by
Via Lim
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.
I have always had a passion for art and design. Visual art has always been my strength since I picked up a crayon at two years old; I would like to pursue a career in the artistic field.
I had always admired the great cathedrals, towers and buildings of Europe I saw when I travelled frequently as a child. My inspiration comes from observation, so my experiences as a traveller and an immigrant influenced me greatly. The diverse environment around me prompted my curiosity and desire to explore further; I became a natural creator.
From my high school experience, my strengths involved innovative thinking, creative writing, and hands-on projects. I studied graphic design and woodworks in early years of high school, and it was my favorite course because it involved practical making as well as mechanical engineering and designing. The applied design subject provoked my interest in architecture, because it combined my passion for art and my aptitude for problem solving.
University of Pennsylvania is one of the few universities in the United States that offer Visual Studies as a major, and I believe that it is a perfect program for me to develop my academic and artistic skills. Visual Studies at Penn combines a variety of my interests such as design, visual art, architecture, communication, philosophy and psychology; I was stunned and extremely pleased to find a program that satisfies all of my academic interests.
In addition, Penn provides students with the freedom to choose a variety of courses with its interdisciplinary programs. I am particularly interested in pursuing a minor or a dual degree program, and the College of Arts and Sciences would offer me endless opportunities with its incredible range of courses.
Having grown up in various countries, I could not imagine life without diversity. I have met people of different religion, race and culture, which helped me to broaden my perspective. The culturally diverse and accepting environment at Penn is what appeals to me. I would love to have the chance to interact with unique personalities that would keep me engaged and cultivated. I wish to utilize the various Cultural Resource Centers such as the PAACH and the Women’s Center and join the numerous associations, clubs and organizations to build on my high school extracurricular activities. I am especially keen on being a part of musical, artistic, cultural and activist groups.
Another aspect of Penn I admire is the university’s urban location. I would be able to utilize the resources of Philadelphia, a large city with a plethora of opportunities. As an art student, I would love to visit its fantastic galleries and museums. Philadelphia’s suburban landscape, the combination of bustling city life and beautiful parks, would inspire me greatly in my artistic pursuits.
I believe Penn’s rigorous academic curriculum would challenge me while its extensive programs and interactive departments make an exceptional experience.