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 onepage, approximately 500 words)
Actual Word Count - 526
Word Count - 0.
I had dedicated this morning to one thing, and one thing only - the Penn essay.
Unfortunately, even Red Bull couldn't give me the wings to explain how I would "learn
from and contribute to the Penn community." Before surrendering once more, a bright
light flared from my computer screen, even more blinding than the blank Microsoft Word
document splayed across the monitor.
"THIS. IS. APPLY OR DENY! The only gameshow where wannabe Whartonites have
the chance to win a four year trip to University City! Let's introduce today's players."
"Hi! I'm Mary!"
"Salutations. I am James."
The host expectantly turned to face me, waiting for a response. But, where was I? What
happened to my room? And most importantly, who says salutations anymore? After
taking a deep breath, I decided to play along.
"Hello, I'm Arthur."
"Outstanding! Okay kids, first question. What extracurricular activity has influenced you
the most?"
I started to reminisce about my journey through debate: growing more extroverted,
admiring the art of rhetoric, gaining insight on global issues, and becoming captain.
Suddenly, Mary slammed her buzzer. "I've led Voice International, a nonprofit
organization that I started in 5th grade!"
"How marvelous, Mary! Next Question! Who is your role model?"
No worries, I thought. I can answer this one.
But this time, James buzzed in. "Ben Franklin is indubitably the most quintessential role
model one can emulate." He grinned at his response. I groaned at his obsequiousness.
However, I couldn't help but feel my heart sink. The other contestants seemed so poised,
so prepared, so perfect.
"How articulate, James! Next question, for everyone: What can you contribute and learn
from the Penn community?"
"I want to join every club Penn has to offer, like Wharton Women, Wharton Accounting
Society, Wharton Management Club, and Cohorts Dollar, Dinar, Yen, and Yuan!", said
Mary.
BZZ! "Commendable, but not quite possible. James?"
"As an aspiring CEO, I will nurture my potential to become the best businessman in the
21st century. To accomplish this long-held dream, I plan on earning all 18 concentrations
offered by Wharton."
BZZ! "Admirable, but a tad bit unrealistic! Dry, too! Arthur?"
"It's been my dream to come to Penn ever since taking my first few steps on Locust
Walk. Penn lies in the heart of a bustling metropolis of culture and academia. Everything
about it, from Wharton's illustrious alumni such as Sehoon Lee and John Sculley to
the unique learning lab simulations intrigues me. Most importantly, it's the special
things that cannot be found anywhere else, like Wharton providing unparalleled
opportunities to work on Wall Street. Like going to the oldest business school in the
nation, and contributing to its legacy. Like the emphasis on true interdisciplinary study
that encourages becoming diversified. And as a diverse person with broad horizons, I
believe that I should come to a university that dreams just as big as I do. I am assiduous,
ambitious, and tenacious. And if my resume doesn't reflect that, let me show you in
person."
As the window closed, I was back in my room with a sense of longing anxiety - waiting
for the outcome of the game show. I'll have to wait until December.
Pennsylvania, what do you hope to learn from and contribute to the Penn community? (Please answer in onepage, approximately 500 words)
Actual Word Count - 526
Word Count - 0.
I had dedicated this morning to one thing, and one thing only - the Penn essay.
Unfortunately, even Red Bull couldn't give me the wings to explain how I would "learn
from and contribute to the Penn community." Before surrendering once more, a bright
light flared from my computer screen, even more blinding than the blank Microsoft Word
document splayed across the monitor.
"THIS. IS. APPLY OR DENY! The only gameshow where wannabe Whartonites have
the chance to win a four year trip to University City! Let's introduce today's players."
"Hi! I'm Mary!"
"Salutations. I am James."
The host expectantly turned to face me, waiting for a response. But, where was I? What
happened to my room? And most importantly, who says salutations anymore? After
taking a deep breath, I decided to play along.
"Hello, I'm Arthur."
"Outstanding! Okay kids, first question. What extracurricular activity has influenced you
the most?"
I started to reminisce about my journey through debate: growing more extroverted,
admiring the art of rhetoric, gaining insight on global issues, and becoming captain.
Suddenly, Mary slammed her buzzer. "I've led Voice International, a nonprofit
organization that I started in 5th grade!"
"How marvelous, Mary! Next Question! Who is your role model?"
No worries, I thought. I can answer this one.
But this time, James buzzed in. "Ben Franklin is indubitably the most quintessential role
model one can emulate." He grinned at his response. I groaned at his obsequiousness.
However, I couldn't help but feel my heart sink. The other contestants seemed so poised,
so prepared, so perfect.
"How articulate, James! Next question, for everyone: What can you contribute and learn
from the Penn community?"
"I want to join every club Penn has to offer, like Wharton Women, Wharton Accounting
Society, Wharton Management Club, and Cohorts Dollar, Dinar, Yen, and Yuan!", said
Mary.
BZZ! "Commendable, but not quite possible. James?"
"As an aspiring CEO, I will nurture my potential to become the best businessman in the
21st century. To accomplish this long-held dream, I plan on earning all 18 concentrations
offered by Wharton."
BZZ! "Admirable, but a tad bit unrealistic! Dry, too! Arthur?"
"It's been my dream to come to Penn ever since taking my first few steps on Locust
Walk. Penn lies in the heart of a bustling metropolis of culture and academia. Everything
about it, from Wharton's illustrious alumni such as Sehoon Lee and John Sculley to
the unique learning lab simulations intrigues me. Most importantly, it's the special
things that cannot be found anywhere else, like Wharton providing unparalleled
opportunities to work on Wall Street. Like going to the oldest business school in the
nation, and contributing to its legacy. Like the emphasis on true interdisciplinary study
that encourages becoming diversified. And as a diverse person with broad horizons, I
believe that I should come to a university that dreams just as big as I do. I am assiduous,
ambitious, and tenacious. And if my resume doesn't reflect that, let me show you in
person."
As the window closed, I was back in my room with a sense of longing anxiety - waiting
for the outcome of the game show. I'll have to wait until December.