Prompt database · 2026-27 cycle
University of Pennsylvania
Deadlines
source| Early Decision | November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | January 5, 2027 |
Essay prompts (16)
- weird2026-27200 words
Applies to: First-year applicants only
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!)
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- community2026-27200 words
Applies to: All applicants (first-year and transfer)
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.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- why transfer2026-27
Applies to: Transfer applicants only
Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27200 words
Applies to: College of Arts and Sciences applicants
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?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27200 words
Applies to: School of Engineering and Applied Science applicants
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.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27200 words
Applies to: School of Nursing applicants
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?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27200 words
Applies to: The Wharton School applicants
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.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- short answer2026-27125 words
Applies to: Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business applicants
Tell us about your background and interest in the target language you selected.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27600 words
Applies to: Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business applicants
The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally-minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and around the world. What draws you to a dual degree in international studies and business, and how would you use what you learn to address a global issue where these two domains intersect?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27650 words
Applies to: Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (M&T) applicants
Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- activity2026-27250 words
Applies to: Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (M&T) applicants
Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27650 words
Applies to: Vagelos Life Sciences & Management (LSM) applicants
The Vagelos Life Sciences & Management (LSM) program brings together two powerful modes of understanding—scientific inquiry and strategic thinking—to prepare students to engage thoughtfully and creatively with some of the most complex challenges of our time. Reflecting on this intersection, what questions, problems, or opportunities would you hope to explore through LSM? How might the integration of life sciences and management shape your approach to these challenges?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27650 words
Applies to: Nursing and Health Care Management (NHCM) applicants
Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- short answer2026-27
Applies to: Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) applicants
If you were to join the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER), which science major and which engineering major are most interesting to you at this time?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27650 words
Applies to: Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) applicants
How do you envision your participation in VIPER furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in the VIPER majors listed above.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- academic interest2026-27650 words
Applies to: Visual and Interactive Computing (VIC) applicants
Discuss how your interests align with the Visual and Interactive Computing (VIC) program at the University of Pennsylvania.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: University of Pennsylvania has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
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