Maybe I Could Be…: College Admission Essay Sample

Maybe, I could be the next Lorene Cary, whose novel, The Price of a Child was selected to unite the city under the 2003 “One Book, One Philadelphia” project. Maybe, I could be one of the few students who stay up until three in the morning trying to piece together the Daily Pennsylvanian, or maybe I could take part in the closely-knit community of Kelly Writers House. Maybe, above all, I could explore my interests in words by studying English and Creative Writing, Comparative Literature and Communication at Penn.

At Penn, I can explore the power and beauty of words. Starting in second grade when I received a savings bond for my story about pandas and continuing through recent AP Language and Literature courses, I know that I really enjoy writing. Penn’s renowned faculty and courses like Lise Funderburg’s Creative Nonfiction Writing will allow me to articulate my thoughts in the most creative and persuasive way possible. I have also glimpsed the power of communication from crafting a presentation for the Mayor of Bridgeport and the City Council on urban school enrichment programs. With this taste of how powerful I can make words, I want to apply my interests as a potential reporter or columnist for the Daily Pennsylvanian. With options ranging from the Kelly Writers House to tutoring kids for the Center for Community Partnerships, Penn offers endless chances to involve myself in the community while engaging and extending my communication skills.

Raised in a diverse city, I was always exposed to different cultures, languages, and beliefs, creating in me an appreciation for cultural differences. After teaching elementary students about multiculturalism through literature as a participant in the American Connection Program, I look forward to classes from Jewish studies to East Asian Languages that would enhance my own understanding of multiculturalism. At Penn, studying different cultures is as important as living among students of unique backgrounds. Philadelphia’s economic, geographical and racial variety of people attracts me most. To meet students from suburbia, farm areas, foreign countries, and the inner city like me only enhances my understanding of others’ experiences and grants me well roundedness. I want to be part of Penn where these students are similarly understanding to differences because everyone is so unique themselves. Especially because writing and communication involve an acceptance and comprehension of people, I trust I can combine my interests in multiculturalism with my academic studies in writing, English and communication. At Penn, I know my writing can be fueled by its diversity, making my writing relatable to everyone.

Penn would also allow me to study, volunteer, and explore in an urban, diverse environment. I would anticipate seeing Philly’s favorite Hubbard Street Dance Chicago or Diane Reeves performing a holiday concert in the Irvine Auditorium. In a city where there is always something to do, I look forward to being in awe and inspiration. Even if inspiration arrives through reading the paper at the terminal, eating Philly cheese steak, or cheering Penn fencing on, I’ll consider myself blessed. Because I am very familiar to the hustle and bustle of city life, I could only thrive in the diverse city of Philadelphia, soon calling it home. Also, because I have more branched out interests in competitive fencing and classical piano, I could spend my time exploring local theatres, campus games, restaurants, and befriending the Philadelphians. As a diverse school in the most historically rich city in America, Penn always presents issues to write about, to learn about, to be part of. From jazz clubs to street shows, Philly’s diverse metropolitan environment readily inspires exploration, writing, and fun. Prepared with pen and paper, I am ready to be inspired.