> Why are we objectively the best for anyone? Gah... I hope that has never been an actual question. That's terrible. From http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/appl

> Why are we objectively the best for anyone? Gah... I hope that has never been an actual question. That's terrible. From http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/whatpennlooksfor/essays http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/whatpennlooksfor/essay... The current questions on the common app are: Common Application Essay Prompts for 2016 - 2017 (250-650 words) 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? 4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. 5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. And the Penn-specific question is: 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) *For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree programs, please answer this question in regards to your single-degree school choice. Interest in coordinated dual-degree programs will be addressed through those program-specific essays. Have they changed since you last saw them? These all seem reasonable.