience, please indicate what you have done or plan to do in order to explore dentistry as a career..

This prompt seeks a detailed account of your experiences and future plans related to the dental field. It’s crucial to provide a comprehensive, clear, and structured response.

For Those With Predental/Premedical Experience

Detail your experiences.

• Description: Clearly describe each experience, ensuring to highlight your role, responsibilities, and learnings.
• Time and Duration: Mention the total hours and the timeframe during which you gained this experience.
• Location: Specify where the experience took place.
• Reflection: Briefly reflect on what each experience taught you about the field and your career aspirations.

Variety and Depth

• Ensure to showcase a range of experiences, if possible, to demonstrate a well-rounded exploration of the field.
• Highlight experiences that had a significant impact on your decision to pursue dentistry.

Connect to Your Aspirations

• Subtly weave in how these experiences have shaped your understanding of dentistry and affirmed your career choice.

Example Entry

• Experience: Dental Assisting at [Clinic/Hospital Name]
• Duration: June 2022 - August 2022, 150 hours
• Location: [City, State]
• Description: Assisted with dental procedures, sterilized equipment, and engaged in patient care. This hands-on experience underscored the importance of precision and patient rapport in dental practice, solidifying my commitment to pursuing dentistry.

For Those Without Predental/Premedical Experience

Express genuine interest.

• Clearly articulate why you are interested in dentistry even without direct experience.

Alternative Experiences

• Discuss any experiences that, while not directly related to dentistry, have helped shape your career aspirations and transferable skills.

Future Plans

• Detail specific, actionable plans to gain experience and explore the dental field in the future.
• Mention any scheduled experiences, planned shadowing, or courses you intend to take.

Demonstrating Commitment

• Highlight how your actions, even without direct experience, showcase your commitment to pursuing dentistry.

While I have not yet gained direct predental experience, my engagement in [related experience] has honed my [specific skills] and affirmed my interest in healthcare. I have enrolled in a dental shadowing program scheduled for [month, year] and plan to volunteer at [specific location] to gain hands-on insight into dental practice. My commitment to exploring dentistry is underscored by [specific actions/qualities], and I am eager to deepen my understanding through continued experiences and education.

Ensure your response is clear, detailed, and reflective. Whether detailing past experiences or outlining future plans, showcase a genuine, informed commitment to exploring and contributing to the field of dentistry. Your experiences and plans should collectively convey your enthusiasm, understanding, and dedication towards a career in dentistry.

Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program: Prompt 2

Describe any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands..

Dentistry is a profession that demands precision, dexterity, and adept manual skills. This prompt seeks to understand your foundational experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with your hands and potentially correlate to the manual skills required in dentistry.

Highlight Varied Experiences

• Artistic Pursuits: If you’ve engaged in painting, sculpture, or any other form of art, discuss how you’ve honed your hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Craftsmanship: Activities like woodworking, sewing, or mechanics showcase your ability to manipulate tools and create detailed work.
• Musical Instruments: Playing instruments, especially those that require intricate hand movements like the piano or violin, can illustrate dexterity.
• Cooking or Baking: These activities often require precise measurements and manual skills, which can be relevant.

Detail Your Involvement

• Clearly describe your role and involvement in each activity.
• Mention the duration and level of commitment to each activity.

Reflect on Skills Developed

• Discuss specific skills developed through these activities, such as fine motor skills, precision, patience, and creativity.
• Reflect on how these skills might be transferable to a dental career.

Connect to Dentistry

• Subtly draw parallels between the manual skills utilized in these activities and those required in dentistry.
• If possible, relate it to any experiences or observations of dental practices.
• Activity: Pottery Crafting
• Duration: 3 years, weekly classes
• Description: Engaging in pottery has honed my manual dexterity and spatial awareness. Molding clay into detailed shapes and creating symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing pieces requires a steady hand and attention to detail. These skills, akin to those utilized in dental procedures, have not only enhanced my appreciation for meticulous handwork but also underscored the importance of precision and artistic understanding in creating functional, visually appealing structures.

Your response should provide a clear, detailed, and reflective account of your experiences that demonstrate manual dexterity and how these skills might translate into a dental career. Ensure to convey a genuine appreciation for activities that require hand skills and a thoughtful understanding of how these skills are relevant to dentistry. This will showcase your preparedness and intrinsic alignment with the skillset required in the dental profession.

Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program: Prompt 3

What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people.

Dentistry is not only about technical skills but also about interpersonal skills, as dentists work with diverse groups of people, including patients, staff, and other healthcare professionals. This prompt seeks to understand your experiences and skills in working with others.

Highlight Diverse Interactions

• Team Projects or Group Work: Discuss any collaborative projects or activities where you worked in a team, focusing on your role and contributions.
• Volunteer Work: Share experiences where you worked with people in a service capacity, such as volunteering at community centers, hospitals, or events.
• Leadership Roles: If you’ve held leadership positions in clubs, sports, or other organizations, discuss how you managed and worked with your team.
• Customer Service Roles: Jobs or roles in retail, restaurants, or any customer-facing position can showcase your ability to manage and interact with people effectively.

Demonstrate Key Skills

• Communication: Highlight instances where effective communication was key to success or resolving issues.
• Empathy: Share experiences that required understanding and empathizing with others’ perspectives or emotions.
• Conflict Resolution: Discuss any situations where you played a role in resolving conflicts or facilitating smooth interactions.
• Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked cohesively with others to achieve common goals.

Reflect on Learnings and Growth

• Discuss what you learned from these experiences and how they shaped your interpersonal skills.
• Reflect on how these experiences have prepared you for interactions in a healthcare setting.

Relate to Dentistry

• Draw connections between the skills developed through these experiences and the interpersonal skills required in dentistry.
• Mention any interactions or observations in dental settings that further inspired or informed your understanding of patient-doctor interactions.
• Activity: Volunteering at a Local Community Center
• Duration: 2 years, bi-weekly involvement
• Description: My role involved organizing and facilitating community events, where I interacted with individuals from varied age groups and backgrounds. This experience enhanced my communication and organizational skills, as I coordinated with team members and engaged with community members to ensure successful events. I learned the importance of empathy and active listening, especially when interacting with elderly individuals who often shared personal stories and experiences. These skills are crucial in dentistry, where understanding and addressing patients’ concerns and anxieties is pivotal.

Your response should weave through your experiences, skills, reflections, and their relevance to dentistry in a cohesive manner. Ensure to provide specific examples and insights from your experiences, demonstrating a deep understanding of interpersonal skills and their application in a dental career. This will showcase your preparedness for the people-oriented aspects of a career in dentistry.

Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program: Prompt 4

Please explain your reasons for selecting dentistry. please include what interests you the most about dentistry as well as what interests you least..

Navigating through this prompt requires a balanced reflection on your passion and pragmatism towards a career in dentistry. It's essential to showcase genuine interest and understanding of the field while also acknowledging its challenges or less appealing aspects.

What Interests You Most

1. personal experiences:.

• Reflect on any personal experiences that drew you towards dentistry, such as dental visits, braces, etc.
• Discuss any interactions or observations with dentists that left a positive impact.

2. Impact and Service:

• Highlight the aspect of service and impact in dentistry — helping people improve their oral health, confidence, and quality of life.
• Mention the satisfaction derived from immediate results and direct impact in healthcare.

3. Interdisciplinary Nature:

• Discuss how dentistry combines various fields — healthcare, biology, engineering (prosthetics, orthodontics), and even art (aesthetics, restoration).

4. Patient Interaction:

• Mention the appeal of continuous patient interaction and building relationships over time.

5. Technological Advancements:

• Express interest in the evolving technology in dentistry, such as laser treatments, 3D printing, etc.

What Interests You Least

1. be honest but tactful:.

• Choose an aspect that is genuine but ensure it is not central to the profession.
• Avoid cliches like “there’s nothing I dislike” – authenticity is key.

2. Challenges in Patient Management:

• Discuss challenges like managing anxious or non-cooperative patients while maintaining empathy and professionalism.

3. Administrative Aspects:

• Mention the potential tedium of administrative tasks, paperwork, and management aspects of running a practice.

4. Continuous Learning Curve:

• Acknowledge the demanding aspect of continuous learning and adaptation due to evolving dental technologies and methods.

5. Ethical Dilemmas:

• Discuss navigating through ethical dilemmas, such as treatment refusals or non-adherence to advice.

I was drawn towards dentistry during my orthodontic treatment in high school, witnessing the profound impact it had on my confidence and oral health. The multifaceted nature of dentistry, intertwining healthcare, engineering, and aesthetic artistry, fascinates me. Particularly, the ability to alleviate pain, enhance aesthetics, and consequently, uplift an individual’s self-esteem and quality of life is profoundly impactful. However, the administrative aspects, such as managing paperwork and insurance claims, seem less engaging to me. While they are crucial for practice management, I find them to be a diversion from the core clinical and patient-care aspects that primarily draw me to dentistry. Nonetheless, I perceive them as a necessary component to facilitate the smooth functioning of a dental practice, ensuring that the clinical aspects can be executed effectively.

Your response should offer a well-rounded view of your perception of dentistry, reflecting both your passion and realistic understanding of the profession. Ensure to convey how the positives outweigh the negatives for you and how you are prepared to navigate through the less appealing aspects, showcasing a mature and informed perspective towards a career in dentistry.

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time.

Envisioning participation in viper, 1. interdisciplinary approach:.

• Highlight the appeal of VIPER’s interdisciplinary approach to energy research.
• Discuss how the blend of science and engineering will enable you to explore innovative solutions to energy challenges.

2. Research Opportunities:

• Mention specific research labs, projects, or professors in VIPER that align with your interests.
• Discuss how engaging in research from early on will deepen your understanding and skills in energy science.

3. Real-world Impact:

• Express your desire to contribute to tangible solutions for global energy challenges.
• Mention how VIPER’s focus on translating research into practical applications resonates with you.

Past Experiences

1. academic:.

• Mention any coursework or projects related to energy science, physics, chemistry, or engineering that piqued your interest in the field.

2. Research:

• Discuss any prior research experiences, especially those related to energy, and what you learned from them.

3. Extracurricular:

• Highlight participation in science clubs, competitions, or projects related to energy solutions.

Pursuing Dual Degrees

1. bridging theory and application:.

• Discuss how pursuing dual degrees will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to innovate in energy solutions.

2. Comprehensive Understanding:

• Mention how the dual degrees will provide a comprehensive understanding of energy from both a scientific and engineering perspective.

3. Career Goals:

• Relate the dual degrees to your career aspirations in energy research, policy, or technology development.

VIPER Majors of Interest

1. specific interests:.

• Mention the VIPER majors that align with your interests and why they appeal to you.
• Be specific about the aspects of the major that excite you, such as particular courses or facets of the curriculum.

2. Future Applications:

• Discuss how the majors will equip you for your future career or research aspirations in the energy sector.

My fascination with energy science was ignited during a high school project on photovoltaic cells, where I explored the intricacies of converting sunlight into electricity. This interest was further fueled by my internship at [XYZ Lab], where I delved into research on enhancing the efficiency of solar panels using nanotechnology. VIPER, with its robust interdisciplinary approach, stands out as the epitome of energy research education, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application through its dual-degree program. Engaging in cutting-edge research under Dr. [ABC], particularly in [specific project or lab], aligns seamlessly with my aspirations to innovate in renewable energy technologies. The dual degrees in [specific majors] will not only deepen my understanding of energy science but also equip me with the engineering prowess to translate theories into tangible technologies. My goal is to contribute to developing scalable and sustainable energy solutions, and VIPER is the quintessential program to catalyze my journey in navigating the complexities and challenges of the energy landscape.

Ensure your essay reflects a genuine interest and understanding of energy science and the VIPER program. Connect your past experiences, current interests, and future aspirations cohesively, showcasing a clear pathway of how VIPER will be instrumental in furthering your career in energy research and technology.

General Guidelines for Answering UPenn's Supplemental Essay Questions

1. immerse yourself in upenn’s culture:.

• Understand UPenn’s Programs: Dive deep into the specifics of UPenn's programs, courses, and faculty to demonstrate a genuine interest and understanding of what the university offers.
• Align with UPenn’s Values: Ensure your responses resonate with UPenn’s ethos, particularly its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and impactful leadership.

2. Showcase Your Individuality:

• Highlight Unique Experiences: Your unique experiences, challenges, and perspectives are valuable—ensure they shine through in your essays.
• Your Contribution to UPenn: Clearly articulate how your uniqueness will contribute to the UPenn community and its diverse tapestry of cultures and ideas.

3. Articulate Clear Goals and Aspirations:

• Career and Academic Goals: Be clear about your academic and career aspirations and how UPenn’s specific offerings align with them.
• Interdisciplinary Interests: UPenn values interdisciplinary studies. Showcase your varied interests and how you plan to intertwine them during your time at UPenn.

4. Authenticity and Sincerity:

• Be Genuine: Authenticity in your responses will resonate more than trying to present an image you think the admissions committee wants to see.
• Reflect True Interests: Discuss programs, courses, and opportunities that genuinely excite you, not just those that seem impressive.

5. Precision and Clarity:

• Concise Writing: With stringent word limits, ensure your responses are concise, clear, and to the point without sacrificing depth or meaning.
• Prioritize Information: Choose the most impactful experiences and insights to share, ensuring they provide new information beyond your Common App essay.

6. Engage with Engaging Narratives:

• Storytelling: Weave your experiences and insights into a compelling narrative that provides a window into your world and aspirations.
• Relatable Experiences: Choose relatable stories and experiences and provide tangible evidence of your qualities and interests.

7. Flawless Presentation:

• Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure your essays are meticulously proofread and free from grammatical or syntactical errors.
• Seek Feedback: Obtain feedback from mentors, peers, or teachers to ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

8. Connect to the UPenn Experience:

• Visualize Your UPenn Journey: Ensure your essays provide a clear picture of how you envision your time at UPenn, both academically and personally.
• Community Involvement: Discuss how you plan to engage with and contribute to the UPenn community, both on and off campus.

9. Embrace the Opportunity:

• More Than an Application: View these essays as an opportunity to genuinely present who you are and articulate your fit and enthusiasm for UPenn.
• Showcase Your Journey: Use this platform to provide a holistic view of your journey, your aspirations, and why UPenn is the ideal place for you to realize them.

10. Stay Informed:

• Keep Updated: Ensure you’re aware of any recent developments, new programs, or initiatives at UPenn that might align with your interests and aspirations.
• Showcase Current Relevance: Relate your interests and experiences to current global or social contexts, showcasing your awareness and engagement with the world.

Navigating UPenn’s supplemental essays requires a blend of authenticity, clarity, and a deep understanding of what UPenn offers and values. By intertwining your unique journey, aspirations, and experiences with UPenn’s offerings and ethos, you can compellingly convey your fit and potential contributions to the UPenn community.

For further insights and examples, exploring the U Penn essay examples might provide additional perspectives on crafting standout applications.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on your journey towards the University of Pennsylvania is about more than academic achievements; it's about crafting a narrative that intertwines your unique journey, aspirations, and potential contributions with UPenn’s rich legacy and vibrant community. Your supplemental essays provide a pivotal platform to showcase your character, aspirations, and the distinctive value you would bring to the UPenn community.

Every UPenn aspirant brings a unique story and perspective. This is your opportunity to eloquently articulate yours, ensuring it resonates with UPenn’s ethos and offerings. Approach your essays with authenticity, depth, and a palpable passion for your narrative and future aspirations.

If you find yourself questioning whether your essay genuinely encapsulates your essence or stands out amidst a sea of applications, our essay review service is here to assist you. Our seasoned experts will provide comprehensive reviews and feedback, ensuring your essay resonates powerfully with UPenn’s admissions officers. For additional insights and inspiration, our ebook , featuring essays from students who secured spots at top-tier institutions, can be a valuable resource. Moreover, our compilation of successful UPenn essay examples will offer invaluable perspectives and inspiration.

For those embarking on their college application journey, consider scheduling a free consultation with our experienced college counselors. We are committed to assisting you in crafting an application that enhances your chances of becoming a part of UPenn’s vibrant community. Your dream of joining the ranks of UPenn’s Quakers is within reach, and we are here to support you at every step of your journey.

What Makes Crimson Different

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Everything you need to know about US Application Supplemental Essays
• Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
• How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
• 2023-24 Common App Essay Prompts
• What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

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UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023-24

The UPenn supplemental essays are a key component of your UPenn application. As an Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania has an extremely competitive application process. Moreover, with the UPenn acceptance rate at 6% ( per U.S. News ), every part of your application counts. So, it’s crucial that each UPenn supplemental essay highlights the best aspects of your application. 

This guide will detail each of the UPenn essay prompts and provide tips for your UPenn supplemental essays. For each UPenn supplemental essay, we’ll break down the best way to tackle the prompt and how to choose a topic.

Overall, the University of Pennsylvania essays are the best way to communicate directly with the UPenn admissions officers. So, it’s important that your essays speak to your individual strengths. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the UPenn supplemental essays!  

UPenn Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

University of pennsylvania application quick facts.

• UPenn Acceptance Rate: 6% – U.S News ranks UPenn #7 in National Universities 
• UPenn Application Requirements: In order to apply to UPenn , students must submit their UPenn application through either the Common App or Coalition App. Students must also provide an official high school transcript, school report, and letters of recommendation. 
• Early Decision: November 1 st
• Regular Decision: January 5 th
• UPenn Supplemental Essay Requirements : UPenn requires three supplemental essays for every applicant. This also includes one school-specific essay that will depend on the program you are applying to. Additionally, students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs will have an additional program-specific essay to complete. 
• UPenn Supplemental Essay Tip: Your UPenn supplemental essays should highlight different themes/topics from your personal statement essay. The UPenn supplemental essay prompts are designed to paint a more holistic picture of your application. So, make sure your topics are unique and specific to your experience! 

Does UPenn have any supplemental essays?

Yes, UPenn has several different supplemental essays. We will detail the UPenn supplemental essay prompts later in this guide. In addition to the 2 required UPenn supplemental essays, UPenn requires a third school-specific supplemental essay.

Be aware of the UPenn essay deadline, and give yourself enough time to write and edit your UPenn supplemental essays. The UPenn essay deadline is the same as the application deadline , so be sure to start your UPenn supplemental essays early!  

How many essays does UPenn require?

Most students will be required to complete three UPenn supplemental essays. Each student will be required to complete the first two UPenn essay prompts, and then one school-specific essay prompt. Those applying to one of the coordinated dual degree and specialized programs will also need to complete an additional UPenn essay. Up next, we’ll take a look at each UPenn supplemental essay prompt. 

UPenn Essays: A Thank You Note

The first UPenn supplemental essay prompt is only required for first-year applicants. 

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)

The thank you note prompt is designed to help UPenn Admissions learn about who you are through your relationships. So, in your essay, they want to hear about the people who have helped you become who you are today. This UPenn supplemental essay is a great chance to share something deeply personal while showing your appreciation for someone important. 

Think carefully about what story fits in the greater context of your application. You can pick a teacher, coach, mentor, community leader, friend, or family member – it’s up to you! Additionally, in this University of Pennsylvania essay, you’ll need to draw your reader in with context and details. Writing about a specific anecdote can anchor your essay and also help your reader feel the impact of this particular relationship.

There’s a lot you might be thankful for. However, try to think of people who have helped you grow as a person or learn some kind of lesson. That way, you can capture something about who you are and what you admire in others. It may take several drafts to get your UPenn supplemental essays within the word count, so be mindful of the UPenn essay deadline! 

UPenn Supplemental Essays: Community Essay

The second UPenn supplemental essay prompt is the closest to a why UPenn essay. 

How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)

This why UPenn essay prompt is framed specifically around community. So, think about the community you’ve built in high school and how you’ll create a new network in college. What clubs, sports, or organizations are you interested in joining? Moreover, how do you envision your community forming at UPenn? Additionally, try to be specific to the unique opportunities at UPenn – what are you most excited about experiencing on campus?

Your why UPenn essay should make it clear to admissions officers that you’ve done your research. So, beyond listing specific details, you should have a clear perspective on how UPenn will help shape you over four years. Think about what you’re bringing to the UPenn community and what you hope to get out of it. Your why UPenn essay should be founded in reciprocity, so think about what you have to offer as well as what UPenn offers you. 

Be sure to hit all points of the UPenn essay prompts as well. It can be easy to focus on how you’ll build community. But, be sure to reflect on your experiences and how they will shape Penn as well. With a smaller word count, this can be a challenge. However, focusing on one aspect of the UPenn community can help. Your why UPenn essay should be unique to you and your passions. So, take the time to do your own research and find something that really excites you!

UPenn School Specific Short Answer Prompts

Applicants need to write one more UPenn supplemental essay, which will depend on the school or college they’re applying to. These school specific UPenn supplemental essays help UPenn understand your academic goals. So, don’t neglect them.

Here are the school specific UPenn supplemental essay prompts: 

Doing research.

Compared to a why UPenn essay, these UPenn supplemental essays specifically discuss your intended major. These UPenn supplemental essays resemble other why major essays you may encounter for other schools. So, if you want some inspiration, you can build off the foundation highlighted in these why major essay examples . However, it’s important that your UPenn supplemental essay highlights specific information for the UPenn program you’re applying to. 

Comprehensive research is key to these UPenn supplemental essays. So, look into the major or program you’re applying to and try to find specific details to include in your essay. Try to find individual classes , professors , or research projects you can highlight. Connect your interest in your chosen major to the specifics of your program. Then, be sure to explain how UPenn will help you achieve your academic and even future career goals. 

Choosing a Major

These UPenn supplemental essays aim to capture your passion as well as your experience within your chosen major. So, think carefully about why you’ve chosen a particular school or college. If you’re still unsure about what major to select, check out our webinar on Deciding Your College Major . Your excitement about your major will help you feel confident tackling this University of Pennsylvania essay! 

UPenn Supplemental Essay: Dual Degree/Specialized Programs

Students applying to one of UPenn’s dual degree or specialized programs also have specific UPenn application requirements. To apply, students must complete an additional University of Pennsylvania essay.

Here are the prompts for the dual degree/specialized programs UPenn supplemental essays: 

Understanding the university of pennsylvania essay prompts.

Overall, each of these University of Pennsylvania essay prompts is extremely specific. So, just like with the why UPenn essay and the program-specific UPenn supplemental essays, research is key.

With the competitive UPenn acceptance rate and its highly-ranked programs , admission is selective to these dual-degree programs. These UPenn supplemental essays help the UPenn admissions team understand your interest in these programs. Dual degree/specialized programs can be extremely demanding. So, you’ll want your University of Pennsylvania essay to communicate your passion and dedication to that specific program and field.

Identifying which UPenn Supplemental Essays to answer

The UPenn supplemental essays you complete will depend on which school you’re applying to. Your UPenn supplemental essay requirements will populate based on your school/college selection via the Common App or Coalition App. So, you will easily see which University of Pennsylvania essay prompts are required.

The first two UPenn supplemental essay prompts, including the why UPenn essay, are required for all applicants. The third prompt will depend on which school you are applying to, but all applicants will complete a school-specific essay. Students who are applying to a dual degree or specialized program will also write a fourth UPenn supplemental essay.

To find out which UPenn supplemental essays you will need to complete, explore UPenn’s majors . Then, you can check to see which school or college your intended major is housed in.

Does UPenn care about essays?

Yes, UPenn cares about essays – they are a key element of the school’s comprehensive review process . The UPenn supplemental essays are the best way for UPenn to get to know you better. The UPenn essay prompts are designed to help your readers understand your interest in UPenn as well as your academic goals. This is your chance to tell your story, so it’s important to spend adequate time and energy on each UPenn essay. Since all of the UPenn essays are required, it’s fair to say that your UPenn supplemental essays matter!

The UPenn supplemental essays are also a great chance to explain certain aspects of your application in greater detail. So, be sure to highlight what you find most compelling about your experiences within each UPenn supplemental essay.

The University of Pennsylvania essay is a crucial part of meeting the UPenn application requirements and crafting a strong application. So, be sure to take writing your essays seriously!

Five tips on how to write your UPenn Supplemental Essays

If you’re still feeling stuck starting or drafting your essays, don’t worry. Here are five tips to keep in mind while writing your UPenn supplemental essays: 

1. Be original

Your UPenn supplemental essays should reflect your academic goals and specific interest in UPenn. So, think carefully about what interests you about UPenn and make sure your why UPenn essay highlights this. The UPenn essay prompts aim to showcase your unique talents and experiences, so take advantage!

2. Read UPenn supplemental essay examples 

It can be hard to jump into writing your UPenn supplemental essays without knowing what a successful essay looks like. Before you get started, read our UPenn supplemental essay examples here . Even if the UPenn supplemental essay prompts differ, you can get inspiration from the writing style and content. 

3. Do your research

Your UPenn supplemental essays should also reflect the research you’ve done and communicate what about UPenn specially interests you. So, researching UPenn’s academics, student experience, and campus can help your UPenn supplemental essays highlight why you’re excited to attend UPenn. 

4. Edit thoroughly 

With such a selective admissions process, it’s important that your UPenn supplemental essays are polished. So, they must be free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or any other distractions. It can also help to share each UPenn supplemental essay with a teacher or mentor to help in the editing process. Additionally, you’ll likely end up writing multiple drafts for each UPenn supplemental essay prompt – and that’s a good thing! Editing, revising, and trying new approaches can help you write your best University of Pennsylvania essay. 

5. Have fun! 

Overall, the UPenn supplemental essays are a great chance to be creative in the admissions process. Try to write a UPenn supplemental essay in a different writing style, or experiment with your topics. The UPenn supplemental essay prompts help the school gain insight into who you are, so take advantage of the opportunity! 

How to make your UPenn essays stand out

Your University of Pennsylvania essay is a crucial part of your overall application. The UPenn supplemental essays help admissions officers understand your goals and ambitions. The best UPenn supplemental essays work together to paint a holistic picture of an applicant. So, to help your UPenn supplemental essay stand out, take a step back and think about your larger narrative . 

Each UPenn supplemental essay should also reinforce central themes present in your application. If you hope to become a doctor, your UPenn supplemental essays should illustrate your path towards medicine. For example, your why UPenn essay might explain how UPenn’s pre-med program will help prepare you for medical school. Then, your school-specific essay might explain why you want to be a doctor.

Ask yourself, what different stories can you tell? Additionally, which stories fit better for different prompts? The most effective UPenn supplemental essay will help your reader view you as a complete individual. That means highlighting the values and passions of the person behind the grades and test scores .

More UPenn Resources from CollegeAdvisor and Beyond

CollegeAdvisor has a number of resources to help you through the entire college application process. You can read our guides on How to Get Into UPenn , and Ivy League Essay Examples . If you’re still feeling stuck on the University of Pennsylvania essay, try reading our essay guides. You’ll find more helpful tips regarding College Essay Topics and How to Write Better Essays . 

For more information on the University of Pennsylvania, be sure to check our Forbes and the College Board . We also recommend visiting UPenn’s website to find the most up-to-date details about the application process , and academic programs . You can also read the Daily Pennsylvanian , UPenn’s student newspaper, to get a better sense of student life.

UPenn Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

Each UPenn supplemental essay is a major component to your overall application. Here are 5 takeaways on how to write each of your UPenn supplemental essays.

Start early 

The University of Pennsylvania essay can take many different drafts, edits, and attempts to complete. So, it’s crucial to start your UPenn supplemental essay early to give yourself enough time to write the best version possible. Essay prompts are typically released in late summer, so be sure to monitor UPenn’s website for any updates. 

Do your research 

The UPenn supplemental essay is meant to demonstrate your interest in attending UPenn vs other universities. You should be able to pinpoint why UPenn is the best fit for you as well as how UPenn will help you achieve your goals. Spend time researching academic programs, student activities, and special programs for your UPenn supplemental essay. 

Be specific 

Your University of Pennsylvania essay will be one of hundreds submitted for consideration. So, it’s important that your essay captures your specific and unique narrative. The more details you can include, the better. It’s important that your voice comes through – but it may take multiple drafts for this to happen!

Write multiple drafts

The first draft of your University of Pennsylvania essay should look very different from your final draft. The only way to ensure that you submit the best versions of your UPenn supplemental essays is to undergo multiple drafts and edits. Even if you don’t think you need to, take some time away from your drafts and read them with fresh eyes. Additionally, you might be surprised what new ideas come to mind or spelling mistakes you didn’t notice on a first read!

Consult with others 

Even if you write multiple drafts, it can be hard to imagine how your ideas land on an outside reader. So, try to get your University of Pennsylvania essay read by another person before submission. Reach out to your teachers, mentors, or family members to provide feedback on your essays. Then you can choose what feedback to incorporate into your final draft.

This essay guide was written by S enior Advisor Jess Klein . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023–2024

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The University of Pennsylvania , located in Philadelphia, PA is an Ivy League university with notable alumni including Elon Musk, John Legend, and Noam Chomsky . Known as “Penn” or “UPenn,” this university also boasts an impressive faculty, from Jeb Bush to Adam Grant. It’s no surprise, then, that their admissions statistics are just as intimidating—only 4.1% of applicants were accepted into the Class of 2027. In this article, we’ll cover how to nail your UPenn supplemental essays.

Applications are evaluated holistically at the University of Pennsylvania, and students who can demonstrate intelligence, empathy, and personality in their supplemental essays will be most successful. Let’s dive right in.

University of Pennsylvania’s 2023-2024 Prompts

There are two kinds of essays you need to write for your UPenn application, for a total of three essays (unless you choose to apply to a specialized or dual degree program, or you are a transfer student, in which case you will have to write additional essays not addressed in this article). The first two essays are required for all first-year undergraduate applicants, while the third essay is specific to the school at UPenn to which you are applying.

Supplemental Short Answer Prompts

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (we encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience) (150-200 words), how will you explore community at penn consider how penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape penn. (150-200 words), undergraduate school academic short answer prompts, penn nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. what do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare (150-200 words), the flexible structure of the college of arts and sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. what are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences (150-200 words), wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words), penn engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at penn. (150-200 words).

This prompt asks you to reflect on your relationships, and in particular, a relationship that has shaped you significantly and deserves acknowledgment. Admissions officers ask these kinds of questions in order to better understand your maturity level and ability to express authentic gratitude to those who have helped you in your life’s journey. 

It’s less important who you thank, and more important how you thank them. Use specific details and/or anecdotes in your letter, and make it clear that you didn’t take their contributions to your life for granted. Also, bear in mind that this kind of essay prompt often gives rise to clichéd responses. Review each phrase in your essay and consider whether it sounds like a cliché—have you read this phrase before in a book? Have you heard someone say this phrase before? If you want your essay to stand out, the language needs to stand out as well.

This essay question requires you to discuss your intended contributions to the community at UPenn in addition to your own past experiences in communities. You’ll also need to briefly discuss or imply through your discussions of past and future community interactions how your unique perspective influences your interactions within communities. That’s a lot to discuss in only 150-200 words: your past interactions with communities, your current perspective on community engagement, and your future intended exploration of the community at UPenn.

How can you fit so much information into one short essay? You can consider this essay to be akin to a “Why UPenn?” essay. You could talk about how your past experiences in communities make UPenn’s community a perfect fit for you, due to your unique perspective on the world.

Alternatively, you could focus on a particular past experience in a community and how you hope to recreate or improve upon this experience while at UPenn. Demonstrate your research into UPenn by naming specific programs or aspects of UPenn’s community which speak to you!

These prompts are specific to UPenn’s various schools: Penn Nursing , The College of Arts and Sciences , Wharton , and Penn Engineering . You don’t have to know your major going into a UPenn application, but you do need to know your school of choice. Moreover, each school has unique resources and opportunities which you should remark upon in your essay. 

Note that students in all schools can take courses in other schools but transferring between them is very challenging; therefore, be sure to apply to the school which is genuinely most appropriate to your interests. Don’t apply to one school hoping to switch to another!

This essay prompt not only expects the student to have looked into the opportunities at Penn Nursing, but also that the student has been thinking and processing their thoughts about the global future of nursing. In this essay, you should consider presenting 1-2 programs, courses, extracurriculars, or other opportunities at Penn Nursing which you would like to take advantage of as a student and express how these opportunities would prepare you to contribute to Penn Nursing’s mission of promoting equity in healthcare.

Alternatively, you could focus your essay on your intended future contributions to the field of healthcare with brief discussion of how Penn Nursing will help further your goals. You could also discuss your perspective on the future of healthcare, ideally through a global lens which addresses scientific advancements and the promotion of equity in a multicultural landscape. One of the challenges of this prompt is addressing all of the topics it mentions. In your response, do your best to hint at each one, whether directly or indirectly.

The challenge with applying to The College of Arts and Sciences at UPenn, versus one of the other schools, is that it has the least specific curriculum. Thus, your essay should point out 1-2 specific programs, courses, professors, or other opportunities which you have researched and have determined are most interesting to you. 

Even if you’re undecided about your major, you can still discuss subjects which have sparked your curiosity and enthusiasm in the past. You can talk about academic topics that you get lost in, projects which have wiled away many hours, and questions you hope to investigate while a student at UPenn. Then, your excitement for the future opportunities at UPenn which you hope to take advantage of will make sense in the narrative of your academic journey.

Highlight your curiosity in your response by “showing” and not “telling.” Many students fall into the trap of telling the reader that they are curious, but just saying you are passionate about biology or you love history is neither memorable to read nor particularly credible to the reader. Clarify your curiosity, excitement, or passion for learning through specific details and genuine enthusiasm. Write an essay that could be written by no one else—every sentence should be specific to you and your perspectives and experiences!

Many students apply to Wharton without a motivation beyond making money or attending a prestigious name-brand institution. Of course, these are legitimate motivations. But Wharton is more than a pre-professional program and UPenn is ultimately an academically focused institution seeking academically motivated students. 

Before writing this essay, consider researching economic, political, and/or social issues which are relevant today, and narrow down your research topics to those which are most interesting to you. Consider how one of these issues could serve as a useful and engaging long-term research project. Develop a question which is specific, timely, and—most importantly—fascinating to you. 

Then, you can compose an essay which revolves around this question and remarks upon how various opportunities at Wharton will help you develop a nuanced answer to this question. Mention by name a class you could take, a professor under whom you could conduct research, or another academic program which would help you become more informed on this issue. Be as specific as possible in your response, while also being sure to tie your curiosity about this question to the opportunities at Wharton which relate to this question. 

In this essay response, you should elucidate your engineering interests and how you intend to explore these interests at UPenn. That means naming specific programs, courses, professors, and other opportunities at Penn Engineering that excite you. In addition, mention opportunities across disciplines, as the admissions officers are seeking students who will engage in UPenn’s curricula with both depth and breadth: depth of study into specific topics of interest and breadth of topics across interests.

Ideally, your essay will address more than just academics, albeit briefly. The prompt mentions “leaders in technology”; if admissions officers are looking for students who will become leaders in technology, then describing how you seek to be a leader on campus or pursue innovation through extracurriculars will help round out your essay’s narrative.

If you need help polishing up your UPenn College supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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• Supplementary Materials

Most students who are admitted to Penn do not submit supplemental materials. All of the information that we feel is crucial in making an admission decision is included within our required documents.

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While there are rare instances where additional information may benefit an application, we recommend that you think very carefully before sending in supplementary material. In most cases, too many extra documents can take away from the strength of an application. In short, keep it simple!

Below are guidelines to follow when submitting anything that is outside of the required documents. We cannot guarantee that supplementary materials will be reviewed during the application process. Materials outside of those listed below will not be considered.

One Additional Letter of Recommendation

As a matter of equity, Penn allows for only one additional supplemental letter of recommendation beyond those required. We ask that you only submit an additional letter from someone who knows you personally and whose perspective would add information not captured elsewhere in your application. (Letters from family members and close family friends usually do not provide information that is helpful to the evaluation process.) If you choose to submit an optional additional letter of recommendation, please submit it directly through the Coalition or Common App.

Expanded Resume or Research Abstract

Students who have completed notable academic research should use the activities section or additional information sections of the application to convey these achievements. If however there is a brief abstract or explanation of your work that you could not include in other required parts of the application, you may submit that as a supplementary material through your Penn Applicant Portal which becomes available to you once you submit the Coalition or Common App and the Penn Supplement.

Art or Music Sample

Students with exceptional and recognized talents in visual arts, performing arts, or music, should use the activities section or additional information sections of the application to convey these achievements. If however there are samples of your work that you could not include in other required parts of the application, you may upload them to an external host (personal website, YouTube, SoundCloud, etc.) and then submit a document with any URLs/links as a supplementary material through your Penn Applicant Portal which becomes available to you once you submit the Coalition or Common App and the Penn Supplement.

Portfolios are not required and will only be reviewed in two instances:

Digital Media Design applicants are recommended to submit a portfolio that includes at least one drawing or painting as well as any other work that highlights your talent. All forms of media are welcomed. Submit pieces that highlight your sense of aesthetic taste and vision and your eye for composition. The Program encourages you to explore how the computer transforms your artwork and design ideas. Please limit your selection to 5-12 pieces, or a maximum of 5 minutes of video.

Transfer students applying to Architecture for sophomore standing are required to submit a portfolio. There is no specific number of submissions that must be included. Junior transfers are ineligible to apply to the Architecture major.

File Sizes and Types for Portfolios

We support media files as large as 5GB, but please be advised that larger files will take longer to upload from your internet connection and may stall if you are on a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary period of time. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages. We support the following file formats:

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University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

University of Pennsylvania 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 300-450 words; 1 essay of 150-200 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s):  Community , Why

How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying. (300-450 words)

*students applying to digital media design and computer & cognitive science should address both the specialized program and single-degree choice in their response. for students applying to the other coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question in regards to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay..

You’ve probably seen this before: the why essay. Clocking in between 300 and 450 words, UPenn’s take on this classic prompt is on the longer side. There’s only one thing to do, the same thing we always tell you to do: research, research, research. Set aside some quality time to get up close and personal with UPenn’s website (or campus if you’re able to visit) and take some detailed notes on everything that appeals to you. Go deep. Read some descriptions of the classes you will take in your major and Google the professors you will be learning from. Think about telling a story that illustrates your path to UPenn: how do its’ offerings align with your own interests and goals? You could, alternatively, paint an aspirational picture of what you’d be like on campus. Any way you slice it, you should be focusing on “intellectual and academic interests” related to the undergraduate school to which you’re applying. Show admissions that UPenn the ideal fit for you and your academic goals. 

At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classroom, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community. (150-200 words) 

UPenn’s first prompt asks about your intellectual and academic pursuits, but admissions also wants to know about who you are and what you’d like to do when you’re not cramming for exams and soaking up your professor’s sage wisdom. Start by thinking about the here and now. Where can you be found when your homework is done? How do you spend your weekends? Think of something that gets you interacting with others or diving deep into your area of expertise. Admissions wants to know what your area of influence will look like at UPenn: an on-campus job, a unique hobby, or maybe an organization to which you contribute innovative ideas and exquisite cake decorating skills. (Bake sale, anyone?) Finally, remember to address how UPenn will shape your identity and vice versa. Will the Black Wharton Undergraduate Association help you to explore your entrepreneurial interests? Will your plethora of non-profit internship and volunteering experience make you a fantastic addition to and a natural leader in the Social Impact Consulting Group? Whatever you write about, make sure your response to this prompt shows that you have put some serious thought into what your life will look like at UPenn. 

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College Admissions

Why upenn college essay example 1 – penn supplement.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

College essays are hard to write, especially when they’re for competitive Ivy League colleges like the University of Pennsylvania.

Here’s the deal:

College essays are 100 times easier to write when you have examples of what is both good and bad.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to approach the question, “Why Penn?” in your application. We’ll walk you through exactly what makes this admissions essay effective and what could have been better.

Let’s start with why this essay works.

Why this admissions essay works:

• The student opens with a succinct and clear direction of where the essay is heading. He gets straight to the point and dives right into the meat of the essay.
• The second paragraph demonstrates to an admissions counselor that this student has done his research on the school—in turn showing the counselor that this student is a serious applicant. Demonstrated interest is crucial in today’s competitive admissions scene to stand out from the rest of the pack.
• The student breaks down his key message into three subsections: academics, extracurriculars, and student life. By doing so, the student stays true to the first paragraph in providing a clear direction throughout the entire essay.
• Paragraphs 4-5 are particularly effective because they epitomize demonstrated interest; in this case the student draws on his own experiences visiting the school campus.
• In paragraph 5, the student starts explaining to the admissions counselor how he can fit into the Penn community; as important as it is to convey to the counselor that you’ve done your research, arguably the most important part of “Why X?” supplements is helping the reader understand where you fit into the school community. The student answers this question by talking about his previous world experiences.
• The student concludes with a short and sweet ending and draws on a cultural food item of Philadelphia, where Penn is located. What this essay demonstrates well is the fact that while introductions and conclusions are important, the main content of the essay is the most important component of all. Students often get bogged down trying to think of attention grabbers and clever ways to open and close their essays; as a result they end up not developing the meat of their essay well enough to demonstrate to the reader that they have done their research and can fit a specific niche within the school’s community.

How this Why Penn  essay could have been better:

The student did a great job demonstrating to the reader that he had done his research; however, the essay itself could have been more creative in its approach. The introduction and conclusion are succinct and effective; however, a more unique introduction would have drawn the reader in faster. The student made up for this with the quality of the content of the essay.

Since first setting foot on campus two years ago, I have found that Penn has always stood out in my search for the perfect university. Every aspect, from the flexible academics to its urban environment, to the diversity of the student body seems to readily match the setting in which I hope to immerse myself over the next four years.

Academically, I hope to continue pursuing my interests in economics and business, international studies, and French. Unlike many other schools, Penn openly encourages such breadth of study, believing the skill sets developed through different subjects to be universally interdependent and pragmatic in the real world. Through Penn’s one-university system, I would work towards my B.S. in Economics through Wharton while simultaneously taking courses in international studies in the College, and even have the opportunity to hone my accent in France for a semester. In 2012, I would graduate from Penn knowing my education over the past four years helped build my foundation as a better critical thinker who can apply core business and teamwork skills in any field.

All the while, I would be actively building on my high school extracurricular experience at Penn. I plan to continue my studies in economics outside of the classroom through Penn’s Undergraduate Economics Society both to continue improving my leadership skills and to join the club’s campaign to stimulate interest in economics on campus, an objective of mine at my high school since my junior year. I would also like to take part in editing and writing in the club’s unique International Undergraduate Journal of Economics. To stay active, I hope to join the Men’s Club Tennis at Penn, and I look forward to building on my experience with elementary-age children through the West Philadelphia Tutoring Project.

But perhaps above all, it is the student community at Penn that has attracted me the most. My first time strolling down Locust Walk with my family seeing all the club representatives left and right trying to convince students to join their causes was just amazing. There was an air of perpetual excitement and community, a feeling that Penn’s student body is extremely tightly knit. In October, I was even lucky enough to shadow two Huntsman Program freshmen on my third visit to campus. Staying overnight with a student from Morocco concentrating in French, but who was studying Spanish, as well as a student from Oregon targeting German, I found that I felt very comfortable living and learning in the diverse environment at Penn.

Sitting in on several classes, I also discovered Wharton’s unique MGMT 100 course to be perhaps the ideal class to tie together my experience in teamwork, interest in community service, and enthusiasm to immerse myself in a real-world business environment. Armed with an open mind and experiences from my travels to a multitude of countries across Asia, North America, and Europe, as well as my volunteer work at events such as the International Children’s Festival and the East African Center’s Evening for Africa, I believe I will bring a very unique and worldly perspective to campus, an outlook I hope to share and broaden working with some of the brightest students from around the globe at Penn.

With so many new doors to open, I know a college experience at Penn will prove challenging, yet undoubtedly rewarding. I look forward to a fulfilling four years of hard work, fun, and cheese steaks.

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Camping Shakespeare Edited Collection

Camping Shakespeare Edited Collection CFP Eds: Louise Geddes and Sam Kolodezh Abstract due: August 1, 2024

Paper due: April 1, 2025

The editors seek essays for a collection that aims to think about camp and early modern drama. Often imagined as a know-it-when-you-see-it, or more derivatively, as bad performance, camp has been a touchstone of queer culture in its most immediately recognizable form for at least the past century. Camp has been variously defined as wilfully bad taste, a commitment to the marginal and frivolous, and as a tool of building and maintaining radical and often temporary communities of care. Arguably, it has also been present in many early modern plays since their original productions. More recently, it has been sanitized, appropriated, or dismissed by scholars and artists even as it continues to mutate and exist at the boundaries of “good” art. Since the turn of the century, camp has had a popular resurgence on American screens and stages, ushered in by pop culture icons such as Ru Paul, Nathan Lane, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga. On theater stages, this resurgence is often made more explicit in adaptations and appropriations of Shakespeare: James Ijames Fat Ham (2021), Taylor Mac’s Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus (2019), and Fake Friends Circle Jerk (2020). 

This collection invites projects that think about camp as a politically contested space and practice. We welcome essays with the aim of exploring, developing, and articulating a camp aesthetic, methodology, or performance practice within Shakespearean drama and early modern culture more broadly, including, but not limited to, staging practices, parody, adaptation, self-representation, burlesque, queer or racialized histories, and questions of taste. How do camp aesthetics engage with Shakespeare and the early modern? To what extent is camp useful as a framework to understand early modern texts and performances? How does camp use Shakespeare and early modern culture to construct ideas of race? What types of insight can camp offer into the role of parody and adaptation in imagining and forming communities in and out of Shakepseare’s texts and stages? Ultimately, this collection seeks to answer the question of what campy and trashy Shakespeare can offer Shakespeare studies. 

Possible topics could include;

-Camp as methodology

-Camp, fooling, and clowning 

-Shakespearean camp across the centuries 

-Camp and race 

-Camp and the limits of genre

-Camp, kitsch, schlag, trash, and twee 

-Temporalities of camp

-Camp and kink 

-Camp as care 

-Politics of camp

-Camp as politics  

-Camp as transversality

-Camp and power

-Camp and parody 

-Camp and/as performance 

-Camp and abjection 

Please submit 250 word abstracts and 150 word bios to [email protected] and [email protected] by August 1. Accepted papers will be due April 1, 2025 and should be approx. 6,000 words in length, including notes.

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• Those enrolling directly from high school.
• Those enrolling directly from high school who have completed college-level work while in high school.

Please note: Applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits completed after high school graduation must also meet  transfer GPA requirements.

Early admission may be granted based on a sixth or seventh semester high school transcript if it appears that the student will meet admission requirements.

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• An application for admission .
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• ACT or SAT test scores. You may request copies of your ACT or SAT scores. If your ACT or SAT scores are on your school transcript, you do not need to have them sent separately. New first-year students entering in 2024 who do not provide test scores will automatically be considered for admission if their cumulative unweighted GPA is 2.60-4.00. Those who have cumulative GPAs of 2.30 - 2.59 will be admitted through the  Vandal Gateway Program . Students in this GPA range are also welcome to appeal through our  Admissions Committee .  Every student who has a test score is encouraged to provide it for admission as well as class placement.
• Official high school transcript showing graduation date. If you have not yet graduated from high school, a transcript showing all completed work may be accepted for early admission.
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• Core requirements
• Combination of cumulative  GPA and test scores
• Applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits earned after high school graduation must also meet the admission requirements for new transfers .

If you do not meet the published criteria for admission at the time of review, you may apply to the  Admissions Committee  for consideration.

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First-Year students who have completed their GED instead of graduating from an accredited high school and have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits since obtaining their GED will have their application for admission referred to the  Admissions Committee for a decision.

• ACT or SAT  test scores. Please note: If you have an ACT composite of 26 or higher or an SAT Evidence Based Reading + Math score of 1260 or higher, you are not required to submit the letters of recommendation or the written statement referenced below. 
• Official high school transcript showing the work completed. (Note: high school transcripts are required from any high school attended even though the student did not graduate.)
• A copy of the GED test results.
• Three signed letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the student's academic ability.
• A written statement from the student which includes the student's goals, educational and/or professional objectives, an explanation of past academic performance, information and/or documentation regarding any extenuating circumstances and any other information the student wishes to have considered.

Please note:   Applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits completed since obtaining their GED must also meet the admission requirements for new transfers.

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First-year students who have been home-schooled either partially or completely for grades nine through 12 and have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits since graduating from home-school will have their application for admission referred to the Admissions Committee  for a decision. You must submit:

• ACT or SAT test scores. Please note: If you have an ACT composite of 26 or higher or an SAT Evidence Based Reading + Math score of 1260 or higher, you are not required to submit the letters of recommendation or the written statement referenced below. 
• Home-school transcript or a description of your educational background including subjects studied.
• Official transcripts from any secondary school attended prior to or in addition to home schooling.
• A copy of the GED test results if obtained. 
• A written statement from the student that includes the student's goals, educational and/or professional objectives, an explanation of past academic performance, information and/or documentation regarding any extenuating circumstances and anything else the committee might find useful when reviewing your file.

Please note: Applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits completed since graduating from home-school must also meet the admission requirements for new transfers .

Non-Accredited High School Students

First-year students who graduate from non-accredited high schools (high schools without accreditation from a regional accrediting agency such as the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges) and have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits since graduating from high school will have their application for admission referred to the  Admissions Committee for a decision. You must submit:

• ACT or SAT  test scores. Please note: If you have an ACT composite of 26 or higher or an SAT Evidence Based Reading + Math score of 1260 or higher, you are not required to submit the letters of recommendation or the written statement referenced below.
• A copy of the GED test results if obtained.

Students with Fewer than 14 Transferable Credits

First-year students who have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits since high school graduation must meet both  first-year and transfer admission requirements.

• ACT or SAT test scores. You may request copies of your ACT or SAT scores. If your ACT or SAT scores are on your school transcript, you do not need to have them sent separately. Students entering in 2024 who do not provide test scores will be considered for admission if their cumulative unweighted GPA is 2.60-4.00.  Every student who has a test score is encouraged to provide it for admission as well as class placement.
• Official high school transcript showing graduation date.

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How to Write the Williams College Essays 2020-2021

Found in rustic, western Massachusetts, Williams College is a small liberal arts college known for its stellar undergraduate education. With a tight knit community of 2,000 students, Williams boasts a 7:1 student to faculty ratio and offers 36 different majors. Williams was founded in 1793, and through its 227 year history, it has accrued deep traditions, such as a school-wide Mountain Day, in which students hike up nearby Mount Greylock. 

Williams College has consistently been ranked by US News as the number one liberal arts college in America. The college is also highly selective, and for the class of 2023, only 13% of applicants were accepted (most recent official stats). Williams alumni are also diverse, ranging from President James Garfield to composer Stephen Sondheim to photographer Walker Evans. 

A key aspect of the Williams application lies in the strength of your supplemental essay, which gives the admissions committee a more personal look at your profile, and we’ve broken down each essay prompt below! Want to know your chances at Williams? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what Williams College will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Williams College needs to know.

How to Write the Williams College Supplemental Essays

This is an opportunity for you to present another writing sample. It’s entirely optional, and you can either respond to one of the prompts below in an essay of no more than 300 words, or you can upload an academic paper (preferably in the humanities or social sciences) completed in the last academic year.

Option 1: The first-year Entry—a thoughtfully constructed residential microcosm of the student community that’s a defining part of the Williams experience—brings together students from around the world with different perspectives, interests and backgrounds. Imagine having a late-night conversation with your Entrymates about a community that you value. Describe that community and why it’s important to you.

Option 2: All-Campus Entertainment (ACE), a student organization, hosts a weekly event called “Stressbusters”—an opportunity for students to focus on self-care by stepping away from their typical routine and enjoying some unscheduled time—and snacks!—with friends. Weekly Stressbuster activities might include a concert, playing with a therapy dog, painting pumpkins, building with Legos, etc. What’s your version of a “stressbuster,” and how does it help you rejuvenate in the midst of a hectic week?

Option 3: At Williams, we believe that bringing together students and professors in small groups produces extraordinary academic outcomes. Our distinctive Oxford-style tutorial classes—in which two students are guided by a professor in deep exploration of a single topic—are a prime example. Each week the students take turns developing independent work—an essay, a problem set, a piece of art—and critiquing their partner’s work. Focused on close reading, writing and oral defense of ideas, more than 60 pre-determined tutorials a year are offered across the curriculum. Imagine yourself in a tutorial at Williams. What topic would you be most excited to study in that setting and why?

Option 4: I would like to upload my own essay (from a humanities or social science course and ideally 3-5 pages in length).

The first-year Entry—a thoughtfully constructed residential microcosm of the student community that’s a defining part of the Williams experience—brings together students from around the world with different perspectives, interests and backgrounds. Imagine having a late-night conversation with your Entrymates about a community that you value. Describe that community and why it’s important to you. (300 words)

In this essay, you want to first brainstorm the communities that have been valuable to you growing up, any community that has been formative for you as a person. This can be a cultural or ethnic community, a family, a sports team, a musical ensemble, a neighborhood, an online community, or a workplace. The key simply is to bring this community alive in your essay, illustrate how much it means to you, and show how you’ve given back to it. 

You want to show the admissions committee passion and commitment to groups and organizations that you’re invested in, just as you would in a freshman residential community. Then, you could look toward the future, toward your time at Williams, and talk about wanting to meet people outside of your own bubbles, and have intimate conversations with people from all over the world. 

Williams College consistently admits students from the vast majority of states in America, as well as from over 30 countries worldwide, so their commitment to diversity is deep. As a result, you want to think about what perspective you would uniquely bring to the Williams Entry, what kinds of conversations you could contribute to foster a diverse community. There’s enough space to also think critically about the communities you’ve been a part of, and think through the different problems that you had to undergo while being a part of them. 

Here are a few different examples for you to think about:

• Maybe you have been committed to your Indian Bhangra team for the past four years. You could talk about the technical aspects of your work, such as choreographing dances, organizing practices, and putting on performances. However, you could also dive into the most difficult parts of your commitment, such as the time a dance wasn’t coming together leading up to the concert, or dealing with a sudden drop out in your group, or having communication issues within the team. Through these experiences, you could talk about drawing closer to your team, as well as feeling closer to your own Indian heritage through dance and performance.
• Maybe you’ve been shaped by your environmental surroundings, being from Idaho. You could talk about how you never grew up in a city or a large community, but spent most of your time with your family and friends hiking mountains and going camping. You could talk about how as an Idahoan, you have come to value land conservation, indigenous rights, and an overall respect for the places you inhabit. You could illustrate for the reader the beautiful scenery that surrounded you growing up, the thrill of looking out from a mountaintop, and the difficulties of living outdoors. 
• Maybe you’re not American, and grew up in Brazil. You could talk about your own local customs and culture, how it differs from the stereotypes of Americans you have grown up hearing. Maybe your interest is primarily in politics, and so you envision having long conversations that compare the Brazilian government to the American government, and how race relations operate in both countries. 

All-Campus Entertainment (ACE), a student organization, hosts a weekly event called “Stressbusters”—an opportunity for students to focus on self-care by stepping away from their typical routine and enjoying some unscheduled time — and snacks! — with friends. Weekly Stressbuster activities might include a concert, playing with a therapy dog, painting pumpkins, building with Legos, etc. What’s your version of a “stressbuster,” and how does it help you rejuvenate in the midst of a hectic week? (300 words)

There’s many different ways in which you can approach this essay, and it’s certainly a bit more left field than prompts one and three, but if done right, this essay can shine an equal amount of light on your character, personality, and passions. However, this essay is a bit tricky, because you want to answer the prompt and talk about the ways in which you relieve stress, but you also want to show the admissions committee a deeper picture of yourself as a person. Therefore, you should try to avoid a simplistic response, like “I binge Netflix,” without a bit more depth into your own struggles and passions as a person. 

You can be as open as you want to be, talking about stress relief side by side with your daily stresses, flipping back and forth between the difficulties and the pleasures of your daily life. Ideally, your stressbuster could also be a hobby or activity you love to do, but just don’t have enough time to pursue. Or maybe your stressbuster is an extracurricular activity, and you’ve been struggling over the difficulty in enjoying it, while being pushed to excel in it. It’s critical that you drive the essay towards not what you do, but who you are. 

Here are a few examples for you to think about:

• Maybe your stress reliever is playing the cello, but you have a particularly complicated relationship with that because playing the cello also brings you stress. You want to both excel in the instrument, winning competitions and helping your school orchestra, but also want to keep it as a hobby that brings you joy. You can talk about the times it’s been a relief, maybe when you play a certain song you love, but also dive into the times when it’s caused stress and pain in your life. 
• Maybe your destresser is watching food channels on YouTube, which not only makes you more hungry, but has also instilled within you a curiosity about the different food cultures across the world. Maybe there’s a few particular YouTubers you follow closely, which has inspired you to create your own YouTube channel, and spread joy through cooking videos of your own. Making the videos turned out to be hard work, but you found joy through seeing other people respond positively to your content. 
• Maybe your hobby is building model airplanes, which you’ve been doing with your father since you were a child. You could talk about how despite everything else changing in your life, school getting much more difficult, and witnessing different familial troubles, you’ve never stopped working on model airplanes with your dad, and it’s been a soothing and reliable activity for you. 

At Williams, we believe that bringing together students and professors in small groups produces extraordinary academic outcomes. Our distinctive Oxford-style tutorial classes—in which two students are guided by a professor in deep exploration of a single topic—are a prime example. Each week the students take turns developing independent work—an essay, a problem set, a piece of art—and critiquing their partner’s work. Focused on close reading, writing and oral defense of ideas, more than 60 pre-determined tutorials a year are offered across the curriculum. Imagine yourself in a tutorial at Williams. What topic would you be most excited to study in that setting and why? (300 words)

First, you want to brainstorm the kinds of academic fields you’re interested in, and it’ll be even better if you have past experiences studying the topic. Then, you want to choose a specific sub-topic in the particular field you chose: if you want to study English, you could choose a particular author, or literary movement, or genre of writing. If you want to study chemistry, you could choose anything from thermal dynamics to quantum mechanics to inorganic chemistry. 

The key here is to be able to both talk about a specific topic, as well as shed light into your own character, passions, and desires for your future education. You want to show the readers what you’d bring to the table in an academic discussion, and how you would engage with difficult academic questions. 

You should also do some digging into all the different tutorials Williams offers , just to get a sense of the kinds of classes taught at Williams. The topics truly span the entire range of academic disciplines, with titles ranging from “Fictions of African American History” to “Analytic Number Theory” to “Advanced Planetary Geology.” 

Next, you want to think about why you’re excited to study the subject, and here, past anecdotes are great. If you want to do a computer science tutorial, you could talk about your own experience learning how to code and working on your side projects, but then go into how Williams takes it up to the next level, with their “Machine Learning” tutorial. You could talk about how you’re excited to work with similarly passionate people, and not only get better at the technical aspect of coding, but also dive into the ethical and societal questions suitable in a tutorial-esque setting.

Maybe you want to study history, and the topic you’d be most excited to study is the Vietnamese War, because of your own history of being the child of Vietnamese refugees. You want to get to know more about your own history and culture, as well as be able to understand your parents’ own socio-political contexts better. 

While imagining your ideal tutorial, it wouldn’t hurt to brainstorm what the class itself would look like. What kinds of materials and mediums would you be engaging with in class? What primary sources excite you? What kinds of problems would you want to solve each week? Even if you don’t include all of this in the essay, it’ll help bring the tutorial to life in your head.

I would like to upload my own essay (from a humanities or social science course and ideally 3-5 pages in length).

If you feel like a high school essay captures better the essence of who you are, rather than the aforementioned prompt options, you should go for this option. Or, you could pursue this option if you’re completely crunched for time. However, we would recommend that you pursue one of the first three options, because they are all excellent avenues for you to illustrate your personality and character, but also show to Williams that you’re committed to writing about their school. 

Ideally, if you do end up choosing this option, the essay should be grammatically tidy and free of any syntactical errors. A well argued analytic essay should do the job, but it would be even better if you had a personal essay you could use, because the main point of the supplemental essays is for the admissions committee to get to know you on a personal level.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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