University of Pennsylvania

Essay prompts (16)

6 required · 10 program-specific

1. weirdAll applicants — listed under the page…2026-27200 words
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   All applicants (first-year and transfer) — listed under the page heading "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!)

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2. communityAll applicants — listed under the page…2026-27200 words
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   All applicants (first-year and transfer) — listed under the page heading "Prompts for All 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.

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3. why transferTransfer applicants only2026-27400 words

   Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution.

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4. academic interestSchool of Nursing applicants2026-27200 words

   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 are you applying to Nursing, where do you see yourself professionally in the future, and how will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare?

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5. academic interestCollege of Arts and Sciences applicants2026-27200 words

   The College of Arts and Sciences is designed to foster discovery and connection. Describe something you are curious about—something you'd like to learn more about or find a new approach to—and how you might pursue that curiosity in the College.

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6. academic interestThe Wharton School applicants2026-27200 words

   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. Discuss a current issue of importance to you and how you hope a Wharton education would help you explore it.

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7. academic interestSchool of Engineering and Applied Science…2026-27200 words
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   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. Describe how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn, particularly within the intended major you selected.

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8. academic interestHuntsman Program in International Studies…2026-27200 words
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   Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business applicants. Preceded on the page by a non-essay step: applicants select a target language from eleven options.

   Describe your experience with the target language you selected. You may wish to share the length of time you've studied or used this language, how you've learned it, the skills you've acquired, and/or the skills you still wish to develop. Please also explain why you are interested in studying this language and the region(s) of the world where it is spoken.

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9. academic interestHuntsman Program in International Studies…2026-27400 words
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   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?

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10. academic interestVagelos Life Sciences & Management applicants2026-27400 words
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    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. What questions, problems, or opportunities would you hope to explore through LSM, and how might the integration of life sciences and management shape your approach to them? Focus on the ideas, values, or questions that draw you to this intersection, rather than how LSM might advance your career, and make sure this essay is distinct from your single-degree application.

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11. academic interestJerome Fisher Program in Management…2026-27400 words
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    Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (M&T) applicants

    Explain how you will use the M&T program to pursue problems or opportunities that require both engineering and business perspectives.

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12. activityJerome Fisher Program in Management…2026-27200 words
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    Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (M&T) applicants

    Describe something you created, designed, improved, or built. What motivated you, and what did you learn from the process?

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13. academic interestNursing and Health Care Management applicants2026-27400 words
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    Nursing and Health Care Management (NHCM) applicants

    Describe your interest in nursing and health care management, and how Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business would help you meet your goals. Please ensure that this essay is distinct from your single-degree application, if applicable.

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14. academic interestVagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research…2026-27200 words
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    Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) applicants

    VIPER students pursue dual degrees in science or math and engineering. Which major combination(s) interest you most right now and why? Your response to this prompt is not binding; students often shift majors as they learn more through the program.

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15. academic interestVagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research…2026-27400 words
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    Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) applicants

    Describe your interest in the VIPER program, including how any past experiences (academic, research, extracurricular, etc.) have shaped your interest in energy science and technology, and how you envision participation in VIPER fitting into your future goals.

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16. academic interestVisual and Interactive Computing applicants2026-27650 words
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    Visual and Interactive Computing (VIC) applicants

    Discuss how your interests align with the Visual and Interactive Computing (VIC) program at the University of Pennsylvania.

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