University of Pennsylvania

Essay Requirements

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Essay Requirements

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Essay Requirements

The Penn application procedure entails a personal essay in addition to three more short answer questions. You must also complete the special programme essays if you’re applying to other special programmes.

University of Pennsylvania Specific Questions

Answer all questions:

150-200 words

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 the 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

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

Special Program Essays

Pick one based on your area of study:

  • Digital Media Design (DMD)

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

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • Seven-Year Bio- Dental Program

    + Please list pre-dental or pre- medical experience.
    + 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.
    + 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

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