Navigating Research at Penn

Research is often considered a defining part of the Penn experience by many undergraduates. Students have access to a wide range of opportunities at Penn, and for most, the difficulty lies in navigating these opportunities.

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) is a great resource for any student interested in pursuing research at Penn. The center provides advising, funding opportunities, and guidance for students. Additionally, programs such as the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program (PURM) allow students to gain research experience and mentorship in faculty labs over a 10 week period in the summer.

Beyond programs and resources, many students get involved in research simply due to their initiative. Most students reach out to professors through a short email to express curiosity about a research project. Research at Penn is very interdisciplinary. Students studying a variety of fields all have opportunities to pursue independent research projects and further their knowledge through honors theses or fellowships.

Navigating research can feel overwhelming. However, research is rarely a linear process. Most students explore various fields, try different labs, and shift their interests over time. That type of exploration is the most valuable part of the research experience. At a university that is as research-focused as Penn, the opportunities might seem endless. With persistence and enthusiasm, students can find meaningful opportunities in research.

- A. Madhira

Performing Arts at Penn

Although Penn is known for its strong academic and pre-professional culture, there is still a vibrant performing arts community on campus. One of the main hubs for performing arts is Platt Performing Arts House. Platt brings together students who are interested in dance, music, theater, and other creative endeavors. Platt hosts workshops, performances, and rehearsals, serving as a collaborative space for all students interested in the arts at Penn. The Dance Arts Council (DAC) is another notable organization that supports dance groups on campus. DAC provides opportunities for dancers to share their work through funding and showcase events. Spaces on campus, such as Iron Gate Theater and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, allow students to display their creativity for campus audiences. These resources immensely support creativity at Penn, ensuring that the arts coexist with academics.

- A. Madhira

The Premed Ecosystem at Penn

Regardless of what university you attend, being premed is often associated with feelings ofstress and anxiety. However, one thing I’ve found that Penn does right is the variety of resources that exist to support students on their path to medical school. Pre-health advising through Career Services is one of the first resources that comes to mind. Through advising,students can plan coursework, MCAT studying, and the medical school application timeline.

Additionally, there is a plethora of support provided during the academic year throughworkshops, advising appointments, and newsletters.Apart from advising, Penn’s proximity to the Perelman School of Medicine, the Hospital of theUniversity of Pennsylvania, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers students so many opportunities to get more experience in the healthcare field. Undergraduates can get involved in research, clinical volunteering, and mentorship at these institutions.

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) is home to researchprograms such as PURM. PURM allows students to work in Penn labs in any research area of their choice.

One of the most valuable resources is the premed community itself. Upperclassmen and peers are often relied on for advice about research position, classes, MCAT prep, and navigating Penn as a premed. These networks make the experience at Penn feel much less isolating.

Being premed is always a challenging path. However, the access to opportunities and experiences that Penn provides are priceless.

- A. Madhira

My time at Penn is over: here's what I would tell my first year self

I’m a big believer in having no regrets. But looking back as a senior, I’ve certainly made many slip-ups along the way. Although those moments often led to the most profound changes in my life, if by sharing my mistakes I can make your college career a little more easy to navigate, that would mean the world to me. This piece is for anyone, whether they’re struggling or thriving, at any time in their academic journey.

 Firstly, it’s ok to do things alone. I remember back in NSO I felt so overwhelmed with the amount of socializing and information all the events entailed. Not to mention the slight homesickness and anxiety about not making friends, to which I say – that’s ok! You’ll find as you finalize your course schedule, figure out which dining halls you like, and other menial things, the newfound routine will ground you. Establishing familiarity is the antidote to homesickness, so let yourself be carried away by the first waves of change as you adjust to college life. Do you have a concert you want to go to? A new restaurant you want to try? Enjoy some you time and try it out alone – when you lean into the unknown, who knows what exciting things will happen?

 Be prepared and embrace change when it happens. It can be changes in friend groups or maybe a change in heart when you decide to swap majors, but just know that these changes are healthy! When life takes a bad turn, try not to get too down – out of adversity usually comes challenge and success, not to mention a whole lot of growth. Drifting with people is natural, it doesn’t have to be full of drama, but you’ll realize how some relationships are meant to be enjoyed in that short time period. If you keep an open-mind and listen to others well, you’ll never stop making friends even in senior spring! This applies to academics as well, I did a complete 180 changing from pre-med to history and I’ve never looked back. Not to mention that Penn certainly gives a cushion to students who radically change their majors halfway through college. All of this is easier said than done, yet only emphasizes how natural it is to change.

 Never stop asking questions. All the time while I was sitting in STEM lectures, I kept thinking of the same questions: Why did this formula develop the way it did? How did this person’s background affect their thoughts? What is the context of this? It took me so long to realize that those were humanities questions, and that I wanted the depth a humanities education would give me. I encourage you to lean into that curiosity and see where it takes you. It won’t hurt to audit a class in an area that’s always interested you. Also, if you’re confused in class, I guarantee that AT LEAST one other person is too, so never feel shame for asking silly questions.

 Don’t rely on AI. I mean this especially for humanities classes. This is probably the last era of your professors reading your essays, so you might as well write whatever you want! The one thing AI has yet to replicate is human creativity, it cannot generate ideas in the unique way you can, so relish how terrible your writing is and marvel at your growth by senior year. It will pay you back in years to come!

 And most importantly, don’t forget to say thank you. Whether they be the dining hall employees, a friendly stranger, your professors, or your friends, be kind to all those who helped you along the way. Although your theses or job contracts may have your name on them, don’t forget that it took a village to get you where you are now. I’m a firm believer that gratitude can fix almost any mental slump, so as you succeed, please be kind to people along the way. So reach out to those who helped you years ago and offer to buy them coffee, it will make both of your days!

 It’s funny, you often don’t register the important moments in your life as they happen, it’s only when you look back you realize how pivotal they really were. Now that I’m heading into post-grad life, I can say the single-most reigning emotion in my mind is a feeling of weirdness. It might also feel weird for you whilst reading this since graduation seems so far away. But something weird can just be something familiar viewed from a different angle. I wish you the best of luck as you continue on in college – signing off!

-Seyoon C.

A Day In My Life as a Junior Second Semester College Student

As a student in College, this is what one of my days during the week looks like as a Junior! With all my GenEds done, I am taking classes this semester that are a mix of my major requirements, minor requirements, and electives! This flexibility in the College Curriculum is always something that I appreciate as I can really focus on my major but also explore other niches.

9:00 AM: I usually wake up around an hour before my first class of the day. The first thing I do is open the curtains and windows to get some fresh air. I like to check all my phone’s emails and messages at once to reply to the ones that are most urgent. Since this semester, I don’t have 8:30 AM classes in contrast to last semester when I did, the mornings feel a lot slower.

10:15 AM: My first class is “Economics of Education” which is one of my Economics major upper level electives. As an Economics major in College, there’s a lot of electives to choose from after completing the intermediate sequence courses during my freshmen and sophomore year. Despite it being challenging and rigorous at times, I really enjoy the Economics major, because I have gotten to take both quantitative and qualitative classes, such as courses that cover financial economic history. Today, we learned about the Solow Model to calculate the GDP of a country based on inputs such as human capital as well as interesting concepts such as the Reverse casualty problem, which was really insightful to learn about.

12:00 PM: Classes are usually 1.5 hours long, so after class, I usually take 10-15 minutes to review my notes from class and complete any practice problems from the class. This week, it involved reviewing the midterm practice problems for our upcoming midterm as this period of the month before Spring break is usually midterm season.

1:00 PM: I head over to Kim’s food truck to meet up with a friend to grab lunch. Some of my other favorite food trucks around campus are Lyn's which has some of the best deal bagel sandwiches for a quick bite. After catching-up with my friend, I usually like to work with them to finish other class assignments or get tasks for clubs completed for the week so I don’t have to grind so much during the weekend when most of my clubs meet.

3:30 PM: Now, it’s time to walk to my Internet Law, Privacy, and Cybersecurity class, which is at Dinan Hall! The best part about Penn is its One University policy, where students can take courses even those that are not housed in their base home school. This class has been one of my favorite classes I’ve taken at Penn so far not only because of how engaging lectures are but also because of how applicable many of the concepts we learn during class are with the latest news. During these past 5 weeks, we’ve gotten to cover so much about different federal and state-level regulations, from privacy legal concepts and data breaches to the degree of free speech online. Especially with recent developments involving AI and online consumer privacy laws, I was really excited about taking this class to learn real-world cases. I’ve had zero previous knowledge about this field of law before, but each class has made me feel more knowledgeable and aware of problems that businesses face for compliance to such regulations. I absolutely love this class.

6:30 PM: After class is over, I like to head to the Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics to get work done. This is one of my favorite evening study spots. As someone who lives by her google calendar, as I go through different tasks throughout the day, it feels really nice to have one less item on my to-do list of the day to check-off! 

8:00 PM: I enjoy eating dinner alone as I love watching my favorite cooking shows - recently it was the Culinary Class Wars show - while eating dinner, but I also love spending dinner time catching up with a friend. Today, I had dinner with my lin. We ate at Sang Kee Noodle House, which was amazing as always, making me feel a little closer to home in Hong Kong.

9:00 PM: Typically, a lot of clubs meet during the late evenings as that time aligns the best with various students’ schedules. At this time, I head over to our Chapter GBM meeting.

10:30 PM: I walk back home and finish getting ready for the next day’s classes, completing any remaining life admin tasks after a quick catch-up with my roommates. We all like to work on the living room table so I love when I get to end my day talking with my roommates. 

Thanks for reading about my day :) As hard or packed some days may be, other days will feel much lighter and the community and people at Penn have made each tiring feel precious.

- Yoonjung C.

Senior Reflections: How to Write and Read

With the advent of AI technology, I read papers and homework assignments that are so clearly AI-generated every single day. But I know that the reason for this is not necessarily because of a student’s inability to write, but because of the belief that AI can write better than they can. I’m here to tell you that human creativity is the one thing AI has yet to replicate, and that your unique writing style is what makes you talented in the first place. So here’s some advice the next time you have to read a large book or write a daunting essay:

 Read book reviews, abstracts, and comments before the introduction – If you have a massive book sitting in front of you and can’t stay focused, then I highly recommend reading a book review of the piece. The author of the review will provide a summary of each chapter as well as what they thought worked well or not so well in the book. This is a fantastic way to get a general overview of the book’s content before jumping in. As one of my professors once wisely said, “Read the introduction and conclusion, and if you don’t believe the author, then read the rest of the book.”

 Learn how to skim – Reading each and every word is really only relevant when the thing you’re reading pertains to your exact area of study, but for anything else, skimming is the strategy to go. Good writers will begin each paragraph with the main idea of what content they’ll cover in that section, so you can quickly read the opening of each paragraph to get a gist of what they’re saying. This will cut your reading time in half and make sure you still know the content of the book/journal article.

Shorter is better – In line with what I just said about good authors, writing short, concise sentences is often the best strategy for engaging readers. Although beautiful prose has its time and place, when you only have a few thousand words or are taking an in-person exam, time is of the essence. Take whatever string of thoughts you have in your head and take out all the “fluff”, writing only what is essential to what you’re trying to say. This is easier said than done, but the more practice you have the better!

Save the introduction for last – This is dependent on your style, but I have found great success in jumping right into the body paragraphs and content before writing all the context. I will usually write down my central thesis and then take it from there, saving the introduction paragraph for last, that way I know exactly how to contextualize whatever I discussed. Although others prefer mapping out exactly what they’ll say in the beginning, this comes easier after you’ve written everything down already!

Cite your sources – This might seem like a given, but citations are oftentimes the forgotten piece of research writing. It is always better to over cite your sources than under cite them. Also, if you are using Chicago footnotes, you can add additional information in the citations that might not be completely relevant to the flow of your argument, but would contextualize certain things. DO NOT rely on AI for citations as they will make things up more often than not. Most scholarly sites (JSTOR, PubMed, EBSCO, Proquest, etc.) will have citation templates already prepared, so you just need to double check their formatting and copy and paste.

 And there you have some of the most essential advice on writing at the collegiate level! As you continue to write papers, you’ll find a style of writing that you prefer more than others. Never be afraid to look to some of your favorite scholarly works for inspiration on structure and prose. Writing is rewriting!

-Seyoon C.

History Class Recommendations

Introduction to Asian American History (HIST-1155): Of course, as someone who studies Asian American history, this class is a given must-take. I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to come from the same background as the subjects in a course in order to gain something from it – there’s something in this class that will appeal to anyone. From politics, to gender, religion, legal codes, or economics, Professor Azuma tailors this class in a way to excite everyone. This class changed my life, it’s what made me into a history major and dedicate my time at Penn to research. While it might not have such an intense effect on you, I guarantee you there will be a moment where you find yourself asking more questions. Lean into that curiosity and see where it takes you!

African History Before 1800 (HIST-0300): If I could give anyone a prize for best lecturer, it would be to Professor Babou. Every class I was mesmerized by the cadence of his voice, not to mention the incredible depth of the field he knew and the fascinating material itself. I was astounded by my ignorance of African history and how many intersections I see with communities elsewhere in the world. If you need to complete the history and tradition requirement, this is a strong class you must take!

Introduction to Korean Civilization (HIST-0860): In high school, we spent one day talking about the Korean war and that was the end of any discussion of Korea. It doesn’t even matter if you’re Korean or not, there is something to learn in any history course that can broaden your understanding of humanity and the present moment. Korea was a melting pot of culture, religion and exchange throughout the 20th century, so you’ll notice how it set the backdrop for so many policy shifts across the world even outside of Asia. Professor So-rim Lee is also a cinema scholar, so they always complement lectures with clips of famous movies/dramas to generate fruitful discussions. Highly recommend!

Pacific Worlds Vietnam (HIST-2555): This is a Penn Global Seminar course, so you’ll have the chance to travel to Vietnam during the summer! Professor Dickinson is probably one of the funniest professors I’ve had at Penn, and it’s been a pleasure working with him since my sophomore year. If the opportunity to travel to Asia doesn’t excite you already, the material of this course is absolutely fascinating and gives a fantastic overview of Vietnamese history, culture, and tradition away from the prevailing narratives of colonization and the Vietnam War.

The American People, the Great Depression, and the New Deal 1929-1942 (HIST-3166): If you’re more interested in American history, I guarantee you will love Professor Cebul’s class! It was an extremely thorough overview of the U.S during the early 20th century beyond discussions of WWII, providing economic, gender, religious, political, and other riveting themes during this tumultuous era.

Also, I really want to spread the word about some amazing centers on campus that host many historical lectures! The Center for East Asian Studies, the Kim Center for Korean Studies, the Center for the Study of Contemporary China, the History Department, and the Asian American Studies Center all offer mailing lists on their websites/social media that promote events. Always be on the lookout for history-related events as they are were the coolest people are :)

-Seyoon C.

Reflections after taking my very last College GenEd

As the first week of classes pass, one of the most awesome things about Penn is the Add/Drop period. This might mean waiting for a class to open up a seat on PennCourseAlert, but it also means having the chance to sit in different classes if you have not decided what GenEd you want to take. While major courses may feel more straightforward about what to choose, one of the best parts of the College is the GenEd curriculum, which allows students to take courses at any time of their college years to really develop their skills and perspective in both the humanities and sciences.

One of the GenEds that I took last semester was called “Books of Antiquity,” my very last GenEd to complete my College GenEds requirements. Previous to this course, I had never read a single piece of Greek or Roman literature. I had always known I wanted to but never pushed myself to find time to read a book. When I saw this course on Path@Penn during course registration period, the name of the course drew me: I did not have specific expectations beyond the idea that it would focus on classical literature. This class was a discussion based class, where we covered a wide range of Greek and Roman authors’ works, from Cicero, Catullus, Homer’s Iliad, Aristophanes’ Clouds, Ovid’s The Art of Love, Plato’s Symposium, Tacitus’ Agricola and Germania, Apuleius’ Apology, and the Book of Revelations! It was such an eye-opening class as we compared how different Greek and Roman authors’ employed different artistic license and looked at how various narratives shaped judgment and ideas about morality at the time when the work was written. Through the class, I got to not only meet a really sweet senior auditor, but also classmates from diverse backgrounds such as those in the School of Nursing and Wharton. Because of how the college GenEd brings in students from various academic disciplines, I love getting to learn how to think in different ways through listening to my peers’ insights. Moreover, I’m also so happy that I finally got to take a class with my pre-med friend, whom I have never gotten to take a class with because of our vastly different paths. Overall, this GenEd class turned out to be really enjoyable, not only because of the interesting conversations our professor guided us through but also because of how I learned so much about an area of study I had never stepped into before. 

- Yoonjung C.

How Penn Students Actually Choose Their Classes

Before coming to Penn, I assumed class registration would be pretty simple. You look through the course list, pick what sounds interesting, and hope it works out. In reality, choosing classes at Penn is much more strategic, and most students learn how to do it through experience, advice,and a little trial and error.

One of the most commonly used tools is Penn Course Review. Almost every student checks it before registering. It gives insight into how students rate the quality of a class, the professor, and the workload. While it does not tell the full story, it helps students get a realistic sense of what they are signing up for. Many students prioritize classes that are well rated and engaging.

Another major factor in course selection is advice from other students. Penn students rely heavily on their peers, especially upperclassmen who have already taken certain classes. Before registration opens, it is very common to ask friends how difficult a class actually is, whether the professor is fair, and how much time the workload takes each week. Those conversations often end up being more helpful than the course description itself.

The Daily Pennsylvanian also plays a surprisingly big role in how students plan their schedules. Every semester or year, the DP usually publishes an article highlighting classes that double count for both a sector and a foundational approach, as well as classes that are considered easier based on Penn Course Review data. These articles are especially popular during registration because they help students balance requirements while keeping their schedules manageable.

Another common strategy is taking intro level classes in departments students are curious about. Introductory classes are a low pressure way to explore a major or subject without fully committing. They help students figure out what they enjoy and often open the door to more advanced courses later on.

- Tsering S.

What Penn Taught Me That Wasn't On the Syllabus

Penn has taught me a lot academically, but some of the most meaningful lessons I have taken away never appeared on a syllabus. They came from navigating day to day life here and slowly learning how to take care of myself in a fast paced environment.

One of the first things Penn taught me was how to advocate for myself. No one is constantly checking in to make sure you are okay, and that can feel intimidating at first. Over time, though, you learn how to ask questions, go to office hours, speak up when something is not working, and reach out for help without feeling ashamed. That process of learning to speak up for yourself is uncomfortable at times, but it is a skill that stays with you long after college.

Along with that comes learning how to sit with uncertainty. At Penn, you will not always know exactly what you are doing or where you are headed, and that can be unsettling. Being in an environment where there is no clear roadmap forces you to trust yourself a little more each day. You learn how to keep moving forward even when things are unclear, and that lesson becomes one of the most valuable ones you carry with you.

Penn also pushed me to rethink how I define success. Being surrounded by ambitious people can make comparison feel unavoidable, and for quite some time I measured myself against others. Over time, I learned that success at Penn looks different for everyone. Sometimes it is landing an opportunity, but other times it is choosing rest, protecting your balance, or simply getting through a difficult week. What made all of this manageable was community. The people you surround yourself with shape your experience more than any class ever could. Friends, mentors, and small pockets of belonging are what make an intense environment feel supportive and human.

If you are considering Penn, know that what you learn here goes far beyond academics. Some of the most important lessons happen quietly, in moments you do not expect, and they stay with you long after you leave campus.

- Tsering S.

What I'd tell my high school self before applying to Penn

If I could sit down with my high school self before applying to Penn, she would probably bestressed, overthinking every decision, and convinced that one acceptance letter would determine her entire future. The first thing I would tell her is this: you do not need to have everything figured out. It might feel like everyone else applying to Penn has a clear plan and a perfectly curated application, but that is not true. Most students arrive still unsure of what they want to study or who they want to become. Penn is a place where exploration is normal, even if it does not alwayslook that way from the outside. Changing your mind is not a failure here. It is part of the process.

I would also tell my high school self that Penn is not just one type of experience. From afar, it can seem intense and overly competitive. That version of Penn exists, but it is not the whole story. Penn is also quiet mornings on campus, supportive mentors, late night conversations withfriends, and communities that make a very large school feel personal. You get to decide which version of Penn you engage with.

Another thing I would say is to stop trying to sound impressive in your application and start sounding honest. The strongest applications are not the ones that list the most achievements. They are the ones that feel self aware and genuine. Admissions officers are not looking for someone who already fits perfectly into Penn. They are looking for people who are curious, thoughtful, and ready to grow.

I would also be honest about this: Penn will challenge your confidence before it builds it back up. You may no longer feel like the smartest person in every room. You might struggle in ways you did not expect. That does not mean you do not belong. In fact, that discomfort often means you are learning.

If you are a high school student thinking about applying to Penn, know this. You do not need to arrive with everything figured out. Penn is a place where growth happens gradually, through experience and time.

- Tsering S.

Ode to Grommons

When I moved out of Hill after freshman year, I didn’t think much about the fact that I wouldn’t be living on top of a dining hall anymore. It seemed like a small detail at the time, but pretty quickly I realized how inconvenient it was to not have food or basic supplies just a few steps away. That’s when I discovered Grommons, the little grocery store tucked under 1920 Commons, and it’s honestly become one of my favorite places on campus.

It’s basically my one-stop shop now. If I get sick, I head straight there for cold medicine or allergy meds. If I need a quick caffeine fix, they always have cold brew ready to grab. And the real game-changer has been the meal exchanges. Instead of hunting around for somewhere to use them on a busy day, I can just pick up what I need at Grommons and store it in my room for later. It sounds like a small thing, but it makes eating during hectic weeks so much easier.

Because I don’t live in a building with a dining hall anymore, having a place like Grommons nearby has saved me so much time and stress. It’s convenient, reliable, and open exactly when I need it to be. I never thought I’d feel this strongly about a campus mini-mart, but here we are. Grommons has basically become the unofficial extension of my kitchen, and I’m grateful for it every single week.

- Robin A.

Creativity in Curriculum

One of my favorite parts of the College of Arts and Sciences is the opportunity for students to customize their schedule with classes that are both interesting and worthwhile. For me, some of my courses have given me tips to improve my time here at Penn, while not being within the same realm as my majors. One of these classes was WRIT 0390: Chess And/As Life. This class was a writing seminar; courses that teach you the main foundations of writing research papers, while also focusing on subjects that students find appealing. For me, Chess And/As Life focused on chess. I absolutely love chess, and play it often during my free time, therefore, having the opportunity to take this class grabbed my attention immediately. Here, we did our research about the game overall and its many factions: How is it portrayed in the media? How is chess viewed in different cultures?Is chess really a symbol of intellect or a response to sudden trends?. There were also times where the professor bought chess boards for us to play before the start of academic breaks. Overall, this class gave me the tools to write a strong analysis, while also enjoying something I truly enjoy.  

- Zoe M.

Arts AND Sciences: Favorite Humanities Classes as a Student in the Sciences

Penn’s College, by virtue of its name, consists of two principle parts: The Arts and the Sciences.As a VIPER junior studying physics and material science, I couldn’t be deeper into the branch of the sciences. Yet, much like many of my peers, the humanities as part of the college’s breadth requirement quickly changed from my most feared classes to my most memorable. Below are three of my favorite humanities courses I’ve taken at Penn, in no particular order!

1. HIST/COML: Foundations of European Thought

Beginning with the dawn of recorded European thinking, this course traces the evolution and influence of ancient European thought and its integration into society. From Cicero to the humanists, this course exposed me to so many interesting ideas from centuries prior that echo the sociopolitical situations of today.

2. ENGL: Dark Academia

A super cool first-year seminar (class tailored to first-year students!) on the key books andthemes of literature that influenced the #darkacademia trend. I knew from the very beginning of reading the course description that this class would be one of my favorites. Incredibly memorable it indeed was, from The Secret History to Babel, as we explored the underlying concepts of power, religion, and class hidden behind the mysterious digital aesthetics of dark academia.

3. THAR: Introduction to Acting

In contrast to many of my other classes, Introduction to Acting focused on getting me out of myseat and on the mainstage floor through all sorts of exercises, activities, and hands-on acting.This made it, without doubt, the most fun class of my sophomore spring semester, and a strong recommendation I have for anyone of any major.

I came to Penn knowing that I had any interests beyond my major that I wanted to explore, andthe general education requirement I’ve found to be a hugely rewarding way of both trying new subjects and building off of existing ones. These classes have introduced me to new ideas and ways of thinking, and allowed me to polish up on skills that would be otherwise unpracticed.

At the end of the day, the college is built off of two pillars: the arts and the sciences. And while I am much deeper into the latter, my experience has strongly convinced me that both —and the integration of the two— are superbly fun and undoubtedly valuable.

- Tony T.

Intro to Data Science

When I signed up for POLI 1800, the intro to data science class, I had basically no coding experience. I’d never opened RStudio before and I definitely didn’t think of myself as someone who would ever write code on purpose. I took the class because it sounded useful, not because I thought it would become a major part of my academic life.

By the end of the semester, something completely unexpected happened. I got comfortable with R. Really comfortable. I started using it for other classes, including full final papers where I collected data, cleaned it, made graphics, and ran models without feeling lost. I even used R in my application to PORES and a few other research positions, and it actually helped me stand out. I went from barely knowing what a vector was to being someone who relies on R every week.

And then there was the other surprise. Somewhere between debugging code and going over problem sets, I realized my professor and I were both huge baseball fans. What started as a random baseball reference in class turned into regular conversations about stats, lineups, and the misery and joy of following a team over a long season. That connection made the class feel smaller and more personal, and it also helped open doors to other political science opportunities I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

- Robin A.

Here comes December!

As the trees of Locust Walk shed their last leaves and the spirit of Thanksgiving comes and goes, winter slowly and inevitably makes its mark on campus. With it comes not only Christmas lights, the hope of snow, and cozier scarfs and mittens, but also a just-as-inevitable end of the semester: winter is the season of cold, and winter is the season of final exams.

Luckily, if there’s anything about the Penn student body, it is that the passion and fun of student life conquers all. Exams are no exception – December remains decorated with activities and events that encourage community and activity during what is a stressful time for many.

For one, what better way to re-energize than free food? Study breaks offered by the respective class boards or departments offer all sorts of food, snacks, and merchandise. They are also areally good way to catch up with friends who you haven’t seen all semester!

The college office and all of Penn’s learning centers also remain incredibly supportive resources. From open office hours, extended staffings, or additional workshops, professors, advisors, or experienced students offer help with open arms.

Lastly, of course, there is Light Up Locust, the must-see event of December, where the holiday lights of Locust Walk are turned on for the winter season. With a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and an Insomnia cookie in the other, the nights —or, by now, the mid-afternoons— won’t be so dark anymore!

- Tony T.

Casual Networking

When I got into Penn in Washington, I figured the tough part was over. Pretty quickly, I realized the harder part was actually getting started. I knew I had to write cover letters, get ready for interviews, and somehow “network,” but I didn’t really know what that looked like in real life. I kept putting it off because it all felt a little intimidating.

Then something simple ended up changing everything. After my Legal Studies class one day, I stayed for a minute to ask my professor about an in-class exercise. We talked about the assignment, then about some of his research, and eventually I mentioned that I’d be in D.C. the next semester and was trying to narrow down what kind of work I wanted to do. I told him I was interested in politics, law, and especially the world of campaign finance.

He paused for a second and said he served on the board of a think tank that worked on those exact issues. I looked it up later and it was basically the perfect match for what I’d been hoping to find. I hadn’t planned on getting career advice that day. I was literally just asking about a class activity.

That conversation showed me something I hadn’t understood before. Networking doesn’t have to be a big, stressful performance. Sometimes it’s just talking to people you already see every week and being honest about what you’re interested in. Penn is full of professors and mentors who want to help. You just have to give yourself the space to connect with them.

- Robin A.

Penn’s Perfect Location - How I spend Random 2 to 3 hour Blocks of Times During the Day

With the advanced registration period wrapped up and our preliminary schedules released, I’ve started imagining what my days will look like. I’ve been thinking ahead to next semester and planning out how I’ll use the different pockets of time throughout my day. As a college student, my days usually bounce between classes, home, and meetings. However, every once in a while, I’ll find myself with a random 2 to 3 hour block of time. Even though an hour or two isn’t enough for a full adventure into Center City, Penn’s location in University City means there’s always plenty to explore within a quick 15-minute walk. Here’s some of my favorite ways to spend that in-between hour around campus:

1. Global Cuisine Scene
If you’re a foodie like me, the food scene around campus will not disappoint! Even within a short walk from campus, there are so many cuisine options. Since eating out can be expensive, there’s always a lot of food truck options too to pick up something quick along Spruce or Walnut street. Some of my favorites are the Halal carts, Tacos Don Memo, and Kim’s Chinese food, which always hit right at my cravings. If I have a little more time, I would go with a friend and try a new cuisine spot nearby. Just a few weeks ago, I tried a new spot, Abyssinia, which had amazing Ethiopian food, only a few blocks from campus. It’s amazing how walking just a few blocks from campus always reveals so many new food spots I didn’t notice before.

2. Trader Joe’s Run
Friday morning Trader Joe’s Runs! I love how Trader Joe’s is just a short 20 minute walk from campus. Going on a grocery run Trader Joe’s trip is always one of my favorite weekday activities. Just yesterday, I went to pick up some of their newly dropped snacks. It’s a productive little errand for grocery shopping but feels like a nice break!

3. Cozy Cafes to Lock-in
Whenever I have 2 - 3 hour chunks of time throughout the week, I love spending time working productively. There are so many good options to study around campus, from popular places like Board & Brew to Madis Coffee Roasters, Knockbox, Paris Baguette, and Top Hat Coffee Lounge. These cafe spots around campus are perfect for locking in to get an assignment done in the cozy, coffee shop atmosphere.

4. Farmer’s Market Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, there’s a small farmer’s market area right by the Penn Bookstore with some of the most amazing cookies, savory baked goods, bread loafs, and fresh produce, a truly perfect little treat between classes in the midday. With my economics classes at 8:30 and 10:15 located right next to this area, that little break in between has become one of my favorite parts of Wednesday mornings.

Whether it’s a quick Trader Joe’s run or going cafe hopping, I love how Penn’s surroundings are filled with little hidden gems you can enjoy with just a couple of free hours :)

- Yoonjung C.

Submatriculation 101

Submatriculation programs, broadly defined, allows undergraduate students to take graduate level courses alongside their normal coursework to partially/fully complete a masters degree when they graduate. These programs also encompass a great deal of disciplines, from philosophy, criminology, or english to linguistics, mathematics, or biology. Personally, I’m submatriculating (or “submatting” as Penn students call it) in the East Asian Languages and Civilizations department, which I decided upon in my junior year.

There are certainly some pros and cons to consider when thinking about pursuing such programs, and I’ve highlighted some of my personal insights below:

●      Cost - Your financial aid will apply to any graduate level courses you take, provided that you enroll in them whilst still finishing up your undergraduate degree. This has allowed me to take the majority of graduate courses, which are normally significantly costlier than undergraduate courses, for virtually free. Hence why so many students, myself included, work to finish their M.A and their B.A simultaneously so they don’t have to pay out of pocket. Also, you still have to be taking majority undergraduate courses in order for your financial aid to still count.

●      Extra semester/year - That being said however, the majority of students find it very challenging to plan out their semesters years in advance, and for some programs it's just plain impossible. So the majority of submatriculation students, in my circles at least, stay an extra semester or two in order to finish the M.A, which is still saving a lot of money/time. For some STEM programs though, like medical physics, students usually stay a minimum of two extra years.

●      Rushed feeling - Some of my professors actually discouraged me from submatriculating because in their opinions, taking your time to finish a masters program would put you in much better shape if you wanted to pursue a PhD than rushing through it in undergrad. To an extent, I can see and agree where they’re coming from, but since the program was basically no cost to me, I decided to go through with it. It is advisable for some disciplines to pursue another M.A in order to best prepare you for the rigor of PhD programs.

●      Community - Honestly, one of the best things about submatriculating was meeting all of my graduate student friends and being able to escape the undergraduate bubble. I’ve met some of the best people ever in courses and since the class sizes are quite small, it’s a great way to make friends, find out about cool opportunities, and grow as a person.

So there you have it! Submatriculating certainly comes with pros and cons, but it is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate your education to the next level. I highly recommend consulting with your academic advisors before making any decisions. Best of luck!

– Seyoon C.

My VIPER Journey

As I stood behind my table during NSO this year, chatting with energetic students, I wassuddenly hit by a wave of nostalgia. It felt crazy to think that just two years ago, I was on the other side of that table—nervous, eager, and full of questions about Penn, about community,about academics, and about life beyond that high school that had been my entire living experience so far. Now, as a junior in VIPER, it was my turn to share my story. I realized just how far I'd come and how much VIPER, in the intertwining of its invaluable, rigorous program and its multitalented, tight-knit community, has shaped the formative early years of my college experience.

For a high school student who had never seen Penn before, I instantly found a home in VIPER.It was far more than an academic classification, but rather it was about being part of aclose-knit, supportive community passionate about making a difference in energy and theenvironment. This community aspect of VIPER has probably been the best part of my Pennexperience. From late-night exam cram sessions in the VIPER lounge (to let you in on a secret:

VIPER lounge is snack-stocked!) to weekly lunch hangouts over the summer, it's been amazingto be part of a group that's so close and supportive. As opposed to any other major community, VIPER is unique in its interdisciplinary nature: you find yourself working with people from all different backgrounds —chemists, physicists, mechanical, electrical, material engineers— all driven by a shared passion for solving big energy challenges.

Another thing I love about VIPER is how integrated it is with the broader Penn community. Looking back, I was admittedly slightly worried: would such an academically rigorous program allow me the opportunity to pursue my diverse other interests? It turns out the concern was completely wrong, for reality was clearly different: VIPER students were actively involved in all sorts of incredible activity groups across campus, from cultural to social to arts to professional.

Now, as the sitting president of MSE Society and one of the chairs of the Chinese Student Association, VIPER's openness encouraged me to jump into cool, fulfilling, and incredibly fun leadership roles all around campus. It is our strength in tightness but also far reaching individual branches that make VIPER such an impactful community.

As I spoke with potential students, I saw myself in their simultaneous mixture of excitement and uncertainty. I hope sharing my own VIPER journey, all the way from high school, helps them picture their futures here, and I cannot imagine the even tighter bonds and brighter horizons they will see as the new generation of VIPERs.

- Tony T.