Hey there! The deadlines for practically everywhere are way too close for comfort, so thanks a bunch for taking time to read and (hopefully) critique this!
Prompt: Considering both the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying and the unique aspects of the University of Pennsylvania, what do you hope to learn from and contribute to the Penn community? (Please answer in one page, approximately 500 words.)
I am the queen of multitasking. It's true - I have been known to write an English essay, solve an Agatha Christie mystery, play Strauss' entire "An der schönen blauen Donau" on the piano, finish some thirty-odd review questions for next day's Physics test, design a psychology experiment for extra credit, darn three holey socks, watch two episodes of BBC's "Sherlock", and hand-wash the dishes all in one night. To facilitate multitasking with ease, my desk is haphazardly organized ("haphazardly" being the key word) into sections: the upper left is dedicated to my improvised writing utensil organizer, fashioned with two mugs, a metal case, string, and two small magnets. The upper middle is where my textbooks sit nicely in their upright stands, taking up as little room as possible. The bottom right holds a small pile of books. There is an empty space at the bottom left corner for my laptop - I'm left-handed. In addition, I believe there is no such thing as "procrastination" and as such, I have never hesitated to pursue other interests alongside my main attraction.
The main attraction in question is the field of biomedical engineering. I want to dedicate my time and effort to synthesize medical devices that will improve the field of medicine and the day-to-day lives of others. Just considering that, there are already several good reasons to attend Penn. One: a first-rate, academically rigorous biomedical engineering program, with the added bonus of the Ivy League stamp on it. Two: Penn's Global Biomedical Service program would allow me to gain valuable hands-on experience while improving patients' quality of life, and enjoy traveling as well. Three: just in case I should change my mind, the BSE and BAS programs are similar enough to facilitate a smooth transition. Four: Penn's variety of research opportunities, from iSURE to the various research centers scattered around campus, would keep my mind working year-round. Factor in my attraction to fields outside the realm of engineering, and Penn becomes even better suited to my psyche. I know and appreciate the value of multitasking - so Penn's emphasis on interdisciplinary education is exactly what I'm looking for. It's rare that virtually any class in any school is available to an undergrad the way it is at Penn - I can see myself going from calculus to cognitive neuroscience with great ease and convenience, since the buildings are all located in close proximity to each other.
What I can bring to Penn is not nearly as extensive as what Penn can bring to me. Sadly, a new building or a hefty research grant is beyond me. However, I believe that the most important contributions need not appear grand and impressive straight off the bat - an eagerness to learn, a quick and creative mind, appreciation for school spirit, and steadfast resilience against freezing winters are all attributes of mine that would uphold Penn's excellence, whether in general or in innovation (and year-round too, I might add). And perhaps, with time and a top-notch education at Penn, that new building might not be so out of reach.
So, that's my Penn supplement. Good? Bad? Please do tell me if that last sentence was too arrogant-sounding - what I was going for was cheeky, not egotistical. I notice I tend to come off as pretty arrogant in some of my writing - especially my IB app essay. I looked it over last night and wanted to slap myself really damn hard. It's a wonder I was accepted at all... Anyway, I'm having doubts as to keeping it, and I don't want to resort to eenie meenie minie moe, so your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Prompt: Considering both the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying and the unique aspects of the University of Pennsylvania, what do you hope to learn from and contribute to the Penn community? (Please answer in one page, approximately 500 words.)
I am the queen of multitasking. It's true - I have been known to write an English essay, solve an Agatha Christie mystery, play Strauss' entire "An der schönen blauen Donau" on the piano, finish some thirty-odd review questions for next day's Physics test, design a psychology experiment for extra credit, darn three holey socks, watch two episodes of BBC's "Sherlock", and hand-wash the dishes all in one night. To facilitate multitasking with ease, my desk is haphazardly organized ("haphazardly" being the key word) into sections: the upper left is dedicated to my improvised writing utensil organizer, fashioned with two mugs, a metal case, string, and two small magnets. The upper middle is where my textbooks sit nicely in their upright stands, taking up as little room as possible. The bottom right holds a small pile of books. There is an empty space at the bottom left corner for my laptop - I'm left-handed. In addition, I believe there is no such thing as "procrastination" and as such, I have never hesitated to pursue other interests alongside my main attraction.
The main attraction in question is the field of biomedical engineering. I want to dedicate my time and effort to synthesize medical devices that will improve the field of medicine and the day-to-day lives of others. Just considering that, there are already several good reasons to attend Penn. One: a first-rate, academically rigorous biomedical engineering program, with the added bonus of the Ivy League stamp on it. Two: Penn's Global Biomedical Service program would allow me to gain valuable hands-on experience while improving patients' quality of life, and enjoy traveling as well. Three: just in case I should change my mind, the BSE and BAS programs are similar enough to facilitate a smooth transition. Four: Penn's variety of research opportunities, from iSURE to the various research centers scattered around campus, would keep my mind working year-round. Factor in my attraction to fields outside the realm of engineering, and Penn becomes even better suited to my psyche. I know and appreciate the value of multitasking - so Penn's emphasis on interdisciplinary education is exactly what I'm looking for. It's rare that virtually any class in any school is available to an undergrad the way it is at Penn - I can see myself going from calculus to cognitive neuroscience with great ease and convenience, since the buildings are all located in close proximity to each other.
What I can bring to Penn is not nearly as extensive as what Penn can bring to me. Sadly, a new building or a hefty research grant is beyond me. However, I believe that the most important contributions need not appear grand and impressive straight off the bat - an eagerness to learn, a quick and creative mind, appreciation for school spirit, and steadfast resilience against freezing winters are all attributes of mine that would uphold Penn's excellence, whether in general or in innovation (and year-round too, I might add). And perhaps, with time and a top-notch education at Penn, that new building might not be so out of reach.
So, that's my Penn supplement. Good? Bad? Please do tell me if that last sentence was too arrogant-sounding - what I was going for was cheeky, not egotistical. I notice I tend to come off as pretty arrogant in some of my writing - especially my IB app essay. I looked it over last night and wanted to slap myself really damn hard. It's a wonder I was accepted at all... Anyway, I'm having doubts as to keeping it, and I don't want to resort to eenie meenie minie moe, so your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
