Last Updated on January 12, 2025 by Janine Devault
For almost 300 years, the University of Pennsylvania has brought a hub of innovation and academic excellence to its students and faculty. With a curriculum enhanced by inclusivity, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, members of the Penn community bring their knowledge and passion to all corners of the world. Countless students aspire to study at Penn, with thousands of applications rolling through the admissions office each year. Penn could become your home away from home, but only if you’re equal to the challenge. Penn’s admissions process is strict, and every word you write carries weight to an Admissions Officer. To help students in their admissions process, here’s InGenius Prep’s guide to the University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays 2024-2025.
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Penn-Specific Supplemental Essays for All Applicants
All students are required to respond to a number of essay prompts, as well as specific questions depending on their program. Given that Penn’s admissions rate falls well into the single digits, take these prompts to heart and aim to set yourself up as the ideal candidate for this East Coast school.
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, Only required for first-year applicants.)
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 candidates. 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 in 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, rather than simply stating what they 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 toward 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 Penn’s admissions office.
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 the 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 seeks 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 Penn, focus on 1-2 of your most meaningful extracurricular experiences and highlight how your experiences can help shape Penn’s 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.
School-Specific Questions
The school-specific prompt 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 the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section). Considering the undergraduate school you have selected for your single-degree option, please respond to your school-specific prompt below.
For this section, Penn has broken out of its typical “Why Penn?” question and now asks students to respond to specific questions regarding the undergraduate schools they’re applying to.
For the school-specific questions, Penn’s prompts lean more toward the academic qualities of the programs. One question, for example, asks, “Please share how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn.”
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 not doubt that you have done thorough research on both the college and what Penn looks for as a whole.
When answering these questions, consider some of Penn’s values: diversity, practical learning, and interdisciplinary learning. Penn strives to prepare students for leadership, innovation, and impact in their fields. Talk about what inspired your interest in your academic subject. How do you plan to further those interests while studying at Penn? What plans do you have for the professional realm? Be sure to tie in how the specific opportunities at Penn will enable your success in the field. You can also mention how you want to apply your education to the real world and how the experiences you’ll gain from Penn will help you achieve that.
Take caution if you have any business-related aspects in your profile but are not applying to Warton. Admissions Officers at Penn are aware of those looking for a “back door” into specific programs. Make sure that you clearly communicate your interests and affirm your commitment to the specific school where you’ll be studying your major.
Dual-Degree Specific Questions
Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Program Essay Prompts — For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer the program-specific essay below.
If you’re applying to one of Penn’s dual-degree programs, you’ll have to write additional essays. To answer the essays 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.
For example, Penn Engineering values students who can apply their distinguished background in physics and math to innovation, design, and scientific discoveries. You can talk about ways you’re excited to elevate your passion for engineering and entrepreneurship through Penn’s Clark Scholars Program. You might also 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. Consider what makes the program you’re pursuing unique and how it will 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 Penn Supplemental Essays 2024-2025
Here are some final tips to get you on the right track for your University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays 2024-2025.
• 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.
Penn is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and desired schools in the U.S. at which to study. Its campus, culture, and curriculum are all conducive to a unique learning experience that turns students into experts in their fields and industry leaders. However, students also must show that they are a cut above the rest and ready to contribute to Penn’s community.
The supplemental essays are designed with that goal in mind. Admissions Officers will be on the lookout for the students who not only stand out academically but also embody Penn’s mission and values. With these tips in mind, you’ll make an impression on your admissions officer and be that much closer to acceptance. Good luck!
Want more help with your supplemental essays? Book a free strategy call with an advisor today!
