<p>How important do you guys think the "why Penn" essay is?</p>
<p>Would Penn reject an applicant with an otherwise very strong application but weaker Penn Supp?</p>
<p>The why penn essay is very important. Even if you are a solid candidate you need to fully explain why you have chosen PENN and how you will contribute while there. Important to stress not only how you will benefit from PENN’s resources but how PENN will benefit from you being accepted.</p>
<p>Yes, the essay is very, VERY important. What the above poster said is correct, and you have to make sure that it is applies to Penn and Penn only. If you could substitute whenever you say Penn with any other school it would not be considered a strong essay.</p>
<p>Penn loves students who love Penn - I think it’s a little paranoid that it’s not taken as seriously as similar-level schools like Columbia or HYP. It wants a student body who is committed to attending Penn and loves being there in that environment. That’s why half the class comes from ED.</p>