<p>Ok, I probably don’t know enough about Penn to make that statement, but i’ve been looking at their application, seeing as I am applying, and i’m just wondering if anyone feels the same way. First they have that mandatory long essay about the courses of study and unique characteristics of Penn that most interest you, and why it would be a good fit for you. I suppose its not out of the question to ask that to an applicant, but just the way they word the question idk, something I don’t like about it. </p>
<p>Also they have the short essay about choosing a penn professor who you would like to study with. Now maybe there is a small percentage of people where Penn is their first choice and they know tons about it because its been their dream school and they have a professor in mind that they want to study with, but for the average applicant? Either I am just a terrible applicant to all my schools because I dont know a single professor at any of them, which might be the case, or thats just an unfair question to ask. </p>
<p>Those two questions juSt give me the impression that Penn is a bit insecure, and that you filling out an application is not enough proof that you are interested in Penn, but that you have to proof it through a series of questions. </p>
<p>I can’t wait to see what the interview will be like…</p>
<p>I don't think it's so much a matter of insecurity, as it is making sure that admissions constructs a student body that really wants to be there, as opposed to students who attend schools just for the name or program. Also, they probably want to increase their yield as well</p>
<p>If you have problems answering those two questions (though particularly the "Why Penn") question, you should ask yourself why you're applying in the first place.</p>
<p>I said that I didnt think the why UPenn question was unfair, but definitely the professor one. And the conbination of the two just makes me think they're insecure.</p>
<p>Colleges admit students who they feel will add something to the campus. These questions assist Penn in determining whether you would be a positive addition or not. It isn't about insecurity at all.</p>
<p>I also think that the professor question is a little sketchy, and Penn is my dream school where I will be applying ED. It seems to be a little too in depth. Penn is my dream school, as I said, but I dont know about the teachings of each professor because I haven't had them in class, nor have I received any info from current or past students about them, so it IS a little tough to answer such a question. This question, to me, seems like it is a little bit overboard.</p>
<p>" Name a Penn professor with whom you would like to study or conduct research and explain why"</p>
<p>Does anyone think it is best to just be hoenst and say that I am interested in Penn for such and such reasons (of which will be talked about in the long essay) and that I havent gotten the chance to know any professors, but that I am sure they are all worthy of conducting resarch with etc etc?</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't think it would be advisable to write that you're not sure. It takes literally a few minutes to pick your favorite subject, browse the research areas of current faculty on the penn website, and explain why you're interested in one of those prof's research studies. I'm guessing they're going to weed out those who seem unsure on how to answer a purely hypothetical and speculative question. So get on it!</p>
<p>How long is the professor and the "what do you like to do for fun" question suppose to be? In the application book there are only a few lines designated.</p>
<p>I assume that the "Professor" and "Fun" essays are the replacements for the "Historical Event" and "Something about yourself" in the 2004-2005 applications. </p>
<p>The recommended length is 100 characters for those.</p>
<p>Guys, I hate to say it, but finding out some information on a Penn professor should not be difficult. Penn profs are in the news every other day for some research they've done, and the Penn website always keeps up to date on those things. If nothing else, look in the DP archives... they profile Penn prof accomplishments all the time. I actually think it's a great question... as Penn continues to find itself climbing the ranks of the various college rankings, this question shows that Penn cares about accepting kids who WANT to come to Penn, not those who want to go to a school for just the name.</p>
<p>They're not insecure, per se, but they are concerned with their yield and want to maximize it as much as possible by weeding out the kids that are also applying to Harvard with no intention of attending Penn if they get into both. It's reasonable, but very obvious in their application. They don't really care about students fitting into the "Penn Mold" - let's not be naive - they just want their admitted students to matriculate.</p>
<p>Maximizing yield and fitting the "Penn Mold" are not mutually exclusive. Raising the yield may be a byproduct admitting more of the "Penn Mold."</p>
<p>One of the best things about Penn is how much pride its students have. I loved walking down Locust walk and seeing a ton of navy Penn shirts. I also loved how my tour guide bragged about how their football team was at the top of the ivy league, even though she was incorrect :-).</p>
<p>yes, it's insecure. Penn is notoriously insecure about its Ivy inclusion, silly rankings or no. Ivy pretensions are a joke and most people who touch on the subject on campus or in convos are generally depth challenged. I've met 'em from here to Timbuktu, and they are as ordinarily predictable as anyone you will ever meet. I attended Penn, and believe me, I know of what I speak. If you feel the pull of Ivy as a going concern, you're already gone and no posting in heaven or on earth will save your sorry soul . . . because you don't have one any more.</p>
<p>you thiknk asking a 300 character question about something that takes exactly 4 minutes to look up on the internet (hopefully you've been to the website of the school to which you are applying) somehow means a school is insecure? sounds to me like you are!</p>
<p>by the way, whatup everyone including my former best friend model filmy.</p>