Empowerly

Student profile

How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying. (400-650 words)

I have my lunch packed, my backpack filled, and my father at my side. Before we part ways he gives me a kiss on the cheek and tells me to have a wonderful day. While he walks in one direction to Wharton, and I walk in the other to preschool, our hearts stay set on the same path of  learning and discovery. As a newly certified doctor, my father’s education at The Wharton School allowed him to pursue an interdisciplinary approach to medicine. At the University of Pennsylvania, I intend to engage in my own interdisciplinary studies as I pursue a major in Psychology and chart an innovative path to becoming a doctor. Utilizing Penn’s traditional academic strength will enable me to explore my intellectual interests through a major in psychology, undergraduate research, and cultural organizations.

Pursuing a major in psychology will provide me with an interdisciplinary perspective and enhance my effectiveness as a physician. I first realized that psychological knowledge could contribute to my goal of becoming an excellent doctor while doing research with the NIH. Because I conducted a study that examined chronic stress responses in young children, I witnessed the stress people can experience after undergoing complicated and involved medical procedures. My scientific investigation helped me to see that understanding and reducing the stress of patients has a wide variety of medical and personal benefits. At the University of Pennsylvania, I plan on expanding the benefits of my future patients by enhancing my own knowledge of human cognition at North America's oldest continuously-functioning psychology department. Not only will I benefit from a rich tradition of academic excellence, but I will be able to study under distinguished professors, such as Dianne Chambless, who share my desire to develop cognitive therapies for patients experiencing stress and anxiety.  

In addition to my interests within the classroom, the University of Pennsylvania’s standing as a top-tier urban research institution will help me realize my goals as a researcher. At Penn, I will be able to take advantage of the university’s location to continue my previous research with people from a wide array of demographic backgrounds. Also, I could use my findings to develop treatments for young patients undergoing stressful medical procedures. In addition, participating in programs such as the Summer Undergraduate Minority Research Program will allow me to explore scientific interests within the field of biotechnology to complement my passion for investigating psychological principles. This undergraduate research will contribute to my overarching goal of becoming a physician by improving my understanding of modern medical technologies and treatments.

Finally, I plan to enrich myself both socially and academically through various cultural centers at the University of Pennsylvania. Coming from a diverse background that includes both African-American and Hispanic heritage, I have always strived to connect with the cultures that make me who I am. At Penn, I will be able to deepen this connection through both the Center for Hispanic Excellence and the Makuu Black Cultural Center. By interacting with my peers in these communities, I will not only be able to enhance the understanding I have of my own heritage, but widen my perspective of the world, allowing me to better appreciate the cultural backgrounds of the patients I will encounter while offering treatments to address their medical needs.  

As I continue on my academic journey, Penn’s tradition of academic rigor and innovation will enable me to successfully pursue my dream of becoming a physician. As a young child, I watched in awe as my father completed his education at The Wharton School. This coming fall, I hope to follow in his footsteps by realizing my own dreams at the University of Pennsylvania.