Navigating University of Pennsylvania's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

When applying to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), your supplemental essays present a golden opportunity to showcase your distinct personality, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to your chosen field of study. This blog post will illuminate each of this year's prompts, provide targeted advice, and share examples from successful past applications.

Prompt 1: How did you discover your intellectual and academic interests, and how will you explore them at the University of Pennsylvania? Please respond considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected. (300-450 words)

This prompt seeks to understand your academic trajectory and how UPenn fits into your plans. An engaging response from a 2022 applicant to the Wharton School reads:

"My fascination with entrepreneurship began with a lemonade stand. At nine, I was fascinated with turning lemons into cash. This entrepreneurial spark followed me to high school where I co-founded a small online store selling refurbished electronics.

During a summer program at Wharton, I was captivated by the concept of social entrepreneurship: using business principles to solve societal issues. The idea resonated with my desire to make an impact beyond profits.

At Wharton, I aim to delve deeper into this field by majoring in Business Economics & Public Policy and minoring in Social Impact & Responsibility. I'm particularly excited about courses like 'Business in the Global Political Environment' that blend business strategy and policy-making. I also look forward to joining the Wharton Social Impact Initiative to contribute to projects with real-world implications and gain hands-on experience.

Wharton's interdisciplinary approach and focus on experiential learning align with my aspirations, making it the perfect place to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, policy, and social impact."

Prompt 2: 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)

This prompt aims to understand your extracurricular interests and your potential contributions to the UPenn community. Here's a poignant response from a 2021 applicant:

"I look forward to engaging with Penn's diverse community, particularly through the Civic House. Its focus on social advocacy aligns with my passion for community service. I've worked with nonprofits back home to promote digital literacy among underprivileged children, and I'm excited to bring this experience to Civic House's volunteering programs.

In return, I anticipate that working with diverse peers will broaden my understanding of social issues, challenging my perspectives and promoting personal growth. My experiences will enrich the community by introducing new viewpoints and encouraging thoughtful conversations."

When you approach UPenn's supplemental essays, let your authenticity shine. Show how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to UPenn's dynamic community.

The admissions committee wants to know you. Make that possible through your essays.

Good luck, and happy writing!