<p>I'm applying to Penn right now. I've finished the Common Application and I'm working on various supplements now. I have a question about Penn's supplement in particular.</p>
<p>How do you make it interesting and unique? I feel like mine might end up like a laundry list of things I want to do at Penn (all of which are absolutely true, but uninteresting). To those Early Decision applicants who were accepted: what did you write about that you think made the difference? I'm applying to SEAS. </p>
<p>"Considering both the specific undergraduate school or program to which you are applying and the broader University of Pennsylvania community, what academic, research, and/or extracurricular paths do you see yourself exploring at Penn?" -- How do you answer that question in a way that sets you apart and that sound interesting? I would appreciate any help as Penn is one of my top choices right now.</p>
<p>I got into the CAS with pretty unimpressive scores (lowest I’ve heard for any non-legacy, actually, at 2030). My supplement was almost like a laundry list, but it was smooth and “well-written.” It was really straight forward and proved not only my depth of understanding Penn but also my passion! Be sincere and it will work. Do not overthink this. I will add that my Common App essay was very unique, though, just for perspective…</p>
<p>My child was just accepted into CAS. What i found to be true is that admission officers do not want a laundry list - even leadership positions. What they want to know is how are you going to contribute at PENN in the classroom or in volunteer opportunities in Philadelphia. Son focused on the volunteering he is doing in our hometown and researched similar organizations affiliated to PENN. He also spoke about how he can use his knowledge gained in volunteering in the classroom in a course related to that disease state.</p>
<p>Does this make sense. Focus on what is in it for PENN, not what is in it for you.</p>
<p>I understand where you’re coming from. Pretty much I should find a way to connect what experiences I’ve had to what is available at Penn and how I can benefit the community there, right? What if I haven’t done anything especially impressive? </p>
<p>Should I focus on one thing (like research) that I really want to pursue or should I discuss multiple things? I feel like just looking up different research opportunities, clubs, volunteer opportunities, etc on the Penn website and then writing about it in the essay would be rather cliched. After all, that’s what most students will do.</p>
<p>I’m interested in research, South Asian clubs, and volunteering related to medical research and clinical experiences. How do I articulate these in a compelling, interesting way?</p>
<p>My Common App essay is pretty unique from what many colleges will be receiving, so I think I may have that going for me.</p>
<p>AsTheMoonBleeds, I felt similarly about my app; I was much happier with my Personal Statement than with my supplement essay. I did try to make the supplement personal and humorous, though, as well as pertinent to Penn. </p>
<p>OP, you can also use this opportunity to tell the adcom something that you think was neglected in the rest of your app. For example, I felt that my SAT Math score was sub-par, so I addressed it in my supplement. The body of my essay was pretty much a laundry list, but I treated the intro and conclusion as I did my Personal Statement; the supplement is another writing sample, after all. I’d say that you should just make sure that you’re not too topical. I think Penn puts a fair amount of emphasis on demonstrated interest in the RD round because it wants to protect its yield and grab cross-admits from the other Ivies and first-tiers. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>I feel like my Penn supplement was very unique because I wove my particular interests into my visit experience in sort of a first person narrative kind of thing with dialogue. It ended up sounding like I was a perfect addition to the Penn campus and that should be your goal in this essay. If you ever need some feedback on it just PM me.</p>
<p>I keep trying to get people to give me at least a loose definition of “demonstrated interest.” What can I write about that would show that I REALLY want to go to Penn? I love the campus, I want to do research and major in bioengineering, and I want to do clinical volunteer work. What makes this interesting and demonstrates interest?</p>
<p>“demonstrated” interest means that you have made attempts to find more information about Penn ie visited the campus (not necessary if you live far away), attended local information sessions, emailed the school, etc.</p>
<p>About the Supplement Essay, it is okay to be straightfoward but make sure that you have lots and lots and lots of details about things that you are interested in. Mention specific clubs, activities, professors, etc. that your interested in. When you have details it shows the time time you took to truly research Penn and explore everything it has to offer. Putting generic information like “I want to go to Penn because it’s a great school and has great research opportunities and blah blah…” won’t cut it. They know they’re a great a school; They want to know why Penn is great to YOU.
Want to do bioengineering? Look up clubs related to that field. Mention specific research studies Penn is doing in that area or an idea for research that you would like to bring to Penn. Also mention non-academic activities that you are interested in. Everyone has a hobby or interest and I am sure Penn has club that would appeal to you. If it doesn’t offer that club then mention the idea of starting that club in your essay. Penn loves students who have something to add to the table. </p>
<p>On the topic of making it interesting, I’ve read that it is helpful to make a visual or storyline of you being at Penn. For part of my first paragraph I wrote:</p>
<p>I can picture me, a confident eighteen year old, sashaying across Locust Walk in a red and blue sweatshirt displaying my pride in being a Penn Quaker. I can envision myself in the foyer of Huntsman Hall, engaging in discussions with my peers. I can see myself in Kelly Writer’s House with Max Apple, diving into contemporary literature and learning to love the bitter taste of coffee. </p>
<p>Then I went into the more straightfoward parts explaining my interest in Penn. If you would like to see the rest of my essay I can PM it to you and you can PM yours for feedback.</p>
<p>@candygyrl0811 it would be great if I could see the rest of your essay! I would really like to get an idea of what I should be writing about. I will definitely send you mine once I’m done for feedback. Just PM me. Very much appreciated.</p>
<p>^ If you want clinical experience, Penn really is the place to be. There are four medical centers nearby, including the HUP system right next to the Quad. There’s also the Children’s Hospital; perhaps you could write about wanting to get involved there.</p>
<p>My DD got accepted to SEAS ED. Her supplement essay was exactly what Pennforme and Candygyrl are talking about. She researched the Penn engineering magazines online and picked an article and connected it to her volunteering and choice of major.</p>