Application Instructions: Writing a Strong Personal Statement
——— This content was revised June, 2024 ———————————
As part of your admissions application to a Penn Engineering Online degree program, you’ll need to write a personal statement—an essay designed to help us get to know the real person behind your grades and test scores. A strong personal statement can tip the scales in your favor, so we encourage you to give it your best effort.
What is the personal statement?
The personal statement is a 1,000-1,500 word essay that answers the following questions for your selected program. We encourage you to include detailed, specific examples from your academic, research or industry work if possible.
- What makes you interested in this degree program?
- How will you benefit from the program?
- Why will you succeed in the program?
- How will you contribute to the community?
- How do you plan to incorporate an average of 15 hours per week per course of studies into your lifestyle?
- Please describe your career goals and how the curriculum will help to achieve them.
- For MCIT Online applicants only: Given that the program is designed for people without a CS background, if you feel that your resume could be perceived as overqualified, please explain why MCIT Online is right for you.
Reapplicants:
If you have already applied to a Penn Engineering Online degree program in the past, please address this additional required question in your personal statement essay (250 words):
- Please discuss any updates to your candidacy since you last applied (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements). If after reading our online materials you think your application may have been perceived as overqualified, please explain why this program is right for you.
How can I make my personal statement stand out?
Write authentically, from the heart. Express your passion for computer science and explain why you are a good fit for the program. We won’t have the opportunity to interview you, so the personal statement is your chance to showcase your strengths and explain discrepancies.
- Address potential weaknesses in your application. Are there gaps or inconsistent grades in your academic history, particularly in quantitative ability? Use the personal statement to provide context—and to give examples of how you will do better. It’s also an opportunity to explain why you’re a good fit for the program even if you appear to be overqualified.
- Read the questions carefully. A personal statement that doesn’t fully address the questions could hurt your chances of admittance.
- Explain how you will manage your time during the program. Each course requires a commitment of about 15-18 hours a week. How will you juggle that with your other commitments, especially if you are currently enrolled in another degree program?
- Share your accomplishments. Have you done any online learning or taken additional coursework to prepare for the program? The personal statement is an opportunity to highlight those achievements.
- Get a second opinion. Once you’ve written a draft, ask someone who knows you well to read it. An extra set of eyes is essential to help you avoid typos and make a clear and compelling case for your candidacy.
Learn More
Get more tips on letters of recommendation by watching our Application Guide or by browsing our collection of recent Admissions Webinar Recordings. You can find additional support by exploring our comprehensive FAQs. You can also contact us at any time to connect directly with our team for support as you work on assembling your application — we’d love to hear from you!