University of Pennsylvania Supplemental Essay Guide
Applying to Penn? Your essays are your chance to show who you are beyond grades and scores. Penn values students who are curious, collaborative, and ready to make an impact — both inside and outside the classroom.
Each prompt allows you to reflect on what matters to you, how you connect with others, and why Penn feels like the right next step. Let’s walk through each question together.
Prompt 1: The Thank-You Note
Prompt:
Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (150–200 words)
What Penn Wants
This question helps Penn understand your values through your expression of gratitude. It’s not about choosing the “most impressive” person — it’s about sincerity. Penn wants to see emotional awareness, humility, and reflection on how others have shaped your growth.
How to Think About It
Reflect on moments of influence — big or small. Maybe a friend encouraged you when you wanted to quit something. Maybe a teacher helped you find your voice. Maybe a family member quietly modeled resilience. The goal is to show how someone’s kindness, guidance, or example helped you grow.
Questions to Guide You
Who has had an impact on me but hasn’t received my thanks yet?
What did they do that made a difference in my life?
How did this experience change how I see the world or myself?
What specific details can I include to make my gratitude feel real?
Write your note with honesty. Penn wants to see your genuine heart, not a performance.
Prompt 2: Exploring Community at Penn
Prompt:
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)
What Penn Wants
Penn is a university built on collaboration — from residential life to research labs. This question asks how you see yourself participating in and learning from the community. Penn wants students who both contribute to others and remain open to new ideas.
How to Think About It
Think about the communities that have shaped you — school clubs, cultural groups, volunteer teams, even your family. What do you bring to those spaces? What do you learn from others? Then, imagine yourself at Penn. How will you continue that same spirit of curiosity and connection?
Questions to Guide You
What does “community” mean to me personally?
How do I like to connect or collaborate with others?
Which Penn communities or programs interest me most? (clubs, research centers, cultural orgs, etc.)
How might my background or experiences add value to Penn’s campus?
Be specific and personal — let Penn see what kind of community member you’ll be.
Prompt 3: Your Academic Interest (School or Program Specific)
Prompt:
Explain how you plan to explore your academic interests at Penn. (150–200 words)
(The wording varies depending on whether you apply to Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Wharton, or Nursing.)
What Penn Wants
This is Penn’s “Why Major” question. They want to understand your intellectual curiosity — what excites you, how you’ve explored it so far, and why Penn’s program is the perfect fit.
How to Think About It
Focus on what draws you in. Penn doesn’t expect you to have your whole career planned — they just want to see authentic interest and initiative. Mention opportunities that fit your goals: a particular class, professor, lab, or program.
Questions to Guide You
What topic or problem genuinely fascinates me?
When did I first realize this interest?
How have I explored it — through projects, reading, or experience?
What unique opportunities at Penn align with what I want to learn next?
Show that your interest is personal, evolving, and connected to Penn’s academic culture.
Bringing It All Together
When you finish writing, look at all three essays side by side. Together, they should tell a clear story:
The Thank-You Note shows your heart.
The Community Essay shows your relationships and mindset.
The Academic Essay demonstrates your curiosity and direction.
Your answers don’t need to repeat each other — instead, they should complement one another. The overall theme should be authentic growth and purpose.
Penn’s readers want to see that you’ll bring empathy, curiosity, and initiative to campus — qualities that make the Penn community stronger.
Every great application begins with one powerful story — yours.
Let Success Admissions Center help you discover how to tell it.
From brainstorming ideas to refining final drafts, we’ll walk you through every step with care and confidence.
Start your UPenn journey with us today.
For more information, get in touch with us: Fill out the Inquiry Form!
