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So you’ve decided to apply to Penn one of the top universities in the country. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part – crafting an application that will make you stand out from the thousands of other applicants with perfect GPAs and test scores. The truth is, while your numbers are important, Penn wants to see the person behind those numbers. They want to understand what makes you, well, you. What are your passions, your quirks, your dreams? In this article, we’ll explore how to showcase your unique qualities and voice in your Penn application to give yourself the best shot at getting in. The key is to be authentic, highlight what makes you different, and help the admissions officers see why you’re a perfect fit for Penn’s collaborative and interdisciplinary community. Are you ready to look beyond the numbers and put your best self forward? Let’s dive in.
Identify Your Strengths and Interests
To craft a compelling application, you need to showcase what makes you uniquely you. Start by identifying your strengths, talents, interests, and passions. What are you good at? What do you love doing?
- Think about your accomplishments, activities, hobbies, volunteer work, travel experiences, skills, etc. These help demonstrate your strengths and interests. For example, if you started an environmental club at your school, that shows leadership, initiative, and an interest in sustainability.
- Dig deeper into the details. Don’t just say you’re “interested in science”, explain your fascination with biology or your love of conducting chemistry experiments. The more specific you can be, the more compelling your application will be.
- Look for patterns and connections between your interests and activities. Do they revolve around helping others? Solving complex problems? Expressing yourself creatively? Understanding these connections will allow you to craft a cohesive narrative about your interests and goals.
- Talk to people who know you well. Your parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors can provide insight into your strengths and talents that you may overlook. Ask them what they see as your standout qualities.
- Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Penn wants to get a sense of who you really are, not just your achievements on paper. Share details that capture your essence and spirit.
By identifying and articulating your strengths, interests, and what makes you uniquely you, you’ll be able to craft an application that gives the admissions committee insight into you as a whole person. And that is the key to standing out.
Telling Your Story: The Personal Essay
Your personal essay is your chance to show the admissions committee the real you—beyond your GPA and test scores. This is where you share your story and help the readers understand what makes you uniquely you.
- Focus on one event or experience that shaped you in some way. Maybe it was a challenge you overcame, a person who influenced you, or an achievement you’re proud of. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s meaningful to you.
- Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Admissions officers want to get to know the person behind the application, so be genuine in your writing.
- Use vivid language and imagery to bring your story to life. Describe sights, sounds, smells, and feelings to help the reader experience it with you.
- Connect your story to your future goals and how Penn can help you achieve them. Explain how your chosen experience has influenced your interests and aspirations. Discuss the opportunities at Penn that excite you.
- Have others review and provide feedback on your essay. Get input from people who know you well and can check that your unique qualities and voice come through. Incorporate their notes into your writing.
Your personal essay is a chance to move beyond scores and grades to share what really makes you, well, you. By choosing a meaningful experience, using vivid language, being authentic, and connecting your story to your future goals, you can craft an essay that gives the admissions committee insight into your character, values, and potential. With a compelling essay, you’ll show them why you’re a great fit for Penn.
Highlighting Your Passions in the Activities Section
Highlight Your Passions
The activities section is your chance to showcase what makes you, you. Focus on the clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, summer programs, internships or other activities that have been most meaningful to you. Describe your key roles and responsibilities in each activity. Explain what you learned and how you grew as a result of your participation. Discuss any accomplishments or contributions you made that demonstrate your dedication or leadership abilities.
For example, if you founded an environmental club at your school, share how you identified the need for such a group, organized meetings, led projects to help your community become more sustainable. Discuss the challenges you faced in establishing the club and how you overcame them. Explain your vision for the club going forward.
If you have a hobby or interest that is particularly important to you outside of school, include that as well. For instance, if you have a passion for photography, discuss how you developed your skills, the subjects you most enjoy photographing, any public showings of your work. Explain how photography enhances your life and shapes your perspective. While grades and scores provide one measure of your potential for success, your activities reveal your character, values and personality. Help the admissions officers understand what motivates and inspires you by highlighting the activities that you care about most. Discuss the life lessons you have taken from them and the qualities they have helped you develop. The activities section gives context to your application and allows your unique qualities to shine through. Make the most of the opportunity to give the admissions team a glimpse into what makes you, you.
Asking for Meaningful Recommendations
When asking for recommendations, think strategically about who can speak to your strengths and potential for success at Penn. Don’t just ask your teachers in core subjects—consider those who can discuss your passion for learning, intellectual curiosity, and growth over time.
- Ask teachers from elective classes in subjects you care about, especially if they’ve seen your potential for in-depth work. They can speak to your enthusiasm and ability to thrive when pursuing your interests.
- Ask mentors from extracurricular activities who have witnessed your dedication, teamwork skills, and leadership potential. They can provide meaningful insight into your character and talents beyond the classroom.
- Consider asking junior or senior teachers who have known you longer and can discuss your maturation and development. Their recommendations will carry significant weight.
- Politely ask recommenders if they feel able to write a strong, compelling recommendation for your Penn application. It’s better to find someone else than have a lukewarm recommendation.
Also read: Unique Essay Topics That Stand Out For US Undergraduate Admissions
Guiding Your Recommenders
Mention specific professors or courses
Read the course catalog and faculty profiles. Discuss 1-2 courses or professors of interest and how they align with your academic goals. For example, if you want to study psychology, mention a professor whose research fascinates you. If there’s an interdisciplinary course that excites you, discuss how it complements your interests. Show you’ve done your research!
Once you’ve selected your recommenders, meet with them to discuss why you’re applying to Penn and your hopes for the recommendation. Provide them with:
- A resume highlighting your relevant experiences and accomplishments
- A draft recommendation letter for them to use as a starting point. Express why you’re a great fit for Penn’s interdisciplinary focus and opportunities for intellectual growth.
- Examples of qualities and stories you hope they’ll convey about your potential for success at an elite university.
Guide your recommenders to emphasize qualities beyond just achievements and grades. Discuss your intellectual vitality, passion for learning, and ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment. With your guidance, they can craft meaningful recommendations that bring your application to life.
Thoughtful recommendations from teachers who know you well can make a significant impact on your Penn application. Take the time to choose recommenders strategically and guide them to write the most compelling letters possible. Their words, combined with the rest of your application, can show what a valuable addition you’d be to Penn’s diverse, collaborative community.
Demonstrating Fit in the “Why University of Pennsylvania” Essay
The “Why University of Pennsylvania” essay is your chance to demonstrate how you’re the perfect fit for the University of Pennsylvania. Focus on what makes you, you. Penn wants to know what unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives you’ll bring to campus.
Highlight your academic passions and interests
Discuss your intellectual interests and how you’ll pursue them at Penn. For example, if you’re interested in global health, mention interdisciplinary programs like the Global Health minor. If you’re into entrepreneurship, discuss resources like the Wharton Venture Initiation Program. Show how you’ll take advantage of all Penn has to offer.
Discuss extracurriculars you want to join
Penn offers over 300 clubs and student organisations. Discuss 1-2 clubs you’re keen to participate in and your relevant experience. For example, if you want to join the Penn Debate Society, discuss your experience with speech and debate. If you’re interested in Penn Engineers Without Borders, discuss your passion for community service.
Discuss future goals and how Penn will help achieve them
Explain your future goals and how a Penn education will prepare you. Discuss opportunities like study abroad, internships, research opportunities, and more. For example, if you want to work in government, discuss programs like the Penn in Washington program. If you want to be a doctor, discuss resources like the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Help them visualise you thriving at Penn!
Following these tips will help you craft a compelling essay demonstrating why you’re an excellent match for the University of Pennsylvania’s collaborative, interdisciplinary, and innovative community. Show them what makes you, you!
So there you have it. While grades and scores are important, they don’t define you. Show Penn your passion, creativity, and personality. Share your meaningful experiences and how they’ve shaped you. Highlight what makes you, you. Your application is your chance to bring your story to life and give the admissions team a glimpse into what really matters to you. Focus on your strengths, pursue your interests, and stay true to yourself. If you do that, your authentic self will shine through and you’ll craft an application you’re proud of. The rest is out of your control, so try not to stress too much. Take a deep breath and remember that whatever happens, you’ve put your best foot forward. Now celebrate – you deserve it! The college application process is tough, but you’ve got this. Stay confident in who you are – that’s what will make you stand out.
