University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania is rooted in Benjamin Franklin’s vision of civic-minded innovation and interdisciplinary scholarship. Its supplemental essays transcend surface-level “Why us?” questions by inviting applicants to demonstrate gratitude, community engagement, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful alignment with Penn’s diverse programs. Each prompt is a chance to show how your lived experience, motivations, and goals resonate with University of Pennsylvania’s culture of impact, inclusion, and integration across fields.

UPenn Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

 Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (150–200 words)

Interpretation:
Drawing on UPenn’s connection to positive psychology (think Dr. Martin Seligman’s Gratitude Visit exercise), this prompt invites a deeply personal expression of appreciation. Penn values emotional intelligence, interpersonal awareness, and meaningful reflection—qualities essential for leadership and community-building. Your note should do more than express gratitude; it should capture the relationship’s impact and hint at your own growth. University of Pennsylvania is listening for vulnerability, sincerity, and an emotional maturity that will enrich campus life.

UPenn Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

All Undergraduate Applicants: How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150–200 words)

Interpretation:
This prompt blends “community” and “why us?”—fitting for Penn’s identity as a collaborative, interdisciplinary institution in the heart of Philadelphia. Penn seeks students who are not only shaped by their communities, but who are also eager to contribute to a diverse learning ecosystem. Your essay should trace how your background has prepared you for active engagement—and how you will use Penn’s resources (clubs, initiatives, neighborhoods) to deepen that engagement and give back. Show that you are ready to both absorb and influence.

UPenn College of Arts & Sciences Prompt

What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150–200 words)

Interpretation:
Penn’s Arts & Sciences college prizes intellectual exploration across disciplines. They want to see your curiosity in action—whether it’s bridging literature and data, or chemistry and ethics. Demonstrate a clear connection between your intellectual interests and Penn’s offerings (e.g., specific professors, labs, seminars). The “why us” here is not just that Penn is great—it’s that you and Penn are a mutual fit: your curiosity will flourish within their open curricula and diverse scholarly community.

UPenn School of Engineering & Applied Science Prompt

How do you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn? (150–200 words)

Interpretation:
Penn Engineering emphasizes both a strong theoretical foundation and real-world impact. This prompt asks: What engineering challenges excite you, and how will University of Pennsylvania’s combination of research, interdisciplinary culture, and applied focus help you solve them? Reference specific programs—like VIPER, research with faculty, or Engineers Without Borders. The key is to show not just technical proficiency, but also an intention to address societal problems with engineering tools.

UPenn School of Nursing Prompt

How will you contribute to equity in health care, and how will Penn Nursing support your future nursing goals? (150–200 words)

Interpretation:
Penn Nursing explicitly centers equity and global impact in health. They’re looking for students who understand systemic disparities in care and are motivated to address them. Your response should be anchored in real-world awareness—perhaps from volunteering, caregiving, or observing health inequality—and tied directly to Penn’s approach (e.g., clinical opportunities, community-based care, research in health policy). Show both empathy and strategy: you have a mission, and Penn has the platform to help you achieve it.

UPenn Wharton School Prompt

Reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how a Wharton education would help you explore it. (150–200 words)

Interpretation:
Wharton seeks business-minded students who connect commercial thinking with broader social, political, or economic issues. Pick a well-defined problem—such as climate finance, healthcare access, or ethical AI—and show your direct engagement or knowledge. Then, map that interest onto Wharton’s resources—courses, labs, clubs, research centers. Demonstrate that you have both the passion and a plan: you want to learn and apply economic theory and management tools to drive change.