United States · 2026–27
Penn supplemental essays
Every Penn applicant writes a thank-you note and a response about exploring community. A third response depends on the undergraduate school; some coordinated programs ask for more.
Writing format
Two 50–200 word answers plus a school-specific response
What to prepare
- 1Write a thank-you note to a person you have not yet thanked, naming the particular act and its effect on you.
- 2Explain how you would explore community at Penn and what perspective you would contribute to it.
- 3Answer the prompt for your selected undergraduate school, such as Nursing or the College of Arts and Sciences.
How to approach the writing
- Give the thank-you note a real recipient and detail rather than making it a general gratitude essay.
- Use the school-specific answer to show a question or goal that connects to that school's actual curriculum.
Before you submit
Penn lists separate school prompts and additional essays for some specialized programs. Check the exact prompt for your selected single-degree school and any coordinated program.
Read Penn Admissions writing prompts ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.
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