University of Pennsylvania 2021-2022 Essay Prompts

The University of Pennsylvania has released its 2021-2022 essay prompts. Just like last year, there are two essay prompts. Both prompts are essentially Why College essays. As our loyal readers may remember, UPenn used to ask one 650-word Why College essay. But in the last couple of years, they’ve asked two Why College essays — one that’s 300-450 words and the other that’s 150-200 words. And while the second prompt for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle remains the same, there is a slight change to the first prompt. So how do this year’s prompts read? Wonder no more!

UPenn’s first prompt reads, “Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania?  For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer these questions in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.” Applicants are asked to complete the essay in 300-450 words.

UPenn’s second prompt reads, “At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community.” Applicants are asked to complete the essay in 150-200 words.

Having trouble figuring out the difference between last year’s prompts and this year’s prompts? Last year, the first prompt read, “How did you discover your intellectual and academic interests, and how will you explore them at the University of Pennsylvania? Please respond considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected.” So this year’s version of the essay prompt doesn’t include the discovery of the intellectual and academic interest. Therein lies the difference!