<p>Yes, everyone’s favorite essay
Here’s my question though: I’m a first generation college student and I’m unsure about whether I should mention / play that up in my essay. I mean, I’m not going to try to go to for the pity vote, but I’d talk about how much the degree and the education would mean to me. </p>
<p>…I’m just not sure if that sort of thing would be looked down upon by Ivies.</p>
<p>I'm sure that's fine, just make sure you talk about Penn though, and not just about how you're 1st-gen.</p>
<p>I would, just in a postive way obviously.</p>
<p>Why the sarcasm?</p>
<p>If you really love Penn, should it be that hard to write an essay about it?</p>
<p>No need to get defensive. I find it hard to appear like I'm honest and not simply trying to suck up to the admissions officers when writing an essay like that. I feel like it doesn't give much room for creativity and the such.</p>
<p>Chillax.</p>
<p>Defensive? I think that was a reasonable question.</p>
<p>You can get creative with the essay. In fact, you should be getting creative with it, or else you'll end up sounding like everyone else saying "I like the city/campus/cheesesteaks".</p>
<p>Well I dont think it's very pleasing for the admissions committee to hear, "Well, you're the biggest party Ivy. So...I choose you!' </p>
<p>Seriously, I think it's nearly impossible to NOT sound contrived in this essay; I'm using the second set to pick from (first experiences, biography page, etc) as the essay where my true personality is going to shine.</p>
<p>To answer your question, the sarcasm was because the 'Why Is this School a Good Fit' question is basically the most cliched college essay possible.</p>
<p>Hahaha the why penn essay SHOULD be creative! it's the gift of a good writer to make it not contrived. there are so many other angles you can take on this essay that you guys are just..missing.</p>
<p>Exactly. Do you really think all "Why Penn" essays are contrived? That is possibly the most important essay. Penn wants to keep it's "Most happy to be there" status, and when deciding between someone with a stellar "Why Penn" essay with good stats and someone with a contrived essay but stellar stats, they'll want to get the person who seems like they'd be "Happy to be here".</p>
<p>Damn straight. I'm putting in long hours on this essay. I need to perfect it! The hardest for last! ;)</p>
<p>Anzanar,
even though I could rant about how antagonizing you've been, you said stellar. Twice. So I really can't be annoyed at you.</p>
<p>Seriously though, way to kick off a major tangent away from the 'to play up first gen college or not - that is the question'</p>
<p>If you can work Penn into it, go for it.</p>