Required for all applicants: 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.
At the University of Pennsylvania, I hope to grow into an influential, well rounded, and leading citizen of the world. I hope to explore academically, expand intellectually, and connect with a truly diverse student body and faculty. As an Iranian-American, a curious student, a passionate musician, and a driven philanthropist, I will contribute my bicultural perspectives, talents, and leadership to Penn.
Through the Sector requirements at Penn, I hope to acquire a breadth of knowledge across various fields of study and create an interdisciplinary education in which I can pursue my passion for science while studying the works of Socrates, Rumi, and Mozart. I also look to delve deeply into the field of Biochemistry by connecting ideas across undergraduate and graduate courses. I would like to excel in the Vagelos Scholars Program in Molecular Life Sciences and continue research in the field of dermatology/immunology; Dr. John Stanley's study of the physiology of pemphigus has particularly piqued my interest. As an aspiring physician, I will be able to build a strong framework for my future endeavors in medicine through Penn's strong advising program and student guidance in the Pre-Medical Association. Additionally, I hope to take advantage of Penn's multitude of hospital volunteering opportunities, share all that I have discovered about medicine thus far and gain first-hand clinical experience.
Furthermore, I hope to strengthen my collaborative studies at Penn. During my visit to Penn, I was amazed by the tight-knit community the libraries and The General Education Curriculum created. Although the students in the study group rooms of the library were in contrasting majors, they danced with the same difficult questions of human existence, each feeding off the interpretation of the other. In another room, students discussed various mathematical concepts and learned from each other's input. This large, yet collaborative learning environment is the type of educational system I thrive in and hope to join and grow in for the next four years.
Most importantly, I hope to grow as an active member of both the Penn and Philadelphia community. I will offer my musical talents as a violinist in the Penn Symphonic Orchestra and continue to flourish as a musician through the chamber Baroque Ensembles. Furthermore, I hope to contribute the speaking and debating skills I have cultivated in high school as Secretary General of the Model United Nations club to the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference.
Finally, Benjamin Franklin's view of education as "an inclination...to serve mankind," especially speaks to me. Throughout high school, I have acquired the leadership and determination to stand and work for a cause that I believe in. In my senior year alone, I have led a group that has raised over $25,000 to provide aid for children with cancer on Long Island. I have seen the impact Penn students have had in Philadelphia and I am eager to bring my passion, drive, and persistence to the Civic House at Penn, specifically to programs such as Penn for UNICEF and Penn AIDS Awareness.
I see Penn as a collaborative and multicultural community, where I will think and grow with people from all over the world who share my appetite for knowledge, intellectual discussion, and intercultural exchange. I am eager to jump into this community to learn, give, and make a difference.
have 546 words (need to cut down to around 500)
please help guys, open to any feedback (need to submit today for family reasons)
