<p>I heard Penn gives a lot of importance to essays. Can you guys tell us about your essays; like what topic and style of writing and the approach. This will help the future applicants.
Thank you.</p>
<p>Common app essay was about how I had a BMI of well over 30 by seventh grade, then to try out for the freshmen basketball team I lost 70 pounds and basically overcame obesity, which is a significant health issue in today’s society as we know.</p>
<p>Penn essay #1 was about how I discovered Penn’s concert and outdoor bands which lead me to discover more about the unique qualities of Penn’s science programs and research opportunities. I mentioned something about a research opportunity with a professor working there and emphasized how his research inspired me. Closed it by briefly imagining myself in multiple scenarios as a Penn student.</p>
<p>Penn Essay #2 demonstrated how I wasn’t a perfect person, and that I’m never going to literally be a Superman. I added that when I was truly in love with a certain topic, I continuously engaged in it until I emerged victorious. I showed that I was never a quitter, and I think this went nicely with my Common App essay.</p>
<p>I wish I did one for Vagelos, but I didn’t think I had a shot so I was all “w/e I won’t get in anyway” so I didn’t do it… bad mistake :/</p>
<p>I have some advice for the Huntsman essay:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Avoid fad topics: when you start writing your Huntsman essay, try to avoid topics that you just know everyone is going to write about- Arab Spring, for instance. What you should do, if possible, is relate your unique topic to a well-known current issue. Doing so will display both your creativity and your knowledge of international issues.</p></li>
<li><p>Show that you are interested in your target area: a lot of people seem to forget that they are going to study a certain region for four years; you shouldn’t be one of those people. Show your passion for and knowledge of that region as much as possible, that is if your topic can be related to your target area. However, I’m not saying that your essay should be completely about your region- you are supposed to discuss an international issue, after all. Try to achieve a balance between your target region and the world.</p></li>
<li><p>You are writing a personal essay, not a completely factual article: because of the nature of the Huntsman prompt, I had issues with making my writing less like a newspaper article and more like a personal essay. So I asked myself. “what do newspaper articles do to sound less factual and more personal?” Well, I found a few helpful techniques: starting with a personal story, expressing personal opinion (get to know your topic as much as possible), and interviewing victims of the discussed issue (I actually called people from other countries). After I fulfilled all of the preceding points, my essay was gold.</p></li>
<li><p>Have an eclectic group of readers: you shouldn’t rely on just your teachers, parents and friends. Try to have a professional opinion. I had the section head of public and social policy at my state government office read my essay. She was, BY FAR, the most useful reader: she was able to supply me with additional information and suggestions that I couldn’t find anywhere.</p></li>
<li><p>Take your time: this is pretty much your only shot to show the Huntsman Program that you are a good fit. Don’t take this essay lightly.</p></li>
<li><p>Make sure your essay is interesting: self-explanatory. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Good luck.</p>