Introduction
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is a world-renowned business school that offers a highly competitive undergraduate program. As part of the application process, prospective students are required to submit an essay that addresses one of several prompts provided by the admissions committee. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the UPenn essay prompts Wharton, offer writing tips, and review common mistakes to avoid.
Essay Prompts
The 2023-2024 application cycle features the following essay prompts for Wharton applicants:
- Describe a time you failed and what you learned.
- What does “making a difference” mean to you?
- Discuss a problem you are passionate about and explain how you have taken steps to address it.
Understanding the Prompts
Each essay prompt requires applicants to reflect on their experiences, values, and aspirations. Admissions officers are seeking candidates who are self-aware, motivated, and driven to make a positive impact in the world.
Prompt 1: Failure
This prompt encourages applicants to share a time when they faced a setback and what they gained from the experience. It is important to be honest and specific about the failure, while also highlighting the lessons learned and personal growth that resulted.
Prompt 2: Making a Difference
The second prompt asks applicants to define their understanding of “making a difference” and how it aligns with their own values and goals. Applicants should consider their experiences, passions, and aspirations when crafting their response.
Prompt 3: Addressing a Problem
This prompt challenges applicants to identify a problem they care deeply about and describe the steps they have taken to address it. The focus should be on personal initiative, collaboration, and tangible outcomes that demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to making a positive change.
Writing Tips
When writing your Wharton essay, it is important to:
- Be authentic. Write in your own voice and share your unique experiences and perspectives.
- Be specific. Provide detailed examples and concrete evidence to support your claims.
- Be concise. Limit your essay to the specified word count (250-650 words).
- Proofread carefully. Ensure that your essay is free of grammatical and spelling errors.
Common Mistakes
To avoid common mistakes, remember to:
- Avoid clichés. Admissions officers have read countless essays on similar topics. Be original and avoid using overused phrases or ideas.
- Don’t simply restate the prompt. Use the prompt as a starting point, but expand on it with your own thoughts and experiences.
- Don’t be afraid to revise. Take time to revise and refine your essay multiple times before submitting it.
Conclusion
The UPenn essay prompts Wharton are designed to elicit thoughtful, introspective responses that reveal the applicant’s character, values, and aspirations. By carefully considering the prompts, crafting a compelling essay, and avoiding common mistakes, applicants can increase their chances of admission to the Wharton School.
Additional Tips
- Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, write a draft, and revise your essay.
- Seek feedback. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or teacher to review your essay and provide feedback.
- Be your best self. The admissions committee wants to get to know the real you. Write an essay that authentically reflects your personality and values.
Appendix
Table 1: Wharton Essay Prompts and Corresponding Keywords
| Prompt | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Describe a time you failed and what you learned. | Failure, resilience, growth, learning |
| What does “making a difference” mean to you? | Impact, purpose, values, aspirations |
| Discuss a problem you are passionate about and explain how you have taken steps to address it. | Problem-solving, initiative, collaboration, outcomes |
Table 2: Common Essay Mistakes
| Mistake | Description |
|---|---|
| Clichés | Overused phrases or ideas that lack originality |
| Restating the prompt | Simply repeating the prompt without adding new insights |
| Lack of specificity | Not providing enough details or examples to support claims |
| Grammatical errors | Spelling, punctuation, or grammar mistakes |
| Lengthy essay | Exceeding the specified word count |
Table 3: Writing Tips for Wharton Essays
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Authenticity | Write in your own voice and share unique experiences |
| Specificity | Provide detailed examples and concrete evidence |
| Conciseness | Limit the essay to the specified word count |
| Proofreading | Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors |
| Revision | Take time to refine the essay multiple times |
Table 4: Timeline for Essay Writing
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Brainstorming | 2-3 weeks before deadline |
| First draft | 1 week before deadline |
| Feedback and revision | 1-2 days before deadline |
| Final submission | Deadline day |