University of Pennsylvania Essays
Fred Jones - UPenn (accepted)
Essay 1: Academic and Social Communities
The applicant discusses their interdisciplinary interests spanning neuroscience, computer science, and engineering. They express enthusiasm for combining Wharton business studies with SEAS engineering, citing Penn's integration of these fields.
Key points:
- Interest in student-run initiatives like Communitech
- Plans to engage with research facilities, specifically mentioning GRASP (General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception)
- Involvement with religious/cultural organizations and club tennis
- Connection to Benjamin Franklin's legacy of interdisciplinary education
Essay 2: Autobiography Page 217
This creative piece describes a robotics competition experience. The narrative details building and competing with a Lego Mindstorms robot, exploring themes of engineering, programming, and the desire to understand and replicate human capabilities.
The passage emphasizes the transition from classroom project to joining a school robotics team (Botball), ultimately winning first place and third overall at a Southern California competition.
Essay 3: Wharton/Engineering Dual Degree Interest
Discusses the applicant's web development ventures, including creating "EasyDefine," an educational tool that gained international users. The essay connects technological innovation with business management principles and expresses interest in studying Computer and Cognitive Sciences alongside management through the M&T program.