Any tips about applying to Penn (essays, supplements, extra curricular, etc.)?
Be very specific about how you will capitalize upon your interests with opportunities specifically at Penn, and really hone in on why you’re passionate about your interests. This is crucial as it allows the admissions officer to envision what exactly you might be doing at Penn. As an example, I referenced the interdisciplinary nature of the department I applied for, including its variety of concentrations, as well as specific buildings on campus with resources I wanted to take advantage of. I connected my interests to my desire to understand others, which I illustrated as stemming from specific events in my life. The goal is to create a cohesive application that tells a story. I applied to a number of selective schools, and found that I got into the schools where I was very specific, whereas I was waitlisted or rejected from schools where I made vague references to curriculum and diverse/passionate communities. I don’t think I realized how well Penn matched my needs/interests until I started heavy research for the application process; it matched my interests even better than my first choice school, which I was rejected from. So I think that the schools you get accepted to end up being the ones that recognize that what they have to offer matches with your goals. So make this clear and the odds may fall in your favor.