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.