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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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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)

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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UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

The application process, a critical gateway to this journey, demands academic excellence and a profound understanding of oneself and one’s aspirations. UPenn’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 are a series of thoughtfully crafted prompts designed to unveil multi-faceted personalities. Also, they showcase the diverse backgrounds and unique ambitions of aspiring students.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does UPenn Require?

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, the University of Pennsylvania requires applicants to complete a set of two mandatory short answer prompts , each designed to uncover different facets of the applicant’s personality, experiences, and aspirations.

Additionally, depending on the specific undergraduate school to which a student is applying – the School of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, The Wharton School, or the School of Engineering and Applied Science – there is an additional essay requirement.

This structure of UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 underscores the university’s commitment to comprehensively understanding its applicants. It’s a deliberate approach, ensuring that each student’s application reflects academic prowess, personal growth, community engagement, and a clear vision for their future.

Breakdown of the Short Answer Prompts and the School-Specific Essay

Delving into the specifics, the first of UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 is a short thank-you note, a prompt that invites applicants to express gratitude to someone who has made a significant impact on their life. This exercise is not just about politeness; it reflects character and insight into the relationships and values that shape the applicant.

The second prompt asks students to contemplate their potential engagement with the Penn community. Here, applicants must intertwine their narratives with their aspirations for community involvement at UPenn , showcasing how their unique perspectives will contribute to and benefit from the university’s dynamic environment.

The third prompt requires a more focused approach, depending on the chosen undergraduate school. For instance, applicants to the School of Nursing might discuss their passion for healthcare and how UPenn’s program aligns with their career goals. At the same time, those applying to The Wharton School could delve into their fascination with business and entrepreneurship. These school-specific essays demonstrate why the applicant wants to attend UPenn and why they are a perfect fit for their chosen program.

Each essay, though distinct in its theme, collectively forms a narrative arc that encapsulates the applicant’s past achievements, present motivations, and future aspirations, all while underlining their suitability for the unique academic and social fabric of the University of Pennsylvania.

What are the UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 are a crucial component of the application process. It offers a platform for students to present aspects of their personality and intellect that standardized test scores and transcripts cannot capture.

• W rite 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)
• H ow will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)
• (The school-specific prompt will now be unique to the school a student is applying to.)

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, these prompts include a unique thank-you note, a reflection on the community at Penn, and a school-specific essay that varies depending on the undergraduate program to which the student is applying. Navigating these prompts requires both eloquence and honesty and a strategic understanding of how each essay can collectively paint a comprehensive and compelling picture of the applicant.

How to Write the UPenn Essays 2023-2024?

Writing the UPenn supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is a task that requires introspection, creativity, and strategic thinking. These essays are your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Remember, quality over quantity is vital. Each word should serve a purpose in conveying your message. Finally, proofread your essays meticulously to ensure they are free of grammatical errors and flow well.

UPenn Supplemental Essay 1: The Thank-You Note Short Answer

The first of UPenn’s supplemental essays, 2023-2024, a short thank-you note, is a unique prompt that stands out for its emphasis on gratitude and personal reflection.

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!) 

This essay, limited to 150-200 words, is not just an exercise in writing but an opportunity for applicants to delve into their personal experiences and relationships. It challenges students to identify and articulate their appreciation for someone who has made a significant, yet perhaps unrecognized, impact on their lives.

Understanding UPenn Supplemental Essay 1

The first UPenn supplemental essay prompt for 2023-2024 requires you to write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked but would like to acknowledge. This prompt is unique as it focuses on gratitude and personal reflection.

It’s an opportunity to showcase your ability to recognize and appreciate the impact others have had on your life. This essay should reveal your character, values, and the relationships that have shaped you. It’s not just about whom you choose to thank but also about how you express your gratitude and what this says about you.

Brainstorming Your Response to UPenn Supplemental Essay 1

When brainstorming your response to this essay, consider the following:

• Identify the Person: Think about someone who has significantly impacted your life. This could be a teacher, coach, family member, or friend.
• Reflect on the Impact: What specific actions or qualities of this person have influenced you? How have they helped shape your perspectives or choices?
• Personal Growth: How has this person’s influence contributed to your growth? Consider moments of challenge, inspiration, or change.
• Unique Angle: Find a unique angle or a specific instance that encapsulates their impact rather than general statements of gratitude.
• Emotional Connection: Reflect on the emotions you associate with this person. Gratitude, respect, admiration, or inspiration can be good starting points.

Structuring Your Response to UPenn Supplemental Essay 1

In structuring your response, follow a clear and concise format:

• Introduction: Start with a direct address to the person you are thanking. Briefly introduce them and the reason for your gratitude.
• Body: Elaborate on the impact they have had on your life. Use specific examples or anecdotes to illustrate this.
• Reflection: Reflect on how this person’s influence has shaped you. Connect this to your broader life experiences or aspirations.
• Conclusion: Close with a heartfelt statement of thanks, summarizing the essence of your gratitude and its significance in your life.

Remember, this essay is as much about you as it is about the person you are thanking. It should provide insights into your character and values, demonstrating your capacity for reflection and appreciation.

UPenn Supplemental Essay 2: Your Perspective and Contribution

The second prompt of UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 invites applicants to reflect on their potential engagement with the Penn community.

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

This question is about what you hope to gain from being a part of this vibrant community and what you can contribute to it. It’s an invitation to envision your place within the diverse mosaic of Penn’s student body. This essay should blend introspection and foresight, showcasing your understanding of what community means at home like UPenn.

Understanding UPenn Supplemental Essay 2

The second UPenn supplemental essay for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle asks you to reflect on your potential role within the Penn community. This prompt is designed to gauge your understanding of being part of a diverse and dynamic university community. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how you envision yourself contributing to and benefiting from the Penn environment.

The key here is to show a mutual relationship: how Penn’s community will influence you and, in turn, how you will add value to it. This essay should highlight your ability to engage with others, your willingness to embrace new perspectives, and your desire to actively participate in university life.

It’s also a chance to showcase your understanding of Penn’s values and how they align with yours. Remember, this essay isn’t just about your academic interests; it’s about your character, your passions, and how you see yourself fitting into the broader Penn community.

Brainstorming Your Response to UPenn Supplemental Essay 2

When brainstorming your response, consider the following points:

• Personal Interests and Passions: Identify your fundamental interests and passions and how they might align with clubs, organizations, or initiatives at Penn.
• Community Involvement: Reflect on your past experiences with community involvement. What have you learned from these experiences, and how can you apply these lessons at Penn?
• Penn’s Resources: Research specific resources, programs, or opportunities at Penn that excite you. How do you plan to take advantage of these?
• Personal Growth: Think about how being part of the Penn community might challenge and contribute to your growth.
• Contribution to Penn: Consider what unique perspectives or skills you can bring to the Penn community. How will you make a positive impact?
• Long-term Vision: How does being part of the Penn community fit your long-term goals or aspirations?

Structuring Your Response to UPenn Supplemental Essay 2

In structuring your response, consider the following format:

• Introduction: Begin by briefly introducing your main interest or passion and how it relates to your desire to be part of the Penn community.
• Body: In the body of your essay, delve into specific aspects of the Penn community that align with your interests. Discuss how you plan to engage with these aspects and what you hope to gain from the experience. Also, detail how your past experiences and perspectives will contribute to the Penn community. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
• Conclusion: Summarize how your involvement in the Penn community will mutually benefit you. Emphasize how Penn will help shape your perspective and how you, in turn, will contribute to the Penn community. This should tie back to your introduction, creating a cohesive narrative that clearly articulates your vision for your time at Penn.

UPenn’s Supplemental Essay 3: School-Specific Prompts

The school-specific prompts in UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 are designed to assess an applicant’s fit and enthusiasm for their chosen field of study. These prompts vary across the School of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, The Wharton School, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, each asking for a nuanced understanding of the school’s ethos and how the applicant’s interests align with it.

• Short Answer Prompt for 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)
• Short Answer Prompt for 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)
• Short Answer Prompt for 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)
• Short Answer Prompt for 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)

Each response should reflect your understanding of these unique aspects and how they resonate with your academic and professional goals. This is not just about stating your desire to study at a particular school; it’s about demonstrating a thoughtful and informed connection between your aspirations and what the school uniquely offers.

Understanding UPenn’s School-Specific Prompts

UPenn Supplemental Essay 3 is unique to the specific undergraduate school you are applying to. This essay is crucial as it allows you to demonstrate your understanding of and alignment with the school’s ethos and objectives.

For the School of Nursing, the focus is on how you perceive the future of nursing in a global and multicultural context and your role in promoting equity in healthcare. The College of Arts and Sciences prompt asks about your curiosities and how you plan to explore them through their flexible curriculum. The Wharton School seeks to understand how you would apply your education to a current issue that matters to you. Lastly, the School of Engineering and Applied Science wants to know how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn, emphasizing a combination of natural sciences, liberal arts, and focused majors.

Each prompt requires a tailored response that reflects your interests, goals, and how they align with the school’s mission.

Brainstorming Your Response to UPenn’s School-Specific Prompts

For each school, consider the following brainstorming ideas:

School of Nursing:

• Reflect on what equity in healthcare means to you.
• Think about experiences or observations that have shaped your understanding of healthcare disparities.
• Consider how you can contribute to advancing science and promoting equity in nursing.

College of Arts and Sciences:

• Identify areas of curiosity or specific interests within arts and sciences.
• Explore how the college’s curriculum can help you pursue these interests.
• Consider how a broad education can contribute to your personal and academic growth.

The Wharton School:

• Choose a current economic, political, or social issue you are passionate about.
• Reflect on how a business education can help you understand and address this issue.
• Consider the specific aspects of Wharton’s program that align with your interests.

School of Engineering and Applied Science:

• Identify your specific engineering interests and how they developed.
• Explore how Penn Engineering’s approach to education aligns with your goals.
• Think about the role of liberal arts in shaping your engineering perspective.

Structuring Your Response to UPenn’s School-Specific Prompts

Your essay should be structured to clearly and concisely address the prompt:

• Introduction: Begin by directly addressing the prompt, setting the stage for your response. Introduce your main interest or the issue you are passionate about.
• Body: In the body, delve into how your interests, experiences, and goals align with the school’s mission and offerings. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and show a deep understanding of the school’s ethos.
• Conclusion: Summarize how your education at this specific school will help you achieve your goals and contribute to the school’s mission. This should reflect your introduction, creating a cohesive narrative that underscores your enthusiasm and readiness for the program.

As we conclude our exploration into UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024, it’s evident that these are more than just a requirement for your college application; they are a profound opportunity for self-expression and self-discovery.

Each essay serves a distinct purpose, allowing you to showcase different facets of your personality, intellect, and aspirations. The University of Pennsylvania, through these prompts, seeks to understand not just your academic capabilities but also your character, values, and vision for the future.

These essays are your chance to step beyond the numbers and lists of achievements that make up the rest of your application, offering a glimpse into who you are as a person and how you see yourself fitting into and contributing to the Penn community.

Recap of the Key Points for Each Type of Supplemental Essay

In recapitulating the critical points for each supplemental essay type, remember that the thank-you note is an exercise in gratitude and reflection , allowing you to acknowledge someone who has impacted your life. It’s a chance to show depth, empathy, and the ability to appreciate the roles others have played in your journey.

The essay on exploring community at Penn is where you align your personal experiences and aspirations with the ethos of the Penn community , demonstrating how you intend to engage with and contribute to it.

The school-specific essays require a tailored approach , reflecting your understanding of and fit for the school you are applying to. Whether it’s the School of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, The Wharton School, or the School of Engineering and Applied Science, your response should testify to your informed interest and alignment with the school’s unique offerings and values.

Ready to Elevate Your UPenn Application? Discover How AdmissionSight Can Guide You

Embarking on your journey to the prestigious University of Pennsylvania requires more than just academic excellence; it demands a compelling narrative through your application essays. At AdmissionSight , we specialize in transforming your aspirations and experiences into powerful narratives that resonate with UPenn’s admissions committee. Our expert team, well-versed in the nuances of UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024, is dedicated to helping you craft essays that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the admissions officers.

Whether articulating gratitude in a thank-you note, showcasing your vision for community involvement, or tailoring your response to the specific undergraduate school of your choice, our consultants provide personalized guidance at every step. We understand these essays’ unique challenges and opportunities and are committed to helping you navigate them confidently and creatively.

Make sure to let the complexity of the application process dim your chances of getting into UPenn. Join the ranks of our successful clients who have made their dream of attending top-tier universities a reality. Contact AdmissionSight today for a consultation and take the first step toward crafting an outstanding application. Let us help you turn your Penn aspirations into achievements.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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How to Ace the 2024-2025 UPenn Supplemental Essay Prompts

Ginny Howey is a former content writer at Scholarships360. Ginny graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2022 with a degree in Media and Journalism (Advertising/PR focus) and minors in Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Ginny’s professional experience includes two summers as a writer intern at global creative consultancy BCG BrightHouse. More recently, Ginny worked as a content marketing intern for Durham-based software engineering bootcamp Momentum, where she gained SEO skills. She has also written freelance articles on emerging tech for A.I. startup Resultid.

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Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

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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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Supplementary Materials

All the information that we feel is crucial in making an admission decision is included within our required documents. Most students who apply to Penn do not submit any supplemental materials. However, some applicants may feel that their application is missing key contextual information representing who they are and decide to submit supplemental materials such as another recommendation letter, an expanded resume, a research abstract, or an art or music sample.  

While there are rare instances where additional information may benefit an application, we ask that you are selective and discerning about submitting any supplementary material. We cannot guarantee that all supplementary materials submitted will be reviewed during the application process. In most cases, too many extra documents can take away from the strength of an application. In short, keep it simple!  

Below are guidelines to follow when submitting anything that is outside of the required documents.    

Please note that materials outside of those listed below will not be considered.  

Penn does allow for one additional supplemental recommendation letter beyond the three required. Please be selective when deciding whether you need to request this supplemental recommendation letter, as an additional letter is meant as an opportunity to ensure equity in our process for students who may have unique circumstances that require more context.   

If you decide to submit this letter, please be sure to choose someone who knows you personally and whose perspective would add information not captured elsewhere in your application. This person may be a supervisor at work, mentor, coach, arts or music instructor, spiritual leader, or cultural leader. Letters from family members and close family friends typically do not provide information that is helpful for our evaluation process.   

If you choose to submit an optional additional letter of recommendation, please submit it directly through the Coalition or Common App.  

Students who have completed notable academic research should use the activities section or additional information sections of the application to convey these achievements.  

If, however, there is a brief abstract or explanation of your work that you could not include in other required parts of the application, you may submit this document as a supplementary material through your Penn Applicant Portal. You will be able to access your Penn Applicant Portal after you submit the Coalition or Common App and the Penn Supplement.  

Students with exceptional and recognized talents in visual arts, performing arts, or music, should use the activities section or additional information sections of the application to convey these achievements.   

If, however, there are samples of your work that you could not include in other required parts of the application, you may upload them to an external host site—like a personal website, YouTube, or SoundCloud—and then submit a document with any URLs/links as a supplementary material through your Penn Applicant Portal. You will be able to access your Penn Applicant Portal after you submit the Coalition or Common App and the Penn Supplement.  

Art or Music samples may be examined by faculty members from a relevant department, but there is no guarantee that an expert will be able to evaluate your materials. 

Portfolios will only be reviewed in three instances:  

• All forms of media are welcomed. Please limit your selection to 5-12 pieces, or a maximum of 5 minutes of video.   
• A member of the DMD faculty will examine your portfolio materials and provide a summary evaluation for the Admissions Committee.   
• If you decide to submit a portfolio, please include a minimum of ten different works.   
• Uploading an artist’s statement of at least 300 words is strongly encouraged.   
• Transfer students applying to enroll as second-year students in Architecture are required to submit a portfolio. There is no specific number of submissions that must be included. Third-year transfers are ineligible to apply to the Architecture major.  

Learn more about undergraduate programs available in the arts, design, and architecture.  

File Sizes and Types for Portfolios

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

• Video: .3g2, .3gp, . avi , .m2v, .m4v, . mkv , .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, . mxf , . webm , . wmv  
• Audio: . aac , .m4a, . mka , .mp3, . oga , . ogg , .wav  
• Slide: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, . png , . tif , .tiff  
• Document: .doc, .docx, . odg , . odp , . odt , .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .rtf, . wpd  
• Upload Link or URL  

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October 19, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Resources:

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

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

Essay Requirements

How to Answer Prompt 1

What UPenn Looks For

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, a sports team, 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.

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.

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

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

UPenn  Essay Guide Quick Facts:

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

Does UPenn Have Supplemental Essays?

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

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

What are the UPenn Supplemental Essays?

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

How Many Essays does UPenn Require?

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

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

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

What does UPenn Look For in Essays?

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

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

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

How to Write the UPenn Essays:

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

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required):

Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania?  For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer these questions in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay. (300-450 words)

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

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

Academic vs. intellectual

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

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

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

Be specific

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

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

“Why Upenn”

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

UPenn Essay Draft Key Questions:

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

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required):

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

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

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

Define community

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

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

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

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

Show growth

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

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

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

Dmd: digital media design program.

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

Huntsman: The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business

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

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

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

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

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

Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)

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

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

Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words / 3575 characters)

NHCM: Nursing and Healthcare Management

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

Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program

Please list pre-dental or pre-medical experience. This experience can include, but is not limited to, observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting, dental assisting, dental laboratory work, dental or medical research, etc. Please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and description of your experience. If you do not have any pre-dental or pre-medical experience, please indicate what you have done that led you to your decision to enter dentistry.

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

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

Please explain your reasons for selecting a career in dentistry. Please include what interests you the most in dentistry as well as what interests you the least.

Do you have relatives who are dentists or are in dental school? If so, indicate the name of each relative, his/her relationship to you, the school attended, and the dates attended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Program-specific UPenn Essay Draft Key Questions:

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

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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How Important Are Your Essays When Applying to UPenn?

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

What’s Covered:

How upenn uses essays to narrow down applicants.

• How to Stand Out in Your Essays

How Luck Plays a Factor

In this article, we will discuss how the University of Pennsylvania uses essays as a tiebreaker between applicants, tips for making your essays stand out, and the role luck plays in the essay review process. For more information on University of Pennsylvania’s other supplemental essays and writing dos and don’ts, check out our posts on how to write your UPenn supplemental admissions essays .

To put it bluntly, the essays in your University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) application are very important. They account for 25 to 35% of the admissions decision. To give some background as to why this is, you have to think about the type of applicants UPenn receives. A lot of students applying will have similar academic qualifications. This could be anything from a killer GPA , rigorous course load, or high standardized test scores. 

Because a lot of students applying have already met the level of academic rigor to be considered for UPenn, the next thing the admissions office will look at is the essays. This is how they narrow down the applicants further and get to know what kind of student you will be like outside of the classroom. 

The essays can almost be seen as a tiebreaker between two applicants. If both applicants have similar academic backgrounds, the essays are what UPenn uses to determine who received the acceptance. Your essays could be the determining factor in your application, so you must put a lot of effort into writing them.

How To Stand Out in Your Essays

 show you are a good fit.

The essays help UPenn determine if you are a good fit for their campus. While your academic background tells UPenn if you have the ability to succeed at their school academically, your essays are how you convey your personality. This is how you can show what kind of student you will be like on campus. Your job with these essays is to make the admissions officers actively want to choose you over the other applicants. Focus on showing your interests and making these essays extremely personalized to your life. Your personality is your biggest asset in these essays.

Know Your Audience

It is important to keep your audience in mind when writing your essays. Each admissions officer will have a different personality and background, so they will read your essay completely differently. If you are writing about a niche topic or making an obscure reference in your essay, make sure to provide plenty of context so each admissions officer will understand where you’re coming from. You want to make sure your essay is easy to follow and that even someone unfamiliar with the topic you’re writing about will understand. 

One thing to keep in mind while writing is if you are including any potentially controversial topics, such as politics or religion, make sure they align with UPenn’s mission and culture. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to a school as competitive as UPenn, luck does play a factor. With so many applicants meeting the academic threshold, the admissions officer makes the final decision based on your essay. If for some reason the admissions officer had a bad day or even didn’t enjoy the essays they read before reading yours, this might impact their mood while they read yours. This is just how negative emotions work. At the end of the day, the admissions officers are human and how their day is going will make an impact on their decision. This is also known as “ the human factor .”

Even if you have the most prepared application and you are really proud of the work you’ve submitted, there is still an element of luck needed. This is the case for all schools that have  low admission rates, such as the University of Pennsylvania.

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