I was never strongly religious, despite being raised by fervent followers of the faith. From a young age, it always seemed frivolous to me: the ceremonies, the donations, the dhamma. However, particular events along the way have proved Buddhism the most influential aspect of my life to date, and not in the spiritual way one would assume. In a sense, Buddhism has shaped my identity, changing my intellectual understanding of the world forever. It is a rare privilege for an...

I was never strongly religious, despite being raised by fervent followers of the faith. From a young age, it always seemed frivolous to me: the ceremonies, the donations, the dhamma. However, particular events along the way have proved Buddhism the most influential aspect of my life to date, and not in the spiritual way one would assume. In a sense, Buddhism has shaped my identity, changing my intellectual understanding of the world forever. It is a rare privilege for an...

Equality is a contested subject - one filled with controversy. Every man deserves a vote, said the French Revolutionists, but every man was not every woman. Our founding fathers said all men are created equal - except those who were Black. Such inequality legally lasted until the 15th amendment, a century after our country’s inception. Whether it is because of affluence, race, or sex, inequality has been an incrimination of the human race - and it still is in 2014. ...

Question 1: “The Admissions Committee would like to learn why you are a good fit for your undergraduate school choice (College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, The Wharton School, or Penn Engineering). Please tell us about specific academic, service, and/or research opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania that resonate with your background, interests, and goals." 400-650 words Question 2: In light of your personal interests in language, business,and international affairs, please discuss a current global issue and explain...

Most people don't realize that grades aren't the thing that separates you from your classmates. There is a specific limit to how well someone can be represented with grades, that is an...

If you're applying to Penn, there's a 99% chance you're going to get an interview, considering you don't like in the Antarctic. Penn's network is huge and they will most definitely find a local alum to interview you....

Penn is the school for those who love to learn. This school truly epitomizes the drive for knowledge Ben Franklin embodied....

Honestly if financial problems are a deterrent for applying to Penn (yes, it's expensive, around 62k/year), then you don't have to worry about the cost. Penn's financial aid is EXTREMELY generous. How do I know? Let me tell you a story. Upon getting my acceptance letter, I was extremely happy - up to the point until I opened my financial aid. It read, "You are not eligible for financial...

My favorite course throughout my academic career is definitely World Literature 10 with Mr. Li I had my sophomore year of high school. I never was an English guy - I loved almost every subject... except English. However, Mr. Li's pedagogy changed my outlook on life in general. Remember that teacher everyone had at one point in their life who is super strict and abides by a syllabus and...