All first-year candidates to the University of Pennsylvania must submit a personal essay as well as a Penn-specific essay. If you're applying to the University of Pennsylvania and looking for tips on how to craft a winning UPenn supplemental essay, our blog post offers expert advice and examples to guide you.

If you want to be one of the 6% of students admitted to Penn each year, your UPenn essay is a critical component of your application. To boost your chances of admission, make sure your writings are strong.

Looking for inspiration for your UPenn supplement essay? Check out our examples for a successful submission!

We'll go over the UPenn essay logistics in this article, including exactly what you need to write for each college you're applying to at UPenn.

Then, for each prompt, we'll break it down and offer ideas for what to write about. Finally, we'll discuss how to write an outstanding UPenn essay that will help you gain admission to your dream school.

What Are the UPenn Essay Prompts?

If you are applying to UPenn, you must apply to one of the university's four undergraduate colleges.

You'll need to respond to UPenn's unique assertions as well as an additional essay for that institution, depending on the undergraduate degree you're applying to.

This year's UPenn application requires three quick answer prompts. The first is as follows:

“Write a brief thank-you email to someone you haven't acknowledged yet but would like to do so. (If feasible, please share this message with that person and remark on the experience!) (150-200 words)”

The second essay prompt for all students at UPenn is:

“How will you investigate the community at Penn? Consider how Penn will form your perspective and identity, and how your perspective and identity will shape Penn (150-200 words)”

Finally, here is the third prompt:

“Describe how you expect to pursue your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania, taking into account the exact undergraduate program you have chosen. (150-200 words)”

Depending on the undergraduate program in which you are enrolling, you may be required to submit an additional essay as part of your application.

Here are the additional essay prompts, as well as the program to which they are applicable:

• Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program: You must respond to all five questions (max of 250 words each).

• Please list any prior dental or medical experience. This includes, but is not limited to, observation in private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research, and so on. Please mention the amount of time allowed for each activity, the dates you attended, the venue, and a description of your experience. If you do not have any pre-dental or pre-medical experience, please explain what prompted you to pursue a career in dentistry.

• Include any exercises that show your skill to operate with your hands.

• What activities have you participated in that indicate your capacity to collaborate with others?

• Please explain why you decided to pursue a profession in dentistry. Please include what interests you the most and what intrigues you the least about dentistry.

• Do you have any relatives who are dentists or who are enrolled in dental school? If yes, please provide each relative's name, relationship to you, school attended, and dates attended.

• Digital Media Design Program: Why are you interested in the University of Pennsylvania's Digital Media Design (DMD) program? (400-650 words)

• The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business: The Huntsman Program fosters the formation of globally-minded scholars who will serve as engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and around the world. What drew you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you apply what you learn to make a difference in a global issue where business and international politics collide? (400-650 words)

• The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Science and Administration (LSM): The LSM program seeks to equip students with a foundational grasp of the life sciences and its management, to develop, advance, and implement breakthroughs. What challenges would you like to address using the knowledge gained from such a program? Please keep in mind that this essay should be separate from your single essay. (400-650 words)

• Please complete both prompts for the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology.

• Describe how you intend to use the M&T program to pursue your interests in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)

• Describe a challenge you solved that demonstrates your leadership and inventiveness. (No more than 250 words)

• 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 its impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the generation of valuable material for society. Feel free to utilize examples from your personal experiences as a technology user, developer, or student. (400-650 words)

• Nursing and Healthcare Administration: Discuss your interest in nursing and healthcare administration. How many of Penn's combined dual-degree programs in nursing and business help you achieve your objectives? (400-650 words)

• The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research: How do you see your involvement in the Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) boosting your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any previous experiences (academic, research, or extracurricular) that influenced your interest in the program. Please also explain why you want to pursue dual degrees in science and engineering, as well as any VIPER majors that interest you right now. (400-650 words)

UPenn Essay Prompts, Analyzed

In this part, we'll go over each of the UPenn supplement essays prompts and propose topics to discuss (and avoid) for each.

Penn-Specific Essays

Let's look at how to approach the essays that all pupils will have to write.

Prompt No. 1:

“Write a brief thank-you email to someone you haven't acknowledged yet but would like to do so. (If feasible, please share this message with that person and remark on the experience!) (150-200 words)”

This lovely topic is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to UPenn admissions counselors what you appreciate and are grateful for.

Consider making a list of everything people have done for you and then narrowing it down to those who have had the greatest impact.

Has a family member or best friend gone above and beyond for you and you haven't found a method to genuinely thank them?

Perhaps someone you don't know stood up for you in an academic or social issue. Perhaps your Model UN adversary did you a favor. Is there anything you've taken for granted?

Remember to focus on the "so what" aspect of the answer once you've narrowed down your topic. Why is it vital to express gratitude to this individual?

What happened, and how did it affect you? Why haven't you thanked them yet (there are tons of good reasons for this—don't worry if you feel like you've been impolite!).

Remember to be as descriptive and truthful as possible—you just have 200 words to tell a true tale about yourself.

Prompt No. 2:

“How will you get to know the Penn community? Consider how this community will form your perspective and identity, as well as how your perspective and identity will shape this community. (150-200 words)”

The first question was mostly concerned with intellectual pursuits. The second section is where you can think about the community more.

Going to college is about more than simply what you'll learn in class. It is also about making lifelong friends and visiting new cultures to discover who you are and what you enjoy doing.

Of course, you can't know what your social life would be like before you're even accepted. You can end up at clubs you never expected to be in, with pals you never expected to meet.

But that's fine—UPenn isn't expecting you to detail how you'll participate in college communities step by step. They just want to know you're considering it!

Consider checking into UPenn's various student-run groups and activities to find those that match your interests. Consider how these clubs and activities will help your future vision. What effect do you anticipate they will have on you?

But don't forget about the other part of the question! UPenn is interested in how you will shape the community as well as how it will shape you. What distinguishing characteristics do you bring? What do you have that no one else has?

This is a very standard "why you?" essay prompt that focuses on community rather than academics. Consider how you fit into your social groupings; what distinguishes you? Are you the designated caregiver's friend? Or perhaps you're constantly chasing a new strange passion, and your buddies enjoy hearing about it.

These are just two characteristics you may use to describe what you'll bring to the UPenn community—be creative, consider how you interact in your buddy groups, and plan how you'll incorporate those ideas into your new school!

Prompt No. 3:

“Describe how you expect to pursue your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania, taking into account the exact undergraduate program you have chosen. (150-200 words)”

Please answer this question about our single-degree school choice for students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be expressed through the program-specific essay.

The third prompt is the standard Why UPenn essay. It requests that you explain why you want to attend UPenn and what you plan to do while there.

While these types of prompts are widespread, the Why UPenn essay prompt focuses solely on academics—it is uninterested in your involvement in UPenn's extracurricular activities or campus life.

Your response should next be specifically focused on your academic interests and how UPenn will assist you in achieving your objectives.

You'll need to discuss how the undergraduate institution to which you're applying influences your academic interests, so do your homework.

You don't want to discuss a class that you won't be able to attend because it's at another undergraduate institution. All of your responses should be representative of the courses you'll be able to take if admitted to your preferred undergraduate school.

You should have a thorough understanding of the classes available through your program. It's a good idea to identify specific classes or teachers with whom you'd like to learn.

Similarly, if there are any unique possibilities for students in your field, such as internships or study abroad programs is is the area to discuss them.

Bio-Dental Program

“Please list any prior dental or medical experience. This includes, but is not limited to, observation in private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research, and so on.

Please mention the amount of time allowed for each activity, the dates you attended, the venue, and a description of your experience.

If you do not have any pre-dental or pre-medical experience, please explain what prompted you to pursue a career in dentistry. (No more than 250 words)

Include any exercises that show your skill to operate with your hands. (No more than 250 words)

What activities have you participated in that indicate your capacity to collaborate with others? (No more than 250 words)

Please explain why you decided to pursue a profession in dentistry. Please include what interests you the most and what intrigues you the least about dentistry. (No more than 250 words)

Do you have any relatives who are dentists or who are enrolled in dental school? If yes, please provide each relative's name, relationship to you, school attended, and dates attended. (No more than 250 words)”

The Bio-Dental program has a lengthy prompt. Attack it in sections, addressing each question as specifically as possible.

Don't feel obligated to fabricate any specific event. If you haven't interned at a dentist's office, don't make it up. You should stay grounded in reality.

If you haven't observed at a dentist's office, you can schedule a visit with a nearby dentist to write about your true experience, not something you made up.

When listing your activities, make careful to explain how each one relates to dental competence.

Perhaps you do a lot of needlepoint, which demonstrates your ability to execute complicated patterns.

You don't want to invent anything. Not only will your essay appear unauthentic, but you will also lack the necessary experience to get admitted to the program

Take your time, and if necessary, work through this prompt in sections. Be thorough, honest, and precise.

Digital Media Design Program

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

Similarly to the Artificial Intelligence essay challenge, you should describe why the UPenn Digital Media Design program appeals to you in this essay.

Specificity, individuality, and genuine interest are all crucial components of an answer to this prompt.

To begin with, you should conduct some research on the program to which you are applying.

Find the distinguishing features of this program about others; this can include the professors that teach in it, the classes that are offered, what previous students are doing or anything else that is especially related to UPenn.

The reason for this is that the college wants to know that you're not applying as a last resort.

UPenn is looking for students who are focused and passionate about what education can help them achieve, and including specifics in your essay is a wonderful approach to demonstrate that you are interested in attending.

Following that, make certain that your article has personality. You want your essay to read as if you might have written it yourself.

Specifics will assist, but you should also make an effort to allow your distinct voice and interests to shine through.

It's worth mentioning if you're interested in Digital Media Design since you've always been drawn to the unique storytelling potential of animation after growing up on Pixar films.

Remember, your college application is all about convincing the college that you are a good student; let your personality come through.

Finally, show genuine enthusiasm. UPenn is a fantastic school, and you should use your essay to demonstrate that you're not merely applying there to fill another spot on your college list.

Express your enthusiasm for attending UPenn, particularly the Digital Media Design program. What drew you here instead of any other school?

Even if UPenn isn't your #1 pick, keep in mind all of the factors that drew you to the institution in the first place, and keep them in mind while you write.

The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business

“The Huntsman Program fosters the development of globally minded scholars who will serve as engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, business, and non-profit sectors in the United States and around the world.

What drew you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you apply what you learn to make a difference in a global issue where business and international politics collide? (400-650 words)”

For the Huntsman essay, you'll need to describe why you want to study International Studies and Business at UPenn.

Because this is a dual-degree program, you will be studying at the interface of these two disciplines. Working knowledge of each will be necessary for writing this essay.

To begin, develop a list of the reasons why this degree appeals to you. What international topics pique your interest? Why choose a business strategy over a sociological or political one?

You do not need to include the answers to these questions in your essay, but knowing the answers can help you respond confidently to the challenge.

The question particularly asks how you plan to apply what you've learned in this program to make a difference on a global scale.

This necessitates some awareness of wiffleball concerns; consider causes that are important to you and how you may tackle them through business. How would attending UPenn help you achieve your career objectives?

You can support your claim by citing specific classes, instructors, or other aspects of UPenn.

Your essay should explain not only how you want to make a difference in the world, but also why you want to pursue a dual degree, specifically a dual degree from UPenn.

The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Science and Management

“The LSM curriculum is designed to give students a foundational grasp of the life sciences and its administration, to develop, advance, and implement innovations.

What challenges would you like to address using the knowledge gained from such a program? Please keep in mind that this essay should be separate from your single-degrees say. (400-650 words)”

The LSM essay prompt has recently been modified. Instead of a basic "why this program" prompt, this essay seeks to delve deeper into why you're interested in Life Sciences and Management and learn more about whether your personality is a good fit for the school.

The focus of this article is on the big picture. Because the LSM program is focused on innovation, we want you to choose a major issue and explain how what you learn as an LSM student will help you address it.

The best approach to respond to this prompt is to combine research with detail. First, learn about the LSM program.

You should abuse an issue that you will learn about as a UPENN student. In your response, you should also include specific classes, teachers, and research possibilities!

(Keep in mind that this program is a collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Wharton School of Business, so do your homework on both institutions.)

Once you've gathered all of the information, you may become specific. Admissions officers do not expect you to tackle the world's most difficult problems.

They do, however, want to see that you are critical thinking about difficulties in your prospective industry and that you can break the problem down into components.

Instead of stating that you want to fix climate change, focus on something more manageable, such as inventing new plant-based plastics for use in the medical area.

The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology

“Please respond to both instructions.

Question 1: Describe how you want to use the M&T program to pursue your interests in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)

Question 2: Describe an issue you solved that demonstrates your leadership and ingenuity. (No more than 250 words)”

If you're applying to the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology, you'll need to write two more essays.

This degree, like many others at UPenn, combines two distinct fields: management and technology. To adequately answer this question, you must first understand how the two can operate together.

Consider why you choose this particular program—what can you get from it that you wouldn't get from a management or technology program?

How can a degree from this program help you achieve your personal and professional goals? This prompt asks how you intend to use it to further your interests, so don't be scared to be specific!

The second question is similar to your problem-solving abilities. This classic prompt is looking for an example of a time when you confronted difficulty and either overcame it or learned from it.

Don't be scared to show yourself addressing a real difficulty here—your perseverance is more essential than demonstrating that you never make mistakes.

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 societally beneficial content.

Feel free to utilize examples from your personal experiences as a technology user, developer, or student. (400-650 words)” If you're looking for some great UPenn supplemental essay examples, you can find a wealth of them on our website, where we've compiled a collection of successful submissions from past applicants.

The simplest way to respond to this prompt is with a story. Explain to the admissions committee how you became interested in this field.

Your response should be as specific as possible. After all, the examples of the prompt request from your own life. You should be able to properly define the source of your interest.

Don't feel obligated to discuss everything that piques your interest in this field—focusing on one or two specific instances that pique your interest will go a lot further than attempting to discuss everything linked to networked information systems and technologies.

Nursing and Healthcare Management

“Discuss your interest in nursing and healthcare administration. How many combined dual-degree programs in nursing and business help you achieve your objectives? (400-650 words)”

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

The key to answering the second part of the prompt is to have some future goals in mind—to know exactly what you want to do with your degree. Then, connect that to what you can study at UPenn.

This question might benefit from familiarizing oneself with components of UPenn's program—courses, teachers, learning, and employment chances.

The more you can demonstrate why UPenn is the best institution for you to attain your objectives, the stronger your essay will be.

The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research

“How do you see your involvement in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) advancing your energy science and technology interests?

Please include any previous experiences (academic, research, or extracurricular) that influenced your interest in the program.

Please also explain why you want to pursue dual degrees in science and engineering, as well as any VIPER majors that interest you right now. (400-650 words)”

This prompt wants to know how you believe the VIPER program will help you achieve your future objectives.

You should also explain why you want to pursue a dual degree. You have plenty of room for in for his prompt, so make sure you thoroughly answer each aspect.

If you don't have previous experience, don't make it up—be honest and authentic in your response.

You should have a good idea of which VIPER majors you want to pursue. Prepare to name certain UPenn majors and explain justification, such as classes you'd like to attend or professors with whom you'd like to study.

5 Tips for Acing the UPenn Supplement

If you're wondering "how to write UPenn supplemental essays," our website offers tips and guidelines on crafting a compelling and unique essay for your UPenn application.

Do you want to produce outstanding UPenn supplement essays? To accomplish so, follow these helpful hints!

#1: Use Your Voice

The purpose of a college essay is to allow the admissions committee to learn more about you than what is included in other parts of your application.

Your admissions essays are your opportunity to become more than just a collection of data for your application readers.

Make certain that the person you present in your college essays is you. Don't just write what you believe the committee wants to hear or try to behave like someone you're not—the committee will be able to tell if you're lying.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as disingenuous, which will reduce its impact at best and make the admissions committee reconsider accepting you at worst. Stick to sharing true tales about yourself, not who you believe UPenn wants you to be.

#2: Be UPenn-Specific

All of your UPenn essays should be specific to UPenn. Don't be generic in your responses—the admissions committee should get the impression that you know about UPenn and that your response is specific to that schoolcollegeoagehe age in general.

Don't waste your time informing the admissions committee that UPenn has a world-class faculty; first, the admissions committee is aware of this, and second, many other colleges are aware of it. Prepare to present actual, tangible instances of why UPenn is the best school for you.

#3: Do Your Research

By conducting research, you can make your essay UPenn-specific. Examine the course catalog and the website of your prospective major. If possible, arrange a meeting with a lecturer or current student. The more precise your information, the better.

#4: Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

Avoid using clichés or overused statements or phrases in your UPenn essays. You can write something more creative than "Be the change you want to see in the world," which has probably been viewed several times by the college admissions committee.

Each of the UPenn essays will ask you a specific question regarding your experience or background. Your essay should be unique to you; you don't want the admissions committee to believe, "Anyone could have written this essay."

#5: Check Your Work

Your UPenn essays should be the best representation of your work. Edit and proofread your essays before submitting your UPenn application.

Before submitting your writings, run them through a spelling and grammatical check, and have someone else examine them. A parent, instructor, or friend can provide you with a second opinion on your work.

Inquire whether your work accurately represents you as a student and person. Check with them to ensure you haven't missed any minor writing errors. Getting a second opinion will enable your work to be the best it can be.

#6: Have a Spike

What exactly is a spike, you ask?

A spike, in short, is something that makes you stand out. Something that none (or very few) of the other applicants possess.

When applying to colleges, it's tempting to appear well-rounded and interested in everything.

Don't do it.

Your application will not stand out if you are mediocre in band, track, and student council. It will stand out if you travel to Japan to perform with a world-class performance ensemble or to compete in the Olympic shot put trials.

When you concentrate on one task, you will perform better than if you divide your time and attention. It will also look better on your resume.

Final Thoughts

Your UPenn essay is a critical component of your application. Depending on the school to which you are applying, you may be required to submit three or more essays.

Keep the following in mind when applying to UPenn schools:

DO:

• Be genuine.

• Emphasize your best characteristics.

• Use concrete examples of UPenn courses and teachers that you are interested in studying.

DON'T:

• Be broad.

• Make up any story about yourself.

• Talking about too many diverse concepts will cause you to lose concentration.

If you're applying to the University of Pennsylvania and need help with your UPenn supplement essay, our team of expert writers can provide top-notch assistance to ensure your essay stands out and showcases your unique strengths and experiences.