2026-27 Cycle • 3 prompts

University of Pennsylvania supplemental essays.

Every University of Pennsylvania supplemental prompt for the 2026-27 cycle, with the word limit, what they're looking for, and the most common pitfalls.

1. Prompt 1: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

   200 wordsrequired

   What they really want

   • Pick someone unexpected — a stranger, a younger sibling, a part-time job manager.
   • Concrete moment, then what you learned from them.

   Avoid

   • Thanking a parent or teacher (everyone does this).
   • Sentimental without specific detail.

2. Prompt 2: How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape Penn.

   200 wordsrequired

   What they really want

   • Bidirectional — 50/50 on what Penn gives and what you bring.
   • Pick one Penn community (House dean, cultural house, niche club) by name.

   Avoid

   • Listing every cultural identity without showing engagement.
   • Vague 'I will be involved on campus' platitudes.

3. Prompt 3: Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, describe how you intend to explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania.

   400 wordsrequired

   What they really want

   • School-specific: Wharton, CAS, SEAS, or Nursing — answer changes meaningfully.
   • Mention 2-3 specific Penn courses, then a research or industry application.

   Avoid

   • Wharton: writing about 'making money' instead of a problem to solve.
   • Listing courses without a coherent intellectual through-line.