how to write penn state essay

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

2024-25 Penn State Supplemental Essay – Prompt & Advice

August 12, 2024

With an acceptance rate still above 50%, it would be easy to misjudge how challenging the Penn State admissions landscape truly is. In fact, those entering the famed University Park campus sport mid-50 SATs of 1320-1450. They also boast an unweighted GPA range of 3.65-3.94 . Accordingly, successful applicants in 2024-25 should prepare to write a strong Penn State supplemental essay.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Penn State? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Penn State University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

In a competitive admissions environment, every piece of the Penn State application takes on a high level of importance. Therefore, it is vital that all Nittany Lion applicants dedicate a significant amount of time to this optional essay. Below is the lone PSU supplemental prompt for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

Penn State Supplemental Essay — Optional

This is your opportunity to share something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at penn state. while the personal statement is not required, it is highly encouraged (650 words). .

This essay is technically “optional” but all serious applicants should view it as mandatory. Unlike many “optional” essays that may or may not apply to you (e.g. COVID impact, gap in education, gender identity, etc.), just about every applicant has at least one extracurricular or experience worth elaborating on. Note that Penn State does not require the Common App personal statement , so you can always choose to modify that essay for this prompt.

Let’s go over the two general angles that we most often see students take…

The activity/experience angle

Are there any activities on your application that are crying out for more explanation and detail? Which one is closest to your heart and most representative of your unique passions? Pick the option that will allow you to deliver additional detail that may be memorable to the admissions reader. Start this process by asking, “What is the most interesting and consequential moment I have experienced in my extracurricular activities? How will this experience—and what I learned—demonstrate my preparedness for and/or potential contributions to Penn State?”

For example, you may be a volunteer EMT and have compelling experiences to share—experiences that taught you how to remain calm under pressure, a quality you’ll bring with you to the classroom. Alternatively, perhaps you worked in a local restaurant and learned more about the lives of your undocumented coworkers, which inspired you to become involved in immigration-related issues and even complete a specialized research project. You believe your ability to remain open-minded and empathetic will allow to you better connect with others and experience deeper learning.

The more broad “about you” angle

Of course, this prompt has a wider scope than just an activity. Consider that the admissions reader is already familiar with your academic history, activities, and awards. What don’t they know, or, what could they understand on a deeper level? This could be a particular skill or talent or something about your character or personality. On the other hand, you may wish to speak more about your passions, hobbies, ideas, or beliefs. Any of those options are perfectly fine!

This one is intentionally open-ended so use this space to share your most cherished accomplishments or most winning attributes. The university itself is, in essence, inviting you to make a “closing argument” at the end of this admissions trial. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to discuss how your learnings/growth will positively impact your ability to do well at Penn State.

Get specific!

No matter which angle you choose, try to connect your past experiences with your future goals by citing Penn State-specific offerings or opportunities that you hope to take advantage of. Let’s go back to our previous immigration advocacy example—perhaps there’s a student group you hope to join, an immigration policy course you hope to take, etc.

How important is the Penn State supplemental essay?

The essay is not among the most important factors to the admissions committee. GPA and the rigor of one’s courses are at the top of the list. However, the essays can help push borderline applicants over the edge toward an acceptance.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Penn State supplemental essay, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

Looking for more writing-related resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

• 2-Year Colleges
• ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

How to Write a Penn State Essay in 3 Steps

College Essays

If you want to go to Penn State , then the Penn State essay is one of your big chances to show how you’re different from other students in your application for admission . In order to really make this component of the application work to your advantage, you’ll need a solid strategy for writing a concise, unique, and persuasive Penn State essay!

Writing your Penn State admissions essay might seem intimidating at first, but we’re here to guide you through the process. This article will help you write a stellar Penn State essay by: 

• Explaining purpose of the Penn State Essay
• Outlining the three steps to writing a solid Penn State Essay
• Providing a breakdown of Penn State essay examples
• Giving you three practical tips for writing an exceptional essay

Let’s dive in!

The Penn State essay is an important part of your Penn State application because it can make you stand out from other applicants!

What’s the Penn State Essay?

The Penn State essay, sometimes also called the Penn State supplemental essay, is a 500 word written response included in the Penn State application for admission . 

The prompt for this essay invites applicants to tell the admissions committee about themselves. Here’s the prompt you’ll have to answer:

Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. We suggest a limit of 500 words or fewer. 

This essay prompt is essentially asking applicants to write a response that is very similar to what is known as a personal statement. College admissions typically use an applicant’s personal statement to better understand who the applicant is as a person and what strengths they will bring to the university. 

In other words, the Penn State Essay response is an applicant’s chance to show what makes them unique in the admissions process. 

3 Steps to Answering The Penn State Essay Prompt

If we break down the pieces of what the Penn State prompt is asking, we can identify three main tasks that you need to complete in order to write a killer essay . These tasks are as follows: 

• Identify something about yourself (e.g. a skill, ability, character trait), one of your experiences, or an activity you have been involved in, and 
• Explain the meaning or significance of that aspect of yourself in order to
• Prove that you embody what it means to be a Penn State student. 

While whipping out a 500 word essay response that covers these topics may sound easy, it’s a bit trickier in practice. It’s important that you think carefully about your strategy and come up with a clear plan for your essay response. Remember: your essay is an important part of your admissions application, so you want to spend time getting it right. 

Now, we’re going to walk you through how to address each of these three major points in your essay in order to make admissions counselors sit up and take notice. 

Step 1: Select a Topic to Write About

To begin the process of drafting your Penn State essay, you need to select a meaningful attribute, experience, or activity that makes a positive case for your ability to succeed at Penn State . You need to identify these meaningful experiences or attributes because of the first part of the Penn State essay prompt, which states: 

Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. 

To do this, start by taking inventory of the character traits, experiences, or involvement in activities that you’re most proud of, passionate about, or are the most meaningful to you. We recommend you start by writing a list of the things that come to mind. If you want, you can divide it into categories based on character traits/abilities, experiences, and activities. As you put together this list, don’t worry about whether the things you’re coming up with are “good” or not — you’re just brainstorming ideas at this point!  

If you’re stuck and have no idea where to start, that’s okay, too. Try asking yourself these questions to get you started: 

• What is my favorite memory? And why? 
• What’s my favorite thing to do in the whole world? Why do I love it? 
• If my friends had to describe me in one word, what would they say?

Once you start jotting down ideas, you’ll probably find that you’re able to come up with quite a few. The traits, experiences, and activities that you list out can vary widely and come from different areas of your life, including experiences with friends and family, academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, work with community organizations and volunteerism, political activism, travels, strong memories from childhood, or challenges you’ve faced in life. The possibilities aren’t limited to the ones we just mentioned; this list is simply meant to give you a jump start for brainstorming. 

Once you’ve listed out all the meaningful traits/abilities, experiences, and activities that you can think of, evaluate them in order to select one item from the list that you will address in your Penn State essay. To narrow it down to one item, consider asking yourself the following questions: 

• Which of these items do I feel the strongest positive emotional connection to? 
• Which of these items am I the most proud of? 
• Which of these items could I tell a story about? 
• Which of these items makes me unique or different from other people? 

You don’t necessarily have to use these questions to select your essay topic, but if you find that you answer several of these questions with the same experience or activity, that might be a good clue that you should choose that item as the topic of your Penn State essay. 

Once you pick a topic, it's time to figure out what it says about you as a person. This essay is designed to help admissions counselors get to know you. 

Step 2: Think About What Your Topic Says About You 

Once you’ve selected a single character trait/ability, experience, or activity from your list, the second step of responding to the Penn State essay prompt is to tell a compelling story. 

You want to engage your reader while explaining what the trait/activity/characteristic you’ve chosen says about you as a person. 

To get started on this step, it’s a good idea to do some freewriting or brainstorming. Try to identify the ways in which the experience or activity you chose showcased a talent, skill, or ability you possess in a meaningful or valuable way. It’s important to be able to explain your perception of how this experience or activity shaped you into a person who will bring something positive to Penn State.

Here’s what we mean: say Katerina has decided that she wants to write about making the varsity squad for her school’s soccer team. In her freewrite, she writes about how the accomplishment makes her feel (proud, excited, enthusiastic), and she also writes a bit about the hard work it took for her to get there. Not only does she jot down ideas about going to the State tournament and making a game-winning goal, she also writes about how she missed making the squad in 9th grade, but instead of quitting, she got up an hour early every day over the summer to fit in extra practice. 

In this example, Katerina is trying to get a better understanding of why her topic is important to her, and what kind of story she can tell the admissions committee to help them understand her better. In this case, Katerina may decide to focus on how she didn’t give up and put in extra work to make her dreams come true...and it ended up paying off in a big way! 

Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter if the item you choose to write about is the most prestigious accomplishment from your résumé — you have the rest of your Penn State application to account for those accomplishments. Rather, the Penn State Essay is your time to tell the story of the real person behind your long list of accolades. If you can tailor this story to focus on a specific, detailed experience, activity, or positive attribute you possess, your essay will be more impactful.

Step 3: Tie Your Story Back to Penn State

After you’ve nailed down the way that you want to describe your uniqueness as an applicant, you need to define your understanding of what success at Penn State means to you . 

Why do you need to do this? Because of the instructions in the first sentence of the Penn State essay prompt, which states: 

Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State . 

Penn State Admissions wants you to make a clear connection between your reflections on the experience you choose to write about and the opportunities for success that Penn State offers to its students. In order to make this connection effectively in your essay response, you need to explain how your story shows that you’re a perfect fit for Penn State. 

To get started, do your research on the culture, identity, and opportunities provided for students at Penn State . Use any information you may have gathered from visits to Penn State’s campus, attending admissions events, talking with current students or alumni, or perusing Penn State’s website to help you construct a complete picture of the culture of Penn State and what the school has to offer. 

Also, dig into specific opportunities you want to take advantage of while you’re attending Penn State. What does Penn State offer you that no other college can give you? Maybe that’s a specific degree plan, unique courses, or even a specific professor you want to work with. The more specific you are about how you’ll fit into the Penn State community, the better. 

So let’s go back to Katerina. Katerina wants to be an engineer, and in her research, she learned that Penn State’s BEST Center is working on improving battery technology. Since Katerina wants to work in the tech field, the BEST Center will help her prepare for her future career. 

So now Katerina needs to use her story about her soccer experience to explain how she’ll succeed as an engineering student at Penn State . One way she might do that is by saying that engineering is a demanding degree, and the persistence she learned on the soccer field will set her up for doing well as a Penn State engineering student. She could even take it a step further and explain that the creative problem solving she developed in her soccer training will help her succeed as she researches new battery technology as a part of the BEST Center, too.

This definition of “success” should inform how you tell the story of yourself in your Penn State essay. The admissions committee doesn’t expect every applicant to define success in the same way. In fact, Penn State admissions wants to see that you’ve really thought through your potential to be a good fit as a student at Penn State based on a thorough understanding of what Penn State has to offer a student with your past experiences and vision for the future. You should be able to define your path to success and explain how Penn State will help you get there.  

If you're still not sure what your Penn State essay should look like, take a look at our example essay below.

A Penn State Essay Example

There are many different ways that a Penn State essay can be successful but, in general, excellent essays talk about a specific experience, tell a memorable story, and connect the story of that experience to your definition of success at Penn State. 

To help you understand what these moves can look like in practice, let’s check out Penn State essay examples: 

Every morning during the spring of my junior year of high school, my alarm went off at 4:45 a.m. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people in my hometown were laid off from their jobs struggling to make ends meet. My family owns a farm, and we grow many different types of vegetables and have laying hens, too. So when my morning chores were completed, I would jump in the truck with my dad and my sister to drive into town and deliver free vegetables and eggs to families in need. 

My family could help others because of our farm. That made me think: what if other people could grow their own food and then share what they had with others? That’s why I started an online, community-based agriculture program at my school. I wanted to help others learn how to grow their own food, then share that food with others in their community. 

While the group started out small with just a few students, within three weeks, 40 of my classmates joined in. Together, we organized a seed, plant, and garden tool drive that helped give 70 families in our town enough supplies to start their own small gardens. And many of my classmates have committed to growing gardens of their own! This experience taught me how important agriculture is, but also how agriculture can directly impact the well-being of those around me. 

As a major in community, environment, and development at Penn State, I would have the opportunity to learn about and envision strategies for helping consumers in local communities become aware of and educated about the social and economic benefits to supporting their local farmers. By taking supplemental courses in computer programming, I would prepare myself to create user-friendly online spaces that are dedicated to sharing information about local food systems with consumers in local communities. Ultimately, I believe that Penn State will help me achieve my dream of starting a nationwide, online program to help people in undeserved communities start community agriculture programs of their own. 

Now, let’s break down what this example essay does well. In this essay, the writer provides a clear definition of what success at Penn State will look like for them as a student. This essay emphasizes the student’s personal goals, knowledge of the opportunities Penn State has to offer, and commitment to investing in the Penn State community and society at large . That will definitely make an impact with admissions counselors! 

This student also helps admissions counselors get to know them by telling a story that includes specific details and vivid imagery from an experience that other applicants may not have . The essay helps the reader get a better sense of who this person is, their background, and the things they care about by telling the short story about delivering homegrown care packages to people in the community. This story will help the admissions committee remember the applicant and will set them apart from other applicants as well. 

But most essays aren’t perfect, and this one isn’t, either. One thing this essay response can improve upon is the way in which it connects the student’s idea of success to Penn State . In the last paragraph, the student should focus more on how specific opportunities provided by Penn State’s agriculture department, like its collaborative research into sustainable agriculture , will help the student achieve their goals. 

All in all, t his Penn State essay provides a good example of how to address all aspects of the essay prompt , be clear and concise in your writing, and reveal important aspects of who you are as a person that your other application materials may not show. 

3 Tips for Writing an Excellent Penn State Essay

You want your Penn State essay to persuade admissions that you’ll be a fantastic addition to Penn State’s incoming class. To help you present yourself in a way that Penn State admissions will remember, check out our three tips for writing an outstanding Penn State essay to help you stand out from the crowd. 

Tip 1: Be Specific

If you want your Penn State essay to be memorable, you need to be specific . Throwing out a bunch of abstract character traits or claims as to why you’ll be successful at Penn State won’t help your essay stand out. Instead, give your essay a coherent focus by selecting one or two related character traits, experiences, or activities that show your ability to be successful at Penn State. 

The point of the Penn State essay is to shoot for depth, not breadth. You already showcase your grades, coursework, and awards through other parts of your Penn State application. The essay is the time to reveal more about who you are and what you will bring to Penn State by showing how you’ve been successful in a past situation. Choosing a specific experience and diving into the details of it will show that you’re more than just a list of achievements on a résumé—you’re a real human being. 

Tip 2: Give Concrete Examples

When writing your Penn State essay, examples are a crucial form of support. When you select one or two specific elements  to focus on in your essay, you need to be able to elaborate on those things through specific and engaging examples. 

For instance, you don’t want to simply say, “My adaptability to a range of situations predicts my potential for success as a student at Penn State.” An admissions committee may read that sentence and ask, What makes you so adaptable? What activities or experiences demonstrate evidence of your adaptability? What has your adaptability helped you achieve or accomplish? 

Instead of making a vague, abstract claim like the one in the paragraph above, you need to be more specific, which you can do by providing an example . 

Here’s how a writer could elaborate on their adaptability in their essay: 

Starting your senior year of high school at a new school probably sounds daunting, but after moving seven times in seven years, I was prepared for the ins and outs of being the new kid on my last first day of school. Moving so many times due to my father’s work in the military has given me the opportunity to experience different cultures, learn new languages, and cultivate the ability to make meaningful connections with new people who are very different from me in a matter of minutes. During my senior year at a new school, I used these skills to mobilize my fellow students for a school wide walkout in support of DACA. 

Do you see the difference? The example above gives specific details of what life experience led this student to become adaptable rather than simply making an unsupported claim .

This example is also memorable because it uses vivid language. When you read it, you can imagine the student traveling the world, confidently stepping foot into a new school, and building connections with fellow students for social action. 

In your Penn State essay, examples like this one can be used to make meaningful connections between your vision for your life as a student and a clear definition of success . Using examples in this way will make your essay memorable and unique. 

Tip 3: Don’t Rehash Your Résumé

It’s tempting to rehash the list of accomplishments on your résumé in your Penn State essay, especially if your résumé is packed full of prestigious awards and experiences. However, keep in mind that there are other areas of the Penn State application that explicitly ask for this information. 

When the admissions committee sits down to read your essay response, they’re looking to learn something new about you—something that your résumé can’t tell them . So, instead of listing off accomplishments or stating the facts of what you’ve achieved, pick an aspect of who you are that might not be super apparent. That can include personality traits (maybe you’re really funny), unique experiences you’ve had (maybe you rescued kittens one summer!), or something else that makes you uniquely you. 

Just remember: your essay is a chance for you to make a powerful impression on your readers, so don’t waste it! 

Next Steps 

If you’re applying to Penn State, you need to make sure you’re meeting some of the school’s other admissions requirements . Here’s a guide to the Penn State admissions process to get you started . You can also learn more about the Penn State ACT and Penn State SAT standards , too. 

Are you looking for more college essay tips and tricks? Don’t worry: we’ve got 13 more for you! 

If you’re applying to other schools besides Penn State, y ou may find that you have to write “Why This College?” essays . If you’re not sure what those are, be sure to check out this article.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Penn State essay prompts? With tips from a Penn State graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Penn State supplemental essays will show you how to write engaging Penn State essays and maximize your chances of admission.

Penn State Essay Guide Quick Facts: 

• Penn State has an acceptance rate of 54%— U.S. News ranks Penn State as a more selective school. 
• We recommend answering all Penn State supplemental essays—optional Penn State essay prompts included— comprehensively and thoughtfully.

What is Penn State known for?

Founded in 1855 as an agricultural college, Penn State University is now a top-ranking research university located in Centre County, Pennsylvania. It ranks among the top 25 U.S. research universities, with 18 of its disciplines listed among the top ten research expenditures nationally. These disciplines include materials science, mechanical engineering, psychology, and electrical engineering. 

Penn State University operates with a multi-campus system, boasting 20 undergraduate campuses spread across Pennsylvania. The University’s mission is one of teaching, research, and public service. The school has a large student body, with approximately 40,000 undergraduate students. In-state tuition comes in at just under $20,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is just over $35,000 per year. 

You can apply to Penn State through the MyPennState application or through the Common App . Students will also submit their Penn State essays either through MyPennState or through the Common App. 

Does Penn State require any supplemental essays?

In short, no. The Penn State application includes one optional essay. It’s essentially a personal statement, much like the CommonApp essay. While this Penn State supplemental essay is optional, we highly recommend responding to the Penn State essay prompt. Students’ Penn State essays can make a major difference in the admissions process. 

You should complete each part of every college application thoroughly, optional or not. The only exception to this rule, however, is if the part of the application does not apply to you. For example, you need not include a letter from a varsity coach if you did not play on a varsity team in high school. You also shouldn’t feel pressured to submit additional information about your grades or scores unless you faced any mitigating circumstances. 

How many essays does Penn State require?

There are no required Penn State application essays beyond the Common App essay. However, completing the optional Penn State supplemental essay will help you submit a well-rounded application. Students who submit strong Penn State essays will have a better chance of acceptance, so you should write the optional Penn State essay. 

Apart from your interview, your Penn State application essay is your only chance to speak directly to Penn State admissions about why you are a good fit for the university. Keep in mind that the admissions team will review thousands of Penn State application essays, so you should do all you can to help yours stand out. The best Penn State essays will use specific details to show why a student would succeed at Penn State. 

What are Penn State’s essays?

The Penn State supplemental essay is essentially a personal statement. It is designed to give Penn State admissions a sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Once again, students who write strong Penn State essays will have a better chance of getting admitted. After all, well-written Penn State essays can help the admissions team learn more about what makes you special. 

As you approach your Penn State application essay, think about your identity. What is important to you? How do you want to impact the world? Finally, how will you enrich Penn State’s campus? The best Penn State application essays will answer some or all of these questions. 

Your response to the Penn State essay prompt should transform a two-dimensional application consisting of grades and test scores into a 3D representation of who you are as a student, learner, and community member. The best Penn State essays will give the admissions committee a vivid picture of who a student would be on campus. 

How do I write Penn State’s supplemental essays?

We have provided the Penn State essay prompt below. We’ve also included a full breakdown of how to approach this Penn State supplemental essay. 

The Penn State application essay is a chance to present your application narrative—that is, the story that your application tells to Penn State admissions. Your application narrative should give your readers a clear sense of who you are and what matters to you. This narrative should also remain cohesive throughout your application. For example, if you chose to take AP French because you want to be a diplomat in your family’s country of origin Cameroon, you might expand on this dream in your Penn State supplemental essay.

If you are having trouble constructing your application narrative in your Penn State application essay, then check out our article, “A Deep Dive into the Personal Narrative.”  

Penn State Supplemental Essay (Optional):

Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. We suggest a limit of 500 words or fewer.

This Penn State supplemental essay asks why you would be a good fit at Penn State. It also asks you to tell a story about yourself that isn’t clear from the rest of your application. 

What makes you special? More importantly, what is something that makes you special and also makes you a good fit for Penn State? Strong Penn State application essays will answer these questions by telling a clear, specific, and compelling story. 

Let’s break down this Penn State essay prompt. First, why do you think you would succeed at Penn State? A list may be helpful here. Is it your innovative mind, your knack for scientific research, your skills on the football field? Additionally, your answer to this Penn State essay prompt should be specific to Penn State.

Do some research

To find specific details to use in your Penn State essay, do some research. Strong Penn State application essays will cite specific details about Penn State. You should learn about each college on your list and have a strong reason for applying; don’t just choose colleges based on prestige, location, or tuition cost. The best Penn State essays will discuss specific programs, courses, and student groups only available at Penn State. Want to learn more about student life at Penn State? Check out our article, “Student Life at Penn State.”

Once you’ve done some research, spend time with your list of reasons why you’d succeed at Penn State. As you refine this list, try to connect your skills to programs and resources that Penn State offers. The more specific you can be, the better!

Now that you have outlined why you are a good fit for Penn State, look at each skill you listed. How did you develop that skill? Did it come from your high school mock trial team? Or, did you learn it from a particular community? Did you change your perspective after a major life event? What’s the story behind each skill on your list?

Strong Penn State application essays can come from anywhere, so don’t limit yourself as you brainstorm. Look at these stories and choose the one that most shows why you would succeed at Penn State. Of course, make sure this story doesn’t already appear in your application. Remember, the best Penn State application essays will show your reader something new.

Start writing

Now that you have a topic for this Penn State supplemental essay, it’s time to start writing. Remember that you are telling a story, not writing a research paper. The strongest Penn State application essays will be the most organic, so don’t be afraid to let your voice shine through. If you are a funny and lighthearted person, let your humor seep into this Penn State supplemental essay. If your story is somber and at times painful, don’t be afraid to describe that pain in your Penn State application essay. Your Penn State essay is your chance to make your application three-dimensional, so let your humanity shine through. Use your essay to breathe life into your Penn State application. 

This Penn State supplemental essay has a recommended maximum of 500 words. Don’t go over the word limit. Keeping your Penn State application essay under the limit will not only show that you carefully read the Penn State essay prompt, but also that you are a clear and concise writer. 

Penn State application essays significantly under 500 words are technically fine. However, if your draft is coming in short, ask yourself if you have responded to both parts of the prompt. The first half of your Penn State supplemental essay should tell a story that shows why you’d succeed at Penn State; the second half of your Penn State essay should explain why your story makes you a good fit for the university. Both parts of your Penn State application essay should come in at around 250 words. So, if your Penn State essay is much shorter than 500 words, make sure your story is robust and your reasoning sound.

Now that you have your Penn State supplemental essay topic, how do you start writing?

Writing the first words of your Penn State supplemental essay can be the hardest part of the process. Sometimes, the easiest way to combat writer’s block is to just write without fear or expectation. Try an automatic writing exercise to begin drafting the story you have chosen for this Penn State supplemental essay. Simply fill in the first sentence of the prompt, “An experience or activity that would reflect on my ability to succeed at Penn State is….” Then, see where your Penn State essay takes you. 

While you will not use this draft as your final Penn State essay (and you certainly won’t use that cookie-cutter first sentence) this exercise is a great way to get your ideas flowing. After you have written for 5-10 minutes, look over your work. What stands out to you from this first pass? Often, the crux of a story reveals itself in a free write. Maybe there’s a sentence near the end of your writing that would actually make the perfect introduction. Maybe there’s another that connects two crucial ideas. Mine your writing for the core structure of your Penn state supplemental essay. Then, highlight those key structural sections, use them as your outline, and take a second pass at this Penn State essay. 

Talk it out

If free-writing isn’t your speed, don’t worry! For many writers, oral storytelling can be helpful when it comes to crafting a narrative. Perhaps it is easiest to tell your Penn State essay aloud, either to a family member or into a voice recorder. Then, transcribe your recording and mine its contents for the key points of your Penn State application essay. For more writing exercise ideas, check out our article, “Determining a College Essay Topic: Reflection Exercises to Try.”

Once you have your draft, the next step is to revise. As the structure of your Penn State supplemental essay emerges, revise and refine it. Then, come back to the Penn State essay prompt—are you telling your story compellingly and succinctly? Do you discuss a skill you have that will help you succeed at Penn State? Do you allow yourself enough time to connect the skill you describe to how it will help you succeed at Penn State? Does this essay round out the narrative present in the rest of your application? If the answer to each of these questions is a resounding yes, then your essay is likely almost complete. You might then hand this Penn State supplemental essay draft to another reader who can catch any lingering grammatical or spelling errors. 

Essay Draft Key Questions

• Does your Penn State essay tell a compelling story?
• Do you discuss details not present in the rest of your application?
• Does your essay show why you’d be a good fit at Penn State?
• Do you show that you’ve done your research on Penn State and its offerings? 

Additional tips for the Penn State essay

• Start early: Though your Penn State essay will be relatively short, that doesn’t make it easy to write. The Penn State essay prompt requires you to think critically about yourself as an applicant. Ideally, you should begin outlining and drafting your Penn State supplemental essay the summer before your application is due. If you are having trouble preparing all of your application materials, check out our article, “Preparing Your Senior Fall Checklist.”
• Essay Checklist: Write out each step required to complete this Penn State supplemental essay. Use the guide above. If you choose to make lists for each step—why you are a good fit for Penn State, what experiences or activities helped you develop those skills, et cetera—then completing those lists should also be on the checklist. Your checklist should also include answering both parts of the prompt—your story and why that story makes you a good fit for Penn State. If you follow a detailed checklist, you’ll be sure to write a strong Penn State supplemental essay.
• Edits: It is always a good idea to have a second pair of eyes on your writing. Choose someone you trust who understands the goals of your Penn State application essay and respects your voice and vision. If you are an oral thinker, you might talk your initial Penn State essay ideas through with this person. However, make sure they will only help you further your own thinking rather than impose their own. No matter where you bring an outside reader into the process, they should definitely read your final Penn State application essay to check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. You might also hand them your essay checklist and ask whether they think you completed each step. 

Penn State Supplemental Essay: Final Thoughts

Do not be discouraged by the Penn State supplemental essay! Though it may seem like a tall task, breaking your Penn State essay into smaller, manageable chunks will make it less daunting. 

Ultimately, writing the Penn State essay will only help you. The skills this essay helps you develop in narrative building and constructing your literary voice will be crucial throughout the application cycle and in your college years. Finally, remember to have fun! You are being asked to envision yourself on Penn State’s campus and imagine how you may succeed there. This is an opportunity to be imaginative and creative. Make the most of it! 

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Penn State was written by Saphia Suarez. Want more help responding to the Penn State University essay prompt? Click here to create your free CollegeAdvisor.com account or schedule a free advising assessment with an Admissions Expert by calling (844) 343-6272.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

How to Respond to the 2024-2025 Penn State Essays

Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.

Learn about our editorial policies

Cari Schultz is an Educational Review Board Advisor at Scholarships360, where she reviews content featured on the site. For over 20 years, Cari has worked in college admissions (Baldwin Wallace University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky) and as a college counselor (Columbus School for Girls).

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State University , commonly known as Penn State, is a public land-grant research university located in State College, Pennsylvania. It is widely known for its high ranking athletics and undergraduate degree programs. We are here to help you respond to the Penn State supplemental essays , so keep reading!

The Penn State prompts

The Penn State supplemental essays might be optional for all applicants, but going the extra mile shows your interest in the university and showcases your talents. Your story is important, and Penn State wants to hear about it. This is why they also include a supplemental essay for potential students, especially those that have taken time off before applying to college. 

“ Optional : Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. We suggest a limit of 500 words or fewer.”

This prompt is the classic “who are you beyond academics?” question. Penn State and many other colleges want to get to know their applicants to determine if it’s the right fit. It’s important for your personality to shine through in this essay, and being authentic is a necessary component.

Make your Penn State supplemental essay specific to you and your journey. Start by figuring out a main topic for your essay that isn’t so general that it could apply to any of the other applicants.

However, the story you share with the admissions office should relate to what you hope to accomplish or contribute to the Penn State community. This includes hobbies that might have inspired you to choose your major as well as ways you contributed to your current community in a way that you hope to make a similar impact at Penn State. You might also want to mention a course that Penn State exclusively offers that relates to an interest you have. 

Apply to these scholarships due soon

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

“Get Inspired” TikTok Scholarship

“Jump for Joy” InstaScholarship

“College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors

“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women

“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students

“A Helping Hand” Scholarship

“Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship

Sharing is Caring Scholarship

Questions to consider.

• What is the story I want to tell Penn State?
• What are some notable experiences, interests, or hobbies that I have?
• Why did I choose to apply to Penn State?

Start your scholarship search

• Vetted scholarships custom-matched to your profile
• Access exclusive scholarships only available to Scholarships360 members

Remember: This prompt is only for applicants who are sending in their application sometime other than their senior year of high school.

“ Please use this space to explain any time that has elapsed between your high school graduation and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State. Please provide a summary of why that gap occurred. If you attended another college or university during that time, please note it below and ensure that you have entered the information in the Academic History section of this application . ( 500 words ) ”

Everyone’s college journey is different, with some not enrolling in college the fall after graduating high school. Whether you took a gap period to travel or to prepare for university, this is your opportunity to share your experience with Penn State. 

You might’ve taken the time to travel, recoup from years in school, or start an entirely new adventure. You might have taken the time to seek experience and save money by working. Whatever your reasons, this supplemental essay prompt allows you to emphasize the importance of your gap period and how it has shaped you.

When writing your essay, try to include why you want to attend Penn State after your time off. Make them a part of your story, and explain how you hope to further develop once you attend. 

Be aware of the word count, it’s a bit more fixed than the other supplemental essay prompt. It might be hard to hit the exact limit, so go back and proofread before adding any additional sentences. A couple words here and there are quick to stack up!

Also see: What is a gap year? Everything you need to know

• Why did I want to take a gap year?
• What did I accomplish during my gap year?
• How did taking this time shape me as a person?
• In what ways do I feel more prepared to start college now (specifically at Penn State)?

Don’t miss: Top reasons to take a break from college

Next steps for students

As you go through the college application process, mark your calendar with important deadlines! By doing this, you can accurately plan and get things done in advance. You could circle the date for admission notifications or schedule a campus tour.

Penn State has multiple campuses for applicants to choose from, and they also offer virtual tours, so you can get a quick look before visiting in person. The website even gives brief overviews of each location in Pennsylvania along with degrees, housing, and extracurriculars offered there. 

Remember to check Penn State’s social media pages to stay updated on important events and dates. You’ll also be able to get a glimpse of what Penn State is like and how you might fit in there. Good luck on your path toward success!

Other colleges to consider

• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
• University of Illinois (Urbana-Campaign, IL)
• Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)

Additional resources 

Now you know how to ace the Penn State supplemental essays. But the work is not done! You can never be too prepared for college, so here’s a couple resources to make the transition smoother: 

• Figure out the major that’s right for you
• Decide on applying early decision or early action
• Choose different types of scholarships to apply to
• How to write an essay about yourself

Frequently asked questions about the Penn State supplemental essays

Can i apply to penn state through the common app, is the penn state optional supplemental essay worth writing, how long should the penn state supplemental personal essay be, scholarships360 recommended.

10 Tips for Successful College Applications

Coalition vs. Common App: What is the difference?

College Application Deadlines 2024-2025: What You Need to Know

Trending now.

How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion: Predict Your Score

What are Public Ivy League Schools?

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

How to Write the Penn State Supplemental Essay 2024–2025

Subscribe to our newsletter for college app advice!

The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), known for their research advancements and vibrant campus life , attracts over 100,000 applicants each year. Their accomplished alumni include actor Gene Kelly, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, Senator Rick Santorum, and ABC Good Morning America anchor Lara Spencer. Hoping to join their ranks? First, you’ll need to nail your Penn State supplemental essay. Let’s dive in.

Penn State 2024-2025 Prompts

Writing the Penn State supplemental essay is optional, but writing a strong essay can only help your application chances!

This is your opportunity to share something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. Tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. (650 words or fewer)

General Tips

This prompt is fairly broad, as college essay prompts go, so many students may feel intimidated by the Penn State supplemental essay. If you’re struggling to settle upon a single essay topic (and yes, it’s advisable that your essay sticks to one topic), try making a list of all your options. After listing all your potential essay topics, consider which topics most positively reflect on your ability to succeed at Penn State and cross of those which might reflect poorly on you as an applicant.

Note that “failure” is not necessarily a bad thing. If you choose to write your essay about a time you failed or struggled, you have the chance to demonstrate your resilience to the reader. A student who can face obstacles and overcome them, get knocked down and stand back up, is a student who will thrive in a challenging academic environment.

If you’re still struggling to settle on an essay topic, consider free-writing. There are a few ways to approach free-writing. On the one hand, you can put your pen to the page and refuse to lift it for a set amount of time (try 5-10 minutes). This strategy forces you to get some ideas down. Some students find it easier to edit a rough draft than compose a new one from scratch, so this strategy might be right for you.

If that strategy doesn’t work for you, you can also try writing just a couple sentences about each of the potential topics on your list. After reading these sentences over, cross out the least interesting ones. Then cross out the topics that feel especially wearisome to keep writing about. If you find your essay interesting and exciting to write, then it’s likely your reader will find it interesting and exciting too.

Penn State Short Essay Question

Although Penn State only has one supplemental essay prompt, you can turn this prompt in any direction that works for you. The expectation is that whatever you write about in this essay is additional information that will strengthen your application and is not already communicated elsewhere in your application. Given this, writing the Penn State supplemental essay is in your best interest.

While brainstorming for this essay, consider the parts of yourself that the reader can’t find elsewhere in your college application. For instance, do you have family obligations that have shaped the person you are today? Have you experienced a life-changing event that transformed your worldview? Is there a social justice issue that motivates you? Do you have a hero whose footsteps you wish to follow?

Alternatively, you can write about something that appears elsewhere in your college application but receives inadequate attention. For example, some of your extracurricular activities might require further explaining so that the admissions team can understand the depth of your commitment and achievement. Similarly, if you have earned an award or honor that could benefit from added context, here is your space to provide that context.

You may also wish to discuss any gaps in your academic journey, such as a drop in grades or lower-than-average test scores. If you have a defensible reason for these apparent lapses in your commitment to your education, you may want to express that reason here. Admissions officers are human, too, and if you show your humanity with authenticity and specificity, you give yourself the best shot at success.

If you need help polishing up your Penn State supplemental essay, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

Sign Up for More College App Tips

Subscribe to the Next Admit newsletter, a weekly newsletter where you'll receive our best college essay and college app advice. You can unsubscribe at any time!

Students Also Read

How To Write The Penn State Supplemental Essay

To get accepted into Penn State, grades are not the only thing considered; you must also know how to write the Penn State supplemental essay.

“Must” sounds too strong for an optional essay, but note that this essay is not “actually” optional. How so? Well, competition. Though Penn State doesn’t boast a single digit acceptance rate, the undergrad admissions profile can make it decently competitive.

Penn State Undergrad Profile.

• High School GPA: 3.55-3.97
• SAT English + Math: 1250-1430
• Composite ACT: 28-32

“We take a hard look at the many roles you serve as a student, sibling, athlete, son or daughter, volunteer, and/or employee. Assembling a class of students with diverse interests and experiences is a task that we take seriously … we review students in a holistic manner, taking into account a full range of factors.”

With the GPA and SAT / ACT scores well above the average high school marks, you must impress. That means more than just good grades; take a look at the bold section of the quote above. It means expressing the diverse interests and experiences they hold so highly in the “optional” essay.

Note: Penn State also uses what’s called “holistic admissions”, which just means that admissions officers will take your application essay more seriously than normal. You can read more about holistic admissions here .

Optional: Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. (500 words)

This is the most important part of the Penn State essay prompt: “ … that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State”

Knowing how to write the Penn State supplemental essay correctly is not just about impressing the readers with just any experience or activity. It’s about showing that your experiences or activities have something of value to help you succeed in the school. That means you can’t just learn to juggle to have a topic to write about.

The proper response will be something that reveals a quality or character trait that will help you succeed at Penn State.

Then there’s format. Whether it is “something about yourself”, “your experiences”, or “activities”, the Penn State admissions essay is best formatted in a narrative. That means writing your essay as a story. This is the best way to show your character and personality to the admissions officers and stand out amongst the rest of the 68,167 other applicants. Now, here’s a few pointers.

Professional College Application Help.

Contact us. we'll get to you within 24 hours. , how to write the penn state supplemental essay, 1. add weight to your story with imagery.

This is probably one of the most important points to remember on how to write the Penn State supplemental essay. You need to add weight to your essay.

What we mean by weight is significance. Your story has to have a level of significance in your life that it can be felt by the admissions officers. Sob stories and dramatic life experiences all do this, but you can achieve the same thing with just strong imagery. Strong imagery will convey to the admissions officers that you take your application to heart and are not just applying for the sake of it.

We understand that imagery is a difficult technique that can be a fine line between “not enough excitement” and “too melodramatic.” That’s why we recommend speaking with an expert on the matter to ensure you’re doing it properly .

2. Don’t bite more than you can chew

A lot of applicants tend to think that the best way to impress the admissions officers is to fit in as many experiences as they can in the essay.

Penn State not only hates this, they know that students do this to game the system. If its already in your application, don’t write about it in the essay. If you have 2 or more topics to talk about, stick to one.

You have to stick to just one topic because you only have 500 words to write a high quality admissions essay. Including more topics would only stretch out your essay too thin and make it sound disingenuous. We suggest sticking only to two total paragraphs: the first one being a narrative of your experience and the second describing how that experience will help you succeed at Penn State.

3. Be very specific

It’s far too common for applicants to give a broad generalization of their experiences or how the experiences may help them succeed at Pen State.

Here’s an example; “I learned to be more creative in my field to come up with better ideas. This will help me be a more well-rounded person in my field of study.”

The topic may be fine, but the admissions officers at Penn State will have no idea what precisely you’re referring to. How were you creative? What field were you referring to? What are the creative ideas? What examples are there that you’ll be more well-rounded in your study?

Think of it like this: Penn State wants students who clearly know their strengths well and how they are going to use that to succeed at their school. They want applicants who know their unique experiences well enough, and not in wishy-washy terms.

4. Avoid clichés or common topics

This is another important thing to consider when writing the Penn State essay. You want to make sure your story is unique.

This goes for all college essays, as a cliché and overused topic will make it difficult to stand out from the rest of the admissions pool.

For instance, you should not talk about things that everyone goes through such as classes in school or occasional fights with parents. You want to talk about one instance that you had that everyone else is unlikely to experience. This will give you more valuable content to write about and you’ll be able to stand out amongst the rest of applicants. A unique experience, such as a few months of travel with your family, may provide valuable skills in socializing and networking at your time at Penn State.

5. Penn State essay format

In short, your Penn State application essay should look something like this.

• Describe the experience that you had in vivid detail and imagery.
• Show what the new perspective has done for you now and how it changed you as a person over time through examples.
• Connect this new perspective to some of the things you plan to do at Penn State to be a successful student. For instance, your new perspective on moral strength and generosity after doing community service at a park will translate into your future career path of working in a non-profit organization.

Questions on how to write the Penn State supplemental essay? Not sure if you can get accepted? You may want to talk to us for a free phone consultation  and discuss how to approach your admissions essay; that way, you’ll get a competitive edge.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

College essay editing services from professionals, sign up for a free 30-minute phone consultation. we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Pennsylvania State University | Penn State

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University | Penn State?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Pennsylvania State University | Penn State’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Select-a-prompt short response.

Short Answers

What do you hope to get at Penn State as a Schreyer Scholar to help you accomplish your future goals and aspirations?

If you were able to go anywhere in the world, outside of the country you currently reside, where would you go and why?

Tell us about your leadership experiences (community roles, family contributions, research, clubs, organizations, etc.) and why leadership is important to you. Describe the challenges and/or successes you’ve faced in these roles.

List awards or other recognitions you have received in or outside of school over the last 4 years. Which award or recognition means the most to you and why?

Tell us about a book or other media that has made you think about something in a new way.

Consider a time when you had to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds or with different perspectives. How did this experience contribute to your personal growth and understanding of others?

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups, including: shared geography, faith, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities or groups to which you belong and describe how it has influenced your life over the last four years.

Please use this space to share information you would like us to consider that has not been discussed elsewhere in your Schreyer Honors College application. This could include obstacles you’ve overcome, something you’re proud of that is not discussed elsewhere, or anything else you choose.

Personal Statement Short Response

Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records.

Extracurricular Essay

Please use this space to list or discuss your activities other than academic work during the last several years (for example: school organizations, jobs, athletics, the arts, community service, religious groups, or other individual interests).

Schreyer Honors College Essay 1

Describe a problem you‘ve solved or a problem you‘d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could take to identify a solution.

Schreyer Honors College Essay 2

Isaac Asimov wrote: “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” Do you agree? Is such censorship ever justified? If not, explain why. If so, who or what should determine which books are read and which books are forbidden.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Short Response 1

Describe one non-academic activity during your high school years that has been the most meaningful to you.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Short Response 2

Write a personal statement indicating why you want to be a physician, why you want an accelerated program and why you’ve selected this Penn State/Kimmel program.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Short Response 3

Describe what you think your strongest qualities are as well as weaknesses that you would like to improve upon.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Short Response 4

Tell us about a time you were unsuccessful and how you grew from this experience.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

• FRONT MATTER
• TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 4: Sample Personal Statements and Application Essays

Easy writing makes hard reading.

—Ernest Hemingway

As a graduate student taking fiction writing workshops many moons ago, I recall what was most motivating to me as a creative writer. It wasn’t the reading of published or award-winning work, and it wasn’t the classroom critique given on high from the professor nor the scribble from my classmates on my manuscripts. All these things were helpful and valuable, but nothing motivated me more than comparing my fiction to the work of my peers. As I read their work carefully, both objectively and subjectively, I found myself thinking at times that I was sure I could write better than the others around me at the seminar table—then I’d read an artful, poignant story that made me wonder whether I could ever even compete.

Perhaps somewhere between these two attitudes is the most profitable approach when studying the work of your peers. In critiquing the work of others who essentially represent your competition, you should take a respectful stance both critical and kind, just as selection committee members are likely to do. The sample essays in this chapter represent personal stories that are intriguing, diverse, complex, honest, and humanizing. These samples present opportunities for you to study, admire, question, emulate, reject, and—most importantly—consider how to present the best, truest, most effective picture of yourself, carefully refined for the eyes of others.

Websites with sample personal statements abound. Here are two:

Sample personal statements from indeed.com

Sample personal statements including reader comments from studential.com

• Short Essay Samples
• Sample Resumes
• Lengthy Essay Samples
• Professional Essay Samples

• Penn State Essay Writing
• University Admission Essays
• College Insights
• Application Writing Guides

How to Write the Penn State Supplemental Essays

Let professional writers deal with your paper, quickly and efficiently.

Founded in 1855, Penn State University has gained popularity as one of the most prestigious public research institutions. Its acceptance rate is 57.6 %. The students accepted usually score high at GPA and SAT. It is a well-developed institution that promises a bright future to the alumni. Among the famous graduates of the establishment are Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

To get into Penn, a student needs to collect a set of documents and write a Penn state application essay. Sometimes they require admission essay writing services . The type of essay depends on the field of study students opt for.

Optional “ Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. (500 words) ”

The first step to success is reading the instruction right. If you look at this one, the requirement is not to repeat yourself. It means that you need to know your application by heart. Know every detail you wrote down to avoid repetition.

The next step is to write about the strong traits of your personality. Compile a list of achievements and identify what strong features in your personality helped you succeed. Penn admission committee is trying to identify how compatible you are with the community. One idea might not be enough here, however, ten will be too much. So, know the balance.

For BS-MBA Program Applicants Only

Penn State supplemental essay objective is to identify your academic goals and ambitions. If a student does not provide any significant ambition or objective the application loses a lot of points. So, think carefully about the way you deliver the ideas in your essay. Aim to dwell on the essay question given and avoid irrelevant information.

Essay Question 1 “ Why do you want to attend Penn State? (150 words) ”

Before you scribble down the first reason which is “Penn is my favorite educational establishment”, mind that it is one of the widespread and basic answers. If you want to become one of the 57 % of the accepted candidates, your answer should be more than that.

What to do if the ideas do not come to your mind? Try studying the website of the school. Learn about the activities of the department you wish to enter. Get in contact with the alumni on the forums and blogs. Last but not least, read the publications of the most successful college essays< that got students the place in Penn, and other universities.

Essay Question 2 “ Select the scientific discipline above that is MOST interesting to you. Why do you want to devote 4 years of college studying it? (200 words) ”

It is a question that dares you to predict whether you are ready for four years of studying the same subject. It checks your readiness to devote your time and effort to one thing. If you do not see yourself studying something for as little as four years then the admission office will question your compatibility with the university.

Essay Question 3 “ Inclusiveness and Diversity: In an increasingly global community, students must gain cultural competency. In what way have you demonstrated a commitment to this mission? (200 words) ”

It is a Penn variation of diversity essay. It aims at finding your vision of the global community. Depending on the opinions you express the person doing the essay review will get the clue on how well you fit into the multicultural environment.

For this section, all your intercultural communication experience matters. If you have been traveling, participating in international projects, or assisted the students from cultural exchange programs, write it down in this section. Express your observations on how perceptive your community was to other people, culture, and whether you ever experienced a language problem. The knowledge of other languages will be a bonus as well.

Essay Question 4 “ Goals: Discuss your career aspirations. How would the Science BS/MBA program help you reach those goals? (200 words) ”

This essay question presupposes that you already have career aspirations. It is time to create an outline of your future career and support it with the arguments. Show the admission officers that Penn University is an inevitable part of your plan to achieve career success.

Essay Question 5 “ Leadership: Please discuss your leadership and collaboration skills. Give recent examples of how they have been demonstrated. (200 words) ”

You do not need to be a leader of a political party or student government to have leadership experience . If you were a soccer team captain, team leader of a school project, it is already a solid example. The main thing is to show that you draw personal conclusions from any experience you have whether positive or negative.

Essay Question 6 “ Resiliency: Transitioning to college can be a challenge. Discuss the adjustments you believe you will need to make to be successful as you transition from high school to a college environment. (200 words) ”

Face the challenges and write down your plan of going through the transition period. It is a big life-change to move from a school environment where you are mostly taken care of to a university campus where you have to be in charge. Be realistic and admit that the change is challenging but you have a plan.

Process of Writing the Essay

Step one: define success at penn state.

The prompt asks about your ability to “succeed at Penn State.” This is tricky, because every applicant will have different goals for college. So, start by defining what success at Penn State means to you.

What are your goals for Penn State? What do you want to learn and achieve while you’re there?

You may want to include:

• Academic goals
• Experiences that will prepare you for your career goals (like research, internships, volunteer experiences, or relevant student groups)
• Personal goals – do you want to pursue an interest or value that is important to you?

As you come up with your definition for success at Penn State, explore the PSU website. Try to identify specific examples of opportunities that will allow you to pursue your goals.

• Let’s look at an example student’s brainstorming list:
• My definition of success at Penn State:
• Double major in Linguistics and Psychology
• Explore interest in a career as a speech-language pathologist
• Research at the Center for Language Science
• Internship at the Child Study Center in the Department of Psychology

Step Two: Identify experiences

Once you’ve defined success at PSU, it’s time to identify an experience that has prepared you to succeed.

Try to think of experiences where you overcame similar challenges to the ones you’ll face as you pursue your goals at PSU. How will your goals challenge you?

• Let’s revisit the example student. Pursuing a double major will be academically challenging.
• Here’s the past experience she chose to write about:
• When I struggled in my Calculus class, I asked for help from my teacher and started a study group with my classmates. This taught me to be resilient in the face of academic challenges.

Once you’ve picked an experience to write about, you can start to add more details about how it has prepared you to succeed at Penn!

It is possible to say that this process of writing an essay is universal. Do you need to write Georgia Tech supplemental essays , Brown University essay , or USC essays for example? Follow these steps or use some of the tips mentioned in this article. You will succeed!

Acing your admissions is a step into adult life. It is also an initial stage of your academic career.

No wonder you might get worried and stressed. To smooth the anxiety, turn to admission writers for assistance.

You may also like

• Honors Programs
• Online Learning
• Graduate Programs
• Penn State Law
• Dickinson Law
• College of Medicine
• Undergraduate Campuses
• Residence Life
• Clubs and Organizations
• Well-Being and Safety
• Diversity and Belonging
• Academic Credit
• Resources and FAQ
• How to Apply
• Scholarships
• Student Employment
• Federal Work-Study
• Prospective Students
• Current Students

Transfer Students

• Military and Veteran Students
• Graduate and Professional Students
• Understanding Your Offer
• Paying Your Bill
• Why Aid is On Hold
• Special or Unusual Circumstances
• Accepting or Declining Aid
• Nittany Lion Shrine
• Board of Trustees
• President's Office
• University Faculty Senate
• Stories of Impact
• Undergraduate
• Graduate and Professional Studies
• Online Degrees
• Academic Colleges
• Campus Locations
• Global Education
• Academic Calendar
• Explore Penn State
• Continuing Education
• Professional Schools
• Costs & Aid
• How Aid Works
• Types of Aid
• Apply for Aid
• Managing Your Aid
• Cost of Attendance
• Latest News
• Our Research
• Campus Life
• Administration
• Arts and Entertainment
• College and Campus News
• Mission and Values
• Facts and Rankings
• Health Care

How To Apply

J oin the community that's ready to cheer you on. We want to help you manage the process of applying to Penn State.

Ways to Apply to Penn State

MyPennState

Log in to MyPennState to access the online application and start on your path to becoming a Nittany Lion!

Penn State is one of more than 800 colleges across the United States accepting applications through the Common App.

Join Our Community

Alumni network that connects you for life.

World-class university.

Center for World University Rankings, 2025

Campuses in communities across Pennsylvania.

Before You Apply

Two important considerations before you begin your application:

What do you want to study?

Research our more than 275 majors to narrow down your choices or apply undecided.

Where do you want to study?

Research all of our twenty campus locations to find out which one is best for you.

Important Dates

Application for admission.

Fall and Summer: Available August 1

Spring: Available June 1

For Early Action:

Apply by November 1 in order to receive a decision by December 24

Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1

Admissions Requirements

The minimum requirements for Penn State admission are outlined below. Based on your applicant type, you may also have to meet additional requirements.

Application Details For:

First-year students, international students, adult and military students.

The Pennsylvania State University 201 Old Main University Park, PA 16802

• instagram icon
• facebook icon
• linkedIn icon
• youtube icon
• tiktok icon

Student Support

Quick links, stay connected.

• Privacy Statements
• Non Discrimination
• Accessibility
• Equal Opportunity
• Legal Statements

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (59)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

American university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, amherst college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, babson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bard college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , barnard college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, baylor university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , bennington college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, bentley university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, berry college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bethany college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston college (bc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston university (bu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bowdoin college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, brandeis university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , brown university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bryn mawr college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bucknell university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, butler university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california institute of technology (caltech) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california lutheran university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, capitol technology university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, carleton college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, carnegie mellon university (cmu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , catawba college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, centre college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, chapman university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, claremont mckenna college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide  , clark university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, clemson university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, coastal carolina university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of charleston 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of william & mary 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of wooster 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, colorado college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, colorado school of mines 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, columbia university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, cornell university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, culver-stockton college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, d’youville university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, dartmouth college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, davidson college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, dickinson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, drexel university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, duke university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, earlham college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, elon university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, emerson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, emory university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, flagler college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, fordham university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, george mason university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, georgetown university 2024-25 essay prompt guide, georgia state university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , georgia tech 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, gonzaga university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, hamilton college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, hampshire college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, harvard university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, harvey mudd college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, haverford college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, hillsdale college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , hofstra university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois institute of technology 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois wesleyan university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, ithaca college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, johns hopkins university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, kalamazoo college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lafayette college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lehigh university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lewis and clark college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, linfield university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, loyola marymount university (lmu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , lynn university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, macalester college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, manchester university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, marist college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, mary baldwin university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, meredith college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, monmouth college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, moravian university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, morehouse college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, mount holyoke college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, new york university (nyu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, north carolina state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, frequently asked questions.

It really depends. Typically, the more competitive the university, the more arduous the supplemental essay requirements. Most top universities ask for at least three supplemental essays, but some only require one short essay.

The most common supplemental essay topics are:

• The Why Essay , which asks applicants to discuss their interest in their intended major and/or the school in question.
• The Activity Essay , which asks applicants to describe their involvement in an activity that is meaningful to them.
• The Community Essay , which asks about a community the applicant belongs to and the role that community plays in their life (and vice versa!).
• The Diversity Essay , which often asks applicants to explore how they champion diversity and inclusion in their communities and/or how they engage with people from different backgrounds or who hold opposing views. 
• The Short Answer , which asks applicants to answer prompts in very few words (or characters) to add context to their application and a splash of personality.
• The Oddball Essay , which asks applicants to tap into their creativity to connect curveball questions to their lives and interests.

Just like with the Common App personal statement, you’re going to want to write authentically about yourself while addressing all parts of each supplemental essay prompt. Many schools want to better understand how you see yourself contributing to their campus community and/or diversity and inclusion efforts along with how you hope to use your education to achieve your goals. So, be honest and forward-thinking, and don’t forget to customize each supplemental essay so it’s specific to each school you’re submitting to. That means doing research and weaving information into your essays that demonstrates the amount of time and thought you’ve put into your application. 

We have a few successful supplemental essay examples in our Free Resources section.

Each admissions department has their own process for reviewing applications, and some admissions committees put more weight on supplemental essays than others, but all admissions departments that offer applicants the opportunity to pen additional essays are doing so for a reason: to better understand the applicant and compare similarly qualified candidates. It’s in the applicant’s best interest to not only provide admissions with as much information regarding their candidacy as possible, but also go the extra mile. At highly competitive institutions, admissions officers are looking for reasons to remove students from the applicant pool—don’t let poorly written or (*gulp*) incomplete supplemental essays work against you!

Absolutely not. Please do not reuse content from your Common App essay in your supplements. Although it’s possible for you to expand upon an idea, activity, or community that you mention in your Common App essay in your supplements, you should never recycle content or any phrasing word for word.

Start by reading through all the prompts. Next, jot down ideas that come to your mind (no matter how silly they may seem!). Everyone has a story to tell, and we’re willing to bet you’re more interesting than you think. Give yourself plenty of time to consider different topics and revise, revise, revise! Also, our handy dandy Supplemental Essay Guides are sure to help you on your writing journey.

North Park University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Northwestern university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, occidental college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, oklahoma city university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, olin college of engineering 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, penn state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pepperdine university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pitzer college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pomona college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, princeton university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, providence college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, purdue university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, rensselaer polytechnic institute 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, rice university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, roger williams university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint anselm college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint elizabeth university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, santa clara university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, sarah lawrence college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, scripps college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, seattle pacific university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, seattle university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, smith college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, soka university of america 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, southern methodist university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, spelman college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, st. john’s college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, stanford university 2024-25 supplemental essay and short questions guide, stevens institute of technology 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, stonehill college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , swarthmore college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, syracuse university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas a&m university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas christian university (tcu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, the college of idaho 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , the george washington university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, the new school 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, trinity college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tufts university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tulane university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, unc wilmington 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of california (uc) 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of central florida 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of chicago 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of cincinnati 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of colorado boulder 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of florida 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of georgia (uga) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois chicago (uic) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois urbana-champaign 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of maryland 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts amherst 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts lowell 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of miami 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , university of michigan 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of minnesota twin cities 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of mississippi (ole miss) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of mount saint vincent 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina (unc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at charlotte 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at greensboro 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of notre dame 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of oklahoma 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of oregon 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pennsylvania (upenn) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pittsburgh 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of richmond 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of rochester 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of san diego 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of san francisco 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of southern california (usc) 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of texas at austin 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of tulsa 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of vermont 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of virginia (uva) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of washington (uw) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of wisconsin-madison 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, vanderbilt university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, vassar college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, villanova university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, virginia tech 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, wake forest university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, washington and lee university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, washington university in st. louis 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, wellesley college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, worcester polytechnic institute (wpi) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, yale university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide.

Contact us to learn more about our one-on-one advising services!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search Podcast New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guide
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• YouTube Tutorials
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

How to Write the University of Pennsylvania Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are the upenn supplemental essay prompts.

• How to write each supplemental essay prompt for UPenn
• Prompt #1: "Thank you note" essay
• Prompt #2: Community contribution essay
• Prompt #3: Specialized/dual-degree program prompts

UPenn has a long history (as in, older than the US itself) as a strong academic institution. Founded by Ben Franklin, the university prides itself on helping to educate leaders in both academia and public service.

UPenn’s supplemental essays have for a long time primarily focused on some variation of “Why us?,” offering you a chance to show the school who you are through linking your skills/qualities/values/interests to the awesome things UPenn offers. In other words, how do you and the school fit together?

Additionally, UPenn has several possible prompts for students applying to dual-major or specialized programs.

If you want to get a clearer sense of all that UPenn is looking for, you can explore an extensive, by-the-numbers look at their offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set . And for insights into how the university envisions itself and its role, and how it wants to grow and evolve, read its strategic plan . Reading through this will give you a strong idea of what UPenn values.

UPenn Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

All Undergraduate Applicants: 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)

UPenn Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

All Undergraduate Applicants: 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)

College of Arts and Sciences Essay Prompt

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)

School of Engineering & Applied Science Essay Prompt

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words)

School of Nursing Essay Prompt

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words)

The Wharton School Essay Prompt

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)

Seven Year Bio-Dental Program (Bio-Dent) Essay Prompts

Please list any predental or premedical experience. This experience can include but is not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research; etc. Please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and a description of your experience. If you do not have any predental or premedical experience, please indicate what you have done or plan to do in order to explore dentistry as a career. (250 word limit)* 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. (250 word limit)* Describe any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands. (250 word limit) What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people? (250 word limit) Please explain your reasons for selecting dentistry. Please include what interests you the most about dentistry as well as what interests you least. (250 word limit)

Digital Media Design Program (DMD) Essay Prompt

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)

The Huntsman Program in International Studies Essay 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 Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences & Management (LSM) Essay Prompt

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 Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T) Essay Prompts

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 maximum)

The Rajendra and Neera Singh Program in Networked and Social Systems Engineering (NETS) Essay Prompt

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. (400-650 words)

Nursing and Health Care Management (NHCM) Essay Prompt

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)

The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) Essay Prompt

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)

How to Write each Supplemental Essay for UPenn

We’re not positive, but we suspect that UPenn was inspired to create this prompt by one of its more famous professors, Dr. Martin Seligman , who founded and has popularized the field of  Positive Psychology.

Specifically, one tool Seligman created to help people increase their sense of well-being is the Gratitude Visit. Here’s how he describes it:

Close your eyes. Call up the face of someone still alive who years ago did something or said something that changed your life for the better. Someone who you never properly thanked; someone you could meet face-to-face next week. Got a face? Gratitude can make your life happier and more satisfying. When we feel gratitude, we benefit from the pleasant memory of a positive event in our life. Also, when we express our gratitude to others, we strengthen our relationship with them. But sometimes our thank you is said so casually or quickly that it is nearly meaningless. In this exercise … you will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to express your gratitude in a thoughtful, purposeful manner. Your task is to write a letter of gratitude to this individual and deliver it in person. The letter should be concrete and about three hundred words: be specific about what she did for you and how it affected your life. Let her know what you are doing now, and mention how you often remember what she did. Make it sing! Once you have written the testimonial, call the person and tell her you’d like to visit her, but be vague about the purpose of the meeting; this exercise is much more fun when it is a surprise. When you meet her, take your time reading your letter.

We’d recommend approaching UPenn’s prompt using Seligman’s guidance and advice.

Your tone here can be more informal/conversational. Write this as though you’re actually going to give it to the person you’re grateful to. Then, ideally, give it to them.

Some gratitude steps:

Find a quiet space (we’d recommend something like a mountain top or the beach or just climbing a tree, if possible, but you get the idea). 

Grab a pen or pencil and some paper. 

Close your eyes. 

Think about gratitude . Spend some time reflecting on what in your life you’re grateful for.

That last step might be more nebulous for some than others, so for a more concrete way to think about gratitude, just to get your mind in the right space, you can play with a version of a Stoic meditation often called “The Last Time”—it’s easier to feel gratitude for things (even stuff like chores) when we think about the fact that there’ll be a last time we get to experience them, and we probably don’t know it at the time. For example, for a parent, there’s a last time they’ll get to pick up their child and carry them to bed. (Unless your parents are insanely strong and continue doing so into your teens and 20s. In which case, amazing.) 

Think about something you used to do with someone—it can be as simple as playing hide ’n seek with a friend or relative—that you’ve maybe done for the last time (though we’d recommend never giving up hide ’n seek). Visualize that experience with them. Let the gratitude for what they brought to your life wash over you. Then keep following that flavor.

Side note: If you want to explore more tools Seligman and others have built around the science of happiness, head here .

Teacher Karen, I felt like an outsider in programming classes before you arrived. I remember sharing my dream to create an immersive 3D Harry Potter game and receiving laughter and indifference from teachers and peers. Maybe I was the outsider. After all, I was the only girl in the room. I felt lonely and threatened by the overflowing testosterone in class. Amongst hostile comments and harassment from teachers who complimented my appearance but underestimated my ideas, hearing “What is a girl doing here?” became my routine. It all changed when you first walked into class. Quickly, you showed me that STEM could be inclusive, and we became partners, the only two women in the room fighting for themselves and, most importantly, for each other. We stuck together, and you pushed me to improve intellectually and achieve things I had never expected. Thus, thank you for helping me create flying staircases and magical stones and finish my so-dreamed game. Thanks for turning me into a sorceress storyteller who used codes as spells to bring the unimaginable to life. Thank you for showing me that through grit and determination, we can break gender barriers and excel. With love, Juju (197 words) — — —

Tips + Analysis

Be specific. Reading this letter, we get a clear picture of the relationship between these two people, the context in which they interacted, and the specific ways the teacher impacted the student’s life. Think of this letter as a piece of storytelling, eulogizing an experience that’s had a lasting effect on you. Descriptive details like “immersive 3D Harry Potter game,” “overflowing testosterone in class,” and “flying staircases and magical stones” bring the reader into the story in a way that lets them feel the significance of that time. Such details also reveal something unique about this applicant, which helps her stand out.

Show your values and skills. Juju cares about inclusivity and gender equity in the STEM world, and she’s used this essay to show that. She’s also managed to convey some of her coding experience. When choosing your topic, consider what the vignette might demonstrate about what matters to you—ideally something you haven’t shared elsewhere in your application.

Write the letter you’d want to receive. Doesn’t this one make you go, “Awww”? It’s tender, intimate, and honest. The author speaks from her heart, plainly sharing her feelings of not belonging and how it felt to team up with her teacher and fight for each other and themselves. At CEG, we believe that this kind of vulnerability is a key quality that can help set some essays apart from others. Take up Penn’s invitation to be bold and open up—because that’s where the good stuff lies.

You can approach this as a “how will you contribute” prompt.

Essentially, a way to think of this kind of prompt is that it’s a combo of “community” and “why us” prompts: use some of your response to show how you’ve become who you are through the community/ies you’ve been part of, and then show how those experiences shape what you will bring to the college through linking to specific opportunities/groups/details. Connect your unique upbringing, in a very broad sense of the word, with what the school offers and how you will make a great team.

For a full guide to “community” essays , head there, but here’s the short version, plus how to add “how will you contribute” elements:

STEP 1: DECIDE WHAT COMMUNITY YOU WANT TO WRITE ABOUT

Create a “communities” chart by listing all the communities you’re a part of. Keep in mind that communities can be defined by...

Place: groups of people who live/work/play near one another

Action: groups of people who create change in the world by building, doing, or solving something together (Examples: Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, March for Our Lives)

Interest: groups of people coming together based on shared interest, experience, or expertise

Circumstance: groups of people brought together either by chance or external events/situations

STEP 2: USE THE BEABIES EXERCISE TO GENERATE YOUR ESSAY CONTENT

You’ll find detail on the BEABIES Exercise + a chart you can use at that link.

STEP 3: DO SOME “HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE” RESEARCH

You’ll want to offer a few specific ways that show how the experience/s you’re discussing in your essay will allow you to contribute to the college. The easiest way to do this is to do some “Why Us”-like research and find ways you’ll engage with and contribute to the school’s community. 

STEP 4: PICK A STRUCTURE (NARRATIVE OR MONTAGE)

STEP 5: WRITE A FIRST DRAFT!

Here’s an example essay to illustrate the above approach:

Herding sheep at Washington Crossing Historic Park was my first window into the effects of climate change. Extreme summers forced the sheep to lay lethargically in an 18th century barn as their pastures wilted. Driven to make a difference in climate change awareness at my school, I joined the environmental club, EnAct, and organized a state-wide climate change conference. I tended to the school’s hens after joining the Garden Apprenticeship Program, and I organized book drives, beach sweeps, and trail cleanups while leading the Service Learning committee.  But, I yearn to impact the community beyond one-time initiatives.  At Penn, I want to make long-term, institutional change that will resonate for future generations. As a member of the Penn Environmental Group, I will campaign for the elimination of #6 plastics on campus and help organize GreenFest. I will learn the art of sustainable design through projects like the student-led Climate Action Plan. My experiences leading the Service Learning Committee and EnAct give me the unique perspective of environmentalism through a community lens. Collaborating with a diverse group of peers with unique interests, I will work towards making a dent in what I feel is the largest obstacle facing our generation. — — —

Use clear, direct structural elements. The hook gets us curious both about the student (you’ve been herding sheep?), and about how this connects to UPenn (we have faith she’ll get to the link, provided it doesn’t take too long).

Show how you’ll engage in the future through how you’ve engaged before. The first paragraph shows some nice elements of previous community engagement—driven by some of the student’s core values—that then link to how the student plans to continue that engagement within the Penn community. This shows she’s spent time researching the school and contemplating how she and the school fit together. The connection to core values also increases the reader’s confidence that the student will actually follow through on this at Penn.

Show parts of who you are through showing your values. As mentioned above, the author shows elements of identity through the values that have driven past engagement and will drive future engagement.

Here’s another example:

My friends who attend Wharton don’t talk primarily about the classes or clubs. They talk about the people, specifically how vastly different they are. A term one friend used was anti-me, a person with whom we share so little in common that even casual conversation becomes learning.  That concept of an unknown anti-me excites me. If my dorm neighbor studies at SEAS, perhaps I’ll find myself at PennApps with them, learning to code for the first time. If a classmate writes for Penn Appétit, I’d love to learn about food and tour Philadelphia restaurants with them.  I’m also excited to be someone else’s anti-self. Since Wharton clubs are open to all Penn students, I hope to convince my roommates to join Social Impact Consulting with me (after all, social responsibility transcends major).  As a family business entrepreneur, I’ll bring a client-side perspective to Consult for America. I imagine perpetual mutual learning and PPI Student Group discussions that spill over into late night talks in the Quad. Maybe I’ll even spread my love for R&B music by dragging my friends to a Spring Fling concert. I hope I’ll be a fun anti-self to chat with. — — — 

Take a minute to think about who you think this student is based on the above Community “Why us?” example. 

Like, actually pause and get a picture in your mind.

The “anti-me” idea offers a good window into the student and shows he’s ready for college, as colleges generally see themselves as places that serve to challenge our preconceived notions and cherished ideas. This is something that many people find uncomfortable, as it’s generally more pleasant to feel as though the ways we conceive of ourselves and the world are correct. But learning to ask uncomfortable questions and to have calm but complex dialogue is key to intellectual and emotional maturity. This essay shows a student who seems ready to continue taking steps down that path.

Additionally, he does a nice job weaving in a few different aspects of the Penn community he hopes to engage with, to shape, and to be shaped by.

UPENN College/program-specific supplemental essay prompts

Every UPenn applicant needs to write the essay above, but what other writing you need to do depends on which college/program you’re applying to.

We’ll offer some guidance for each below.

College of Arts and Sciences

This is a standard “Why us?” prompt. You’ll want to be sure to think of this not simply as “Why them?” but as “Why us?”—as in you + the school—and why you’d be a great fit together. One way we sometimes joke about this is to think about the essay as though you’re helping the school understand why your online dating profile and its online dating profile are perfect for each other, and how you’d probably make great partners. 

Always be sure to answer the question the prompt asks—link to specific elements of Penn that will allow you to continue exploring what you believe in and care about, what has shaped you academically and intellectually.

Penn’s website offers many videos charting different Penn students’ experiences. Exploring them may give you a clearer sense of what elements specific to Penn excite or intrigue you.

For a complete guide to the “Why us?” essays, click here . Here’s a condensed version:

Step #1: Do your research.

Spend 1 hr+ researching 10+ reasons why UPenn might be a great fit for you (ideally 3-5 of the reasons will be close to unique to UPenn AND connect back to you).

Step #2: Use this chart to map out your research.

Step #3: Decide on your approach.

Approach #1: The Basic, Solid “Why us?” Essay That Includes a Bunch of Reasons

Here’s an outline for a basic, solid “Why us?” essay:

Clear thesis that names the academic area(s) you want to pursue and maybe charts the path of the essay

Main reason #1 and 3-4 specific details

Main reason #2 and 3-4 specific details

Main reason #3 and 3-4 specific details

An ending that maybe discusses what you’ll give back

Approach #2: The “3-5 Unique Offerings” Strategy

Find 3-5 opportunities that are particular to the school (i.e., available at no other school or no other school you’re applying to), and connect each one back to you.

Approach #3: The “One Value” Strategy

How it works: Identify one core value that links you to the school and tell a story.

Find a way in which you and the school are deeply aligned.

Take your time crafting the essay.

Find a way to be vulnerable.

Could I create a hybrid approach by focusing on a central theme, but still listing a few reasons?

Here are a few example essays, with analysis.

Note that this example was written for when the prompt was 450 words, but the approach and specificity of content is what you want to focus on here. With some cuts, this would work great for the new word count.

Whether proving the Pythagorean theorem or delving into a 13th century Spanish poem, I revel in patterns. I look beneath the numbers and words on the page to understand their history: millennia of mathematical genius that contributed to a formula, contact of two cultures that forever altered the structure of a language, or an economic graph that really represents a mocha fad in Philadelphia. The presence of patterns in language has always fascinated me. Every word we speak bears the burden of ancient wars, socioeconomic disparity, and lost traditions, and continues to affect the lives of citizens today. In the Venezuelan refugee crisis, independence protests in Cataluña, and indigenous inequality in Mexico, language poses a barrier to international productivity. Language has also posed a barrier in my own life, in my relationship with my grandmother. While at Wharton, I want to take advantage of the fact that Penn is one of the only institutions to offer classes in Gujarati. I hope to learn my family’s heritage language and gain a deeper understanding of global linguistic diversity.  The summer before senior year, I had a window into linguistic studies at Penn while interning at the Cultural Evolution of Language Lab. I was exposed to psychology and cognitive linguistics by researching thematic relationships formed in the brain, and in a project about  bilingual code-switching, I had the opportunity to design my own artificial language. I was able to create the language patterns that had intrigued me for years.  After studying linguistic theory and the origins of Hispanic dialects around the world, I have come to realize that my interests lie in the applications of language. That’s where Wharton comes in. By using my knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese culture to analyze economic case studies in Latin America, I hope to merge my language skills with my fascination for economic policy.  The interdisciplinary nature of the Wharton curriculum epitomizes that combination. By studying international negotiations and participating in simulations to derive economic theory, I hope to develop the problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary to understand the deep complexities of societies around the world. I plan to follow the Business Economics Track in the Business Economics & Public Policy concentration, and pursue a secondary concentration in Global Analysis. In classes like Nations, Politics and Markets and Consumers, Firms & Markets in Developing Countries, I will gain a political and cultural perspective of international economics.  I also plan to continue my high school experiences studying Spanish by pursuing a minor in Latin American Studies from the College. I look forward to the course Diplomacy in the Americas in the Penn Model OAS Program, where I will get to combine my interests in Latin American culture, community service, and contemporary politics. At Wharton, a linguist-geek like myself will find a home where students work together to make a change in a complicated world. — — —

Again: clear, direct structural elements. The hook, particularly the 13th-century Spanish poetry reference, gets us curious about who this student is and how her brain works. It also immediately sets up a focus of the essay—patterns and language. There’s a clear thesis in the fifth paragraph that directly links the elements of discovery in the previous paragraphs with UPenn and how it’ll allow her to continue to enhance her exploration. Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence, so even if the reader is reading quickly or skimming, they’ll have a clear sense of where she’s heading. And it closes with a quick conclusion.

Show you’ve done your research. The latter part of the body discusses specific classes and programs the school offers and how they connect to what the student wants to pursue. We get the feeling that she isn’t applying simply because the school is on a ranking list somewhere or that she just skimmed some basic information, but rather that she has taken the time to think about what UPenn offers and how that fits what she wants in an education.

Connect details about the school to your values. We often call this the “so what” element of the essay—don’t just tell UPenn admission officers how great their school is (they know). Get into why those details connect to some of your core values by reflecting on what they will allow you to pursue or explore, and why those things matter to you. Bonus points if you can link details that excite you about the school to things you’ve already done, as the student above does by the Cultural Evolution of Language Lab.

Show us your intellect through your exploration and curiosity. Lines like, “Every word we speak bears the burden of ancient wars, socioeconomic disparity, and lost traditions, and continues to affect the lives of citizens today,” show us that this student has spent time exploring this on a much deeper level than most people tend to.

Here’s another example essay, also written for Penn’s old larger word count:

At heart, I’m both regulatory bureaucrat and capitalistic entrepreneur.  Coming from a small business-owning family, I’ve grown up finding ways to one-up the competition, from boosting website search ranking with unconventional SEO to negotiating with book suppliers to cut costs. After all, our rent depends on our profits.  However, I also hold enormous respect for regulation. I vividly remember seeing my second grade classmate Nelson sprawled on the asphalt in front of the Chinese school we both attended, accidentally run over by his teacher. I later discovered that afterschool was unlicensed: no safety training, no inspections, nothing. Years later, when my mother opened her own afterschool business, I filed the licensing documents and installed government-mandated guardrails. Nelson reminds me that, though burdensome, regulation is crucial.  The afterschool industry taught me the inseparability of business and policy, but also sparked my curiosity concerning how political economics can leverage that relationship for maximal social benefit. In my Democratic Party internship, I examined how to incentivize below-market-rate housing construction without reducing overall supply. At FBLA Nationals, I delivered a presentation on management practices to reduce oil spills, increasing profits while meeting environmental standards. Penn strikes me as a school surprisingly similar to the afterschool industry: an environment where practical learning occurs through doing and where business and policy can be explored in tandem. Penn’s interdisciplinary nature allows me to dive deep into politics while applying business to civics through the Wharton BEPP concentration. As State Chair of CAYPA, I’ve struggled with effectively lobbying businesses, so I’m eager to research Corporate Reputational Dynamics under Professor Abito, investigating the impact of different social activism strategies on business self-regulation. I haven’t seen such research anywhere outside Wharton. Further, Penn’s one-university system would allow me to take non-Wharton classes like Free Speech & Censorship. I’m looking forward to discussions amid the 2020 election, especially debating whether social media hate speech deserves First Amendment protections.  I’m drawn to Penn as a school which will challenge me to apply concepts to current events, as even foundational classes like ACCT102 are taught through case studies and simulations. I saw Penn’s emphasis on practical application during a dialogue with Professor van Bethem, who has already altered my stance on compliance credit trading by contextualizing in terms of environmental policy. I’m excited to merge my FBLA business management background with my CAYPA social advocacy experience through Wharton Impact Venture Associates, a practical, social-impact focused marriage of business and civics (though I believe activism regarding when not to invest is equally effective to compel social progress). Whether I become a leader in the afterschool industry or an elected official regulating it, I know Penn will enable this Capitalist Bureaucrat to catalyze purposeful impact.  — — —

And again (because they’re super helpful), use clear, direct structural elements. Notice how the first line performs a few functions here: It pulls us in—we’re curious what exactly the student means by this claim, plus it shows some of his personality—and there’s a slight wry humor to the juxtaposition. Again, this essay has clear topic sentences, a clear focus in each paragraph, and a clear conclusion, which bookends the essay succinctly and effectively.

Show you’ve done your research. The latter part of the body discusses specific classes and programs that the school offers and how they connect to what the student wants to pursue. We get the feeling that the student isn’t applying simply because the school is on a ranking list somewhere or that he just skimmed some basic information, but rather has taken the time to think about what UPenn offers and how that fits what the student wants in an education.

Show the development of your interest through moments that connect to core values. Each paragraph provides details that show both intellectual and emotional links to his chosen field, and that link to his core values (community involvement, integrity, etc.). And he does a nice job of increasing the degree of his interest and involvement (e.g., internship, FBLA Nationals), illustrating his dedication. Bonus points here for raising the stakes by mentioning his family’s rent in part depends on his work. 

School of Engineering & Applied Science

This is a standard “Why us?” prompt, focused on engineering. You’ll want to be sure to think of this not simply as “Why them?” but as “Why us?”—as in you + the school—and why you’d be a great fit together. One way we sometimes joke about this is to think about the essay as though you’re helping the school understand why your online dating profile and its online dating profile are perfect for each other, and how you’d probably make great partners. 

Here’s an essay example written for when Penn’s word count was much larger, but it’ll give you a clear idea of the direction to head in.

I paddle like there’s a Great White behind me. The wave catches me and I ride it to shore. When I get there, I see a dead baby sea lion, with two more dying further down the beach. Not the work of a shark, but climate change. Fish migrations caused by increasing water temperatures have forced sea lion mothers to venture farther for food, leaving sea lion pups stranded to die. Our world’s amazing creatures and ecosystems are in jeopardy due to humans’ abuse of the environment.  At heart, I’m an environmentalist and an engineer, and an education from UPenn will let me combine my passions and work towards addressing the most pressing problems facing the world. My work with Heal the Bay and Marine Protected Area Watch has been rewarding, but long-term, large scale solutions can only be accomplished through the scientific miracles of engineering. That’s where Penn comes in. At Penn, I want to study materials engineering with a minor in Energy and Sustainability (ENSU) to address global sustainability issues.  Over my last two summers, I have been able to pursue my passion for global solutions by working with the Laboratory for the Chemistry of Construction Materials at UCLA. I studied the crevice corrosion of Ti-6Al-4V, a titanium-aluminium-vanadium alloy, which has applications from medical implants to pipelines and the dissolution kinetics of calcite in cement to sequester CO2. At Penn, I want to continue research with practical and impactful applications. Professor David Pope’s research on the deformation of intermetallic compounds caused by intergranular boundaries, including titanium-aluminium alloys, will allow me to continue my rewarding work on metal defects. Additionally, Professor Cherie Kagan’s research on low-cost solar potovoltolics would let me explore energy technology and its widespread applications.  Penn’s courses will let me expand and adapt my interests. Penn’s Structure of Materials course, which focuses on the structure and bonding properties of various crystalline materials would let me develop and apply the work I have done. At UCLA, I scratched the surface of the nano properties of crystals and bonding with calcite and chelating agents, and it would be interesting to put my work into the greater context of crystalline behavior and characteristics. The Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability course sounds absolutely awesome! The class covers new sustainable energy technologies from fuel cells to photovoltaics to wind energy. It will teach me about breakthroughs in sustainable energy and prepare me to one day contribute to the field.  I’m excited to become part of Penn’s larger engineering community. With my fellow engineers, I want to tackle pressing humanitarian issues around the globe through Penn Engineers Without Borders. In 2013, the group worked to improve water quality by building a water distribution system in Cameroon. I’ve previously worked on a water quality project with my Environmental Club at Malibu High, where we replaced corroded drinking fountains with filtration stations that have provided safe water for the community while saving over 30,000 plastic bottles, and the Engineers Without Borders program will give me a greater understanding of the processes of water purification and its uses for humanitarian purposes.  Most importantly, Penn will teach me how to think, approach problems, and look to engineering for solutions. While the classes, programs, and research opportunities available at Penn will give me invaluable insight into engineering and its applications, I believe the most important thing that Penn will give me is the ability to work with equally passionate peers and to combine our critical thinking skills to address the issues we see in the world around us.  I am confident that an education from Penn will develop my ability to think critically and hone my tools to solve problems that I care about. Hopefully, my future work will make a positive difference in protecting the environment, and maybe one day, I’ll sea the sea lions in my hometown circle around my surfboard again. (649 words) — — —

Consider starting with a hook. Even in a much shorter essay, you can spare a sentence or two to rouse your reader from their essay-reviewing stupor. An evocative image or description, a surprising fact, a tiny anecdote can all get the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. Check out our guide to writing hooks for some possible ideas. Here, the author plunges us into an intriguing moment and then a saddening sea lion death, palpably demonstrating their engagement in environmental protection and leading perfectly into the theme of the essay–their plan to address sustainability with engineering. 

Link your experiences to Penn’s offerings. This person describes their research on metal defects at UCLA and then explains how they’d like to continue it by joining Professor David Pope’s research on deformation of intermetallic compounds. They detail the water quality project they worked on with their high school environmental club, and then their desire to join the water purification efforts of Penn Engineers Without Borders. This is the “Me + You” art of the “Why Us?” Essay. Connect your experiences (yep, it’s a kind of bragging, that’s fine) to related opportunities you plan to pursue at Penn. This author does it beautifully here by showing how they’ve engaged on environmental issues and now need Penn’s programs in materials engineering and energy and sustainability to address global sustainability issues.

Show you know your stuff. You really get what this person is into when they talk about “crevice corrosion of Ti-6Al-4V, a titanium-aluminium-vanadium alloy, which has applications from medical implants to pipelines and the dissolution kinetics of calcite in cement to sequester CO2.” You don’t have to get that jargon-y, but if you know some stuff about some stuff, show us. It’s the specific details in essays that make one stand out from another—and thus help you stand out from other applicants.

Cover the territory. This student doesn’t just mention academic opportunities, but also the larger engineering community they want to take part in and engage with, by joining the student org Penn Engineers Without Borders. As you research Penn Engineering, consider all that it has to offer–in academics, research, internships, initiatives, campus clubs and social life. That’s where that “Why Us?” Essay research chart can really come in handy.

School of Nursing

Equity in healthcare is an ever more pressing issue, and Penn is signaling its prominence in the nursing school’s mission. What are your opinions on and interaction with equity in the healthcare field? How have you engaged and/or how do  you hope to engage?

You could address this prompt from a personal perspective–have you or someone you’re close to encountered disparities while attempting to access medical care? If so, share that experience and the perspective on the system you’ve gained from it. Or you could spotlight a particular community that is affected or an aspect of the system where you notice and are concerned about inequity. Perhaps you’ve taken action to address this issue—in healthcare or elsewhere. Describe your efforts and how they promote fairness.

Finally, share how you plan to contribute to a more just healthcare system with the help of a Penn Nursing degree. What specific issues do you wish to tackle, and what will be your role? Give concrete examples that demonstrate your values and intentions to take action–while at Penn and beyond. 

The Wharton School

This is a short “Why Us?” essay that asks how you’ll use a Wharton education in business methods and economic theory to address a real-world issue. 

Think about an economic, political or social issue that most concerns you—ideally, one that you’ve already taken some action to address. It may be unequal access to education within underserved communities, disparate impact of climate change on countries of the global south, or a local issue that affects you or  your community. 

How can you bring business principles and resources to move the needle on that issue? And how will you take advantage of all that Wharton has to offer to make an impact?

It’s linked up top, but here’s the “Why us?” essay guide again and the research chart to gather info on specific opportunities available at Wharton you can discuss in your essay.

Here’s an example written for a past version of this prompt with a larger word count, but it can give you a clear idea of the direction to head with your essay:

The presence of patterns in language has always fascinated me. Every word we speak bears the burden of ancient wars, socioeconomic disparity, and lost traditions, and continues to affect the lives of citizens today. In the Venezuelan refugee crisis, independence protests in Cataluña, and indigenous inequality in Mexico, language poses a barrier to international productivity. The summer before senior year, I had a window into linguistic studies at Penn while interning at the Cultural Evolution of Language Lab. I was exposed to psychology and cognitive linguistics by researching thematic relationships formed in the brain, and in a project about  bilingual code-switching, I had the opportunity to design my own artificial language. I was able to create the language patterns that had intrigued me for years.  After studying linguistic theory and the origins of Hispanic dialects around the world, I have come to realize that my interests lie in the applications of language. That’s where Wharton comes in. By using my knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese culture to analyze economic case studies in Latin America, I hope to merge my language skills with my fascination for economic policy.  The interdisciplinary nature of the Wharton curriculum epitomizes that combination. By studying international negotiations and participating in simulations to derive economic theory, I hope to develop the problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary to understand the deep complexities of societies around the world. I plan to follow the Business Economics Track in the Business Economics & Public Policy concentration, and pursue a secondary concentration in Global Analysis. In classes like Nations, Politics and Markets and Consumers, Firms & Markets in Developing Countries, I will gain a political and cultural perspective of international economics.  I also plan to continue my high school experiences studying Spanish by pursuing a minor in Latin American Studies from the College. I look forward to the course Diplomacy in the Americas in the Penn Model OAS Program, where I will get to combine my interests in Latin American culture, community service, and contemporary politics. At Wharton, a linguist-geek like myself will find a home where students work together to make a change in a complicated world. — — —

Tips + analysis  

Narrow your niche. The more you hone in on a particular problem that concerns you, the stronger your response will be. This student details an atypical interest in bringing language to bear on economic policy, and names specific situations where that could come into play—the Venezuelan refugee crisis, independence protests in Cataluña, and indigenous inequality in Mexico. Make the issue concrete for your reader.

Play on your strengths. It’s evident this student has deeply engaged in linguistics study and its applications, and they take the chance to tout their specialized ability by “geeking out”–discussing bilingual code-switching, language patterns, origin of Hispanic dialects, and designing their own artificial language. Share the expertise or experience you bring to bear to your chosen situation.

Identify Wharton offerings that will help you achieve your goal. Research specific courses, majors, and other campus opportunities. This student named first and second concentrations, course titles, areas of study and minors that would support their further language and business exploration. You’ll probably have room for 2-3 in your shorter essay (maybe 4-5 if you squeeze).

Specialized/dual-degree program supplemental essay prompts

These programs are highly competitive (even more so than admission to UPenn itself). Notice that almost all of them have a word count limit of 650—the same length as your personal statement. They’re expecting you to get into some solid depth and detail regarding how and why you want to pursue this path. Read the prompt carefully, and be sure to respond to all elements of it.

A sample essay for one of the programs (Huntsman) appears below. Though the focus of each prompt is different, the approach is largely the same for many of them—some discussion of how you came to have the interests you do (see “ Why Major ”), then shift into how the program at UPenn specifically fits you and your interests (“ Why us? ” elements), and how you’ll be able to use your education to address specific issues or concerns in the field. 

The sample below focuses mostly on what personal connections and insights have drawn the student to this area.

During a family barbecue that crowds my house with a hundred hungry relatives, getting a prized lamb chop can be warfare. At one barbecue, my uncle ate every lamb chop straight off the grill. As part of the eldest generation--those who worked in Newark plastic factories to build a life for his children--he could take advantage of the vulnerable without repercussions. The younger generations went hungry and their protests did not survive his public condemnation.  Though this is perhaps a simplification, I’ve come to see this annual family dilemma as a microcosm of oppression. Around the world, the voices of the weakest populations are suppressed by the elite. In the Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación, corrupt judges are a barrier to checking the Mexican president’s power. Centralized government in London prevents educational development in Scotland. And right at home, wealthy organizations like the NRA finance campaigns so the interests of the public are undervalued in policy. The lack of representation halts political progress and economic development worldwide. The voices of the people go unheard.  The Brazilian empire once thrived on democratic institutions, but two-hundred years of centralization and corporatism diminished the voices of the people, especially that of minorities. Meanwhile, industrialization and agribusiness led to inequality between the developed south and the rural north. Today, indigenous communities in the northeast rainforests lack the resources to be represented in policy. Illegal loggers ravage the Amazon, desperate for agricultural land, while indigenous communities suffer violent displacement.  In response to recent inflation and fiscal crisis, the President reduced funding for the government environmental organization, IBAMA, which serves to impede exploitation of the Amazon. But this backfired. International companies like H&M have stopped buying Brazilian resources like leather, and European countries have become reluctant to carry out the planned Mercosur Treaty.  The reduced funding for IBAMA also revealed a deeper issue: inequality and underdevelopment. Loggers and miners are forced to work illegally on protected land just to make a living. Indigenous communities are belittled by the elite, and lack the support of local police. Low literacy rates in these regions inhibit political participation. Loggers and indigenous communities alike need a voice.   My interest in understanding policy and society through the perspective of citizens, rather than governments, draws me to the Huntsman Program. Values entrenched over thousands of years shape a nation’s political culture and economic behavior. After studying the history and governments of six countries in AP Comparative Government and Politics and researching the qualitative impacts of economic policy and foreign relations while at a wealth management firm, I have come to understand that economic and political success is shaped by the people. My passion for Spanish opened my eyes to the religious beliefs, historical inequality, and cultural values that define the changing identities of Latin America. By learning the language, I got to know the people behind the figures. At Huntsman, I’ll expand my knowledge of Latin America by studying Portuguese as my target language. My desire to understand how people's perspectives contribute to Latin American economics and politics leads me to a Wharton concentration in Behavioral Economics, and a second College major in Latin American Studies.  At Huntsman, I hope to gain a global understanding of culture, history, and perspectives, and use that knowledge to effectively give people a voice. As a global political economist, the knowledge I gain at Huntsman will allow me to tailor educational and economic policy to the cultural values and political beliefs entrenched in Brazilian society. A few hours without lamb chops inspired me to listen to people’s voices. To learn about the culture, history, and voices that, ideally, would shape the policy that affects citizens’ lives. There is more to policy than men in suits sitting at a mahogany table. Whether at the micro level of a greedy uncle, or the macro level of the Brazilian government, the voices of the people define success. — — —

Hook your reader. A larger word count means you can use a few lines to entice your reader—and insert some of your personal story. A barbecue family feud, you say? Tell me more. Not only that, these details give a window into where this student comes from, which differentiates them from other candidates. An anecdote, alluring facts, a bold statement can all work as engaging introductions. Check out our guide to writing a solid hook . It also works well to “bookend” your essay by returning to the hook in the conclusion, as this writer did, linking their family rib battle to the global issue of giving voice to the people. Or see our guide for other great ways to end an essay .

Get specific about your issue. This student names oppression of vulnerable communities as a concern, and then illuminates the point with specific examples: corrupt judges in Mexico, British limitations on Scottish education, NRA funding in US politics, and indigenous suffering in the Amazon. Whatever issue you choose, make it concrete by identifying real-world instances so your reader can see what you mean.

Recount your experiences. A successful “Why Us?” Essay links your interests and accomplishments with facets of the Huntsman experience. This student explains how their AP courses and research at a wealth management firm stimulated their desire to understand policy through the perspective of citizens and drew them toward the Huntsman Program. Take the opportunity to share some of your relevant experience.

Research your path at Penn Huntsman. What specific components of a Huntsman education do you plan to avail yourself of to be able to address your issue? Give your reader a clear vision of your plans by naming the particular components that interest you. Here, the student plans to study Portuguese as a target language and pursue a concentration in Behavioral Economics and a second major in Latin American Studies. Tap into courses, professors, programs, research and internship opportunities, and campus groups that will help you achieve your goals.

Here are all the special degree programs and their additional prompts:

Bio-Dent: Seven Year Bio-Dental Program

Bio-Dent Prompt 1: Please list any predental or premedical experience. This experience can include but is not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research; etc. Please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and a description of your experience. If you do not have any predental or premedical experience, please indicate what you have done or plan to do in order to explore dentistry as a career. (250 word limit)*

Bio-Dent Prompt 2: 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. (250 word limit)*

Bio-Dent Prompt 3: Describe any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands. (250 word limit)

Bio-Dent Prompt 4: What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people? (250 word limit)

Bio-Dent Prompt 5: Please explain your reasons for selecting dentistry. Please include what interests you the most about dentistry as well as what interests you least. (250 word limit)

DMD: Digital Media Design Program

DMD Prompt: Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)

Huntsman: The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business

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)

LSM: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management

LSM Prompt: 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)

M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology

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)

M&T Prompt 2: Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words maximum)

NETS: The Rajendra and Neera Singh Program in Networked and Social Systems Engineering

NETS Prompt: 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. (400-650 words)

NHCM: Nursing and Health Care Management

NHCM Prompt: 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)

VIPER: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research

VIPER Prompt: 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)

Special thanks to Andy for writing this blog post.

Andrew has worked as an educator, consultant, and curriculum writer for the past 15 years, and attended Stanford and Oxford, earning degrees in Political Science and Drama. He feels most at home on mountain tops.

Top Values:  Insight/Growth | Truth | Integrity

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

2 Successful Penn State Essay Examples

What’s covered:, essay example 1 – calligraphy, essay example 2 – collaborative learning, where to get feedback on your essay .

Penn State University is a selective research university. Writing a strong essay can help your application stand out. In this post, we’ll go over an essay a real student submitted to Penn State University and outline their strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Penn State essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Prompt: Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. (500 words)

When I started high school, I often had crumpled wads of paper sprinkled around my room and pens all over my desk. I was learning how to write in calligraphy but clearly, it was not going well. One stroke up and one stroke down to form each letter. It seemed very easy but my letters looked lopsided. I kept working on it and ruined many envelopes but for some reason, it was just not clicking. I decided to stop practicing and leave it alone. It was just an extra skill anyway so, no harm done.

Much later, I was really bored on a rainy Saturday with nothing to do. I figured “hey, maybe I’ll give calligraphy another shot”. I busted out more paper from the printer and my favorite Tombow Fudenosuke pens to get to work. I kept practicing the upstrokes and downstrokes but now, I was thinking less and feeling more. My hands started to move gracefully across the page with beautiful lettering left behind. My block had been mental and now finally, I could write in calligraphy. I have many experiences like this and they have all shaped me to realize that I want to become the most beautiful version of myself, like calligraphy is compared to regular writing.

At Penn State, I will strive to become more polished and refined. College will not be my final draft, rather it will consist of more editing. I know that I love science but now is the time for me to refine my interests. I can put my up and down strokes together to form letters. I look forward to taking advantage of the unique classes PSU has such as Science, Ethics, Policy, and Law, or Biology of Aging. These will create words.

I can intern at the Fox Chase Cancer Center to understand the ins and outs of a career in medicine and to interact with patients. I can be responsible for others besides myself in a different light and learn from other healthcare professionals. These experiences will help me form elegant sentences.

I will learn to make time for other things besides schoolwork to make my letters varied. I will be cheering in the stands on Football Saturdays, decked out in white for the white-out game. I can spend time with friends outside of Berkey Creamery in between classes. I can have dinner with my roommate on the other side of Pollock Road. I aim to have a holistic experience at Penn State and focus on more than just academics because I am more than my grades.  

My experiences at PSU will make me refined just like the sophisticated letters on my graduation invitations. I can picture it now: PSU in huge writing. The only question is, blue or white?

What the Essay Did Well

This essay is brilliantly written like a “ Why This College ” essay, where the writer shares specific information about activities they would get involved in if they were a student at Penn State University. Sharing details specific to Penn State University, such as “Berkey Creamery” and “Pollock Road,” shows that the student has done their research about the school and is excited about the possibility of attending. The writer also shares a variety of things about the school that they like. They share potential classes, internships, and events they’d participate in as a student. All of this helps the admissions committee see the writer as a student at Penn State University–which, as a hopeful student, is a great thing!

The language at the beginning is beautiful and pulls the reader into the story. Imagery like “crumpled wads of paper sprinkled around my room” and “one stroke up and one stroke down” paint a picture for the reader that clearly shows what the writer is saying. It also helps highlight a student’s talent at writing. 

Finally, by referencing calligraphy throughout the essay, the writer connects the two parts of the prompt together, an activity they like and how they’re going to succeed at Penn State University. This creates great continuity and flow throughout the essay. When you write your essay, reflect on how all the pieces and answers to each part of the prompt (if there are multiple) work together to contribute to your overall message.

What Could Be Improved 

This essay has a lot of sentences that start in a similar manner. There’s a lot of “I can…”, “I will…”, or “I” followed by another verb. It’s important to vary your sentence structure so that the essay flows better and doesn’t sound repetitive. Instead of ”I can intern at the Fox Chase Cancer Center to understand the ins and outs of a career in medicine,” the writer could have said something like, “Interning at the Fox Chase Cancer Center would help me to understand the ins and outs of a career in medicine.” This isn’t a big change, but it will help improve the overall style of the essay. This is a common problem in a “ Why School? ” essay when students write about what they would do as a student at a particular college, so make sure to look out for it. 

While this essay does a great job overall of being specific, there are moments where the writer could have provided more details. For example, they wrote: “I have many experiences like this… ” It would have been better if the writer had briefly specified these experiences. They could have written: “This experience and others like learning photography and to play the piano have shaped me to realize that I want to become the most beautiful version of myself.” This would provide more information about the writer’s interests and life that the reader wouldn’t otherwise learn. 

The clock ticked 09:25 a.m., exactly an hour left for my exam. Unlike other exam days, I was nervous. Well, it was understandable, I had spent a whole 2 months in a hospital bed and another week or two recovering and flushing out the heavy doses of medicines out of my body. Dizziness was still there, however platelet count has only crossed the bare minimum mark. My attention span dropped drastically and I found it hard to focus for longer hours.

Only I knew how I managed to climb up the stairs to the 3rd floor and walk across the classroom in midst of all the concerning and questioning gazes of “Where Have You  Been?” 

I was just setting up my books and stationary, when my friend came up and asked for my help in some topic related to the exam. It was in no means new, we usually discussed after our lectures and cleared our doubts. I’ve always believed that peers understand our perspective better than teachers, because they are as new to the topic as myself.  

I spent another 20 minutes explaining and making her understand the concepts. It turned out 2 more classmates had the same doubts and we ended up revising the whole chapter, along with quick summaries of other chapters as well.

The bell rang and it was time for the exam. We followed the same ritual for the following exams. We were 9 classmates; discussing problems, giving explanations and finding solutions, and giving our 100% in exams. Unknowingly we formed this study group that continued the whole academic session and helped us in the best way possible.

I wonder if it was my instinct for feeling responsible and agreeing on helping out my classmates or I was grateful that she helped me in escaping the questions coming my way that day.

This experience didn’t only help me in accelerating my studies, but also as I listened and asked questions, I soon noticed a variety of viewpoints and approaches to the same idea and problem. This helped me in developing critical thinking skills and collaboration abilities. 

This is an excellent practice for when I’ve finished school and out where I will find myself in similar group dynamics.

This type of prompt is extremely open-ended: tell us something (anything!) that shows that you could succeed at Penn State. While you have the freedom to say whatever you want, it is imperative that you pick a focus for your essay and stick to it. You don’t want to confuse or overwhelm your reader by going in a million directions at once. 

This writer does an excellent job of keeping their essay cohesive and easy to follow by structuring everything around one particular experience they had doing some last-minute studying before a test. Through their discussion of this experience, we learn that:

• They are REFLECTIVE — With the line “I wonder if it was my instinct for feeling responsible and agreeing on helping out my classmates or I was grateful that she helped me in escaping the questions coming my way that day,” the student shows their capacity for mature reflection after an experience.
• They are CARING — The fact that this student did not hesitate to help other students (who are presumably competition) shows kindness and selflessness.
• They are INSIGHTFUL — The sentence “I’ve always believed that peers understand our perspective better than teachers, because they are as new to the topic as myself” shows that this student observes the world around them thoughtfully, and trusts their powers of observation, even when they lead them to somewhat unconventional realizations.
• They are A LEADER — As the student describes the events of the morning, they position their informal leadership role as extremely natural. They are not a leader because it will improve their resume or win them awards, but because they want to share their skills with others.
• They are OPEN-MINDED — The collaborative approach to learning they describe doesn’t work without open-mindedness. This student recognizes the importance of diverse viewpoints.

While this essay is focused, the student also cashes in on the prompt’s suggestion that they tell admissions officers something that can’t be found elsewhere in their application. For this student, it’s their medical struggles during high school. 

We finish this essay with a much clearer understanding of what traits define this student, which helps humanize them in our eyes and better envision them as a member of the Penn State community.

While this student successfully seizes the opportunity to enlighten admissions officers about the medical adversity they have faced, the connection between their first few paragraphs (about medical struggles) and their later paragraphs (about collaborative learning) could be established earlier and more clearly.

It is not until the sentence “I wonder if it was my instinct for feeling responsible and agreeing on helping out my classmates or I was grateful that she helped me in escaping the questions coming my way that day” that things start to come together. Here, readers have this moment where we think: “Oh, the impromptu tutoring session helped the student to avoid questions about their medical situation. I get it now.” If the student had teased this connection earlier, confusion would have been avoided.

For example, after “I was just setting up my books and stationary, when my friend came up and asked for my help in some topic related to the exam,” the student could add:

“‘She saved me,’ I thought to myself.”

Or, after the sentence “I spent another 20 minutes explaining and making her understand the concepts,” the student could add:

“It had been months since I had gone more than 20 minutes without worrying about my legs.”

Additionally, the words that are allocated to the last two paragraphs could be used more strategically. In college essays, you are always wrestling with limited words, so it is important to use the words you do have wisely (and memorably). 

The paragraphs beginning with “This experience didn’t only…” and “This is an excellent practice for…” fall into the unfortunate trap of telling rather than showing. At this point in the essay, we already understand that the student listens, is open-minded, and works well in collaborative group dynamics. 

Rather than reiterating what we already know, the student could have more effectively used those 65 words elsewhere in the essay. For example, they could have given us specific bits of dialogue from conversations they had with their peers, or expand on the specific feelings they have during a collaborative learning experience.

Want feedback on your Penn State essay before you submit? That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. One expert advisor on CollegeVine, Alexandra Johnson , provided commentary on the first essay in this post, to give you a sense of how useful expert advice can be. Advisors offer one-on-one guidance on everything from essays to test prep to financial aid. If you want help writing your essays or feedback on drafts, book a consultation with Alexandra Johnson or another skilled advisor to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

• Skip to Guides Search
• Skip to breadcrumb
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer
• Skip to chat link
• Report accessibility issues and get help
• Go to Penn Libraries Home
• Go to Franklin catalog

Critical Writing Program: AI in Education Fall 2024: Getting started

• Getting started
• News and Opinion Sites
• Academic Sources
• Grey Literature
• Substantive News Sources
• What to Do When You Are Stuck
• Understanding a citation
• Examples of Quotation
• Examples of Paraphrase
• Chicago Manual of Style: Citing Images
• Researching the Op-Ed
• Researching Prospective Employers
• Resume Resources
• Cover Letter Resources

Getting Started: Identify the problem you wish to investigate

You may already have some background in your course topic, but more than likely this is your first in-depth encounter with the issues you are going to write about. In most cases, your course text and your writing professor will provide you with a basic grasp of one or more problems related to the course topics and readings. You can access your textbook online:  Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning You may also find problems identified in individual chapters of the course text, or in the works it cites in its footnotes and bibliography. Perhaps more compelling and to the point, you should try to identify an organization or constituency that would be interested in having someone research this problem for them.  

Understanding the rhetorical situation --who are your readers, why will they find this white paper valuable?  What do they need to know? How will they use what you are going to provide to them?  What’s their stake in this problem? 

Find out whether those who are affected regard it as a problem 

Before you go further, you need to establish that those who seem to be affected by this problem actually regard it as a problem.  You have an ethical responsibility not to come from outside of a discourse community or neighborhood and, from some presumed position of privilege, declare a problem when those affected do not see it as one. For example, an uninformed, well-meaning person might decide that an apparently weedy, untended field in another part of the city must be mowed, when in fact this this seemingly unkempt field is an expertly planned and tended native pollinator meadow, providing habitat for endangered urban wildlife. 

Since white papers are commonly focused on current problems of public interest, an ethical author/researcher must therefore search public sources to see how the problem is defined and viewed by those whom it directly affects. This is the first stage of your research and will help you orient yourself and narrow your focus. Sources may include social media, newspapers, interviews, local organizations, and websites. As you search, make sure to take notes and document what you learn about how people are defining the problem, who the stakeholders are (who is being impacted by the problem), and what kinds of disagreements are expressed over whether it’s a problem, how to define the problem, what is seen as the history and significance of the problem, and how, if any, solutions have been tried and their results. 

• << Previous: Researching the White Paper
• Next: News and Opinion Sites >>
• Last Updated: Sep 4, 2024 2:07 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.upenn.edu/c.php?g=1422088