Interested in our UPenn Supplemental Essay Package?
We have Advisors waiting in the wings!
Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 5
You Have:
The Requirements: 3 essays of 150-200 words
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community, Why
The supplemental questions below cover ideas that admissions sees as important for building UPenn’s incoming class, so take this opportunity to provide them with greater insight into what has shaped you and how you might contribute to the UPenn community once you arrive on campus. UPenn seeks students “who are drawn to other people and who are curious about everything,” two qualities that you can incorporate into your responses using stories from your life, infused with details and lessons learned along the way. Keep reading to learn how to write winning UPenn essays!
Gratitude is quickly becoming a practice we are encouraged to connect to and reflect on regularly, hence the popularity of gratitude journals and exercises. (Brainstorming method alert!) It’s not a surprise, therefore, that the admissions department at UPenn wants to learn about what you value and how you express gratitude. Think about times when you have felt acknowledged, heard, and seen; moments when you have felt that swelling in your chest, as your heart grows three sizes. Who would you like to thank and why? What impact did they have on your life? How did their actions affect the way you think or approach new ventures? Remember that this essay or “note” needs to reveal information about how you process, appreciate, and/or draw inspiration from the action of others. Ultimately, admissions wants to know more about how you relate to others in the world and how you repurpose good intentions. Bonus points if you share your “thank you” note with the associated party after hitting submit!
Admissions wants to know how you will participate in the Penn campus community, so start by thinking about what you’d like to do when you’re not cramming for exams or soaking up your professors’ sage wisdom (a little website research could come in handy here). If that hypothetical exercise is not producing quality ideas, think about the here and now. Where can you be found when your homework is done? How do you spend your weekends? Think of an activity or topic that gets you interacting and connecting with other like-minded peers. Once you have something in mind, explore Penn’s website to see if they have a similar group or community that you’d like to join. Admissions wants to know what your area of influence will look like at UPenn: an on-campus job, a unique hobby, or maybe an organization to which you contribute innovative ideas and exquisite cake decorating skills (bake sale, anyone?). Finally, remember to address how UPenn will shape your perspective and vice versa. Will the Black Wharton Undergraduate Association help you to explore your entrepreneurial interests? Will your plethora of non-profit internship and volunteering experiences make you a fantastic addition to and a natural leader in the Social Impact Consulting Group? Whatever you write about, make sure your response to this prompt shows that you have put some serious thought into what your life will look like at UPenn.
With each of these prompts, admissions is hoping to gain insight into your goals and ambitions. Whether you’re hoping to combat societal issues through business, explore your curiosity through The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum, become a leader in tech, or promote equity in healthcare, your response should reveal new information about your passions, motivations, and vision for the future. Since you only have 150-200 words to work with here, you won’t be able to walk admissions through your journey to the college of your choice, but you can offer insight into the kind of work you’d like to do and the impact you’d like to have post-graduation. Just keep in mind that the best responses will cite specific resources at Penn in order to show that it is Penn, specifically, that will be instrumental to your future success.
We have been reading UPenn essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).
We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the UPenn supplements for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to these essays, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful UPenn essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances.
"It's been a whirlwind month of March waiting for all those college decisions but I wanted to update you because of all your help with our essays. I got into Northwestern and UPenn! I was waitlisted at quite a few Ivies too, which I will take with pride haha. While I have a bit of a tough decision to make, I'm so glad to have had your advice -- it clearly paid off by helping me get into the schools I cared most about. Thanks so much, and it was such a pleasure working with you :)"
– CEA Student, UPenn, Class of 2026
"Thank you so very much for all of your work with my daughter on her personal essays! The two of you came up with such neat topics, and you really helped bring out the best in [my daughter] and showcase her accomplishments and strengths. And you made the process interesting, useful, and motivating for her. You gave so much of yourself and your expertise. We're grateful!"
– CEA Parent, UPenn, Class of 2025
Contact us for
