University of Pennsylvania: Supplemental Essays 2025-26

Applying to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) means more than strong grades and test scores. Your application should show how your intellectual curiosity, community mindset, and career ambitions align with Penn’s interdisciplinary spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the College of Arts and Sciences for its flexible liberal arts curriculum, Wharton for its global business rigor, Penn Engineering for its innovation-driven research, or Penn Nursing for its mission to advance healthcare, each program seeks students ready to make an impact. The UPenn supplemental essays are your opportunity to connect your story to the energy of Pennsylvania’s historic yet forward-thinking campus.

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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS

There are two prompts we ask every Penn applicant to complete. Additionally, there is a school-specific prompt based on the undergraduate school or dual-degree program to which you are applying. When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to that specific undergraduate school. Some of our specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree or single-school choice.

Prompts for All Applicants

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, only required for first year 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)

UPENN: UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL-SPECIFIC ACADEMIC SHORT ANSWER PROMPTS

School of Nursing

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science. Why have you decided to apply to Nursing? Where do you see yourself professionally in the future and how will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about Penn Nursing’s mission and how we promote equity in healthcare. This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations.

College of Arts and Sciences

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences.  This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations.

The Wharton School

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the foundations of a Wharton education. This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn, particularly within the intended major you selected. (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about Penn Engineering and its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology. This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests.

WANT TO READ MORE?

Are you thinking about applying to UPenn? Confused on how to start writing these essays? Contact us to discuss our College Essay Guidance Program or Personal Application Boot Camp® and improve your odds of admission with expert guidance.

Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2025-2026 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!

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