The University of Pennsylvania, or Penn, is an Ivy League in Philadelphia, PA. The university is known for an exceptional undergraduate business program, and is very popular among students interested in careers in finance, consulting, law, or medicine. They also have one of the most well-respected anthropology programs in the country, and many other top programs that attract tens of thousands of applicants annually for a relative handful of spots. The overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 5.8% of more than 65,000 applications.
Penn has more than 23,000 full-time students, of whom over 10,500 are undergraduates. This makes it one of the largest Ivy League undergraduate populations. If you want to become a Quaker, you need to plan well in advance of pressing submit on your application. One piece of that is the supplement, which we will get into here, giving you everything you need to know to ace the supplement portion of the application. You should also be studying for the SAT or ACT to get the highest score possible. While scores are not required for the 2024-2025 application cycle, and they say that not submitting will not disadvantage your application, we highly recommend submitting scores if you can attain impressive ones. More than 70% of recently admitted and enrolled first-year students at Penn submitted scores. That number, to us, is mightily convincing.
But now on to supplements.
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First, we’re focusing on the supplemental questions that all first-year applicants to the undergraduate colleges and programs at Penn have to answer. After that, we’ll be getting into the school specific prompts based on your major or program.
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 is super wholesome, and who you pick says less about you than why you pick them. But that’s a lot to fit into just 200 words, especially if you include the sharing part.
Something to really focus on first, though, is the “not yet thanked” part. This means that if you write about a parent, grandparent, or other family member here, you risk coming off as someone who isn’t good at communicating with those close to you. If you write about a coach or teacher, the situation is similar — if they are so meaningful in your life, why didn’t you thank them already?
This is why we recommend students look to someone peripheral to their life, but still impactful, or who isn’t explicitly in a leadership or supervisory role. We can’t prescribe for you who this person may be, but look at co-workers, teammates, classmates, or someone you engage with regularly in an unstructured setting. Because this is someone you “have not yet thanked,” your letter shouldn’t focus on a singular moment that really should have been followed by a “thank you,” but on a subtle or small interaction that impacted you positively.
For example, perhaps you saw a classmate of your younger sibling proactively reach out to play with them at the playground on a day when your sibling was really struggling. It wouldn’t have worked to say thank you in the moment, but their kindness made a difference. Letting them know may encourage more of such kindness in the future, carrying the positivity forward.
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 doesn’t ask you what you’ll major in or what you love about Penn, but what you will do to engage with the Penn community — and how you’ll contribute to it in kind. Like the previous prompt, your response will need to be short. However, unlike the previous prompt this one requires some research in advance.
Set a timer for 30 minutes and check out the Penn Student Life webpages, especially Residential Life and Exploring Community. You can take more than 30 minutes, of course, but the key is really to explore and read deeply enough to identify 2-3 things that you absolutely want to be a part of, and that connect to who you are or what you are passionate about. There are more than 700 clubs at Penn, along with numerous programs, groups, and traditions, so it shouldn’t be hard to identify a handful that excited you. The key here, as we said, though, is linking whatever you want to do at Penn to who you are and/or what you do now.
This is because you want your selections to make sense. If you just write about service organizations here, but have minimal community service on your application, that doesn’t resonate super strongly. But if you’re a working EMT already, joining Penn MERT would make complete sense. Or if you love competing in math competitions, it wouldn’t be weird for you to include the Penn Undergraduate Math Society. Remember everything needs to have a story baked in, though, so don’t simply assume that the application reader will make the link between what you do now and what you include here. Make that connection for them.
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 first college-specific supplement we’ll focus on is for the College of Arts and Sciences, the most popular undergraduate college at Penn. This is a “why us?” with a little more. They want to know what you want to study, and how you’ll pursue it at Penn, but before you get into your major (undecided is not an option, by the way, even if you can technically select it) and specific aspects of the program you are drawn to, you need to address the curiosity bit.
We encourage applicants to start this supplement with a super short, two-sentence ‘moment’ that reveals something they are curious about related to their prospective major. Then transition from that moment into what you want to major in, and how you’ll explore your curiosity in specific, even granular, ways. This is where mentioning a course or two, and ideally a professor you’d like to study under, is ideal.
Most people who apply to Penn are applying to the College of Arts and Sciences. Penn is especially well known, though, for their specialized colleges and special programs. Please keep in mind that the acceptance rate for the programs, especially those like Huntsman, is much lower than that of Penn writ large. Getting into these programs is very difficult, but those in them agree that the struggle, and the effort, was worth it. If you’re considering a specialized program at Penn, you’ll want a team on your side helping you put together the strongest application possible.
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
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)
This is a classic “why us?” without the added ‘curiosity’ layer of the Arts and Sciences prompt. This means you can (and should) get right into the nitty gritty of it, sharing your intended course of study and how you’ll pursue it. This should include two courses you’re excited for, a professor you want to study under, and a research or practical opportunity you’d like to be part of. The research or practical part is especially important, because a huge part of engineering is learned in the field. In the classroom you learn theory, but in the field see how all that theory actually plays out. What Penn can offer is the best of both, so show them how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities.
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)
This is another “why us?” but with a future bend this time. They want to know what you’ll do at Penn, but they’re just as interested in what your long-term vision is for using your nursing degree. Ideally (and really the only acceptable option), you want to use nursing to positively benefit others. Just saying that isn’t enough, though. You need to be specific. How will “Nursing of Older Adults,” assist you in creating more kindly geriatric care programs? Or how will “Bioethics” help you navigate complex ethical issues in an ever more tech-heavy healthcare system? Link what Penn does to what you want to do in the future to paint the picture for them of why you’re a perfect fit.
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)
This is yet another “why us?” that is impact focused, and Wharton wants you to be really specific. They know that lots of students go to Wharton because they want to make tons of money really fast and early in their career, but that isn’t what drives them nor what inspires them to accept a given applicant. What they look for isn’t a fierce capitalist impulse, but a strong desire to positively impact the world through business principals. To show this, you need to pick a specific issue that you care about, ideally one you’ve been involved with in some way already while in high school, and link it to the Wharton program you want to pursue, like Behavioral Economics, Management, or Real Estate. Be as specific as you can be here, including a particular class or opportunity that would, in particular, prepare you to address the current issue you’ve chosen to focus on. For example, if you’re interested in furthering housing equity by increasing public housing, you might be particularly drawn to the “Urban Real Estate Economics” course. Paint the picture of how you’re going to use Wharton to impact others.
Digital Media Design
Discuss how your interests align with the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)
This is a straightforward “Why us?” so start by really getting to know the Digital Media Design program. It sounds artsy, but it’s really a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and combines computer graphics coursework with computer science and fine arts courses. So, it is artsy, but it’s also so much more than that. To write a strong application, you need to already be engaging in computer science and art, and ideally already bringing the two together. If you aren’t and you are reading this — pause, and go make something that you can write about here.
Why? Because you have up to 650 words to share how your interests align with the DMD program. That’s a lot of space, and definitely enough to truly tell a story. Which means you have to.
Start this supplement with a story that shares your passion for computer science and the arts through a specific moment or experience. Keep this ‘small’ so that you can include a lot of details and specifics. Then, transition into what you want to study at Penn and how the DMD program matches up with your interests. Close out the supplement with a vision for your future and how DMD will get you there.
Huntsman
Huntsman Prompt: 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)
The Huntsman Program is one of the most talked Penn programs, probably because it is so selective and so unique. This dual degree program is focused on business, language, and the liberal arts. It’s a Penn degree with a global business mindset, and required study abroad. It’s also uniquely designed for students who want to make a positive impact on the world at the intersection of business and international affairs.
To write this prompt successfully, you need to start with the end of the prompt — “a global issue.” Pick something you’re already engaged with, sharing it through story, and then pull backwards from there. Next, you’ll need to contextualize your dream within the Penn program, showing how Huntsman will get you there. Be as specific as you can be, including particular courses, professors, or study abroad opportunities that will uniquely empower you to make a difference.
This is a shoot-for-the-stars kind of supplement, so close it out by grounding it back in your lived reality today and how you’re already beginning to put the core Huntsman ideals and principles to work.
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)
The supplements for these specialized programs are much longer than the College of Arts and Sciences or School of Engineering, and one reason why is that they really need to know if you know what you’re getting into. Specialized programs are focused, specific, and often not easy to switch out of should you change your intended trajectory. In this supplement, you need to make clear to the application readers that you have three things:
Knowledge of the program
A vision for your future
A plan for using the program to get there
All three of these need to be addressed in your supplement, albeit not necessarily in that order. You could start with where you hope to be in the future, and then connect that dream to the program. Or you could start with what you’re excited about in LSM, then what you plan to do with those opportunities. Most students, though, start with what led them to the program in the first place. This is your ‘origin story’ to your area of focus withing LSM, and it’s important to write with strength to show the seriousness of your intended path. Do this by focusing in on one story that exemplifies your interest, then link that to your academic pursuits in the classroom and beyond, whether through additional classes, programs, internships, or work. These should all come together around 1-3 core foci, which are the “issues” LSM is asking about.
Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology
The M&T program at Penn is the oldest coordinated dual degree programs at the university, and has been at the forefront of bringing together engineering and business since its founding. The program is intense, and only 50-55 new students are accepted into the program each year. There are two supplements you’ll need to ace to submit a strong application.
M&T Prompt 1: 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)
This may sound obvious, but you really need to know what you want to do at Penn through the M&T program to get into the M&T program. Clear, directed interest is one of the most important factors in admission if you already have the grades and scores to stand out. Start by getting to know the program — both its opportunities, and its limitations. Then, build a story about why you’re drawn to the M&T program, using an experience you have had that meshes engineering and business as your ‘frame’. Once the story is set up, you need to link it to the M&T program, giving lots of specifics of things your excited for, like classes you hope to take, professors you would love to research under, and unique facets of the program you believe will uniquely prepare you for your future. Attending an M&T virtual webinar can be a helpful part in this process, too, as it’ll introduce you to aspects of the program that are harder to find out about simply looking online.
M&T Prompt 2: Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words maximum)
For the next prompt, you need to tell a true story from your life so far that focuses on problem-solving, leadership, and creativity. This experience doesn’t need to come from the classroom, but it can. It can also come from an academic competition, an internship, a job, or another opportunity — but, wherever it comes from, it should relate to the goals of the M&T program. Focus most, though, on the collaborative elements of your story, and remember that you don’t always need to present yourself as a leader who ‘leads from the front.’ Having a fancy title or leadership position can be helpful, but remember to emphasize your role as part of a team, not a one-person solo mission.
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)
What’s the difference between this and the School of Nursing? While the School of Nursing is focused on the practice of nursing first and foremost, the Nursing and Health Care Management program at Penn is a coordinated dual degree program that combines a BS in Nursing with a BS in Economics with a concentration in Health Care Management and Policy. The program takes 5 years, but sets students up to work in the administration of major healthcare networks, hospitals, and more. You’ll do clinical work for sure, but the program is most fitted to students who are more interested in the system of healthcare than in the daily practice of treating patients.
This is all really important as you brainstorm a response to this prompt because you need to stitch together for the reader your commitment to nursing and your passion for business. The best way to do this is through story, perhaps the origin story of your interest in this in the first place. It could be because you had a lot of experience with the healthcare system at a young age, or because a family member is in medicine, and you’ve seen how it positively impacts people’s lives. Whatever your reason for wanting to pursue this dual degree program, Penn needs to feel it super strongly so that they have no doubt that you know what you want for your future.
Once you’ve set up your why, you need to go specifically into the how. What courses, programs, professors, or opportunities are you most excited for as part of Penn? Once you’ve shared specifics about why your so drawn to the Penn program, you need to look towards the future. Don’t just tell them what Penn will do for you; emphasize how you’ll turn what you learn into opportunities to make an impact.
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)
VIPER is undoubtedly the most intimidatingly-named program at Penn, but that isn’t a reason to be scared about applying. The length of this prompt, though, may make you question your decisions. To assuage any concerns and make it manageable, let’s break it down.
They want to hear about three core things:
What experiences have led to your interest in the VIPER program
How you want to pursue the VIPER program while at Penn
Where you see the VIPER program taking you in the future.
As a VIPER student, you’ll select two majors, one from Arts and Sciences and one from the School of Engineering, from an approved list. Then, you’ll complete both degrees. If this sounds like a lot, it is. But you should start by identifying your two first-choice majors and write about experiences that you’ve had that merge the two. For example, if you’re hoping to major in Earth and Environmental Science and Computer Science, you could write about an internship experience focused on mapping an ecosystem, or a project at school using geospatial mapping software. The story of that experience or project is the perfect jumping off point for sharing how you first learned about VIPER, and what you want to do as part of the program. This could include research opportunities, internships, or courses you’re particularly drawn to.
Finally, you need to look outwards. What comes after VIPER, and how will you use what you’ve learned to positively impact others?
Whichever program you apply to at Penn, you may have the opportunity to have a conversation with an alumnus, or someone who graduated from Penn previously. While these are technically optional, we highly advise you to not treat them as optional at all. Penn cares if you care about them, and doing an interview with an alumnus is a perfect opportunity to show that you are engaged, informed, and excited about a future at Penn.
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