Hook or not a hook that is the question

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Hey All,</p>

<p>I am a high-school junior with mostly A-'s and A’s (all honors). I started the Investment club and I run my own business. In addition, I am a special-ed student (I have an IEP for those who aren’t aware what that is). I was just wondering if I should disclose this important attribute to Penn in my essay (to show how I overcame obstacles) or will writing that I’m a special-ed student spoil all chances because it hints at incompetence…I have been pondering this question for a while since Penn (aka Wharton) is my dream, I would greatly appreciate any response …</p>

2

<p>i strongly doubt that it'd harm you at all... there are students here with learning disabilities or other needs for special provisions during exams, etc.<br>
anything less is discrimination... it's definitely important information to include, even if its just as a short two-sentence addendum. focus on it for your essay only if it doesn't sound like some kind of pitiful crutch you're using to get into wharton... just be honest in the essay and i'm sure your genuine demeanor will shine through</p>

3

<p>yeah don't be sappy in your pg 217 essay like me, even though i still got in</p>

4

<p>Bumpppppppppppppppp</p>

5

<p>Meng is special ed and he got in</p>

<p>Being ugly is a disability</p>

6

<p>Oh snap, burned.</p>

7

<p>bump it again</p>

8

<p>did you bump it just so i would be incited to say something like jon coveney's only girlfriend in the last decade is 1. a lesbian, and 2. my roommate</p>

9

<p>What's funny is that you chose to live with her hair.</p>

<p>How's the fire alarm treating you?</p>

10

<p>probably gotten more ass than you did all seven months</p>

11

<p>LOL. Kids, this is why you should go to penn... to be in the presence of such esteemed people as MengCheng and JCoveney.</p>

12

<p>Meng, better socrates unsatisfied than a pig satisfied</p>

13

<p>penn is NOT aka wharton</p>

<p>but yeah, don't focus on it too much or make it seem like a weakness. you could have your guidance counselor mention it.</p>

14

<p>actually, penn is aka wharton...lmao</p>

15

<p>bummmmmmmP (damn 10 characters)</p>

16

<p>I think you should tell Penn about your disability. It should not hurt, or that would be discrimination. I would have your GC write about it in his/her rec, or send an additional letter explaining your disability. I would not insert this in your essay unless it has had a profound effect on one of your major experiences. You have a year before you have to start worrying about applying, so talk to your GC and/or a college counselor and see how you can portray your disability in the best light.</p>

17

<p>i am dyslexic and have some chronic illneses and have a 504 plan ( stronger than an IEP because it is the law teachers must follow it). I got deferred. But you do in fact need to specify that you have over come your learning disibility. calling your self special needs will make people think you are retarded. My counsler included this in her rec and in her interview</p>

18

<p>Penn Hunter. I understand Brown Univ. has a lot of students with dyslexia. Have you considered applying there?</p>

19

<p>I wanted too but there wasn’t enough time for me to fill out the app once i figure out I was interested. Do you know the due date?</p>

20

<p>Brown's due date is tomorrow (by 5 pm, I believe, if you're applying online). It's not common app, but you could probably reuse one of the essays you already have for it. The only other tricky part is submitting all your awards/ECs/etc, but if you have a resume ready, that'll help you out.</p>