<p>recently i talked to an admissions person from upenn who really inspired me. i want to mention his name in my why penn essay but i don’t want them to think i’m trying to suck up…is it a good idea to do it? Please help!!</p>
<p>suck up is good. if every1 thinks like you then you'd be original, i say do it. I am sucking up in my essay to try to be unique :)</p>
<p>name-dropping is not good. if you can convey that you truly were inspired by ur adcom then go ahead</p>
<p>my hint: get creative. dont use the name out right, but think of ways to more or less alter it or something.</p>
<p>I name-dropped all over the place in my Why Penn essay (accepted ED). I think showing that you know something unique about the school, or mentioning that you've talked to a specific person on campus is what sets some essays apart from others.</p>
<p>thank you all...i think i'm going to go ahead and mention him because he was really very helpful and encouraging!</p>