Early decision to a dual degree program

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Hi</p>

<p>I am quite sure that I will be applying to the Life Sciences and Management dual degree program in Penn and I really want to get started on my essays as early as possible. I am just unsure about this essay prompt.</p>

<p>"Given the undergraduate school to which you are applying, please discuss how you will engage academically at Penn."</p>

<p>So what I'm confused about is:</p>

<ol>
<li>Do I write about how I will engage academically in both schools (Wharton and SAS)?</li>
<li>Do I write about my backup i.e., if I get rejected from the dual degree program, the single major that I will be considered for?</li>
<li>Also to people who applied recently, do you find that your first few essays are inferior compared to your last ones? Do you'll think that I should first do a few essays to get slightly prepared and then start my Penn essay?</li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>100 views and no answer? :(</p>

3

<p>When you apply for a dual degree, they ask you what is your first choice if you dont get the dual degree and that is what your essay is about.</p>

<p>There is usually a second essay about why you want a dual degree. That is where you write about the combination.</p>

<p>Dual degree is not your first choice, it is your backup. As far as the school is concerned, you are applying to a major first and dual degree second, not the other way around.</p>

4

<p>I would actually focus in more on the dual-degree. I got into the LSM program this year, and in my Why Penn essay, not only did I reference extra curricular activities, etc. but I also wrote a small paragraph on the LSM program. It doesn’t hurt to reinforce the idea that you want to be in this dual degree. I did have Wharton as my back-up, so I again mentioned Wharton in another part of my Why Penn essay. It’s up to you, but I’d cover all of your bases (in a smooth, logical, and creative way, FYI…don’t just LIST things, make your essay a nice story/easy to read).</p>

5

<p>Thanks for both the answers! They were both helpful.</p>

<p>Any more answers would also be appreciated!</p>