So the upenn essay asks about intellectual interests, I was wondering if anyone could give me feedback on this idea.
I’ve been interested in genealogy for years now, and have actually done a pretty good amount of research on my family, their immigration, etc. I was thinking about discussing my interest in this, why people immigrated, the events that caused immigration, how immigrant communities were treated/set up etc. And discussing how I want to learn more about it? Kind of expand my knowledge in an academic sense, instead of just a side kind of hobby.
Will that work?
my real academic interest is bioe so im applying to the engineering college, idk if that helps/hurts
They want to know Why Penn -as opposed to others schools- what programs/ courses/research/activities that Penn offers can help further your intellectual interests so you need to discuss your intellectual interests in Bioeng and why Penn for that first and foremost but I can see connecting that with your passion/interests for genealogy and immigration patterns - maybe a sociology or anthropology minor?
The two interests aren’t that far removed from one another… you could connect it -It’ll make for a great essay and Penn’s interdisciplinary policy will allow you to pursue both intellectual interests. My advice would be to research what courses, seminars or research opportunities Penn offers in both areas and elaborate on what you see yourself partaking in.
There might be something here that you would be interested in https://www.curf.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/purmfac_2016a_v6.pdf