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UPenn Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts & Advice

August 7, 2024

The University of Pennsylvania accepted 40% of applicants back in 1980—as of 2024, that figure had plummeted to under 7%. 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 2024-25, 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 2024-25 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 with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you plan to pursue 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 particular 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 a global, multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare through advancing science. How will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare and how will Penn Nursing contribute to your future nursing goals? (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 you could 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

Discuss how your interests align with 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 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) 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)

10) 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.

Looking for additional writing resources? Check out the following blogs:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

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) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 5

University of Pennsylvania 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 3 essays of 150-200 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community , Why

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Prompt Breakdowns

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).

Gratitude is quickly becoming a practice we are encouraged to connect to and reflect on regularly, hence the popularity of gratitude journals and exercises. (Brainstorming method alert!) It’s not a surprise, therefore, that the admissions department at UPenn wants to learn about what you value and how you express gratitude. Think about times when you have felt acknowledged, heard, and seen; moments when you have felt that swelling in your chest, as your heart grows three sizes. Who would you like to thank and why? What impact did they have on your life? How did their actions affect the way you think or approach new ventures? Remember that this essay or “note” needs to reveal information about how you process, appreciate, and/or draw inspiration from the action of others. Ultimately, admissions wants to know more about how you relate to others in the world and how you repurpose good intentions. Bonus points if you share your “thank you” note with the associated party after hitting submit!

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)

Admissions wants to know how you will participate in the Penn campus community, so start by thinking about what you’d like to do when you’re not cramming for exams or soaking up your professors’ sage wisdom (a little website research could come in handy here). If that hypothetical exercise is not producing quality ideas, think about the here and now. Where can you be found when your homework is done? How do you spend your weekends? Think of an activity or topic that gets you interacting and connecting with other like-minded peers. Once you have something in mind, explore Penn’s website to see if they have a similar group or community that you’d like to join. Admissions wants to know what your area of influence will look like at UPenn: an on-campus job, a unique hobby, or maybe an organization to which you contribute innovative ideas and exquisite cake decorating skills (bake sale, anyone?). Finally, remember to address how UPenn will shape your perspective and vice versa. Will the Black Wharton Undergraduate Association help you to explore your entrepreneurial interests? Will your plethora of non-profit internship and volunteering experiences make you a fantastic addition to and a natural leader in the Social Impact Consulting Group? Whatever you write about, make sure your response to this prompt shows that you have put some serious thought into what your life will look like at UPenn. 

If Applying to Wharton:

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., if applying to 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., if applying to engineering: , penn engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. please share how you plan to pursue 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., if applying to nursing:, penn nursing intends to meet the health needs of a global, multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare through advancing science. how will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare and how will penn nursing contribute to your future nursing goals (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..

With each of these prompts, admissions is hoping to gain insight into your goals and ambitions. Whether you’re hoping to combat societal issues through business, explore your curiosity through The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum, become a leader in tech, or promote equity in healthcare, your response should reveal new information about your passions, motivations, and vision for the future. Since you only have 150-200 words to work with here, you won’t be able to walk admissions through your journey to the college of your choice, but you can offer insight into the kind of work you’d like to do and the impact you’d like to have post-graduation. Just keep in mind that the best responses will cite specific resources at Penn in order to show that it is Penn, specifically, that will be instrumental to your future success.

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University of Pennsylvania | UPenn’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Gratitude short response.

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!)

Diversity Short Response

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.

College of Arts and Sciences Short Response

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?

Penn Engineering Short Response

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.

Penn Nursing Short Response

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?

Wharton Short Response

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.

Huntsman Program Essay

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?

Digital Media Design Program Essay

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

Life Sciences and Management Program Essay

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.

Jerome Fisher Management and Technology Program Essay 1

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

Jerome Fisher Management and Technology Program Essay 2

Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity.

NETS Engineering Program Essay

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.

Nursing and Healthcare Management Program Essay

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?

VIPER Program Essay

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.

Bio-Dental Program Short Response 1

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.

Bio-Dental Program Short Response 2

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.

Bio-Dental Program Short Response 3

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

Bio-Dental Program Short Response 4

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

Bio-Dental Program Short Response 5

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.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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How To Answer UPenn's 2024/25 Supplemental Essays: Tips & Insights

Essay Requirements

How to Answer Prompt 1

What UPenn Looks For

Essay Examples

I often get questions from students about how to tackle UPenn's supplemental essays. How do you craft a compelling response? What makes an application truly stand out in such a competitive pool?

As a former admissions officer at the University of Pennsylvania, I’ve reviewed countless applications. Let’s break down UPenn’s supplemental essays: what the prompts are, how to approach them, and common pitfalls to avoid.

With an acceptance rate of around 5.8% , UPenn is one of the most selective universities in the country. Your application needs to be exceptional to gain admission .

While your grades , test scores , and extracurriculars provide a snapshot of your academic and personal accomplishments, the supplemental essays offer a unique opportunity for you to share your story and your voice directly with the admissions committee.

This is your moment to explain why UPenn is the perfect match for you and how you will enrich its vibrant community.

UPenn’s Supplemental Essay Requirements & Prompts

UPenn accepts applications through both the Common Application and the Coalition Application , and they don’t prefer either over the other.

Besides the personal statement of the Common App or the Coalition App , you’ll need to write 3 essays answering 3 different prompts:

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

A school-specific prompt that is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to a prompt specific to the College of Arts and Sciences).

What did Upenn students write their Common App essays about?

Prompt #1: How You Should Answer it

The first prompt is quite unique, which I actually find refreshing. At first glance, it might seem a bit unconventional and could throw you off, but this is exactly where the opportunity lies. This prompt allows you to be creative and express yourself in a way that can really make your application stand out.

1. Write about yourself, not the person

The key to tackling this prompt is to remember that while you’re technically being asked to thank someone, the real focus should be on what this person has done to inspire you , challenge you, or set you on a meaningful path. It’s not just about the person themselves, but about how they’ve influenced your life and shaped who you are today.

2. Find unique perspectives

Consider this example: One applicant wrote a heartfelt thank-you note to the person who discovered antihistamines. At first, this might seem like an odd choice, but the story behind it was powerful.

This student suffered from severe seasonal allergies that could have easily kept them indoors and away from their passion for environmental work.

Instead, antihistamines allowed them to engage fully in outdoor activities and pursue their interests. This example stood out to me because it showed how a seemingly small discovery had a profound impact on the student's life, enabling them to follow their passions.

Notice that the essay was less about the person who invented antihistamines and more about the freedom and opportunities their discovery provided to the student.

When approaching this prompt, think about someone who has genuinely impacted you. This could be someone famous, like the inventor of a life-changing technology.

3. Address the second part of the prompt

Another way to make your response stand out is by thoughtfully addressing the second part of the prompt, which asks you to imagine what it would be like if you had the opportunity to actually give this thank-you note to the person.

This is usually included as a postscript at the end of your essay, signing off with your name and adding a “P.S.” that reflects on the imagined moment.

This might look something like, “P.S. Seeing the look of gratitude on their face made the experience of delivering this note even more inspiring.”

By doing this, you not only complete the prompt fully but also show that you’ve thought deeply about the experience and the impact it could have on both you and the person you're thanking.

Mistakes To Avoid

1. focusing too much on the person.

One common mistake applicants make with this prompt is focusing too much on the person they are thanking, often spending the bulk of the essay describing that person's qualities, achievements, and how wonderful they are.

While it's natural to want to praise someone who has made a significant impact on your life, remember that this essay is part of your application, not theirs.

The admissions committee wants to learn more about you as a student and as a person, not the person you are thanking. Again, the key is to highlight how this person's influence has shaped you—what it says about your values, character, and growth.

2. Making a generic choice

Another frequent pitfall is choosing someone too obvious or generic, like a parent, teacher, or coach. While writing about parents or teachers can certainly be profound, it needs to offer a unique perspective that makes you stand out.

For example, thanking a parent for always being supportive is a common theme and doesn’t offer much insight into what makes your experiences or your response to those experiences distinctive.

Instead, try to think about specific, unique ways that a person’s influence has shaped your path. Did a teacher challenge you in an unexpected way that changed your perspective on learning? Did a mentor introduce you to a field you had never considered before, sparking a passion that you have pursued ever since?

Even if you choose someone who might initially seem like a common choice, focus on a unique story or aspect of your relationship that others might not think of.

UPenn Prompt #2: How You Should Answer it

The second prompt is a classic "community" question, which is common in many college applications. UPenn’s version of this prompt asks you to reflect on a community that you’re deeply invested in and how you will continue to engage with that community or a similar one once you’re on campus.

1. Showcase your connection to your community

What UPenn is really looking for here is a genuine connection to a community that has significantly impacted you or that you have had a meaningful role in. When thinking about which community to write about, consider the ones you are most passionate about .

This could be a cultural group, a local organization, an online forum, or any other group where you’ve felt a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

2. Highlight your passion to giving back to community

UPenn places a strong emphasis on community engagement and giving back, so think about an element of service or involvement that you’re truly passionate about. It shouldn’t be a one-time volunteer experience, like a single shift at a soup kitchen.

Instead, it should be something that demonstrates a long-term commitment and genuine interest. For example, maybe you started a non-profit organization in your hometown and have continued to find ways to expand its impact. Maybe this involvement has taught you valuable lessons about leadership, empathy, and resilience, which you can bring to UPenn.

While your chosen community doesn’t necessarily have to be service-oriented, essays about service tend to be powerful because they often reveal a deep commitment and a genuine passion.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you are already invested in, not just something you hope to be involved in in the future.

Admissions officers want to see evidence of your dedication and impact, so pick a community that has been a significant part of your life and one where you’ve made meaningful contributions.

3. Show personal growth

As you write, consider addressing both your contributions to the community and what you’ve learned from being a part of it. Remember, UPenn isn’t just looking for students who want to “save the world” but for those who are also eager to learn from others, work collaboratively, and show openness to diverse perspectives and ideas.

Reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and how you’ve grown from engaging with people from different backgrounds and viewpoints.

1. Writing too generally or vageuly

A common mistake students make with this prompt is being too general in their response. For example, stating that you want to join UPenn’s rugby team because you were part of a rugby club in high school, or saying that yoga is important to you and you want to continue practicing it in college.

While these statements might be true, they don't demonstrate any significant impact. The university isn't just looking to hear about what activities you want to continue at college; they want to understand how you will make a meaningful contribution to the UPenn campus and the broader West Philadelphia community.

To avoid falling into this trap, focus on describing a deeper level of involvement. Think about the ways you have already made a difference in a community and how you intend to bring that same level of commitment to UPenn.

For example, rather than simply stating that you enjoy playing rugby, you could talk about how you organized a charity rugby tournament in high school to raise money for a local cause. This shows initiative, leadership , and a willingness to use your interests to benefit others.

Avoid vague statements like “I want to continue doing yoga at UPenn.” Instead, focus on how yoga has helped you build a sense of mindfulness and resilience, and discuss how you plan to share these practices with the broader community by, for example, starting a yoga program for stress relief during finals or volunteering to teach yoga at a local community center in West Philadelphia.

2. Focusing on academics

For this prompt, I would advise against focusing on an academic community, especially since there’s another essay prompt specifically geared towards academics. Instead, use this essay to showcase a different side of yourself and what drives you outside the classroom.

How Talia Got Into Penn with Crimson

UPenn Prompt #3: How You Should Answer it

This prompt is typically the classic “Why UPenn?” or “Why Us?” question, tailored to the specific school or program you're applying to within the university.

The goal here is to demonstrate a clear, well-researched understanding of what makes UPenn the perfect place for you to pursue your academic and professional goals.

1. Do your research

To answer this prompt effectively, you’ll need to do a lot of research before you start writing. You should delve deeply into the unique opportunities available within your intended major or program.

For example, if you’re applying to the College of Arts and Sciences, you could highlight the flexibility of the curriculum, which allows students to explore interdisciplinary interests and customize their education.

When researching, look for specific higher-level courses that align with your academic interests and future goals. Think about the theories, concepts, or methodologies taught in these courses and how they will help you achieve your long-term aspirations.

Showing that you’ve thought carefully about your academic path at UPenn will demonstrate that you’re serious about your studies and have a clear plan for your education.

2. Relate the opportunities to you and your experiences

Explore the faculty members in your department of interest. Look into their research areas and see if any align with your own interests or previous work.

Mentioning specific faculty whose work excites you and explaining why it resonates with you can be a great way to show that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the academic community at UPenn.

Consider the undergraduate research opportunities that UPenn offers. Whether it’s through specific labs, research centers, or interdisciplinary projects, find opportunities that connect with your interests and could help you achieve your goals.

Discussing these opportunities shows that you are proactive about your education and are looking to take full advantage of what UPenn has to offer.

Most importantly, make sure your essay ties everything back to your own experiences, achievements, and future aspirations. It’s not enough to simply list what you like about UPenn—you need to explain why these elements are important to you and how they will help you grow.

Demonstrate how the unique resources at UPenn, from courses to faculty to extracurriculars, fit into the larger picture of your academic journey and career goals .

1. Not making your answer specific to UPenn

One of the most common mistakes students make with this prompt is not making their answer unique enough to UPenn. If your essay could easily apply to another university, like Cornell or NYU , then it's not specific enough.

For instance, saying you want to study abroad or that you're excited about a strong liberal arts education isn't compelling because these are opportunities offered by many schools. This prompt is really about demonstrating why UPenn is the perfect fit for you, and why no other university can offer the same unique combination of resources, culture, and opportunities that align with your goals.

2. Not demonstrating your knowledge of UPenn

The admissions committee is looking for clear, focused answers that demonstrate your knowledge of UPenn and your fit for the university. Start your essay with a strong statement that directly addresses why UPenn is your ideal choice, and maintain that focus throughout.

To avoid this pitfall, think about what makes UPenn distinct from other universities. Ask yourself: “Why UPenn and not another school?” Be specific about the programs, courses, faculty, research opportunities, and campus culture that make UPenn the best place for you. Highlight how these aspects uniquely align with your personal interests, experiences, and future aspirations.

With a limited number of words, you need to be concise and get straight to the point. Don't waste time on generic statements or overly broad introductions.

What Do UPenn Admissions Officers Look for in These Essays?

Besides the points I mentioned above, there are several key characteristics that UPenn admissions officers look for in these essays. Understanding these traits and making sure they're reflected in your writing will help make your application stand out.

1. Good writing quality 

This is a fundamental expectation for any university application, but it's particularly crucial for UPenn. Your essays should be clear, concise, and free of errors. 

Good writing is not about using fancy language or complex sentences—it's about effectively communicating your ideas in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand. Make sure to proofread your essays carefully and have others review them to catch any typos or grammatical mistakes. 

Pay special attention to details like spelling the names of faculty members correctly and ensuring your essay is well-structured and coherent.

2. Leadership

UPenn values applicants who demonstrate strong leadership skills. Things showing initiative and making an impact in your community. 

For instance, if you’ve started your own nonprofit organization or led a significant project, make sure to highlight this in your essays.

Admissions officers are interested in seeing how you have used your leadership abilities to address challenges, mobilize others, and create change. Moreover, they want to know how you will bring this same level of initiative to UPenn. 

Make a clear connection between your past leadership experiences and the specific opportunities at UPenn where you could apply these skills, such as joining a student organization or engaging in community projects.

3. Intellectual Curiosity

Another critical trait UPenn looks for is intellectual curiosity. For academic prompts, it’s important to showcase a genuine passion for a subject and a desire to learn more. This means going beyond simply listing your academic achievements. 

Reflect on what excites you about your chosen field and discuss the steps you’ve already taken to explore this interest. Have you pursued independent research, taken online courses, or engaged with related extracurricular activities? 

Then, connect this curiosity to specific opportunities at UPenn, such as particular courses, research programs, or faculty whose work intrigues you.

While they’re not expecting you to have your entire life planned out, admissions officers do want to see that you’ve thought about how a UPenn education will help you delve deeper into your passions and develop your intellectual interests further.

UPenn Essay Examples

The best inspiration for a good essay is other well-written essays. Here are a few essay examples from AdmitYogi written by successful applicants who got admitted to UPenn:

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (200 words)

To my third grade teacher [Name Redacted],

Thank you for all that you did to help me get accustomed to life in the US after living in Ethiopia for two years. Thank you for showing me how to properly write on lined paper, for telling me to point all fingers up when raising my hand, and for teaching me how to type since everyone had learned the year before. Thank you for always making sure I felt comfortable, for always greeting me in the halls, and for introducing me to sports fiction novels.

Thank you for putting up with all my talking in class, for always answering my text messages at six o’clock telling you that I had just woken up, and for staying late with me after school until my mother picked me up. Thank you for treating my little brother with the same kindness seven years later when he was your student, and thank you for all the kind messages that you send to my family. Without you, [Name Redacted], I would not have thrived in this new environment and enjoyed each second of my elementary school years. Most importantly, thank you for being you.

How will you explore community at Penn? (200 words)

Throughout my life, I have moved thirteen times. My parents, Ethiopian immigrants, separated when I was three years old, and since then I have lived in various parts of the world. When I was six years old, I lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for two years and became fluent in Amharic and Ge’ez. My childhood has introduced me to a multitude of different languages and cultures, as I lived with friends and family from Cameroon, Cape Verde, and India.

As a result, I have always been fascinated by languages, and how each has a different grammatical structure, writing system, and phonetics. I have learned six languages so far, and hope to continue my passion in college by taking Linguistics courses.

At UPenn, I am looking forward to meeting people from all over the world and contributing towards building a multi-cultural campus. By joining the African Students Association and connecting with other Ethiopian students, I hope to share my story with others and hear theirs as well. I am excited for the next chapter in my life and hope that it is spent at Penn.

[School-specific] What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (200 words)

Since a young age, I have always loved learning languages. My passion started when I was just six years old when my father was teaching Amharic to a student at Boston University. He sometimes dragged me along with him, promising me twenty dollars every time I helped him. I reluctantly went and served the role of “Assistant Professor”.

He never paid me any money, but after the class ended, I didn't even care about the money anymore. I was amazed by the concept of languages, and my father, who studied archaeology, saw this newly formed interest of mine and began to teach me Ge’ez, an ancient Semitic language of Ethiopia.

Since then, my love for languages has only grown stronger. I regularly watch videos by polyglots and play Geoguessr, where knowing the alphabet of languages comes in handy. At school, I have had the opportunity to learn Mandarin, Latin, Italian, and Ancient Greek, while also learning Amharic and Ge’ez at home.

At UPenn, I will be able to take a linguistics course for the first time while also continuing my passion for the Classics. I hope to take courses such as Black Classicisms taught by Professor Greenwood.

How Ken Got Into UPenn Wharton with Crimson

How You Can Stand Out

The best way to perfect your essay is to work with an expert .

Crimson has some of the world's best experts in the field, including other former admissions officers who can guide you through the admissions process from A to Z, tailoring your application to maximize your chances of admission.

Students working with Crimson are 7 times more likely to gain admission to their dream university.

What Makes Crimson Different

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
• MIT Supplemental Essay
• Northwestern Supplemental Essay
• Harvard Supplemental Essay
• Columbia Supplemental Essay
• Princeton Supplemental Essay
• Cornell Supplemental Essay
• Brown Supplemental Essay
• UPenn Supplemental Essay
• Dartmouth Supplemental Essay
• Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay
• University of Chicago Supplemental Essay
• NYU Supplemental Essay
• How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
• What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

About the Author

Eileen Dougherty

UPenn Former Admissions Officer

A seasoned college admissions expert with nearly 10 years of experience working in college admissions offices, including a role as an Admissions Officer at the University of Pennsylvania. Eileen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The Pennsylvania State University and has over 5 years of experience in admissions consulting. Her guidance has helped students gain acceptance into top institutions such as UPenn, NYU, USC and more.

More Articles

How to answer stanford's 2024/2025 supplemental essays: tips & insights.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Prompt 2024

Ace Your NYU Supplemental Essay: Expert Advice From a Former Admissions Officer

UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023-24

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

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

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

UPenn Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

University of pennsylvania application quick facts.

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

Does UPenn have any supplemental essays?

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

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

How many essays does UPenn require?

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

UPenn Essays: A Thank You Note

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

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

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

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

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

UPenn Supplemental Essays: Community Essay

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

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

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

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

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

UPenn School Specific Short Answer Prompts

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

Here are the school specific UPenn supplemental essay prompts: 

Doing Research

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

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

Choosing a Major

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

UPenn Supplemental Essay: Dual Degree/Specialized Programs

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

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

Understanding the University of Pennsylvania essay prompts

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

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

Identifying which UPenn Supplemental Essays to answer

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

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

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

Does UPenn care about essays?

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

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

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

Five tips on how to write your UPenn Supplemental Essays

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

1. Be original

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

2. Read UPenn supplemental essay examples 

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

3. Do your research

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

4. Edit thoroughly 

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

5. Have fun! 

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

How to make your UPenn essays stand out

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

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

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

More UPenn Resources from CollegeAdvisor and Beyond

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

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

UPenn Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

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

Start early 

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

Do your research 

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

Be specific 

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

Write multiple drafts

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

Consult with others 

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

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How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays - Examples & Tips

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 6/20/24

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. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Writing a supplemental essay can be difficult. You should avoid some common mistakes when writing the UPenn supplemental essays. 

• Avoid using cliches or tired expressions. Admissions committees go through countless essays, so using fresh, original language is important.
• Don't choose a broad or common topic. Pick something specific and unique that highlights your personality and interests.
• Steer clear of inappropriate language or humor. Keep your essay professional and suitable for a college application.
• Write your own essay. This is your opportunity to express your voice and ideas, so make sure it's your own work.
• Stick to the prompt. Don't go off-topic or disregard the instructions. Ensure your essay directly addresses what the prompt is asking for.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help you write a compelling and stellar supplemental essay that will catch the admissions office’s attention! 

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!

Quad offers successful and detailed support for college essays. Here is a review from a successful college applicant who worked with us on their essay. 

“I really appreciated how David and the Quad Education team gave feedback on my essays and applications. I felt the advice they gave was timely and geared to me personally. They helped take my applications to the next level by covering the bases of each supplemental essay.”  - Claudine 

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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How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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

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

University of Pennsylvania’s 2024-2025 Prompts

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

Supplemental Short Answer Prompts

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (we encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience) (150-200 words), how will you explore community at penn consider how penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape penn. (150-200 words), undergraduate school academic short answer prompts, penn nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. what do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare (150-200 words).

• The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words)
• Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Ace the 2024-2025 UPenn Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Most students who apply to schools as prestigious as the University of Pennsylvania have impressive academic and extracurricular records. If you want your application to shine above the rest, the UPenn supplemental essays are your opportunity! 

UPenn has three required prompts. Each ask students to share how UPenn will fulfill their goals, in and out of the classroom. The challenge is crafting a sincere yet differentiated answer to these “Why UPenn” essays.  Let’s discuss how to ace each prompt. Our tips include questions that will help you draw upon the best examples from your own experiences.  

Also see: How to answer the Common App essay prompts

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

This prompt asks you something that many colleges do not– they want to know about your relationships. This is great because it shows the admissions committee a glimpse into what type of person you are, and what you care about. Gratitude tells a lot about a person, so whoever you decide to write to, make sure that it is sincere and truthful. 

This prompt is to be written with between 150 and 200 words. Depending on how you feel about writing, this can be seen as a whole lot of writing or not enough space to say how you really feel. Either way, if you just write from your heart with this prompt, you can always go back and edit it to get the word count correct. 

Questions to consider: 

• Who has helped you the most in your life?
• What are you grateful for?
• Have you experienced something big that a family member or friend helped you through?

“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)

This prompt acknowledges the social aspect of attending a college or university. One of the big things that many higher education institutions look for in a student is that they are more than just their academics. Penn is big on community, so this prompt is asking you how you will benefit from the community that the school offers, and also how the community will benefit from your involvement. 

For many students, the most difficult part about writing college supplemental essays is writing about themselves. For this prompt, UPenn wants to know about your positive attributes. It is okay to hype yourself up– actually, that is what they want to hear! So although it may seem awkward at first to talk about what you have to offer in their community, it is important that you start to get comfortable writing in that way about yourself. 

Here are some questions you could ask yourself: 

• Are you a part of a community at home?
• What are you looking for in a college when it comes to community?
• What do you feel are the most important parts of your identity that you can see in the community around you?

Related : How to write a “Why This College” essay (With example!)

Prompt #3 Undergraduate School-Specific Short Answer Prompts

For these essays, make sure that you do your research on the specific school and their mission. You do not want to just repeat what is already on your transcript, resume, or application. This is a place that you need to deep dive into the parts of your academics where you may not have been able to elaborate in your application. It will be important to connect your previous academic experiences to what you want your future academics to look like at UPenn.

You will want to talk about your goals and aspirations academically and intellectually in college. Be sure to connect to things that are specific to UPenn, such as certain professors you are looking forward to working with, research opportunities that UPenn offers that other schools don’t, or classes that you are excited about. 

Here are some questions you could ask yourself when answering the specific undergraduate school-specific prompts: 

• What major are you interested in?
• Do you plan to study abroad?
• What topics are you interested in researching?
• What most excites you academically?

Here are the various schools within the University of Pennsylvania:

School of nursing.

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of a global, multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare through advancing science. How will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare and how will Penn Nursing contribute to your future nursing goals? (150-200 words)

Before you start writing, learn all about Penn’s School of Nursing as you connect what is offered to how you can make the world a better place as a nurse.

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) 

The  academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences are amazing and vast. Spend time getting familiar with the offerings and how you will make the most of opportunities if accepted to the UPenn College of Arts and Sciences. 

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) 

Learn everything you can about the foundations of a Wharton education so you can share how you will make the most of a renowned Wharton School education.  

The 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 with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words)

Before you start writing, learn all about Penn Engineering and its mission and how you can make the most of the resources offered.

See Also:   How to write an essay about yourself

Specialized and dual degree program prompts

UPenn offers special (and particularly competitive) programs . They each require a separate essay, with a bit longer word limit of 400-650. If you are interested in one of these tracks, be sure to get very specific in your answers. Make a list of concrete examples for how your chosen program satisfies your academic and personal aspirations. Given that these are such unique paths, showcase what you have been exposed to that has led you to develop this niche interest. Outline exactly how you envision this program setting you up for professional success. This is not the time to downplay your enthusiasm for the subject matter and confidence that you are a great candidate! 

Also see:  How to write a 500 word essay

Transfer Essay

“Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution. (4150 characters) ”

Also see : How to transfer colleges

This prompt is specifically for students who are wanting to transfer to UPenn from another institution. Although 4150 characters may seem like a great deal of words, remember that this is your opportunity to share your story and tell the university about who you are as a student, as a person, as a community member, and as a friend. 

It is a great idea to lean in on the second half of this prompt. What do you hope to gain from transferring to another college? Usually, when a person transfers to another university, it is because they were not getting everything they wanted out of the college that they started at. One thing that you need to remember is that you do not want to speak badly about your previous institution– this can be a bad look, depending on who is reading the essay. Be sure that you are focusing on yourself, and try to remain positive.

• If you had a bad experience at your previous institution, how can you turn that around to be positive?
• What are you looking forward to academically with UPenn?
• What are you looking forward to in the community with UPenn?

Final thoughts

After reading the above pointers, you should be ready to tackle the UPenn supplemental essays! Don’t shy away from injecting your personality into the prompts. Also know that you can never do too much research in finding examples to reference. Because these prompts are pretty open-ended, trimming your answers to 250 words is sometimes the trickiest part. Get all of your initial thoughts down, and then revise. You got this! 

Additional resources

As you complete the UPenn supplemental essays, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate. Luckily, we can help you navigate it. Check out our guides on when to apply to college , how many colleges to apply to , and how to plan a college tour . We can also provide you with vetted, custom-matched scholarship opportunities which automatically update every day – make sure to try out our scholarship search tool . Best of luck with your admissions process!

Other colleges to consider

• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
• Duke University (Durham, NC)
• Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
• Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)

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August 7, 2024

University of Pennsylvania Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

The University of Pennsylvania has released its essay prompts for the 2024-2025 college admissions cycle. In all, just like last year, applicants to the UPenn Class of 2029 will be asked to answer three required supplemental essays — in addition to The Common Application Personal Statement. In addition, there are additional essay requirements for UPenn’s coordinated dual degree and specialized programs. So what are this year’s UPenn supplemental essays , and how should they be tackled?

2024-2025 UPenn Essay Topics & Questions

Essay prompts for all applicants.

Applicants to UPenn have 150-200 words for each of the three required supplemental admissions essays.

The first two supplemental essay prompts are as follows:

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!)

When responding to this essay prompt, it’s important to note that the letter shouldn’t only be sweet. Even though it’s addressed to someone an applicant would like to acknowledge, it still needs to showcase the student’s intellectual curiosity if they hope to stand out. The person need not be hugely influential in our world — in fact, we’d discourage as much since that would risk rendering an applicant less likable as it would appear they’re trying to impress. But the narrative presented to the person must showcase how a student thinks.

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.

This prompt is a version of a Why College essay . As such, it needs to be filled with specific after specific of how an applicant hopes to contribute to UPenn’s culture — from activities to traditions — all through the prism of a student’s evolving and ideally always malleable perspective.

Unlike in past years, the third essay prompt depends on the school within UPenn to which a student is applying (the College of Arts and Sciences , The Wharton School , the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences , or the School of Nursing ).

School-Specific Essay Prompts for All Applicants

The third essay prompt is school-dependent. The school-specific prompts, which must also be answered in 150-200 words, are as follows:

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?

Many applicants will fall through the big trap door for this essay prompt by writing about the classes they hope to take in the College of Arts and Sciences. But classes change, and admissions officers know that students can cut and paste a course from one university and change the name for the next university.

Instead, in this essay, it would behoove applicants to capture the enduring specifics of the curriculum. What’s the school’s secret sauce for how UPenn teaches the major the applicant wishes to study? Is there a weird requirement for the major? Are students required to participate in scientific studies? Will students need to attend a weekly lecture series in a library over tea and crackers? It’s these kind of details that can make all the difference.

The Wharton School Essay Prompt

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

This prompt is a hybrid: part select an issue that matters to an applicant and part showcase how that issue can be addressed within Wharton. So pick an interesting issue — and students should not pick a topic that everyone will agree with them on. Ethics in business? Who doesn’t believe people should be ethical in business? And when students address the Why Wharton component of the prompt, make sure it’s filled with genuine specifics about the school within the school. And, no, name-dropping professors who may or may not be there next year does not count nor does listing classes that one can cut and paste from one university’s course catalog to the next.

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Essay Prompt

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

This is a straight up the middle Why Penn Engineering question . The answer should be filled with specifics on how a student hopes to leave a mark on the world — through the power of engineering — with the help of the school within a school. Name-dropping professors and classes do not count as genuine specifics and risk rendering an applicant unlikable. Instead, applicants would be wise to select enduring specifics about UPenn’s engineering school to wow UPenn’s admissions officers.

School of Nursing Essay Prompt

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of a global, multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare through advancing science. How will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare and how will Penn Nursing contribute to your future nursing goals?

This prompt is a hybrid question: Why Major and Why Penn Nursing? It’s a chance to share a unique narrative that inspires admissions officers to want to root for a student. As such, there are better ways to go than writing about how one wants to be a nurse to help people. Clichés have no place in college admissions essays. Instead, it would behoove applicants to identify a specific, uncommon way they hope to contribute to the healthcare field. Then, in the second half of the essay, applicants should cite specific example after specific example of how Penn Nursing will help them do just that (and no class names or professor name drops allowed!).

Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Programs Short Answer Prompts

UPenn’s coordinated dual degree and specialized programs require essays of varying word and character counts. The prompts for each of the programs, along with their corresponding word and character counts are below:

DMD: Digital Media Design Program

Discuss how your interests align with the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)

This prompt is a Why Program essay. As such, it should be filled with genuine specific after specific that only apply to the program. That means no class names and no professor names. Applicants should instead endeavor to capture the enduring specifics of the program.

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 contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)

Huntsman applicants should have an interest in  international  business. As such, students need to articulate — ideally through their experiences and activities — what’s at the core of their interest in global markets. Applicants should not be general but choose one specific area within international business and showcase how they hope to leave an imprint in this area during their lifetime.

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)

Applicants should pick a topic within the life sciences — ideally, an issue that isn’t addressed all too often — and then outline how they hope to make a difference in this area during their college years and in the years that follow. Dare to choose a topic that’s a little bit controversial — that’s ok! Writing only about safe topics is a surefire way to create a bland application, so applicants should ignore all advice that sets them down that path.

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)

This prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why Program essay. It should be filled not only with an applicant’s origin story, as high schoolers, for their interest in the intersection of business and engineering, but peppered throughout should be enduring specifics that apply to the Jerome Fisher program and only to the Jerome Fisher program. That means students should not name-drop professor names and class names since professors leave and classes change (not to mention, name-dropping professors undercuts a student’s likability).

Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)

An applicant’s choice of a problem they’ve solved need not be grand in scale though it  should  be interesting. It can be a simple problem. Students have set themselves up for success as long as the issue’s at the intersection of engineering and business (or potentially business in the future, which can be outlined in this essay). Ideally, through detailing the problem, admissions officers might even learn something — not only about the applicant but about the issue. Applicants should always aim to make admissions officers smarter for having read their essays!

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)

This prompt is a hybrid: Why Nursing and Why NHCM. Students should articulate the origin of their interest in nursing (as high schoolers, not as children) and then pepper in many specifics about NHCM that are unique to NHCM. That means if one can cut and paste a line from this essay for another school or program, it should be deleted.

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)

This prompt is a hybrid: it’s part Why Energy Science and Technology and part Why VIPER. The origin story for the interest in energy science and technology should stem from high school, and peppered throughout the essay should be specifics about VIPER that don’t apply to any other program at any other university.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with University of Pennsylvania Essays

If you’re interested in presenting the most compelling storytelling possible in the UPenn supplemental essays, fill out Ivy Coach ’s consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services that are directly with Ivy Coach’s Jayson Weingarten , a former University of Pennsylvania admissions officer.

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Navigating University of Pennsylvania's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

When applying to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), your supplemental essays present a golden opportunity to showcase your distinct personality, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to your chosen field of study. This blog post will illuminate each of this year's prompts, provide targeted advice, and share examples from successful past applications.

Prompt 1: 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)

This prompt seeks to understand your academic trajectory and how UPenn fits into your plans. An engaging response from a 2022 applicant to the Wharton School reads:

"My fascination with entrepreneurship began with a lemonade stand. At nine, I was fascinated with turning lemons into cash. This entrepreneurial spark followed me to high school where I co-founded a small online store selling refurbished electronics.

During a summer program at Wharton, I was captivated by the concept of social entrepreneurship: using business principles to solve societal issues. The idea resonated with my desire to make an impact beyond profits.

At Wharton, I aim to delve deeper into this field by majoring in Business Economics & Public Policy and minoring in Social Impact & Responsibility. I'm particularly excited about courses like 'Business in the Global Political Environment' that blend business strategy and policy-making. I also look forward to joining the Wharton Social Impact Initiative to contribute to projects with real-world implications and gain hands-on experience.

Wharton's interdisciplinary approach and focus on experiential learning align with my aspirations, making it the perfect place to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, policy, and social impact."

Prompt 2: 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)

This prompt aims to understand your extracurricular interests and your potential contributions to the UPenn community. Here's a poignant response from a 2021 applicant:

"I look forward to engaging with Penn's diverse community, particularly through the Civic House. Its focus on social advocacy aligns with my passion for community service. I've worked with nonprofits back home to promote digital literacy among underprivileged children, and I'm excited to bring this experience to Civic House's volunteering programs.

In return, I anticipate that working with diverse peers will broaden my understanding of social issues, challenging my perspectives and promoting personal growth. My experiences will enrich the community by introducing new viewpoints and encouraging thoughtful conversations."

When you approach UPenn's supplemental essays, let your authenticity shine. Show how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to UPenn's dynamic community.

The admissions committee wants to know you . Make that possible through your essays.

Good luck, and happy writing!

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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. 

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The Ultimate Guide to Writing the UPenn Supplemental Essays

By Eric Eng

The UPenn supplemental essays are an understandable cause of stress for many high school students who are eager to attend this esteemed university. While much of the application will focus on test scores, course grades, and some extracurricular activities, the UPenn supplemental essays are really the best chance you have for standing out amongst the crowd of tens of thousands of applicants. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! The experts at AdmissionSight are here to help. We’ve helped several students just like you get into the university of their dreams by mastering the admissions process. Here, we’ll offer you some specific tips for dominating the UPenn supplemental essays .

General Application Essays

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)

No matter which undergraduate school you hope to attend, this will be the first UPenn supplemental essay you have to answer. Admission officers want to learn more about how you came to be interested in your academic pursuits. However, they want you to keep your answer relevant to the area of study which you’ve chosen. You don’t have to go in major detail, but you shouldn’t be talking about intellectual interests that aren’t related to your undergraduate school of choice. For example, if you’ve decided on the Digital Media Design program, talk about how you developed a fascination with designing things on your computer with varying programs over the years. Following this explanation, you’ll have to pinpoint courses, programs, research opportunities, projects, and other offerings at the university that will help you explore your aforementioned academic interests.

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 is a decent amount of information to fit into just 200 words. In it’s distilled form, this prompt is asking you what you can bring to the UPenn community and what you think it could offer you. While the previous question had an academic focus, this prompt is all about what happens outside of the classroom. You’ll want to do some research to see what UPenn offers its students outside of the academic sphere. Highlight some of your favorites in this piece and explain why. You’ll then need to talk about what you can bring to the university. Think about what your current classmates, teachers, and even colleagues like about you and expand on these ideas in your response.

Computer and Cognitive Science: Artificial Intelligence Essays

Why are you interested in Computer & Cognitive Science: Artificial Intelligence program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)

The Computer & Cognitive Science: Artificial Intelligence program at UPenn is one of the university’s more unique and specialized programs. It’s modern, challenging, and selective. For these reasons, admission officers want to ensure that only the most eager, dedicated, and invested students gain admittance. Instead of generally talking about your interest in computers and AI, you’ll want to go into greater detail about the personal experiences that led you into this area of interest. Be as specific as possible in not only recounting these meaningful experiences but also when describing which areas of AI and the cognitive sciences you find most interesting. This greater detail will secure you as a well-informed and invested applicant.

DMD: Digital Media Design Program

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

Digital Media Design is still a small program at UPenn, but it’s not particularly unique to the university. There are countless colleges and Ivy League Universities that offer some form of the digital design program. Start off by explaining your interest in the field and try your best to tie in some personal experiences that inspired this academic trajectory. However, you should also dedicate a large chunk of your response to this UPenn supplemental essay to explaining your interest in the university’s DMD program in specific. In other words, why do you want to attend UPenn’s DMD program instead of another school’s? Make direct references to programs, majors, courses, and projects that are unique to the program in order to highlight your specific interest in UPenn’s program.

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)

This is one of the more in-depth prompts in the UPenn supplemental essays . You’re essentially being asked to answer two different questions. For the first part, you must explain why you’re interested in earning a degree both in international studies and business. The Hunstman Program is interdisciplinary in nature, and admission officers want to know why you’re interested in pursuing both subject areas. Like previous questions, talking about a personal experience that pointed you in this direction is the best approach to take. The second portion of the question requires you to pick a current global issue where international affairs and business interact and talk about how your education through the program will help you contribute to the cause. Be sure to name specific courses and opportunities offered by the program when answering this second part.

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

LSM seeks students who are enthusiastic about combining science with management. What excites you about this combination? What advantages and opportunities does the combination provide, and what issues could it address? Be as specific and original as possible in addressing these questions. It is important that you share your thoughts written in your own words because that is what we are interested in reading. (400-650 words)

Notice that there are some instructions already built-in to this question. Like we mentioned earlier, being as specific as possible in your responses will result in a stronger application overall. UPenn also made an extra note to tell applicants to write in their own words. It’s not necessarily that they’re worried about people plagiarizing. Rather, they’re warning you that many of the responses they receive are generic. In order to stand out amongst the crowd of applicants, you’ll have to really write something unique. Instead of reading examples, head to the program’s homepage and familiarize yourself with the LSM offerings. Think about your own personal, professional, and academic goals in the life sciences and management field and how these offerings will help you achieve those goals. Expanding on these ideas is bound to help you write a response that is unique to you while still being relevant to the program itself.

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)

At this point, you’ve probably noticed a repeating pattern in these UPenn supplemental essays that goes something like this. First, tell us about your interests in this field (management and technology in this case). Two, explain how this program will help you pursue these academic interests and goals. Naturally, the strategy to answer the questions won’t change much. The only challenge with the M&T program is properly displaying your interest in both engineering and business simultaneously. A quick browse of the program’s offerings should be enough to kickstart your brainstorming.

• Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)

This follow-up question is asking you to provide a real-life example of problem-solving skills. Think back to a time when you were faced with a dilemma and had to use creativity and leadership to solve the problem. Ideally, you’d choose something related to engineering and business in order to keep it relevant, but any example will do. Just make sure to find a way to tie it back with your interest in the field and the program.

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)

This prompt is a little more open than previous UPenn supplemental essays since it opens up your response to experiences as a user and developer instead of just as a student of technology. This gives you more to work with than if you were stuck with writing only about your academic relationship with technology. Through this response, make sure you illustrate knowledge in the field. It’s important to also show genuine interest through personal stories and a clear explanation of your goals within the field, but admission officers will also want to be able to glean your prowess just by reading your answer.

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)

We’re met with the classic UPenn supplement essays setup once again. When dealing with an interdisciplinary program like the NHCM program , you can opt to talk about how you developed an interest in both nursing and healthcare separately or in tandem. Regardless, it’s important to tie them both together at some point either by mentioning related activities you’re invested in now or future goals you have that pertain to both fields. Again, you’ll then be tasked with explaining how the NHCM program will help you achieve those goals you mentioned. Hint: check the program’s homepage again and include some specific references to its offerings.

Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program

• Please list pre-dental or pre-medical experience. This experience can include but is not limited to observation in private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research, etc. Please include the 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.

This prompt is very straightforward. UPenn simply wants to know of any previous medical or dental experience you’ve had. You can easily extract this information from a resume if you’ve made one already. If you have no experience, then you’re required to explain your interest in the field.

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

Another simple prompt that just requires you to list out any activities that demonstrate an ability to work skillfully with your hands. This could be anything from real pre-medical experience such as working with cadavers to something entirely unrelated like sports, as long as it demonstrates your dexterity.

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

UPenn admission officers want to know about your interpersonal skills in this piece. Like the question before, your examples don’t necessarily have to be related to medical settings, although it’s preferred.

• 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.

Dentistry is a challenging field and you’re encouraged to explain both what interests you and what doesn’t interest you about the field. First, talk about how you developed a passion for it and then describe your favorite and least favorite thing about it. When discussing what interests you the least, feel free to talk about how you plan to overcome that aspect in school.

• 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.

Here’s another straightforward, simple prompt. All you have to do is list (if you have any) relatives that are currently working as dentists or attending a dentistry program.

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

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)

Don’t let this prompt scare you. It might seem jampacked with questions, but it can be boiled down to the same sort of responses required in the last prompts. Admission counselors want to know about the genesis of your interest in technology and energy science. Be sure to mention any extracurricular , research, or academic experiences that contributed to that interest. If you participated in a research program during the school year or summer , you’re asked to go into detail about the project overall to illustrate your experience with the subject matter. Next, you’ll need to mention some specific offerings of the VIPER program and explain how those will help you accomplish your goals in the field. Don’t forget to mentioned specific majors within the program that are of most interest to you both in the engineering and science fields.

AdmissionSight is here for you

AdmissionSight has developed a solid reputation for helping students gain admittance into the college of their dreams. We’ve worked with hundreds of students from around the country to help them perfect their applications and increase their chances of getting admitted to some of the most prestigious universities, including UPenn. Our admission specialists know what it takes to turn the heads of admission officers and get your application at the top of the accepted pile. Reach out to an AdmissionSight representative today to learn how we can help.

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How to Write the Community Essay for UPenn

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

What’s Covered:

Writing about diversity, consider unconventional identities and perspectives, navigating the word count.

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) requires applicants to submit supplemental essays in addition to the main Common App essay . For the second supplemental essay, UPenn asks students to respond to the following prompt:

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

This article provides some tips to help you craft your response to this essay prompt, including strategies to avoid common topics, as well as tips to navigate the short word limit.

When approaching this prompt, many students first think to write about diversity, equity, and inclusion. While this topic can work in some cases, it is important to note that this prompt is not inherently about diversity. It is first and foremost a space to showcase the best parts of yourself outside of the classroom that will positively impact, and thrive within, the UPenn community.

Students who have a unique or interesting approach to answering this question typically tend to be the most successful when it comes to writing about diversity for this prompt. If you are interested in writing about diversity, equity, and inclusion, but your topic is not nuanced or particularly strong, you can consider other strategies and topics for this essay.

One strategic way to choose a topic for this prompt is by being unconventional in how you define your perspective or identity, especially when you consider your mindset and elements of your personality. 

As you consider your perspective, it can be helpful to explore how that perspective has been defined through your experiences. For example, depending on your background, you could consider what it is like to go through life as an athlete, as a journalist, or as a debater. 

Keep in mind that you will ultimately have to consider how that perspective impacts your engagement with the community around you, and the personality and values that you bring to the table.

In truth, this supplemental essay may be the trickiest of the three UPenn essays to write. This is because you have to address both parts of the prompt, how UPenn is going to shape your perspective or identity, and how your identity and perspective will shape UPenn, all within just 200 words. There are a few useful tactics that you can employ to help navigate this essay’s short word count.

One trick you can use to help you navigate this essay is by using a “call and response structure.” In this structure, you describe a trait that you have and then, within the same sentence, articulate a behavior or an outcome that this trait will cause on campus. You can also use this structure in the opposite way, to highlight an aspect of Penn’s campus experience and the way in which it will impact your own identity or perspective.

Furthermore, because this essay is on the shorter side, it can be difficult to tell a full story within it. That said, you certainly can hint at an anecdote or an experience that relates to the value, unique perspective, and opportunities and experiences that you will bring with you to UPenn.

For more information on writing UPenn’s supplemental essays, check out our post on How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays 2022-2023 .

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First-Year Applicants

Our application is live.

Hooray, you're getting ready to apply to college! We're thrilled you're considering Penn. Here’s everything you need to know about our application timelines. You've got this!

If you’re confident Penn is the best fit for you, consider applying through Early Decision . Our Early Decision program is binding, meaning that if you are admitted, you are required to accept our offer of admission and enroll at Penn. 

If you are still unsure if Penn is the right choice for you, or if you want the ability to compare financial aid packages across all schools to which you are admitted, you should consider applying through the Regular Decision application program.

Applying Early Decision

Our Early Decision application deadline is November 1, 2024.

By mid-December, you will receive one of three possible outcomes from your Early Decision application: 

You are Admitted into the University of Pennsylvania

As part of our Early Decision program, you are committed to accepting our offer of admission. You must withdraw any active applications you have to other colleges/universities. The only instance in which you could request to be released from our Early Decision binding agreement is if your financial need can’t be met, which would be determined only after consulting with Penn’s Student Financial Aid office.  

If you are admitted, we ask that you confirm your enrollment by January 5, 2025.

You are Deferred for Consideration During Regular Decision

Your application will be considered among our Regular Decision candidates, and you will no longer be bound by the Early Decision binding agreement. You will receive final notification of our decision in late March/early April. Instructions on how to provide updates to your application will be found on your applicant portal. 

You are Denied Under the Early Decision Program

Your application process for this cycle year is complete. If you are still interested in Penn, you are welcome to re-apply during the next application cycle. 

We will notify all Early Decision applicants of the exact time and date of our decision release at least one week ahead of time so that they can be aware of when to expect their admissions decision.  

We appreciate that attending Penn is a tradition for many families. The Admissions Office identifies legacy applicants based on the information provided in a student’s application and defines “legacy” as being either a child or grandchild of alumni. Legacies who apply to Penn—like all applicants—receive thorough consideration in the application process. 

Although applicants considering applying through Early Decision must submit their applications earlier (November 1st) than Regular Decision applicants (January 5th), the process of applying is no different.  

Applying Regular Decision

Our Regular Decision application deadline is January 5, 2025.

Please note that if you are accepted by another school under a binding Early Decision program, you must inform the Office of Admissions and withdraw your Regular Decision Penn application. 

By April you will receive one of three possible outcomes from your Regular Decision application: 

You have been accepted and are now invited to join the incoming first-year class. You will have until the admitted student reply date to accept or decline our offer of admission. 

You are Waitlisted

You have been placed on the waitlist and do not currently have a seat in the incoming class. If you choose to accept your spot on the waitlist — and if space allows — you will be considered for admission later in the spring or summer. 

You are Denied Admission Under the Regular Decision Program