<p>Hey everyone. I'm applying to Penn as a transfer this year. I'm currently in the process of writing the essay and was wondering whats the best way to approach the short answer "Given the undergraduate school to which you are applying, please discuss how you will engage academically at Penn." Would it be ok if I just purely focused on talking about the academic field/major that I hope to pursue, and what opportunities Penn has to offer that will extend my study of this field?</p>
<p>I think that that’s an honest answer to an honest question! </p>
<p>The only thing to watch out for is trying to sell Penn back to the admissions officers. I think that you’re on safe ground if you talk about what you want and how you’ll use what Penn has to offer, but it will turn shaky if you start to get all teary-eyed about how spectacular Penn is and why it’s been your dream to study under Professor So-and-so.</p>
<p>Not saying you were going to write any of that^, just wanted to make sure you had a fair warning! Personally, I think that it sounds like you’re on the right track to a solid, fair answer.</p>
<p>^ Interesting. Does mentioning the names of the different lab and research facilities(and of course how they match my interests) - count as selling Penn back to them??</p>
<p>Cause if it does, I can say bye-bye to my Penn dream right now!! :(</p>
<p>thanks jreeder</p>
<p>I was thinking about spending the first ~150 words about how I got interested in my prospective major, and then spend the last half talking about what Penn offers for said major. I’m not sure if maybe I should spend more words focused on Penn though…</p>
<p>I’m certainly no professional, so don’t take my word as canon, but to rishav7:
I think that mentioning the professors that you’re excited for, the labs, etc. is fine. They’ll be impressed with your knowledge of the facilities and I think that that would work much in your favor. You’re allowed to be knowledgeable and specific, just make sure you’re not overreaching!</p>
<p>@bettercallsaul
Your first 150 sounds like a fine choice. For the next section, you’ve only said that you’d talk about the resources that Penn offers, which is what I would consider “selling Penn” back to the officers. If you take a couple specific examples about the resources and back them up and explain them as they relate to you, I think that would be much more effective. The admissions folks won’t mind if you talk about specifics so long as you can explain WHY they will help you.</p>
<p>Example time! (Mind you, these are WAY oversimplified so you can see the contrast)</p>
<p>Empty answer:
I really like music and I’m interested in it as a major. Penn offers a great music program with esteemed professors such as John Smith. The music building has great pianos that are always tuned and there are lots of spaces for practice and group rehearsal! There are also dozens of performance groups that I want to join such as the Penn Band, Strictly Funk, and Penn Singers. They really showcase the talent that the university has outside of academia.</p>
<p>Relevant answer:
I really like music and I’m interested in it as a major. The program looks very well-rounded, which I think is going to be helpful to me because I know a lot about music theory, but I’m shaky in music history. The fact that there are buildings such as the Jaffe Music History building that specialize in such specifics is great. The many on-campus performance groups will also be helpful because I’ve been looking for a chance to work with a smaller and more professional team than my previous school’s Kazoo Ensemble. Having those opportunities to perform will help me gain context and perspective for my music major.</p>
<p>^ Thanks!! :)</p>