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College Essays

The University of Pennsylvania requires all first year applicants to submit a personal essay as well as a Penn-specific essay. If you're hoping to be one of the 6% of students admitted to Penn every year, your UPenn essay is an important part of your application. You'll need to make sure your essays are strong to increase your chances of admission.

In this article, we'll go over the UPenn essay logistics—covering exactly what you need to write for each college you're applying to at UPenn. Then, we'll break down each prompt, offering suggestions for what to write about. Finally, we'll give tips on how to write an amazing UPenn essay that'll help you get into your dream school.

What Are the UPenn Essay Prompts?

If you're applying to UPenn, you must submit your application to one of UPenn's four undergraduate schools. Depending on which undergraduate program you're applying to, you'll need to answer UPenn's specific statements as well as an additional essay for that school.

There are three required short answer prompts for this year’s UPenn application. The first is:

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)

UPenn's second essay prompt for all students is:

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)

And, finally, the third prompt:

Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, describe how you intend to explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania. (150-200 words)

Depending on the undergraduate program you're applying to, you may have to write an additional essay as part of your application. Here are those additional essay prompts and the program for which they apply:

• 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 that led you to your decision to enter dentistry.
• List any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands.
• What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work cooperatively with people?
• 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.
• 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.
• Digital Media Design Program: Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)
• 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)
• The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Science 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)
• The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology: Please complete both prompts.
• 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 maximum)
• The Rejendra 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)
• 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)
• 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)

UPenn Essay Prompts, Analyzed

In this section, we'll analyze each of the UPenn supplement essay prompts and offer suggestions for what you should talk about (and avoid) for each.

Penn-Specific Essays

Let's take a look at how to tackle the essays all students will have to answer.

This rather charming prompt is a great opportunity to show the UPenn admissions counselors what you value and what you’re grateful for .

Consider making a list of all the things people have done for you, and narrow it down to those that have made the biggest impact. Has a family member or your best friend has gone the extra mile for you, and you haven’t quite found a way to truly thank them? Maybe someone you’re not friends with stood up for you in an academic or social situation. Maybe your Model UN nemesis did you a solid. Is there something you may have taken for granted?

Once you’ve narrowed down your topic, remember to focus on the "so what" part of the answer. Why is it important to thank this person? What did they do, and how did it affect you? Why have you not yet been able to thank them (there are plenty of good reasons for this—don’t panic if you feel like you’ve been rude!).

Remember to be as specific and sincere as possible—you have 200 words, tops, to tell a genuine story that reveals part of your character.

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)

The first prompt was largely focused on academic interests. The second is where you can think more about community.

Going to college isn't just about what you'll learn in class. It's also about forming life-long friendships and exploring different communities to find out who you are and what you like to do.

Of course, you can't predict exactly what your social life is going to look like before you even get accepted. You may end up in clubs you never expected, with friends you never anticipated. But that's okay—UPenn isn't asking you to lay out, step-by-step, how you'll participate in college communities. They just want to know that you're thinking about it!

To answer this question, consider looking into UPenn's many student-run clubs and activities and find some that match your interests. Think about how these clubs and activities will contribute to the vision you have of your future. What impact do you expect them to have on you?

But don't forget the second half of the question! UPenn also wants to know how you will shape the community, not just how it will shape you . What unique perspectives do you bring? What can you do that nobody else can?

This question is a pretty typical "why you?" essay prompt that's focused on community rather than academics. Think about how you fit into your social groups; what makes you unique? Are you the token caregiver friend? Or maybe you're always pursuing a new weird hobby, and your friends love hearing about what your new niche interest is. These are just two traits that you could use to explain what you'll bring to the UPenn community— get a little creative, think about how you participate in your friend groups, and plan how you're going to bring those thoughts into your new school!

Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, describe how you intend to explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania. (150-200 words) 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.

The third prompt is a traditional Why UPenn essay. It asks you to explain why you want to attend UPenn, and what you’ll do while you’re there.

While these types of prompts are common, the Why UPenn essay prompt focuses specifically on academics—it's not concerned with your interest in UPenn's extracurriculars or campus life. Your answer, then, needs to be specifically focused on your academic pursuits and how UPenn will help you achieve your goals.

You'll need to talk about how the undergraduate school you're applying to affects your academic interests, so do your research on the school. You don't want to talk about a class that you won't have access to because it's in another undergraduate school. All of your answers should be reflective of the courses you'll be able to take if admitted to the undergraduate school of your choice.

You should have a good sense of the classes offered by your program. It's a good idea to name specific classes or professors you'd like to study with. Similarly, if there are any specific opportunities available to students in your field, such as internships or study abroad programs, this essay is the place to talk about it.

The next prompts are for specific programs at UPenn. Channel your inner snowflake and show how you're a unique, one-of-a-kind candidate! 

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 that led you to your decision to enter dentistry. (250 words maximum)

List any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands. (250 words maximum)

What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work cooperatively with people? (250 words maximum)

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 maximum)

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 maximum)

The prompt for the Bio-Dental program is extensive. Attack it in pieces, being as specific as possible when answering each question.

Don't feel that you need to make up any specific experience. If you haven't interned at a dentist's office, don't invent that experience. You should stick to reality. If you haven't observed at a dentist's office, you can set up a time to visit a local dentist so that you're writing about your real experience, not something you've invented.

When listing your activities, be sure to indicate how each is relevant to dental skill. Maybe you do a lot of needlepoint, which shows that you're able to carry out complex patterns. Again, you don't want to make anything up. Not only will your essay read as inauthentic, you won't have the experience you need to enter into the program.

Take your time and work through this prompt in pieces if you have to. Be thorough, honest, and accurate.

Digital Media Design Program

Just like the Artificial Intelligence essay prompt, in this essay you'll want to explain exactly why the Digital Media Design program at UPenn appeals to you. There are a few important components to an answer for this prompt: specificity, personality, and genuine interest.

To tackle the first important feature, you'll want to do some research into the program you're applying to. Find the unique things about this program in comparison to others; that can mean the professors who teach in it, the classes that are offered, what former students are up to, or anything else that you can tie specifically to UPenn. The reason for this is that the college wants to know that you're not just applying there as a fallback choice. UPenn wants students who are driven and passionate about what college will help them achieve, and putting specifics into your essay is a great way to show that you care about attending.

Next, be sure that your essay has personality. You want your essay to read as if only you could have written it. Having specifics will help with that, but you should also make it a point to let your own unique voice and interests shine through. If Digital Media Design draws your interest because you've always been drawn to the unique storytelling potential of animation after growing up on Pixar films, that's worth mentioning! Remember, your college application is all about getting the college invested in you as a student; let your personality shine through.

And lastly, demonstrate genuine interest. UPenn is a great school, and you should use your essay to show that you're not just applying there because you needed to fill another slot on your college list. Express your passion for attending UPenn, and specifically the Digital Media Design program. What brought you here over every other school? Even if UPenn isn't your top choice, remember all the things that made you put the school on your college list in the first place, and keep them in mind as you write.

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)

For the Huntsman essay, you'll need to explain exactly what draws you to UPenn's International Studies and Business program. This is a dual-degree program, so you'll be studying at the intersection of these two fields. A working understanding of each will be important to writing this essay.

To start, make a short list of reasons why this degree appeals to you. What international issues interest you? Why take a business approach rather than a sociological or political one? You don't have to put the answers to these questions in your essay, but if you know the answers to them, you'll be better prepared to answer the prompt with confidence.

The question specifically asks for how you'll use what you learn in this program to make an impact on a global issue. That requires some familiarity with global issues; think about causes that matter to you and how you can use business to approach them. How will attending UPenn help you toward your career goals?

You can cite specific classes, instructors, or other features of UPenn to help make your point. Your essay should feature not just how you want to make an impact on the world, but also why you're seeking a dual degree, and specifically a dual degree from UPenn.

The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Science 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)

The LSM essay prompt has been recently updated. Instead of being a general "why this program" style prompt, this essay wants to dig deeper into why you're interested in Life Sciences and Management and understand more about whether your personality is a fit for the program.

This essay is all about the bigger picture. The LSM program is all about innovation, so this essay wants you to pick a big issue and explain how what you learn as an LSM student will help you solve it. The best way to answer this prompt is through a combination of research and specificity. First, research the LSM program. You definitely want to pick an issue that you'll actually learn about as a UPENN student. It's also a good idea to call out specific classes, professors, and research opportunities in your response! (Keep in mind that this program is a joint venture between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Wharton School of Business, so be sure to research both schools.)

Once you have all that information pulled together, you can get specific. Admissions counselors don't expect you to solve the world's biggest problems. But they do want to see that you're thinking critically about issues in your future field, and that you can break the problem down into pieces. For instance, instead of saying you want to solve climate change, narrow that topic down into something doable, like developing new plant-based plastics that can be used in the medical field.

The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology

Please complete both prompts.

Question 1: 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)

Question 2: Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words maximum)

You'll need to complete two additional essays if you're applying to the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology.

Like many UPenn programs, this school combines two different fields—management and technology . To answer this question effectively, you'll need to know exactly how the two can work together. Think about why you've chosen this particular program—what can you gain from it that you wouldn't from a program in either management or technology? How will a degree in this program help you reach your personal and career goals? This prompt asks for how you'll use it to explore your interests, so don't be afraid to get specific!

The second question is also concerned with your problem-solving ability. This classic prompt wants to know about a time when you faced adversity and either overcame it or learned from it. Don't be afraid to show yourself tackling a real challenge here—your ability to persevere is more important than showing that you never make mistakes.

The Rejendra 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)

The easiest way to answer this prompt is with a story. Tell the admissions committee how you became interested in this line of study.

You should be as specific as possible in your answer. After all, the prompt calls for examples from your own experience. You should be able to clearly articulate where your interest stemmed from. Don't feel like you have to talk about everything that interests you within this field—focusing on one or two clear examples that you have a lot of interest in will go further than trying to talk about everything related to networked information systems and technologies.

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)

You have plenty of space in this prompt (up to 650 words), so you should make sure to address both parts of the question—why you're interested in Penn's nursing and healthcare management program and how the program will help you achieve your future goals.

Key to answering the second part of the prompt is to have some future goals thought out—have a specific idea of what you want to do with your degree. Then, tie that back to things you can study at UPenn. It would be helpful for this prompt to familiarize yourself with aspects of UPenn's program—courses, professors, learning and employment opportunities. The more you can show why UPenn is the right school for you to achieve your goals, the better your essay will be.

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)

This prompt wants to know exactly how you think the VIPER program will help you reach your future goals. You also need to touch on why you want to get a dual-degree. You have plenty of space in this prompt, so make sure you answer each aspect thoroughly. Don't invent previous experience if you don't have it—be honest and authentic in your answer.

You should have a clear idea about which VIPER majors you're interested in. Be prepared to name specific UPenn majors and provide reasoning, in the form of classes you'd like to take or professors you'd like to study with.

5 Tips for Acing the UPenn Supplement

Hoping to write amazing UPenn supplement essays? Follow these key tips to do so!

#1: Use Your Own Voice

The point of a college essay is for the admissions committee to have the chance to get to know you beyond what's featured in other parts of your application. Your admissions essays are your chance to become more than just a collection of statistics—to really come alive for your application readers.

Make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don't just write what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not—it will be really easy for the committee to tell you're lying.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will at best diminish its effectiveness and at worst make the admissions committee think twice on accepting you. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think UPenn wants you to be.

#2: Be UPenn-Specific

All of your UPenn essays should be UPenn-specific. Don't be generic in your answers—the admissions committee should get the idea that you know about UPenn and that your answer is specific to that school, not about college in general.

Don't waste your time telling the admissions committee that UPenn has a world-class faculty—first of all, the admissions committee knows that and second, many universities do. Talk about why UPenn is the right school for you and be prepared to give real, concrete examples.

#3: Do Your Research

You can make your essay UPenn-specific by doing your research. Look into the course catalogue, visit your prospective major's website. Schedule a meeting with a professor or current student if you can. The more specific information you have, the better.

#4: Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

When writing your UPenn essays, don't use clichés or overused quotes or phrases. The college admissions committee has probably seen numerous essays that state, "Be the change you want to see in the world." You can write something more original than that!

Each of the UPenn essays asks you something specific about your experience or background. Your essay should be 100% you —you don't want the admissions committee to think, "Anyone could have written this essay."

#5: Check Your Work

Your UPenn essays should be the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your UPenn application, edit and proofread your essays.

Run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit and ask someone else to read your essays. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

#6: Have a Spike

What's a spike, you ask?

In short, a spike is something that makes you stand out. Something that no (or very few) other applicants have.

When you're applying to college, it's tempting to seem well-rounded and interested in all the things.

Don't do that.

Your application won't stand out if you're mediocre in band, on the track team, and on student council. It will stand out if you travel to Japan to perform with a world-class performance ensemble or qualify for the Olympic trials in shot put.

When your focus is on one thing, you'll be better at it than if you have to split your time and attention. It will also be more impressive on your resume.

Final Thoughts

Your UPenn essay is an important part of your application. Depending on the specific school you're applying to, you may have to write three or more essays.

No matter which school at UPenn you're applying to, keep in mind:

• Be authentic.
• Highlight your best qualities.
• Use specific examples of UPenn courses and professors you want to study.
• Be generic.
• Make anything up about yourself.
• Split your focus by talking about too many different ideas.

What's Next?

If you're applying to UPenn, you're likely applying to other colleges on the East Coast, too. Check out our expert guides to the Williams essay , the Tufts essays , and the Harvard essay .

Need help writing your Common App essay? Our tips will show you how to write a Common App essay guaranteed to make you stand out from other applicants!

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays - Examples & Tips

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

So, you’ve set your sights on attending the University of Pennsylvania. You’re confident in your GPA and SAT scores, but how should you write the UPenn supplemental essay? Read on to find out!

The University of Pennsylvania is one of the most selective schools in the United States. According to U.S. News, its acceptance rate is 7%. As such, it’s essential that applicants supply the admissions office with a detailed picture of not only who they are as a student but also as a person. 

Completing the UPenn supplemental essays is a necessary and crucial part of the application process. A well-written essay can give your application a massive boost, but a poorly-written one can affect your other materials significantly. 

In this guide, we’ll cover how to tackle the UPenn essays so that you can maximize your chance of acceptance!

UPenn Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

UPenn requires all applicants to complete three supplemental essays . Each required essay is short, with a maximum word count ranging from 200 to 250 words. 

If you're applying to a specialized program, you may have to complete additional essays. Take a look at our college guides for a step-by-step walkthrough of the UPenn application process. 

The following are the standard UPenn supplemental essay questions that all undergraduate applicants are required to complete. 

UPenn Required Essay Prompt #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)”

UPenn Required Essay Prompt #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)”  

UPenn Required Essay Prompt #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)”

UPenn Required Essay Prompt #4 - 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)”

UPenn Required Essay Prompt #5 - 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)”

UPenn Required Essay Prompt #6 - 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)”

For the college-specific prompts (#3-6), you will only need to answer the prompt for the school you’re applying to. So, you’re only required to write three essays overall. 

UPenn Program-Specific Prompts

Depending on your desired program, you may also have to write essays tailored to your particular area of study. Many of the program-specific questions resemble the third supplemental essay question, asking the applicant to explain why they are interested in the specific academic path they are pursuing. 

Tap into your passion and use these questions to explore the practicalities of the path you’re on. Take a look at these program-specific essay prompts.

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

“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)”

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)”

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. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (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

This program has five prompts:

• “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 that led you to your decision to enter dentistry.
• List any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands.
• What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work cooperatively with people?
• 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.
• 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.

*Please note that there is a 250 word limit for the Bio-Dental Program supplemental essays.”

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 To Write Each Essay Prompt for UPenn

Let’s take some time to zero in on the three required essays that you’ll need to write for UPenn. Below, we’ll analyze what each prompt is asking of you and provide some tips to help you approach the essays well! 

How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

UPenn prompt #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)”

Analysis of prompt #1 : The school is seeking to figure out whether you have a sense of the importance of others in your life and if you realize the ways that they’ve helped you along the way. 

Though many high schoolers have learned the importance of individual hard work and discipline, studying at the university level often requires teamwork and collaboration. Schools like UPenn want to know that you’re prepared to participate and that you have a sense of community, which is further explored in the second essay. 

But to start, they want to get a sense of whether you know how others have made a difference in your life. This is your chance to show that to them. 

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Tip #1: Choose Your Person Wisely : Take some time to consider the person you will choose for this prompt. Make sure to pick someone who has had a significant impact on your life and to whom you are genuinely thankful. Don’t just pick someone that you think will impress the admissions committee. 
• Tip #2: Demonstrate Growth : Include reflections on how this person’s actions have changed you. Don’t be superficial ; dig deep into why you are thankful to this person and how you are still affected today. 
• Tip #3: Be Vulnerable : This prompt asks you to write directly to the person you’re thanking, which encourages you to get personal. Don’t shy away from this! Vulnerability is a mark of humility. However, make sure not to include details that will make your reader uncomfortable. 

How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

UPenn prompt #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)” 

Analysis of prompt #2 : Universities are communities. So, they are seeking students who have a sense of community and who want to be a part of one. 

In the first prompt, you are asked to demonstrate your appreciation for others who have shaped you in the past to who you are now. This second essay is an opportunity to show how you hope to contribute to the experience of those at UPenn and also how you hope to be transformed by your university experience.

• Tip #1: Reflect on UPenn’s Culture : Take some time at the beginning of your essay to demonstrate your understanding of UPenn’s community values. This shows that you not only fit into the community but that you’ve put effort into researching UPenn’s mission and values.   
• Tip #2: Show How You Fit : Now, talk about your own values and how they line up with UPenn’s. What draws you to UPenn outside of academics? How would you align with the school culture? 
• Tip #3: The Details Matter : It can be helpful to get really specific and use small details to convey memorable and meaningful ideas. An article by UPenn tells students that “sometimes, the smallest, most tedious things are the places where… we can communicate the most about ourselves as people.”

How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompts #3-6 : The third UPenn required essay, although it varies from school to school, is essentially asking all students the same question: “Why us?” 

If you have a specific career path in mind, the school wants to know that you have an understanding of the knowledge you’ll need in order to get there. Not to mention if you will use the knowledge you obtain at their school to be a contributing member of society .

There is no ‘right’ answer when it comes to your reasoning for pursuing any course of learning. UPenn wants to see evidence that you want more from your education than just bringing home a huge paycheck or achieving an illustrious degree. UPenn is interested in what matters to you. 

What do you know about the field of study you’re pursuing? Are your aspirations distinctive or a little hazy around the edges? How will you take advantage of the resources available to you? How will you contribute to the classroom environment? 

Seek to answer those questions when writing. Here are some more tips to help you tackle your third essay for UPenn: 

• Tip #1: Know Your Program : UPenn advises applicants to be extremely specific about why they’re applying to their specified undergraduate school. The more you can get into those details in your supplemental essay, the better. You may want to end your essay talking about your future aspirations at UPenn and beyond!
• Tip #2: Consider Your Personality : What are the specific factors that draw you to this field of study - class structure, learning opportunities, specific instructors? How will your personality and skill sets fuel your ability to thrive in the program of choice?
• Tip #3: Answer the Prompt : It can be easy to get off-track when writing your essays, so be sure that you’re actually answering what’s being asked of you. UPenn has chosen specific prompts in order to learn certain things about you, so stay on topic to improve your chances of acceptance!

Examples of UPenn Supplemental Essays That Worked

Below, you’ll find some UPenn supplemental essays written by real applicants who were admitted to UPenn! Let’s look at each one and discuss what worked about it.

UPenn Supplemental Essay Example #1: The Thank-You Note

If you’re still unsure about how to approach this prompt, take a look at this example essay for some inspiration:

To my brother:

Every day when I come home from school, I am exhausted and kick off my shoes, thinking three steps ahead, about the homework I’ve got to do, or the friend who hasn’t called me in a while. Wrapped in a world of my own. 

And yet, every time I head out the door, I find the laces of my shoes have been neatly untied, loosened and ready for me to step into the shoe. Having not taken the simple step of untying them when I get home, I have not set myself up for a quick or efficient trip out the door.

You and I are so different. I live in a world of abstract ideas and mental exploration, you are grounded in practical matters and prefer not to stray from what is right in front of you. I’m not ‘cool’ and have struggled to make connections with other kids, you fit in so easily, without much effort. 

Although in the past I wished you would stick up for me more, I know how hard it can be to go against the grain. I know you’re looking out for me, in the way that you know how. You’re helping me find my own way by making the small inconveniences in my life disappear, so I can head out the door and face larger challenges. Although I’ve never witnessed you untying my laces, I know that it’s you. Nobody else is home, but your being there is enough. 

Thank you for showing me how to care for someone, and how to give support in a small but impactful way.

Why Essay #1 Worked

Each sentence offers a window into the identity of its writer. They reveal a person who is a bit of a dreamer, who loves to explore abstract ideas, and who sometimes has trouble fitting in. It also offers a window into the writer's thought process. 

Although they express their love of daydreaming, they are also detail-oriented, noticing small things like shoelaces that have been undone in their absence. The writer shows they're able to appreciate the personality differences between themselves and their brother. They have compassion for their brother despite their differences.

UPenn Supplemental Essay Example 2: How Will You Explore Community at UPenn?

Below is a sample essay responding to the community-focused UPenn essay prompt: 

As a kid, I was always encouraged to sit and listen to the adults around me, as they were having conversations with one another. Not to spy, or to get information I could use for my own advantage, but to observe people. My Dad told me you can tell a lot about a person based on what words they choose to say, and also how they say them.

Because I was a bit of a chatterbox as a kid, at times I thought he was giving me this advice, so I would be quiet and keep to myself a little more. But as I got older, I realized he was trying to help me build a skill; the skill of listening to others, before offering up a response.

Time went by, and I continued to be a chatty goofball. Though my stoic father had tried his best, I still much prefer telling jokes over sitting silently. Luckily, I was able to find the perfect outlet for both of my powers: improv club. I could act out as much as I wanted, but the most hilarious skits we came up with were the result of listening before responding to my teammates. 

As I’m hoping to pursue a degree in philosophy, I’m very excited to put these skills to practice in the classroom. I can’t wait to explore the dynamism that comes from discussing complex topics with my professors and other students. 

Why Essay #2 Worked

The writer sets the stage by explaining how they started to learn more about relating to others. They also showed how they came to learn to work with their nature - wanting to be more active and leading in a conversation while also working to ensure they are making space for others. 

The writer also seems to anticipate the classroom environment they will be in, knowing that University Philosophy classes often involve discourse on the theories students are exploring. The more you’ve armed yourself with an understanding of UPenn’s programs and classrooms, the easier it will be to write about how you will be an excellent addition to the school.

UPenn Supplemental Essay Example 3: Explaining Your Undergraduate School Choice

Here is a great example of an essay that explains the background and particular reasons behind a student’s specific undergraduate choices: 

“Some Pig.” The day I read these words was the day I became a vegetarian.

In around 192 pages, E.B. White changed my entire perspective. My parents suddenly had to grapple with the challenge of feeding a kid who would not eat meat. Luckily, they understood that this wasn't just a phase for me. I started to gain a curiosity about the inner lives of animals, leading me toward an interest in animal psychology.

How much do we really know about what animals are thinking or feeling? Will we ever live in a world where humans are able to communicate with animals? What kind of moral issues would we face should that possibility become a reality? These are questions I used to spend hours researching on the internet. 

One day, I stumbled upon a course on UPenn’s website: Animal Cognition and Ethics. I couldn’t believe it. A whole class dedicated to discussions of what I most wanted to know! This was the beginning of my goal of being admitted into UPenn’s Bachelor of Philosophy and Science program.

Knowing that Philosophy required an understanding of how to evaluate ideas and shape arguments for and against them, I joined my school’s debate team. I was able to gain a sense of how to consider a wide variety of opinions, and a respect for those with opposing opinions. 

This experience has prepared me to explore ideas with my fellow classmates at UPenn.

Why Essay #3 Worked

The writer begins by explaining the beginning of their passion for the topic they hope to study at Penn. They then get into the specific program they hope to be admitted to while mentioning a specific class offered at the school. 

In doing this, they are demonstrating not only that they have done some research into the school but that they are already capable of seeking out resources to take advantage of while studying there. 

UPenn is looking for students who are open to new experiences and are not necessarily satisfied with the status quo. In this essay example, the writer has sought to demonstrate their understanding of a college classroom dynamic by mentioning their experience with the debate team. In doing this, they’ve shown they can engage with ideas that are different from their own. 

Get More Sample Essays Here! 

Looking at examples of supplemental essays is a great way to find inspiration and discover strategies that work well. Use our extensive college essay database down below to find tons of other sample essays!

FAQs: UPenn Supplemental Essays

Looking for some fast answers? Here are our answers to a few common frequently asked questions about how to write the UPenn supplemental essays examples.

1. Does UPenn Require Supplemental Essays?

Yes. You must complete three supplemental essays, which are short in word count.

2. How Do I Write the UPenn Supplemental Essay?

Reflect about what makes you an ideal candidate, and seek to demonstrate how you think and how you will be a good student in your essays. Make sure you keep to the word count, and ensure your grammar and spelling are impeccable.

3. Is There a “Why UPenn” Essay?

Yes. The third and final supplemental essay prompts you to explain why you’ve chosen to apply to UPenn, although the specific prompt varies depending on the undergraduate college you’re applying to. 

Final Thoughts

Writing UPenn’s Supplemental essays is an exciting opportunity to give the school more information about the person you are behind your grades. The essays are concise and are therefore not highly daunting to complete. However, their short length requires applicants to be succinct. 

Taking time to reflect on the program you’ve chosen at UPenn, what the school’s identity is and how that fits into your self-concept will be advantageous for approaching each question and providing detailed examples.

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The Admissions Strategist

How to write the upenn supplemental essays 2020-2021 (example included).

The University of Pennsylvania, also known as UPenn or Penn, is a private Ivy League school located in Philadelphia . Like other Ivy League schools , it’s prestigious and competitive. Last year, Penn admitted only 8.07% of its 42,205 applicants, so if you’re applying to the University of Pennsylvania, you’re up against some tough competition.

Should this discourage you? No! Instead, you should feel motivated to put together the best application possible in order to increase your chances. 

Every component of your application matters and that includes the UPenn supplemental essays. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to complete the UPenn supplement in order to make your application shine .

Click above to watch a video on UPenn Supplemental Essays.

What Are the UPenn Supplemental Essays?

The UPenn supplement must be completed in addition to the Common Application , Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application. This supplement consists of at least two essays, plus additional essays if you are interested in one of UPenn’s special programs, such as the nursing program. 

This guide will cover the essays for the combined program but will start by focusing on the two essays which are common to every application. It is important to note that if you are applying to a coordinated dual-degree or a specialized program, the two prompts common to every application should be answered in regard to your single-degree choice. Your interest in a coordinated dual-degree or specialized program should be addressed through the essay prompts dedicated to that specific program.

Penn’s general essay topics are as follows:

How did you discover your intellectual and academic interests, and how will you explore them at the University of Pennsylvania? Please respond considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected. (300-450 words) At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, 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)

How to Prepare for the UPenn Supplemental Essays

Penn has four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Nursing, The Wharton School, and Penn Engineering. When you apply to Penn, you’ll apply to one of these programs in particular. The first essay asks you to explain how your specific program will help you explore your intellectual and academic interests. The second essay wants you to explore the non-academic side of UPenn, examining how it will impact you and how you will affect it.

So, here’s your first step for both: research .

In order to answer these questions effectively, you’ll need to know a lot of information about the program to which you’re applying and the communities at UPenn. (Since you’re interested in attending the program for four years, it’s definitely worth knowing about anyway.) Here are some concepts to keep in mind as you research:

• You shouldn’t just talk about the program in general. Each program offers a wide variety of majors, and you should know which one you want to attend. 
• Be specific. Look into course offerings, professors, research or volunteer opportunities, and other details about that major. When this essay is finished, it should contain information that makes it impossible to use, word for word, for any other school.
• Your extracurricular interests at UPenn should logically flow from your application. Whether related to your major or something else on your activity list, it should make sense to the person reading your essay. 

Most importantly, Penn wants to know that you didn’t choose the school simply because it’s an Ivy League and highly regarded . What makes Penn the right choice for you, your interests, and your ambitions?

How to Write the First UPenn Supplemental Essay

As you start writing your essay, you’ll need to cover several pieces of information:

• What are your intellectual and academic interests? Give a few anecdotes or examples of why you’re passionate about a topic and how you’ve already explored it. Make sure your tone is excited and authentic.
• How can the program/major of your choice at Penn help you develop this interest and prepare for your career? Specificity is key, so don’t be afraid to mention specific courses, professors, or opportunities that have you feeling especially excited about Penn.

With this essay, you should demonstrate to the admissions officers that you’re passionate about learning and about UPenn, and you’ve taken the time to research exactly how you can pursue your intellectual and academic interests at Penn. This will demonstrate that Penn is a good fit for you, but it’ll also help admissions officers see that you’re a good fit for Penn. The goal is to help the admissions committee visualize how you’ll fit into and contribute to the program of your choice.

Do your research and provide some details!

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Feel free to begin your essay with a brief story or anecdote . If you do so, make sure the anecdote invokes an interest of yours that you can further pursue at UPenn.
• Explain how you will use specific UPenn resources, programs, classes, advice from professors to chase this interest.
• You can also add problems you’d like to solve in the field of your interest or discuss your ambitions.

Here’s an example outline:

• Seeing something in your city that you want to change, such as a polluted water source.
• Introducing an action you took to start making that change happen, like volunteering with a nonprofit.
• Explain what you learned from the experience, perhaps finding a water-filtration system that is effective, but expensive.
• Describe how UPenn is related to the above story based on the research you’ve done.  This could easily be a class or a professor’s research.
• Tell Penn what you hope to gain from interacting with what you selected above, ideally expounded upon an ultimate goal, such as establishing a company that creates a water-filtration system at 30% of the current cost.

UPenn Supplemental Essay 1 Example

As you read this essay, pay attention to the details. Specific classes and professors are mentioned, as well as a research opportunity the student is interested in. The writer also explains why they are interested in the majors they’ve selected, hitting the first part of the prompt.

A year ago, my grandmother was a fiery, goal-oriented woman. Since then, a neurodegenerative disease called Lewy body dementia (LBD) has caused her to deteriorate rapidly. Due to worsened symptoms, she has been forced to transition in and out of care facilities, resulting in a constant battle to adjust to new environments. Witnessing my grandmother’s downward spiral has opened my eyes to the inadequacies within our healthcare system, fueling me to seek solutions in both the scientific and policy realm.   At the University of Pennsylvania, I can progress towards an LBD cure with a cognitive science major. Supplementing this, a health and society major will prepare me to create evidence-based policies to improve the lives of dementia patients. With my double major, I can absorb the science necessary to create effective legislation. Studying cognitive science will be a fascinating experience, providing me the opportunity to explore the human mind through philosophical, psychological, and mathematical lenses. These varied perspectives will be the foundation for my cognitive neuroscience concentration. While visiting the campus in April, I attended an Introduction to Brain and Behavior class taught by Professor McGurk, and I was captivated by her interactive lecture on mental illness. I had the opportunity to converse with students, sharing our perspectives on the discussion questions. Through my neuroscience concentration, I will explore this class in its entirety, acquiring an in-depth understanding of the human brain. Beyond the walls of the classroom, I will supplement my inquiries by eagerly seeking practical learning opportunities at the Center of Neurodegenerative Research. My ultimate dream is to research the pathogenesis of alpha-synuclein, a protein that comprises Lewy bodies, under the mentorship of Dr. Virginia Lee. It would be an invaluable experience to work with a pioneer in the field while gaining first-hand knowledge of emerging research. While neuroscience will develop my understanding of LBD, the health and societies major will teach me how to craft legislation that can solve the pressing issues facing dementia patients. The possibility of embarking on a health policy and law concentration within the major excites me, as it closely aligns with my future career goals. I would love to take classes like American Health Policy, allowing me to analyze the effectiveness of prior policies and to utilize this knowledge to develop future legislation. In my senior year at Penn, this major offers the opportunity to conduct an independent research project, applying the knowledge from both majors to solve a crucial healthcare issue.  Neither in life nor in academics have I stayed confined within a box. At the University of Pennsylvania, there are no boundaries to my exploration, making it the perfect place for me to pursue my dual passions. 

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How to write the second upenn supplemental essay.

Now that you’ve finished the first essay, it’s time to move onto the second and think about the community present at UPenn. As such, this essay is all about proving that you’re a good fit culturally , not just academically. Like most schools, Penn wants students that will be engaged and active on campus, and this is your chance to show that.

To start off, take a look at your activities and compare them to what is available at UPenn. Here are some questions to help you along:

• Of the top five activities on your activities list, which ones haven’t you already mentioned in an essay that UPenn will see? Do any of them relate to an activity that sounds interesting at Penn?
• What activities at UPenn relate to your major? This can be anything from clubs to research but look for communities that you haven’t already mentioned in the first essay.
• Is there anything you’re passionate about, but Penn doesn’t have a connection to? Could you start a club or group to fill that niche?
• If you are considering living at one of the residences at UPenn, which one? Why? How do you plan on being involved in that community?

Once you’re finished brainstorming, it’s time to get started on the writing process. While there are plenty of outlines you could use, they all need to hit on the same three ideas:

• Exploring the communities present at UPenn
• How one of them may shape your perspective and identity
• How you may shape that community in turn

Here is one way to consider going about addressing all three topics:

• Talk about a program that you’re currently involved in and how it has changed you, perhaps with a learned skill or more personal lesson.
• Describe the programs at UPenn that are similar, where you hope to keep learning and growing.
• Explain how your participation in the program will benefit your peers or the community at UPenn at large.

UPenn Supplemental Essay 2 Example

Here is an essay written by a student who wanted to illustrate a commitment to supporting diversity and inclusivity.

As a member of the Jewish community, pursuing social justice is an integral aspect of my life. It has prompted me to join organizations like Access Sports America, where I teach adaptive water sports to children living with disabilities, primarily autism. My ultimate goal is to create safe spaces where differences only serve to strengthen my communities and where all are emboldened to achieve their potential. I aspire to promote inclusivity wherever I go, spreading the message that everyone is deserving of respect and, thus, our diversity should be celebrated.  At the University of Pennsylvania, I will seek out organizations that share a similar enthusiasm for empowering those living with disabilities. Through Penn Cares for Kids, I can engage with the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, developing friendships while simultaneously growing from my interactions with the inspiring students and staff. With my peers at Penn Speaks for Autism, I will amplify the autism awareness programs already on campus by improving cognizance of the difficulties people with disabilities face. In doing so, I hope to reduce societal stigmas within the Penn community, ensuring that every Penn student is encouraged and supported.

One of the best things to note about this essay is how passionate the writer is. Even better, they link their goals to activities they are currently participating in, demonstrating their engagement rather than saying it.

UPenn Specialized Program Application Essays

UPenn also offers specialized joint-major and interdisciplinary programs. As previously mentioned, each of these specialized programs requires that you write both of the Penn supplemental essays plus the essays associated with those programs. Let’s go through each of them one by one:

BIO-DENT, which is a 7-year combined undergraduate and dental program, has 5 additional essays: 

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 predental or premedical experience, please indicate what you have done that led you to your decision to enter dentistry. (250 words) List any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands. (250 words) What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work cooperatively 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)

The Digital Media Design (DMD) program has the following prompt:

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

For the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, you are asked what language you intend to specialize in, how many years you’ve studied it already, and the following essay question:

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 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)

Next, the Life Sciences and Management (LSM) program has the following two prompts:

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) “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts” (attributed to Winston Churchill). Tell us about the failure from which you’ve learned the most. (200-250 words)

The Management and Technology (M&T) program asks the following two questions:

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 maximum)

For the Networked and Social System Engineering program there is only one prompt:

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)

Nursing and Health Care Management asks the following:

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)

Last, but definitely not least, the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) only has one additional essay:

Describe your interests in energy science and technology drawing on your previous academic, research, and extracurricular experiences that allow you to appreciate the scientific or engineering challenges related to energy and sustainability. If you have previous experience with research, describe your research project (outlining the goals, hypotheses, approach, results, and conclusions). Describe how your experiences have shaped your research and interests, and identify how the VIPER program will help you achieve your goals. Also, please indicate which VIPER majors in both science and engineering are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words)

As you look at these prompts, keep in mind that each essay should be able to stand on its own, and you shouldn’t repeat too much information between the essays.

All of these specialized programs are extremely selective. They don’t just want to know that you’re a great student or that you’re interested in their program; they want to know that your interests and experiences make you an excellent fit.

For example, the Huntsman Program only admits 45 students each year. This makes the chance of being selected very low, so if you aren’t admitted to the specialized program of your choice, it doesn’t mean you’re less qualified or inferior to other students. It just means that the committee felt other students were a better fit.

As with the other Penn supplemental essays, applying to the specialized programs will require thorough research and a deep understanding of the program to which you’re applying.

Below, we’ll take a brief look at each of Penn’s specialized programs and their essay topics.

UPenn Seven Year Bio-Dental Program Essays

This is a seven-year joint program for students who will major in biology and intend to enroll in the dental school during their senior year. Acceptance for freshman applicants is conditional, and official acceptance will be offered upon completion of a student’s junior year.

The program is highly structured. While there is room for creativity in their required essays, it’s most important to clearly convey the information that is being asked of you.

The first essay, as listed above, essentially asks for a resume of your pre-dental and pre-medical experience. If you have none, this statement will need to make a very compelling case for why the experiences you do have still make you a strong and prepared candidate for such a rigorous and competitive dental program.

Their second essay simply aims to evaluate whether you can complete complex activities with your hands. Did you take Woodshop? Robotics? Are you constantly taking apart and piecing together items? Are you the go-to person for assembling furniture in your home? Talk about the activities you’ve participated in that demonstrate your fine-motor skills and coordination while keeping in mind that you only have 250 words.

Working with other people is key in any healthcare-related field, which is why the third BIO-DENT essay specifically focuses on it. Since patients will be depending on you, their dentist, but also dental technicians, endodontists, oral surgeons and an array of other professionals, the School of Dentistry wants to be convinced that you can work with that team of people. This is a great place to mention a particularly challenging project that involved coordinating multiple personalities to achieve a goal.

For the fourth essay, be careful when talking about what interests you the least. The purpose of this question is to ensure that your interest in dentistry is deep enough to be aware of pros, cons, strengths, and weaknesses. Be honest and vulnerable, explaining why you like it, and why you don’t, being careful to avoid being too negative as you address what interests you the least.

The last question, about relatives who are dentists or are in dental school, is more to give them a feel for your exposure to the area without you having to list this in the first question. Mention family members if you have them, but if not, don’t panic. Not having relatives in the profession will not disqualify you from this program!

Overall, your goal is to create a comprehensive picture about how you are thinking about becoming a dentist. Balance realism with enthusiasm. If becoming a dentist is your dream, this is your chance to show the admissions committee why. 

UPenn Digital Media and Design Program Essay

This program gives graduates a Bachelor’s in Engineering and Science (BSE), but contains classes examining communication theory and computer graphics. The curriculum is designed for people interested in developing virtual reality environments and interactive technologies, bridging the animation and computer graphics industries.

Much like the rest of the program-specific essays, this one exists to let your enthusiasm for the program shine while also demonstrating how prepared you are to take on the challenge. However, this prompt is very open-ended, simply asking why you are interested in the program. Don’t let that fool you: the admissions committee is still looking for the students who best fit their program. With that in mind, ask yourself the following questions:

• What about UPenn’s DMD program is most attractive to you? 
• What have you done to explore the design and/or digital media fields?
• How will attending this program set you up for your career goals?

Answering these questions will help you explain why you’re applying while also giving you the chance to highlight your experience. 

Whatever you decide to talk about, the essay needs to be persuasive and clear. The goal is to convince the committee that you are ready to take on the challenge of the program and will be able to apply what you will learn to your future.

UPenn Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business Essay

According to the program’s website, the Huntsman Program integrates “business education, advanced language training, and a liberal arts education.” Students graduate with both a B.A. in International Studies from the School of Arts and Sciences and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School. Huntsman students specialize in the area of the world in which their target language is spoken, which is why the application asks about the target language.

For this essay, it’s best if you can talk about an international issue from the perspective of a particular country or region. Briefly demonstrate why this country, culture, or region, and the issue you’ve selected, are important and meaningful to you. After all, you’ll be studying this for the next four years.

Given that you’ll be spending an undergraduate degree on this, you should select a complex problem. You only have 650 words, so don’t worry about suggesting a solution; that’s not the point. Instead, focus on how the Huntsman Program can help give you the skills and knowledge to address this international issue and effectively study the problem. Do the research you need to mention coursework, projects, and grants that will help you hone your skills and boost your subject-matter knowledge.

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

LSM allows students to explore both bioscience and business, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts in a life science major, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Economics. The prompt specifically asks about applying innovation to solving a particular problem, so take this under consideration when brainstorming topics. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What life science are you most interested in? What are the biggest challenges facing it?
• What area of management are you most experienced in? How do you think it applies to the life sciences?
• What challenges are you already interested in solving? How will an understanding of management and life sciences help you achieve this goal?

Much like the Huntsman essay, be specific and creative, but don’t worry about solving the problem in 650 words. It should be complex, worth spending a full 4 years studying and researching a solution. You should be trying to convince the admissions committee of your interest in the topic and your ability to logically think about the problem.

The second of the two LSM essays asks you to address a time you failed, and how you learned from it. If you’ve already written about this topic, either elsewhere in the Penn statement or as part of the Common Application, you’ll need to find another example to talk about. Don’t repeat yourself.

This is a short essay, only 250 words long, so you don’t have a lot of space to tell a story. As such, don’t bother with an introduction. If you can, jump straight into an anecdote demonstrating the mistake that you made or how you felt right after the failure. From there, spend most of your words explaining the lesson learned.  

Remember, have fun with these essays and tell your story.

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

The M&T program at Penn allows students to simultaneously pursue degrees from the College of Engineering and the Wharton School. As such, the first essay wants you to examine the intersection between business and engineering. If you don’t have an idea already in mind, you’ll want to spend time brainstorming. Here are some questions to get you started:

• What came first, your interest in business or engineering? What prompted you to explore the second field?
• Is there a particular problem you’re looking to solve with this combined degree? If so, what?

If either of the above questions caught your attention, you have an outline to start with, not just an essay topic. Both business and engineering are about analysis and precision, so make sure that the flow of your essay is clear and logical. If at all possible, have other people read this essay to help with the clarity.

For the second essay, about leadership and creativity, don’t spend too much time describing the problem. Focus on your actions. How did you solve the challenge? Generally, when you take the initiative to solve a problem, you’ll naturally demonstrate creativity and leadership traits.

For example, if your robot crashed into a wall during a robotics racing competition, you might have asked other teams to lend you tools to fix your robot. While you may not have won the race, you may have learned about leadership under pressure and creative problem solving, including asking others for help.

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

The NETS program blends courses in engineering, mathematics and science with courses in sociology, game theory, economics, and policy. Its aim is to “connect the study of networks with the study of human behavior.” For this fairly open-ended essay, you’ll need to choose one specific network about which to write. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Whatever network you choose, you should find it fascinating.
• Additionally, you should be able to discuss how your selected network impacts society.
• You also need to explain your interest in this network and its intersection with economics, communication, or “the creation of beneficial content.”

This program is seeking creative engineers who are interested in how technology and society interact. Thus, this essay should showcase your fascination with technology, as well as your ability to think creatively and analytically about its potential influence on society. 

At a full 650 words, you have plenty of time to explain how the variety of fields this program covers is perfect for your career aspirations. Use them to convince the admissions committee that you are invested in the intersection between information, technology, and society and thus an excellent fit for this program.

NHCM: Nursing and Health Care Management Essay

The NHCM program allows students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Economics. The essay topic is straightforward, asking you to explain why the dual-degree program is a fit for your goals. To get you started, here are a few questions:

• Why are you interested in nursing?
• How does a degree in healthcare management help you achieve your dreams?
• In particular, how will the UPenn program help you?

Similar to the other specialized essay topics, you may want to choose a particular problem in nursing, and how simultaneously learning about health care management can give you the skills and knowledge to solve it. Alternatively, you may want to approach this from a career standpoint, as there are many positions for nursing that would benefit from a background in management too. 

With 650 words, take the time to be thoughtful and clear about your aspirations and how the program will help you get there. By the end of the essay, a reader should be able to understand your motivation and why Penn in specific is the right choice for you. 

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

According to the VIPER program’s website, “the ultimate goal is to raise innovators in high-caliber research careers who develop sustainable ways to harness, convert, and use energy.” As such, the program engages students in energy research almost immediately.

While the essay prompt is lengthy, it can be broken down into several parts:

• Explain why you are interested in energy science and technology
• Describe any previous research in this area
• Outline how the VIPER program will help you achieve your research goals
• Indicate the science and engineering majors you are most interest in

Not too bad, right? This prompt has a lot of points to address, so even though the program gives 650 words, there isn’t room to dally. However, if you’ve already participated in energy research, this topic should be easy for you. You’ll simply describe that research, including its results, followed by what you’d like to work on next, and how VIPER will help you achieve that.

If you haven’t done any energy research, don’t worry. You can still create a stellar application for this program. Focus on experiences you’ve had that relate to energy science and technology and the skills needed to be a good researcher, such as curiosity, persistence, logic, and communication. The end of the essay should be the same, discussing the majors you’re interested in and how VIPER will help you achieve your research goals.  

UPenn Specialized Essay Example

This example essay is to give you an idea of what some of the longer essays should look like. Remember, never plagiarize.

“The pipe’s leaking!” There were 10 minutes until the competition began, and our water filtration system was falling apart. All we had was a trifold, filter, and some duct tape. Five months prior, while performing research for a science project, my friends and I discovered that the Flint Water Crisis still persisted in late 2016, despite the fading news coverage. Shocked, we decided to create a lead water filtration system. We spent hours poring over research theses and abstracts to find a technology that could cheaply and effectively remove lead particles from water. During a five-hour Skype call, we discovered, debated, and thoroughly vetted the concept of activated carbon, but there remained one problem: the material was too costly for our budget. Our minds went into overdrive, researching a way to replicate the lead-sucking nanotubes in activated carbon. As the leader, I delegated roles within my quasi-startup team and collaborated with school faculty to find, and secure permissions to, a kiln that could heat charcoal to 1000 degrees Celsius. Twenty-four hours later, we had transformed a mundane $12 bag of charcoal into eight pounds of lead-filtering black dust that would become the centerpiece of our water-filtering apparatus. After another 100 hours of construction, writing a research paper, and preparing a presentation board, our product was competition ready. At the last minute, our water filter began falling apart. Always prepared, we used a roll of duct tape to repair the damage before presenting to the panel of judges. In the end, we won first place at the Inventors Challengers Contest, and while the Flint Water Crisis had subsided by then, we learned firsthand about the difficulties of undertaking a startup-like project for a social cause. Thus, after attending an Engineering Entrepreneurship lecture at Penn last spring, I knew this university would equip me with the knowledge I needed to overcome the obstacles of creating a successful startup. I am excited to apply to the The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology, with courses such as Social Entrepreneurship and Venture Implementation, through which I will gain the skills to create a business with a positive social impact. I will also avail myself of the resources available to Penn entrepreneurs such as VIP-C and X, incubators that can support my startup journey from inception into the early growth stages. Additionally, joining MUSE’s International Case Team will allow me to practice working in high-pressure scenarios while designing customized solutions for real-world problems. This will serve as a wonderful continuation to my case-competition experience at the International DECA Conference, where I networked with people from around the world and competed against the top 100 qualifiers in the Entrepreneurship Series. Joining MUSE will also help me integrate my interests in human psychology and business, which I explored through a college-level course in psychology and my Extended Essay discussing venture capital bubbles in the United States. In MUSE’s Innovation Committee, I will have the opportunity to flex my right-brain thinking by developing and executing experimental marketing tactics. To further explore the connections between business and psychology, I will take Organizational Behavior, taught by Professor Adam Grant. I found his Ted Talk about his book, Give and Take, especially informative. I also seek to perform research in Decision Making and Social Behavior under Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor Michael Platt, whose work in neuroeconomics has inspired me to consider a complementary concentration in behavioral economics. But truly, it was from the day I watched Dance Takeover 2018 to my first stroll down Locust walk, that I already envisioned myself walking amongst the professionally dressed Wharton undergrads and performing with the artistically inclined dancers of Penn Roses. Whether it is solving America’s water crisis, researching new economic theories, or competing in a dance circuit, I know UPenn will provide me with the tools and knowledge I need to make an impact on the world. As you can see in this essay, don’t be afraid to talk about other elements at Penn outside of the specific program, especially if they relate to your goal. However, don’t repeat yourself from the first set of essays!

Conclusion: Writing the UPenn Supplemental Essays

For UPenn’s supplement, all students need to respond to the first two essays. You’ll need to research the specific school and major you’re interested in, as well as the non-academic opportunities on campus. 

In the first essay, you’ll explain both why you’re interested in this subject and how Penn can help you explore this interest further. For the second, you’ll need to focus on a community at UPenn and how it will shape you, and you it.

• If you’re not interested in any of Penn’s specialized programs, you’re done at this point. You don’t have to apply to any specialized programs as it won’t impact your chances of admission to Penn.

If you are interested in one of Penn’s specialized programs, you’ll need to write at least one additional essay explaining this interest and why this program would help you achieve your goals.

• For all of these essays, research and specificity are key. Penn is looking to see that you’re passionate in whatever area you would like to study, and they want to know why you’re interested in UPenn’s specific programs.

They’re also ensuring that you’re a great fit for their highly competitive, selective programs, so choose your words wisely. Be sure to seek feedback and polish your essays until they shine.

By following these tips, you can stand out from UPenn’s highly competitive crowd of applicants!

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The Penn application process includes a personal essay as well as supplemental short answer prompts. We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. Through your writing, we get a glimpse of what you might bring to our community, including  your voice and creativity.

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Before you begin writing:

• Review the prompt thoroughly. Be sure you’re answering the question or prompt being asked. T opics are chosen because the Admissions Committee wants to know specific things about you. If you don’t address the them directly, we are left to make decisions regarding your application with incomplete information.
• Consider your response carefully. We understand that you may be writing responses for different schools and you may want to reuse material, but read through your response to make sure the content is relevant to the prompt.
• Double check your writing. Give yourself time to revisit your response. Do not rush your writing process; create space in your schedule to revise your work. Ultimately, it is up to you to polish your response before you submit.

In your Penn supplemental short answers, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to that specific undergraduate school. Some of our specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the Penn supplemental prompts should address the single-degree or single-school choice.

2023-24 Short Answer & Essay Prompts

Penn Supplemental Short Answer Prompts (Required)

• 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)
• 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)
• 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.

Transfer Essay  (required for all transfer applicants): Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution. (4150 characters)

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 . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations.

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 the academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences .  This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations.

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 . This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward.

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 . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests.

Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Programs Short Answer Prompts

For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer the program-specific essay below.

** Character count that only applies to transfer students applying through Common App.

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 characters**)

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? (400-650 words)

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)

• 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)

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 / 3575 characters**)

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)

• 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.
• 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.
• Describe any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands.
• What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people?
• Please explain your reasons for selecting dentistry. Please include what interests you the most about dentistry as well as what interests you least.

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)

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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.

• Application Strategies
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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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University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the UPenn essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the UPenn supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging UPenn essays and maximize your chances of admission. Need help crafting your UPenn supplemental essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

UPenn  Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• UPenn has an acceptance rate of 5.7%— U.S. News  ranks UPenn as a  highly competitive  school.
• We recommend answering all UPenn supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully.

Does UPenn Have Supplemental Essays?

Yes. In addition to the main essay prompt that you’ll encounter in the  Common App  or  Coalition App , you’ll also have to answer additional UPenn essays. Both of the required UPenn essays can make a critical difference in admissions.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay  guide .

What are the UPenn Supplemental Essays?

The UPenn supplemental essays 2021-2022 are on the  Common App site . However, you can also visit the  UPenn admissions page  to view the UPenn essay prompts and other application requirements.

How Many Essays does UPenn Require?

There are  two  required UPenn essay prompts on the 2021-2022 Common App. All applicants must complete both UPenn application essays in order to be considered for admission. In addition to the UPenn supplemental essays that all applications must complete, there are additional program-specific essays that we’ll cover below.

As you look at the UPenn essays, however, you’ll also notice that there are several special degree programs with additional UPenn application essays. If you intend to apply to one of these programs, make sure you complete the specific UPenn essays referenced on the UPenn supplemental  essays page .

This guide to the UPenn essay prompts will primarily cover the general UPenn supplemental essays. However, we will walk through the prompts for the program-specific UPenn essays to help you approach them with confidence. You can also use the tips we provide in this guide to help craft your program-specific UPenn application essays.

What does UPenn Look For in Essays?

The point of UPenn supplemental essays is for the admissions officers to get a picture of how you’d fit into UPenn, both academically and socially. Simply put, the UPenn essay prompts are designed to help you show the admissions team who you would be at UPenn.

At the end of the day, the admissions team wants to build a college class full of interesting students from a variety of backgrounds. If your reader can envision how you would fit into this class, your UPenn essays have done their job.

Want to view examples of successful UPenn supplemental essays? Check out our sample UPenn application  essays  written by our advisors who were admitted to UPenn.

How to Write the UPenn Essays:

We have provided the prompts for the 2021-2022 UPenn supplemental essays below. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each of the UPenn essays as well as tips for creating an application narrative that will stand out in admissions.

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required):

Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania?  For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer these questions 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. (300-450 words)

At first glance, the prompt for the first of the UPenn supplemental essays may seem long and elaborate. Of the two required UPenn essay prompts, however, this one is arguably more straightforward. Much of the prompt itself clarifies how students applying to a dual-degree or specialized program should approach the question.

With the fluff removed, your first UPenn essay should answer the much simpler question, “How will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania?” Looking at this simplified prompt for the UPenn supplemental essays, the key elements stand out. The university wants to know more about your academic and personal interests and how UPenn will help you explore them.

Academic vs. intellectual

Remember, this UPenn essay prompt breaks interests down into two components: academic and intellectual. It may be tempting to conflate these categories. However, this separation gives us insight into how to write the UPenn essays. In evaluating your UPenn supplemental essays, the admissions team wants to see that you prioritize intellectual engagement both inside and outside of the classroom.

As you approach this UPenn essay, compile a list of your interests. Sort out the interests which best show your curiosity, and then categorize them into academic and non-academic. Familiarize yourself with UPenn’s  degrees  and  course  offerings, and then see when your interests—academic and intellectual—accord with UPenn’s resources.

For example, you may plan to study music but have always had a passion for forensics. Use this space to talk about how you’d like to take UPenn’s forensic analysis course.  You may be an American history buff who awaits opportunities for exploration offered by the school’s location in Philadelphia. If there’s a course that will also deepen your understanding of American history, even better! Essentially, this UPenn essay prompt asks you to demonstrate that you’ve done your research and can articulate concrete examples of how UPenn will help you pursue your interests. Remember to draw your readers in with an opening anecdote or story. In fact, when approaching UPenn supplemental essays, remember that how you write about your topic is nearly as important as what you’re writing about.

Be specific

UPenn application essays value quality over quantity and specificity over generality. For example, don’t simply state that you want to take a political science course. Instead, describe a specific course and professor from UPenn’s class roster. Then, include an explanation of how you see yourself learning better in this situation than anywhere else. This prompt grants a generous 450 words, so you have room to be descriptive.

Finally, keep in mind that the prompt asks you to “[consider] the specific undergraduate school you have selected.” While a student applying to the  School of Engineering and Applied Science  (also known as Penn Engineering) and one applying to the  Wharton School  will both describe their passions in their UPenn supplemental essays, the passions that they illustrate should almost certainly be different. That is, make sure your prospective major accords with the rest of your application.

“Why Upenn”

In your UPenn application essay, you essentially want to determine what makes your target school right for you and communicate this to your readers. After completing the UPenn essay prompts, perform a simple test to ensure your essay meets its goals. If you can replace “UPenn” with another school and your essay still makes sense, then you haven’t been specific enough. UPenn supplemental essays should be highly specific to the school. Demonstrated interest, or your ability to show how interested you are in attending the school you’re apply to, is a key part of the application process.

UPenn Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your essay distinguish between academic and intellectual interests?
• Do you tailor your response to the specific undergraduate school you are applying to?
• Does your essay mention specific courses, regional attractions, professors, etc. only available at UPenn?

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required):

At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, 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)

Of the two required UPenn supplemental essays, this is the shorter–both in delivery and word limit. However, the lower word limit doesn’t make this UPenn essay prompt less consequential. This UPenn essay is just as important as the other UPenn application essays, if not more.

While the first of the UPenn supplemental essays evaluates each prospective student’s intellectual life, the second one gauges each student’s community involvement. Like the other Ivy League institutions, UPenn prioritizes collective learning and engagement with peers. The admissions team hopes that each student will build a sense of community at UPenn–whether that be by joining or creating a club, participating in  school traditions , or otherwise engaging in UPenn’s various offerings. To that end, this UPenn essay serves as an opportunity for you to convey your identities in relation to the UPenn community.

Define community

Like the first UPenn essay, you can approach this UPenn essay prompt in a variety of ways. For instance, you could focus on the school’s location by speaking about the unique culture and history that Philadelphia offers. Successful UPenn supplemental essays may also discuss the school itself, focusing on specific organizations on campus.

Be sure to thoroughly research your UPenn application essays. Don’t just say you hope to join a theater organization. Instead, mention the name of the school’s thespian club (in UPenn’s case,  Quadramics Theatre Co. ). Look at UPenn’s  listings of groups and organizations  before writing, and highlight any organizations that you find appealing.

While you should use your UPenn essay prompts to tell a story about yourself, you should also use these UPenn application essays to discuss interests that don’t appear elsewhere in your application. After all, there are only so many ways to say, “I have a burning love for every possible form of mathematics.” If you’ve already addressed your primary interest in one of the other UPenn supplemental essays, you might choose to focus on a secondary passion in the second essay. In general, UPenn application essays should present a cohesive picture of you as a student and person, not a repetitive one.

Note that this UPenn essay asks how you will grow at UPenn as well as how you will influence the community around you. UPenn does not want a static student. Instead, they want you to actively contribute to your circles while learning from others around you.

Show growth

In your UPenn essay, showcase specific opportunities to learn and grow at UPenn and specify why those opportunities would promote your development. For example, one student might say, “Through Asians for Justice, I can explore my intersectional identity as an Asian American woman and further advocate for social justice initiatives.” This response shows how you hope to be informed by your peers while also clarifying how you hope to make a change in your community. The admissions officers reading UPenn supplemental essays are looking for strong and unique perspectives. Thinking about your definition of community, and how that may evolve during your four years at UPenn can be a helpful place to start.

• Does this essay cover new ground from your first essay?
• Do you reference specific facets of the UPenn community that you hope to participate in?
• Do you explain how you will learn and grow at UPenn?

Program-Specific UPenn Supplemental Essays (Required, if applying to a specialized program):

Dmd: digital media design program.

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 characters)

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)

Interested in applying to the Huntsman Program? This extremely competitive program only admits about 50 students each year. Consequently, the admissions officers are on the lookout for UPenn supplemental essays that stand out from the crowd. Our CollegeAdvisor guide for the Huntsman Program includes tips and an essay example breakdown from an Admissions Expert who was admitted to the program!

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)

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. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words / 3575 characters)

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 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 that led you to your decision to enter dentistry.

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

What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work cooperatively with people?

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.

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.

Please note that there is a 250 word limit for the Bio-Dental Program supplemental essays.

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)

If you choose to apply for one of the specialized programs above, you must respond to the aforementioned UPenn application essays along with the additional, program-specific UPenn essay.

For these UPenn essay prompts, make sure you reference internships, research programs, clubs, or other experiences that specifically drew you to your chosen program. These programs are highly selective, so demonstrated interest is important.

These UPenn essay prompts are not unlike the ones you’ve already completed! Essentially, all of the program-specific UPenn essay prompts ask you to describe why you’re drawn to the program to which you are applying.

Answering these UPenn application essays requires a two-step approach. Firstly, explain why you’re interested in the program. Take Huntsman, for example, you’ll want to begin your response by describing how your involvement in Future Business Leaders of America has sparked your interest in business and international affairs. Secondly, the best answers to these program-specific UPenn supplemental essays will illustrate how the student’s program program of interest will help them develop personally and professionally. Do your research  —  whether it’s by speaking to students, reading The Daily Pennsylvanian, or simply browsing through the site  —  and highlight specific facets of your chosen program that will allow you to develop your interests.

Program-specific UPenn Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Have you referenced internships, research programs, clubs, or other past experiences?
• Do you extensively convey your expertise and interest in your chosen program?
• Does your essay draft show that you’ve done your research on your chosen program?

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts:

Completing the UPenn supplemental essays can seem daunting, but don’t let them discourage you from applying. Instead, view these UPenn essays as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions team.

For more information on UPenn’s application and the UPenn supplemental essays, you can view this video from their admissions team:

In fact, this  UPenn YouTube  playlist on admissions should be bookmarked by any students looking to attend. Hearing tips, straight from the university on how to approach elements of the application is a great way to clear up confusion and provide guidance if you’re stumped.

You can also check out our free webinar on UPenn, which was led by two current UPenn students. In this webinar, they discuss the ins and outs of attending the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an in-depth look at the admissions process.

When approaching the UPenn supplemental essays, remember to give them the time and attention that they deserve. A well-written set of UPenn essay prompts can work in your favor. Use this UPenn supplemental essays guide, as well as our UPenn essay examples to help you approach each of the UPenn application essays with a solid strategy and enough time to draft and revise each of your answers to the UPenn essay prompts. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide was written by  Juliana Furigay , Columbia ‘23. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on UPenn, click  here . Want help crafting your UPenn supplemental essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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UPenn Essays: The Best Examples

Writing UPenn essays needs careful consideration and you can start bylearning from our supplemental essay examples . You should also learn how to write a college essay to increase your chance of getting acceptaed. Your cahnces of admission to the University of Pennsylvania are certainly affected by your essays.

The University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays  include fairly standard prompts, such as the “Why this college?” essay and “What do you bring to the community?” essay. But it’s up to you to make these common essay topics your own! Read on to learn how you can stand out in your UPenn essays!

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 7 min read

Upenn essays prompt 1.

Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at The University of Pennsylvania? (300-450 words)

Your goal in writing this essay is to convey why you are perfect for UPenn and why UPenn is perfect for you and your academic and professional goals.

The idea here is to write an essay that will show the admissions committee how you are going to benefit from their academic environment and how it will help you grow as an academic and a professional.

I have always excelled academically. I loved school, I enjoyed my lessons, and my teachers were my idols. Apart from sucking in the knowledge my teachers bestowed on me, I always did independent afterschool research to deepen my understanding of new subjects.

From a young age, I knew I would join the “knowledge” business. The best way I knew to go about it would be to create my brand of self-help e-books.I started selling these books – and, to my surprise, they were soon being printed in hard copies.

I soon realized that as “knowledgeable” as I considered myself, I had no idea how to run a business. As my publishing business scaled quickly, I soon realized that I needed more than a degree to run my business efficiently if I wanted to continue to grow.

I started my research and soon found that UPenn was the undergraduate business school for me.  The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is where I want to learn, especially focusing on programs like Entrepreneurship & Innovation Concentration and Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program: Scaling Your Business.

I also intend to share my personal and professional experience with the UPenn community. I hope to join the Penn Social Entrepreneurship Movement (PennSEM) , where I plan to implement both my Wharton education and my past involvement in the business field to help local communities build new social enterprises. In the past, I’ve worked closely with my local Big Sister chapter and would love to use that experience to help PennSEM reach new boundaries in the broader community – beyond campus walls. I can bring my experience in organizing and leading workshops and networking events and help the club reach a wider audience. Most importantly, I can learn about how to lead such organizations from the other members of the club.

At UPenn, I hope to learn how to effectively interact with my peers and fellow entrepreneurship enthusiasts as my journey in the business world has been solo for the most part. When I leave Wharton with my business degree, I know I will become an accomplished business leader who has truly mastered both the theory and practical aspects of entrepreneurship. (442 words)

I apply to UPenn with the blessings and the support of my community on a small island in the Pacific Ocean. My family runs a small hotel on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We have owned the hotel for three generations – and it continues to provide a livelihood for 20 families who have become part of our family.

When I graduated from the only high school on the island, it was these families that came together to pay for my college tuition, which I hope to use at UPenn. They gave me the responsibility of becoming an efficient business leader who can transform that small hotel into a world-class resort.

I intend to deliver on their expectations by studying in the Business, Energy, Environment, and Sustainability program, which will help me grow the business with consideration for the environment and my community as a whole.

Apart from being one of the top universities in the world, UPenn also has the best research and development facilities. This attracted me because I want to learn in an institution that has a long history as well as the latest innovations in the business field. We also decided that it would be best because we loved that it is a place where I could feel at home with over 130 nationalities on campus. This is the first time I will be traveling far from home. I hope to learn about various cultures and meet as many people as I can by participating in on-campus communities. I aim to join the Penn Environmental Group as I know how important nature is to both the hotel industry as well as humanity as a whole. Living on a small island in the middle of an ocean also gives me a unique perspective on global warming and rising sea levels. I hope to create awareness via workshops and conferences and perhaps even work towards a solution that prevents an irreversible calamity.

I have also set my eyes on the Penn Club Swim. I aim to participate in activities like being a lifeguard and teaching about safety in the water.

I hope to give back to the UPenn community by sharing the personal experiences of my rich culture. We have traditions that are built on the need to rely on one another and I hope to build this sense of closeness and connection with my classmates (439 words)

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)

This prompt is meant to test how well you will fit in the university’s community as a whole and what kind of knowledge and experience you can bring to the incoming class. The campus hosts thousands of students and they all bring their backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and traditions with them. The question is, how will you contribute to that melting pot, and what will you take from it?

Perhaps, the best advice here would be to delve deep within yourself and consider unique experiences and circumstances that shaped you into who you are today.

By day I am a businessman, and by night, a writer. Well, at least that is the dream I hope to realize at UPenn – that of being a successful, innovative businessman and a writer at the same time.

Although I started writing in high school, I have never really developed that passion because, like every child growing up in a middle-class family, writing wasn’t exactly as encouraged as becoming a doctor, an engineer, or a lawyer. So, I had to put that “hobby” – as my parents called it – on the back burner as I went through school.

I look forward to attending UPenn because it gives me the chance to earn my business degree as well as pursue my writing via clubs like Curiouser, where I can explore the surreal fiction writing sphere, and Penn Innovators in Business , where I will learn to guide the next generation of business leaders with my writing.

 I also get to make my parents happy by becoming a successful businessman with my business degree – two birds one stone, as the saying goes. (186 words)

UPenn essays – example 2.2

I love singing and The Inspiration A Cappella is the UPenn club for me.

Ever since I found out about this club, I have been following the group’s YouTube channel. I’ve enjoyed every single video and dream of being among them. Anyone that has watched the club perform – or even watched their videos – can see how much they work to achieve that harmony. And that is something that can’t be done without a bond being formed among the members.

I want to be a part of that camaraderie. The beauty of acapella is that everyone needs to do their part or it won’t work – I can see how they “sync” and hope that my voice can enrich this already established group in the future. I bring over four years of singing) experience – several high school awards testify to my “prowess” – but, more importantly, I bring my passion for singing. Being an African, music is an inherent part of our culture, and it would be my pleasure to share my experiences and knowledge of our endemic music traditions. I even have ideas of weaving these beats into a work that appeals to the younger generation – in the hopes that they will also want to discover more about the “foreign-yet-familiar” sounds they experience. (200 words)

Writing college application essays is an art that can be mastered with time and practice. Don’t rush the process, take time to understand the question, and formulate your answers with care. Keep improving your draft until you are happy with the final essay. And, don’t forget to use a spell-check or grammar tool.

If at all you find this to be a daunting task, you can go through some sample college essays . They might help spark a few ideas that you can build on to create your admission essays when the time comes.

Alternatively, you can also look for college essay review services to make sure you have the best essay you can submit.

Want more tips for writing?

Do not exceed the word count. You can certainly write less that the required word count, but not more.

The most important thing here is that you address the prompt. Your answer should be built around the prompt and include your unique input, the values you bring to the community, and what you expect to gain when you leave the campus.

You should also include the tangible (technology and facilities) and intangible (school spirit and ethics) assets of the college, as well as the traditions it upholds.

If you can put all these together, then you will have a well-balanced essay.

You have to remember that supplemental essays are just one part of your entire college application packet. Instead of thinking of the essays as a single entity that can boost (or thwart) your chances, you should think of creating a whole application package that will combine to increase your chances.

So, focus on writing good supplemental essays and combine them with a good application package.

UPenn requires two supplemental essays for new students. But, there are several more that are required by students who seek admission to programs like Digital Media Design, Nursing and Health Care Management (400-650 words), and Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program (250 words). There is also an essay prompt for transfer students about why they transferred from their previous colleges (4510 characters ). More details can be found on the UPenn admissions page .

UPenn also requires potential candidates to write personal essays.

UPenn has set its goal to admit some of the top students by setting its admission GPA to 3.9. That means you will need to have scored almost all A’s to get in. But, you can find out how to get into college with a low GPA if you don’t have that near-perfect score.

The general rule of thumb is to avoid controversy at all costs. While it is good that you have your thoughts and views, your UPenn college admission essay is not exactly the place to express them. Why rattle the cage that will be your home for the coming 4 years?

Yes. Topics to avoid are political and social hot topics that are provocative to anyone on any side of the aisle. In short, if it is in the news and debates and clashes are going on about it, it is a topic best avoided. Again, here too – while it is admirable that you have a stance, your college admission essay is not the platform to express it.

Essays are your chance to explain how you and the university will co-exist for the next few years. While your essay needs to reflect you, there is a limit to how personal you can get. There is a difference between personality – which you should write about – and personal – which you should be careful with.

Your essay should tread lightly on personal topics like romance, trauma, sexual content, and radically offensive topics.

In short, use common sense and ask: would I tell this to a stranger? If the answer is, “no” you should skip the topic.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

A comprehensive guide to essay writing.

Essay writing is a crucial skill that students need to master in order to succeed academically. Whether you’re a high school student working on a history paper or a college student tackling a critical analysis essay, having a solid understanding of the essay writing process is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential tips and tricks that will help you improve your essay writing skills. From generating ideas and organizing your thoughts to crafting a strong thesis statement and polishing your final draft, we’ve got you covered.

Not only that, but we’ll also provide you with useful templates that you can use as a framework for your essays. These templates will help you structure your writing, stay focused on your main argument, and ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

The Ultimate Essay Writing Guides

Essay writing can be a challenging task for many students, but with the right guidance and tips, you can improve your writing skills and produce high-quality essays. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with valuable advice, tricks, and templates to help you excel in your essay writing endeavors.

1. Understand the Prompt: Before you start writing your essay, make sure you fully understand the prompt or question. Analyze the requirements and key points that need to be addressed in your essay.

2. Create an Outline: Organize your ideas and thoughts by creating a detailed outline for your essay. This will help you structure your arguments and ensure a logical flow of information.

3. Research Thoroughly: Conduct extensive research on your topic to gather relevant information and evidence to support your arguments. Use credible sources and cite them properly in your essay.

4. Write Clearly and Concisely: Avoid using jargon or complex language in your essay. Write in a clear and concise manner to convey your ideas effectively to the reader.

5. Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your essay, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ensure that your essay flows cohesively.

By following these ultimate essay writing guides, you can enhance your writing skills and produce outstanding essays that will impress your instructors and peers. Practice regularly and seek feedback to continuously improve your writing abilities.

Tips for Crafting an A+ Essay

1. Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the assignment guidelines and requirements. If you have any doubts, clarify them with your instructor.

2. Conduct Thorough Research: Gather relevant sources and information to support your arguments. Make sure to cite your sources properly and use credible sources.

3. Create a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly outline the main point of your essay and guide your readers on what to expect.

4. Organize Your Ideas: Create an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of ideas in your essay.

5. Write Clearly and Concisely: Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentences. Be direct and to the point.

6. Revise and Edit: Always proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Revise your work to ensure coherence and clarity.

7. Seek Feedback: Ask a peer or instructor to review your essay and provide constructive feedback for improvement.

8. Use Proper Formatting: Follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor, such as font size, margins, and citation style.

9. Stay Focused: Keep your essay focused on the main topic and avoid going off on tangents. Stick to your thesis statement.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice writing essays, the better you will get at it. Keep practicing and refining your writing skills.

Tricks to Improve Your Writing Skills

Improving your writing skills can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some tricks to help you become a better writer:

1. Read widely: Reading a variety of genres and styles can help you develop your own voice and writing style.

2. Practice regularly: The more you write, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to practice writing.

3. Get feedback: Share your writing with others and ask for constructive criticism. Feedback can help you identify areas for improvement.

4. Study grammar and punctuation: Good writing requires a solid understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. Take the time to study and practice these essential skills.

5. Edit and revise: Writing is a process, and editing is an important part of that process. Take the time to edit and revise your work to improve clarity and coherence.

6. Experiment with different writing techniques: Try experimenting with different writing techniques, such as using metaphors, similes, or descriptive language, to enhance your writing.

7. Stay inspired: Find inspiration in the world around you. Whether it’s nature, art, or literature, draw inspiration from your surroundings to fuel your writing.

By following these tricks and practicing regularly, you can improve your writing skills and become a more confident and effective writer.

Step-by-Step Essay Writing Templates

When it comes to writing an essay, having a clear and structured template can be incredibly helpful. Here are some step-by-step essay writing templates that you can use to guide you through the process:

• Introduction: Start your essay with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on the topic and end with a thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay.
• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, provide evidence to support your point, and then analyze the evidence to show how it relates back to your thesis.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead focus on tying together all the points you have made throughout the essay.

Expert Advice for Writing Top-Notch Essays

When it comes to writing a top-notch essay, it’s essential to follow expert advice to ensure your work stands out. Here are some key tips to help you elevate your writing:

1. Start with a strong thesis statement that clearly outlines your main argument.

2. Conduct thorough research to support your points with credible sources.

3. Organize your thoughts logically and ensure your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

4. Use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary to keep your writing engaging.

5. Proofread and edit your essay carefully to eliminate errors and refine your arguments.

By following these expert tips, you can take your essay writing skills to the next level and produce work that is both informative and compelling.

Resources to Enhance Your Essay Writing Process

When it comes to improving your essay writing skills, there are a variety of resources available to help you enhance your process. Here are some valuable resources that can aid you in becoming a more effective and efficient writer:

• Writing Guides: There are countless writing guides and books that offer tips, tricks, and strategies for improving your writing skills. Whether you’re looking to enhance your grammar, structure, or argumentation, these guides can provide valuable insights.
• Online Writing Communities: Joining online writing communities can be a great way to connect with other writers, receive feedback on your work, and engage in writing challenges and prompts. Websites like Writing.com and Wattpad are popular platforms for writers to share their work and receive critiques.
• Writing Workshops and Courses: Participating in writing workshops and courses can help you hone your craft and develop your writing skills. Whether you prefer in-person workshops or online courses, there are many options available to suit your needs and schedule.
• Writing Apps and Tools: Utilizing writing apps and tools can streamline your writing process and help you stay organized. Tools like Grammarly can assist with grammar and spelling checks, while apps like Scrivener can help you organize your research and ideas.
• Libraries and Writing Centers: Visiting your local library or university writing center can provide access to valuable resources, such as writing guides, research materials, and writing tutors who can offer personalized feedback and support.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can enhance your essay writing process and become a more skilled and confident writer.

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How to Write the University of Pennsylvania Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

September 13, 2023

When you sit down to craft your University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays, consider how your passion for UPenn sets you apart. Perhaps you're captivated by the opportunity to integrate your chosen major with your volunteer work through Penn's exceptional community engagement programs. Or maybe it was the charm of Philadelphia's historic buildings and cobblestone streets that stole your heart during your campus visit. Regardless, if you truly believe that Penn could be your home for the next four years, now is the time to articulate your reasons and aspirations on paper. To assist you in tackling this year's essay questions, I have meticulously analyzed each prompt, provided various approaches to addressing them, and shared additional tips to ensure you can excel in your University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Penn-Specific Essays for All Applicants

Regardless of which school or dual-degree program within Penn you’re applying to, all students have to answer the two required questions. Considering that 93% of applicants got rejected this year, your goal in writing the University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays 2023-2024 should be to stand out in demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to the home of the Quakers. 

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)  

To become a valuable community member of any college, developing strong relationships and getting along with your peers is essential. The University of Pennsylvania recognizes the importance of these qualities, which is why they have introduced the prompt asking applicants to write a thank-you note to someone they have not yet thanked. This prompt aims to assess how applicants value others' presence in their lives, how they express gratitude, and what they truly value.

When considering who to thank and for what, think beyond the obvious choices. While thanking a parent or guardian for their hard work and dedication in raising you is a valid option, you can also take an unexpected route. Consider thanking the person who supports your theater troupe, the staff member at your school who goes above and beyond their duties, or a friend who consistently gives you rides to and from activities. By choosing someone unexpected, you can showcase your ability to recognize and appreciate the individuals who have made a significant impact on your life.

Additionally, instead of just stating what you did or why you are thankful, take the opportunity to convey your emotions and the impact the person has had on you. Your tone should be directed towards the person you are thanking, rather than the admissions officer who will be reading your essay. 

Remember, the purpose of this essay is not just to showcase your writing skills, but also to provide insights into your character and values. Use this opportunity to highlight your ability to appreciate others, demonstrate empathy and kindness, and showcase the qualities that make you a valuable member of any community. By expressing your gratitude and acknowledging the impact others have had on your life, you will undoubtedly stand out in the University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

2. 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 serves as an opportunity for the admissions officers to understand what makes you a unique person and which parts of campus you will contribute to the most. They want to see your passion and dedication to making a positive impact within the Penn community. Whether it is through student government, community service organizations, or cultural clubs, Penn is seeking individuals who will actively engage in and enhance the campus community.

While you can definitely mention which student organizations you hope to participate in at UPenn, focus on 1-2 of your most meaningful extracurricular experiences and highlight how your experiences can help shape Penn’s community. This is a chance for you to showcase your ability to connect your personal experiences to the larger Penn community. How will your unique perspective and background contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of the campus? How will your involvement in specific organizations or activities enrich your own growth and development? These are the types of questions you should consider when crafting your response.

Remember, Penn is looking for students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to being active and engaged members of the campus community. Use this prompt to showcase your leadership abilities, your passion for making a difference, and your desire to contribute to the vibrant and diverse community at Penn.

Dual-Degree Specific Questions

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 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.

If you’re applying to one of UPenn’s dual-degree programs, you’ll have to write additional essays. To answer the University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays 2023-2024 for each of these highly competitive programs, you have to convey how you’ve pursued the intersection of the respective fields, as well as why you’re choosing Penn’s very specific programs over schools that are already specialized. 

In your response, dive into details about discovering your love for your prospective field, whether it’s engineering, business, or biology. Was there one instance that catalyzed your passion and goals? How have you explored the subject of your interest since? How has your curiosity about the topic grown? The majority of your essay should be dedicated to tying your interest in what the specific Penn school has to offer. Admissions officers must have no doubt that you have done thorough research on both the college and what Penn looks for as a whole. 

For example, Penn Engineering values students who are able to apply their distinguished background in physics and math into innovation, design, and scientific discoveries. You can talk about some ways that you’re excited to elevate your passion for engineering and entrepreneurship through Penn’s Clarks Scholars Program for leadership in engineering. Or you might dedicate your essay to your plans to advocate for minority representation in engineering through the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Undergraduate Research Program .

An easy mistake to make in this essay would be to write about Penn in a broad and general sense when the prompt clearly asks you to write about the specific college you’re applying to. Think about that school, what makes it unique, and how it can help you reach your aspirations. If you could recycle this response for another school’s supplemental essays, it’s time to start a new draft.

Additional Tips for Writing the UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Here are some final tips to get you on the right track for your University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays 2023-2024.

• Don’t underestimate the power of your extracurriculars: Admissions officers want to know what makes you tick outside the classroom. Don’t just shrug off this essay and repeat information you’ve already included in your activities list. They want to know about your perspective and identity. Your activities could have shifted your views in a way that you might not have even realized before sitting down to write the essay. And you won’t be able to analyze their impact properly if you don’t look at them from a more nuanced angle.
• If you’re pursuing a dual-degree, don’t write about it in the first two questions: Your response should only talk about the main school within Penn you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying to the Life Sciences and Management program, which falls under both Wharton and the College of Arts and Science, you must pick either Wharton or the College of Arts and Sciences as your main school of choice. You’ll get a chance to elaborate on your interest in the specific program later.

The supplemental essays for the University of Pennsylvania are specifically designed to assess whether you would be a good fit for one of the colleges within UPenn. By thoroughly researching and understanding the distinct characteristics of each college, you can craft compelling responses that will persuade admissions officers that they are making the right decision, bringing you one step closer to becoming a proud Quaker. You've got this!

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools. 

Tags : university of pennsylvania , upenn , penn essays , University of Pennsylvania Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 , how to get into 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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Wharton Stories

3 tips for writing your mba admissions essay.

The Admissions Committee is looking to understand more about you and your unique personality and how that can ultimately contribute to the Wharton community. We are a student-driven campus and need each and every MBA to bring something to the table.

If you’re like me, you probably intended to start writing this thing way earlier. You probably intended to think long and hard about it. Complete two drafts. Show 10 friends for feedback. But, alas, life got in the way, as it tends to do. And now, you are stuck Googling, “How to write an MBA admissions essay.” Don’t worry, I got you.

1. Write Out Everything Before You Worry About Word Count

“What do you hope to gain both personally and professionally from the Wharton MBA?” is a lofty question. The Admission Committee is asking you to bridge the last 4-10 years of your life to the goals of your next 30 years, on paper, in under 500 words.

You’re probably thinking, “How can I possibly convey everything important about me and my career choices in only 500 words?!” The answer is, you can’t. But, you can edit it down to show the highlights.

2. Connect the “Three Career Dots”

What have you done to date, what unique things do you already know, and what do you have still to learn? How can Wharton help you and how can you help the Wharton community? How does that all connect to your goals post-MBA?

I was an engineer who discovered a passion for connecting with consumers and meeting their needs. I’m Hispanic and have a passion for bringing the importance and potential impact of minority groups to the forefront. Although I had good analytical skills, I didn’t know anything about marketing or strategy, and it just so happens that Wharton has the best marketing faculty in the world.

For me, the Marketing and Operations major played to my strengths and developed my weaknesses. And since I feel strongly that good communication makes for great leaders, I wanted a program that taught me how to be a better speaker and developed my soft skills as much as my quantitative ones. Wharton would not only help me learn how to connect with consumers, it would develop me into a strong brand manager who could lead multi-national businesses.

Keep in mind that you are writing your essay for Wharton, not just any MBA program. It is pretty easy to tell if you spent a little time looking into why the school is the right fit, how you can leverage its resources, and how it will transform you as a business leader. Wharton is unique and your essay should reflect that.

3. Be Yourself

The Admissions Committee is looking to understand more about you and your unique personality and how that can ultimately contribute to the Wharton community. We are a student-driven campus and need each and every MBA to bring something to the table. Tell them how you, specifically, will make an impact.

This tip is important for editing as well. Incorporate feedback up until the point that you feel like it diminishes your voice. Don’t let revisions scrub your personality out of your writing. This isn’t an  admissions essay, it’s your  admissions essay.

Now you’re officially out of excuses. And almost out of time. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Posted: January 2, 2016

• Admissions and Applying
• The Wharton School

MBA Program

Jordan mock, wg’16.

Currently Assistant Brand Manager – Gain Dish for Procter & Gamble

Major Marketing

Previous Education University of Florida, BS in Packaging Science

Summer Internship  Brand Management Intern – Consumer Relationship Marketing, Procter & Gamble

Before Wharton Packaging Design Engineer for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Packaging Engineer and Procurement Specialist for Colgate Palmolive

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, upenn prompts - tips.

Hey guys, I'm applying to UPenn soon and have started working on my essays. Does anyone have any quick tips or pointers for tackling the UPenn prompts effectively? Thanks in advance!

To tackle the UPenn prompts effectively, consider the following tips and guidelines:

1. Understand the prompts: Carefully read the prompts and make sure you understand what each question is asking. Take note of any specific requirements, such as word limits, and ensure your essay remains focused on directly answering the question.

2. Research UPenn: Before writing your essays, research the university so you can demonstrate a strong understanding of the school's culture, values, and programs. This includes looking into academic programs, extracurricular activities, research opportunities, and the campus community.

3. Show your fit: Your essays should showcase why you are an excellent fit for UPenn. This can include discussing your academic and personal interests, highlighting your career goals, and explaining how UPenn's resources and programs align with your aspirations.

4. Be specific: Avoid general statements and vague ideas. Instead, provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your points. The more concrete and detailed your essay, the more compelling and memorable it will be to the admissions committee.

5. Answer the "Why" question: For the "Why UPenn?" essay, go beyond simply listing resources and opportunities available at the university. Explain why those resources matter to you, how they connect with your goals, and how you plan to make use of them during your time at UPenn.

6. Be genuine: Don't try to impress by using grandiose language or exaggerating your achievements. Instead, be honest and authentic. Show your passions, interests, and what makes you unique, as well as how you can contribute to UPenn's community.

7. Remember the purpose of the essays: Your essays should provide the admissions committee with a glimpse into your personality, values, and aspirations. Make sure your essays complement the rest of your application, giving the reader a more complete picture of who you are and how you would fit in at UPenn.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can write compelling essays that demonstrate your fit for the University of Pennsylvania and effectively communicate your passion for the institution. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the Academic Interest Essay for UPenn

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Aja Altenhof in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Breaking down the prompt, how to research for this essay, choosing topics to write about.

The University of Pennsylvania requires you to answer three essay prompts. The third UPenn prompt asks: 

Consider the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? (150 – 200 words).

In this article, we will discuss how to think about this prompt and how to approach writing your response. For more tips and advice on how to write the other UPenn essays, consider reading this article: How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays.

This essay is the classic “ why major ” essay with a little bit of “why UPenn” thrown into it. You want to articulate the reasons why you want to pursue your intended major, and you specifically want to discuss why UPenn is the right place to do so. Keep in mind, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one major if you’re planning on majoring in multiple different areas or if you are undecided.

The University of Pennsylvania values interdisciplinary thinking. They encourage you to branch out and take classes in multiple different fields – even if it doesn’t relate to your major. As a result, you should make sure to highlight your intellectual curiosity in your response.

Understand the Different Schools

UPenn has four different colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Nursing. Even if you are applying to one of those schools, you can still take advantage of some of  the opportunities at the other schools. Students are free to explore any intellectual interests they have. 

UPenn also offers specialized programs where you can get dual degrees . These are programs where you can get degrees at different UPenn schools at the same time. For example, one program allows you to get a degree in business and in engineering even though these degrees take place in different areas of the college.

Find Specific Opportunities

While you do have the freedom to talk about any interests, specificity is key. You want to find and articulate unique approaches that relate to UPenn. The best way to answer this question is by doing your research. You can start with the departmental websites and the classes in each department. By doing your research on the department, classes, and professors, you can talk about your specific interests. This also shows that you’re passionate about your studies and that you’ve taken the time and effort to do background research on the school. 

You also want to keep in mind that there are many ways you can write about your intellectual interests. Your essay doesn’t have to be just about classroom topics; you can also write about your interest in the clubs, community programming, and volunteer work at UPenn. 

Don’t Name-Drop

It’s great to put in the research on Upenn and what they have to offer, but a common mistake in this essay is focusing too much on UPenn at the expense of illustrating your own interest. While research is great, you don’t want to get into name-dropping territory. 

It’s tempting to convey that you’ve done research and are really passionate about what the school has to offer, but this shouldn’t be the main focus of the essay. 

Think in Terms of Your Past and Future

You want to find the balance between the past and the future. The best way to write this essay is to connect your passions to what UPenn has to offer. Write about the intellectual experiences you’ve had and why you now want to study that at UPenn. 

This approach is meant to help you tell the story of the kind of student you are. Once you’ve explained your background in the area you want to major in, then you should begin connecting that interest to the department and classes at UPenn. 

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How to Write a 3000 word Essay in Less Than 60 Minutes

Writing a 3000 word essay in under an hour might seem impossible, especially when facing a tight deadline. However, with the right approach, it's not as daunting as it sounds. A good example of this is our guide on how to write a 1000 word essay .

This article shares 5 practical tips and strategies to help you write efficiently and effectively within a limited timeframe.

EssayPro Guide on How to Write Your Essay Faster

Our team of experts has created a how-to guide for you on how to write your essay fast. Here you go:

Voice-to-Text Software

Voice-to-text software can significantly expedite essay writing by allowing users to dictate their thoughts and ideas, bypassing manual typing verbally. This technology enables a continuous writing flow, as individuals can speak their ideas naturally and conversationally without interruptions. 

For example, instead of pausing to search for the right words or phrases, users can express their thoughts fluidly, resulting in a faster and more efficient writing process. Additionally, voice-to-text software eliminates the physical strain associated with typing for extended periods, allowing users to maintain productivity and focus for longer durations.

Furthermore, voice-to-text software offers flexibility in writing environments, as users can dictate their essays from virtually anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. For instance, individuals can dictate their essays while commuting, exercising, or completing other tasks, maximizing their time and productivity.

You can use the following voice-to-text tools:

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• Google Docs Voice Typing
• Microsoft Dictate
• Apple Dictation

Need Urgent Help with Your Essay?

Don’t strain yourself – use professional writing services . 

The Stream-of-Consciousness Writing

Stream-of-consciousness writing is a technique that involves recording thoughts as they come to mind, without filtering or censoring them. This approach can be particularly useful for writing essays in less than 60 minutes as it allows for a rapid flow of ideas and content generation. 

By bypassing the need for careful planning and organization, stream-of-consciousness writing enables writers to quickly capture their thoughts on paper and generate raw material for their essays. For example, writers can focus solely on expressing their ideas and arguments instead of worrying about sentence structure or grammar, resulting in a faster and more spontaneous writing process.

Moreover, stream-of-consciousness writing can help writers overcome writer's block and tap into their creativity more effectively. This can lead to more original and compelling essay content. For instance, writers may discover new angles or perspectives on their topic that they hadn't considered before, enriching their essays with fresh insights and perspectives.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the stream-of-consciousness technique to write an essay:

• Set a timer.
• Clear distractions.
• Choose a topic.
• Begin writing.
• Write continuously.
• Don't edit or censor.
• Keep the pen moving.
• Embrace tangents.
• Stay in the moment.
• Review and edit later.

AI Writing Tools

AI writing tools can significantly expedite the essay writing process by automating various aspects of content creation, such as generating ideas, structuring arguments, and even drafting entire paragraphs. These tools leverage advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to analyze input data and produce coherent, contextually relevant text output. 

For example, platforms like OpenAI's GPT-3 and Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant offer features such as auto-completion, grammar and style suggestions, and even content generation based on user prompts. 

Furthermore, AI writing tools can assist writers in overcoming writer's block and generating ideas more efficiently. For instance, tools like Articoolo and QuillBot can generate article outlines or paraphrase existing text to provide inspiration and generate new content. 

Here are reliable AI essay writing tools:

• EssayPro Writing App

WARNING: While these tools can aid in content creation and idea generation, relying too heavily on them may lead to plagiarism or submitting low-quality, unoriginal work. Writers should use AI writing tools to supplement their research and writing process rather than replace critical thinking and academic rigor.

Collage Essay Method

The collage essay method is a creative approach to essay writing that involves assembling visual and textual materials into a collage to represent different aspects of the essay topic. This technique can be particularly effective in generating ideas quickly and organizing thoughts in a visually engaging manner. 

For example, imagine you're tasked with writing an essay on climate change. You could gather images, quotes, statistics, and diagrams related to climate change and arrange them on a poster board or digital canvas. The collage is a brainstorming tool to spark ideas and inspire the writing process by visually representing key concepts and arguments.

Moreover, the collage essay method encourages a nonlinear approach to essay writing, allowing writers to explore ideas from multiple perspectives and make connections between different topic elements. 

For instance, while arranging materials for the climate change collage, you might notice patterns or themes emerging that you hadn't considered before. This can lead to new insights and angles for your essay, enriching the content with diverse perspectives and supporting evidence.

Here are some useful tips for using the collage essay method for writing an essay fast:

• Gather diverse materials.
• Start with a central theme.
• Arrange materials strategically.
• Focus on visual impact.
• Incorporate text and images.
• Make connections between elements.
• Be open to unexpected insights.
• Iterate and refine as needed.

Role-Playing Scenario

The role-playing scenario method offers a fresh and engaging approach to essay writing, injecting creativity and empathy into the process. By immersing oneself in a specific role, writers can tap into their imagination and explore complex topics from various angles. 

For instance, if you're tasked with writing about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, you could adopt the perspective of a futuristic AI developer or a concerned citizen living in a world dominated by AI technology. This imaginative exercise sparks inspiration and encourages deeper reflection on the subject matter, leading to more insightful and thought-provoking essays.

Furthermore, the role-playing scenario cultivates empathy and understanding by encouraging writers to embody diverse viewpoints and experiences. Whether you're writing about climate change, social justice, or economic policy, stepping into the shoes of different characters allows you to see the world through their eyes and develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. 

For example, by pretending to be a climate scientist researching the effects of deforestation, you might gain a deeper appreciation for the urgency of environmental conservation efforts. This empathetic approach to essay writing fosters a greater connection with both the subject matter and the audience, resulting in essays that are not only informative but also engaging and impactful.

How to adopt the role-playing scenario technique for writing an essay:

• Choose a relevant persona.
• Research and understand their background.
• Embody the persona's mindset.
• Write from their perspective.
• Maintain consistency with the persona.
• Review and adjust as needed.
• Use insights to enrich your essay.

There’s nothing impossible if you put an effort into it. Although 60 minutes sounds like a very limited period, a smart student can use it to produce a pretty decent essay and even have a few minutes left! So, how to write essays faster ?

The tips we gave you above do work, which thousands of students with hectic schedules have already proved. A word of warning, though – don’t rush to use tools like ChatGPT to generate an essay in 5 minutes because it’s hazardous for academic integrity. Remember – AI tools are assistants, and generated texts are to be rewritten from A to Z, which can also be done in an hour or less. If you’re awfully tired and physically can’t think or type, you better ask a professional human writer to help you. 

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Howard, D. (2022, December 15). How to Write an Essay Fast . Nexus Education. https://nexus-education.com/blog-posts/how-to-write-an-essay-fast/
• 20 Top Tips for Writing an Essay in a Hurry . (2024, February 20). Oxford Royale. https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/writing-essay-hurry/ ‍
• 4 Ways to Write Essays Faster – The Bookshelf . (n.d.). https://blogs.cornell.edu/learning/4-ways-to-write-essays-faster/

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What I’ve Learned From My Students’ College Essays

The genre is often maligned for being formulaic and melodramatic, but it’s more important than you think.

By Nell Freudenberger

Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either their upbringing hasn’t supplied them with several hundred words of adversity, or worse, they’re afraid that packaging the genuine trauma they’ve experienced is the only way to secure their future. The college counselor at the Brooklyn high school where I’m a writing tutor advises against trauma porn. “Keep it brief , ” she says, “and show how you rose above it.”

I started volunteering in New York City schools in my 20s, before I had kids of my own. At the time, I liked hanging out with teenagers, whom I sometimes had more interesting conversations with than I did my peers. Often I worked with students who spoke English as a second language or who used slang in their writing, and at first I was hung up on grammar. Should I correct any deviation from “standard English” to appeal to some Wizard of Oz behind the curtains of a college admissions office? Or should I encourage students to write the way they speak, in pursuit of an authentic voice, that most elusive of literary qualities?

In fact, I was missing the point. One of many lessons the students have taught me is to let the story dictate the voice of the essay. A few years ago, I worked with a boy who claimed to have nothing to write about. His life had been ordinary, he said; nothing had happened to him. I asked if he wanted to try writing about a family member, his favorite school subject, a summer job? He glanced at his phone, his posture and expression suggesting that he’d rather be anywhere but in front of a computer with me. “Hobbies?” I suggested, without much hope. He gave me a shy glance. “I like to box,” he said.

I’ve had this experience with reluctant writers again and again — when a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously. Of course the primary goal of a college essay is to help its author get an education that leads to a career. Changes in testing policies and financial aid have made applying to college more confusing than ever, but essays have remained basically the same. I would argue that they’re much more than an onerous task or rote exercise, and that unlike standardized tests they are infinitely variable and sometimes beautiful. College essays also provide an opportunity to learn precision, clarity and the process of working toward the truth through multiple revisions.

When a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously.

Even if writing doesn’t end up being fundamental to their future professions, students learn to choose language carefully and to be suspicious of the first words that come to mind. Especially now, as college students shoulder so much of the country’s ethical responsibility for war with their protest movement, essay writing teaches prospective students an increasingly urgent lesson: that choosing their own words over ready-made phrases is the only reliable way to ensure they’re thinking for themselves.

Teenagers are ideal writers for several reasons. They’re usually free of preconceptions about writing, and they tend not to use self-consciously ‘‘literary’’ language. They’re allergic to hypocrisy and are generally unfiltered: They overshare, ask personal questions and call you out for microaggressions as well as less egregious (but still mortifying) verbal errors, such as referring to weed as ‘‘pot.’’ Most important, they have yet to put down their best stories in a finished form.

I can imagine an essay taking a risk and distinguishing itself formally — a poem or a one-act play — but most kids use a more straightforward model: a hook followed by a narrative built around “small moments” that lead to a concluding lesson or aspiration for the future. I never get tired of working with students on these essays because each one is different, and the short, rigid form sometimes makes an emotional story even more powerful. Before I read Javier Zamora’s wrenching “Solito,” I worked with a student who had been transported by a coyote into the U.S. and was reunited with his mother in the parking lot of a big-box store. I don’t remember whether this essay focused on specific skills or coping mechanisms that he gained from his ordeal. I remember only the bliss of the parent-and-child reunion in that uninspiring setting. If I were making a case to an admissions officer, I would suggest that simply being able to convey that experience demonstrates the kind of resilience that any college should admire.

The essays that have stayed with me over the years don’t follow a pattern. There are some narratives on very predictable topics — living up to the expectations of immigrant parents, or suffering from depression in 2020 — that are moving because of the attention with which the student describes the experience. One girl determined to become an engineer while watching her father build furniture from scraps after work; a boy, grieving for his mother during lockdown, began taking pictures of the sky.

If, as Lorrie Moore said, “a short story is a love affair; a novel is a marriage,” what is a college essay? Every once in a while I sit down next to a student and start reading, and I have to suppress my excitement, because there on the Google Doc in front of me is a real writer’s voice. One of the first students I ever worked with wrote about falling in love with another girl in dance class, the absolute magic of watching her move and the terror in the conflict between her feelings and the instruction of her religious middle school. She made me think that college essays are less like love than limerence: one-sided, obsessive, idiosyncratic but profound, the first draft of the most personal story their writers will ever tell.

Nell Freudenberger’s novel “The Limits” was published by Knopf last month. She volunteers through the PEN America Writers in the Schools program.