@renaissancedad Wow! Thank you for the extensive feedback. So it looks like M&T + DMD might very well be a possibility after all.
Computer science has always been my first choice in engineering, but the more I think about it, DMD does seem to fit my applicant profile very well. I’m probably going to write at least one of my essays that goes to Penn (whether that’s the Common App one or Penn specific) about my passion for film, and tying that in with DMD would definitely flow rather nicely with my ECs.
Thanks again! Definitely going to have to think about this for the next while.
You don’t have to declare either your Wharton or SEAS majors right away for M&T, so you can discuss considering CS vs. DMD as potential SEAS majors, and play up your digital media/film background. It certain plays to Penn’s strengths, and makes your background stand out. You can take your time learning about it, and if you end up getting in and doing M&T then it’s an option to consider. It sounds like it’s definitely doable, though it will probably take some planning from the outset.
I would emphasize your web design and film background, including things like storyboarding and digital editing, and your experience in team activities. My guess is that you’ll be fine submitting examples of what you’ve done in those 2 areas. If you have any animation experience it would be a plus. You could probably put a simple animation together pretty easily this fall, using something like this:
