<p>Hey guys, so as an Early Decision applicant, I was looking at the supplement essays. But I am very confused. Here are my questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The question asks, "How would you engage academically at Penn?" Does that mean what I would do or what I bring to the table (per-say)? Can someone clarify this question to me so I know what to focus on?</p></li>
<li><p>The second question has me stumped. What are your guys thoughts about the second question? And if you have any ideas for that you think is cliche, please post them, it would be interesting to see.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I’m saying that I’m “movable”, as in I’m always open to change. I don’t see myself as the rock of confidence and perseverance that “immovable” implies. I am also not a “mover” and shaker since I prefer a quiet, conflict-free life without worrying about other people. However, I’m going to be careful to say that “movable” doesn’t mean “pushover”!
I think I’ll talk about how I do exhibit some of the qualities of the other two, but in the end, I’m a very go-with-the-flow kind of person, a movable person.</p>
<p>I really want to put a “Who Moved My Cheese?” reference in my essay, but that might be a little too much.</p>
<p>For the second question, I’m planning on saying that I move, because upon first reading it, it sounded like the difference between those that are movable and those that move is that those who are movable need to be pushed and those that move are actively engaged.</p>
<p>However, I’m also a little confused on the first question. I’m not really sure what it’s asking, so any clarification would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>90% of people will say they are movers, very few people will say they are immovable because its kinda synonymous with stubborn. Like if Im a rock, then i am stubborn and wont change my viewpoint. This question only really has one answer. Just depends on how well you write it. Props to anyone who writes a good “immovable” essay though.</p>
<p>So it asks “how you would engage academically at penn”
Therefore just talk about why and what you would want to STUDY at UPenn. I put an emphasis on “study” bc, dont talk about volunteer opportunities, dorm life or like its sports facilities. It specifically asks you how you would engage ACADEMICALLY.</p>
<p>What college are you interested in? What major? What classes? Any particular academic programs at UPenn that pique your interest?
Talk about those.</p>
<p>The first time I read the Ben Franklin prompt, I freaked OUT. But after really thinking about it, I actually think it was very smart of Penn to include it. It’s definitely different and really pushes you to think. I agree in that there are only so many reasons to back certain answers, so it’s kind of hard to be “unique.” But still, very excited to write it=)</p>
<p>I agree with Brookie17 to include academics only. Like maybe classes you are interested in taking, why the school matches up with your career interests, what you hope to get out of a Penn education, etc. Kind of sad that it isn’t Why Penn, but still, the narrower focus might help Adcoms determine the depth of a person’s interest in the school.</p>
<p>Cheers everyone, good luck with the essays!</p>
<p>My answer to the first question is currently nonexistent. I have no idea how to answer it.</p>
<p>When I saw the second question I fell in love. My essay touches upon three points in my life: as a young child, when I was immovable; as a teenager, when I was moveable; and as a young woman, when I began moving. I like it, but my opinion doesn’t quite matter if the admissions officers don’t like it.</p>
<p>^ That’s a very creative way to answer, I like it!</p>
<p>I took a crack at that essay yesterday. I called myself a mover, then outlined the conditions in which I would move and provided exampled from my life of when those conditions came into play. This question is really difficult to answer uniquely, but I gave it my best shot…</p>