Receiving an invitation to interview with the University of Pennsylvania is an exciting step in the admissions process. Penn values interdisciplinary thinking, real-world problem solving, and intellectual curiosity, and the interview gives you a chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores.
This guide will help you understand what to expect from the Penn interview, how to prepare, what interviewers look for, and tips to stand out. Later, we’ll provide a full list of sample questions with guidance on how to answer them.
Understanding the UPenn Interview
Penn interviews are conducted by alumni volunteers through the Penn Alumni Interview Program. Unlike formal assessments, the interviews are conversational, meant to explore your interests, experiences, and how you might contribute to Penn’s community. Most interviews last around 30–45 minutes and are often conducted virtually, though in-person interviews are possible depending on location.
The focus of the conversation is not on memorized facts or achievements. Interviewers want to hear your perspective, your experiences, and how you think about challenges, opportunities, and real-world applications of your passions.
Who Receives a UPenn Interview?
Not all applicants are offered interviews. Availability depends largely on the presence of alumni volunteers in a given region. Penn often prioritizes interviews for students who show interest in interdisciplinary programs or who live in areas with active alumni networks.
It’s important to note that not receiving an interview does not negatively affect your application. The interview is optional, but when available, it is a valuable opportunity to showcase your personality and intellectual curiosity.
What UPenn Interviewers Are Looking For
Penn interviewers tend to focus on qualities that can be difficult to fully convey on paper:
Interdisciplinary Thinking
Penn encourages students to explore across schools, whether the College of Arts & Sciences, Wharton, Engineering, or Nursing. Interviewers are interested in how you connect ideas, integrate knowledge, and approach problems creatively.
Real-World Application
They want to see how you take what you learn and apply it, whether in projects, community initiatives, or problem-solving scenarios.
Curiosity and Engagement
Intellectual curiosity is key. Interviewers notice applicants who ask thoughtful questions, show interest in new areas, and express excitement about learning beyond the classroom.
Self-Awareness
Penn values students who reflect on personal experiences, growth, and challenges. Being able to articulate what you’ve learned from your experiences helps interviewers see your potential for development and contribution.
How to Prepare for the UPenn Interview
Because the Penn interview is flexible and conversational, preparation focuses on self-reflection, research, and storytelling rather than memorized answers. Here’s how to prepare effectively:
1. Reflect on Your Experiences
Think about projects, leadership roles, or personal experiences that shaped your perspective. Be ready to discuss your choices, motivations, and how these experiences connect to your interests and goals.
2. Research
Familiarize yourself with opportunities that align with your interests:
- The One University philosophy that allows cross-school exploration
- Undergraduate research and experiential learning programs
- Interdisciplinary initiatives connecting multiple fields
- Community engagement programs in Philadelphia
Understanding these aspects shows your genuine interest and helps you explain why Penn is a fit for you.
3. Prepare Your Story
Be ready to discuss what excites you intellectually and personally. Interviewers often ask why you chose certain activities or classes or how you’ve pursued your interests outside the classroom. Authenticity matters more than perfection.
4. Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have a chance to ask your own questions. Focus on topics like collaboration between schools, research opportunities, or student life in Philadelphia. Thoughtful questions show engagement and curiosity.
5. Practice Conversational Skills
The interview is a conversation, not a test. Practice talking about your experiences naturally, and avoid memorizing answers.
UPenn Interview Questions + Answers
Get ready for your interview with these common Penn interview questions and expert tips on how to craft thoughtful, authentic answers.
Why the University of Pennsylvania?
Be specific and thoughtful. Mention programs, professors, or traditions that inspire you, such as the One University Policy, interdisciplinary research, or the energy of Philadelphia. Explain how these connect to your goals and learning style. Penn interviewers want to see that you understand what makes the university distinctive and why its mix of academic rigor, real-world application, and community involvement fits your personality and ambitions.
Tell me about something that keeps you up at night.
Choose a problem, idea, or question that genuinely interests you. It might be a global issue, a moral challenge, or a scientific mystery. Explain why it matters and how you think about it. Penn values students who show intellectual depth, empathy, and a desire to apply knowledge toward improving the world.
Who do you admire most at Penn or in your intended field?
Choose a professor, researcher, entrepreneur, or alum whose path resonates with you. Explain what you respect about their mindset or contributions and how they shape your goals. This shows you understand Penn’s community and connect inspiration with action through research, service learning, internships, or creative projects on and off campus.
Which professor would you want to do research with and why?
Research a specific professor or lab at Penn that excites you. Describe what part of their work interests you and how your skills or interests could contribute to it. The key is to show genuine engagement with real research and how Penn’s collaborative environment would help you develop your ideas.
What is our motto, and how does that resonate with you?
Penn’s motto, “Laws without morals are useless,” reflects the university’s belief that knowledge must be guided by ethics and purpose. Explain how this resonates with your values and how you have applied this idea through academics, service, or leadership. Interviewers want students who combine intellect with integrity and social awareness.
How do you handle stress or balance your time?
Explain how you stay organized and maintain perspective when your workload increases. Mention specific habits such as planning, physical activity, or reflection. Penn appreciates students who manage time and pressure with maturity and who find balance between productivity and personal well-being.
What will you bring to the Penn community and campus?
Emphasize qualities such as empathy, leadership, and collaboration. Give examples of how you have helped others or improved your community. Penn seeks students who uplift peers, contribute to campus life, and embody the spirit of service and inclusion.
What are your top three extracurricular activities?
Highlight three activities that show commitment and leadership. Briefly describe your role in each and what you learned about collaboration, initiative, or creativity. Penn appreciates students who pursue their interests with depth and dedication.
What would a teacher say about you?
Reflect on how teachers describe your work ethic and character. Use examples that show curiosity, kindness, or leadership in class. Penn interviewers want to hear that you make a positive impact in academic settings and value mentorship.
What is a problem in the world that you most want to solve?
Select an issue that genuinely motivates you, such as sustainability, health equity, or education access. Explain why it matters and how you would approach it. Penn seeks students who combine empathy with innovation to create practical solutions.
If it were up to you alone to solve this problem, how would you start?
Outline the first realistic steps you would take, such as conducting research, forming partnerships, or raising awareness. Penn values imagination paired with practicality and initiative grounded in action.
What kind of environment helps you learn best?
Reflect on the settings where you thrive, such as group discussions, open labs, or community projects. Relate this to how you would engage at Penn. Interviewers want to understand how you learn and contribute in collaborative academic spaces.
Tell me about a book I should read.
Recommend a book that connects to your interests or values. Explain briefly why it stands out and what lessons it offers. Penn interviewers appreciate curiosity and thoughtfulness in how students engage with new ideas.
Can you share an example of a time you took a leadership role?
Describe a time when you stepped up to guide others toward a goal. Explain what motivated you and what you learned about responsibility. Penn appreciates leaders who empower others and lead through empathy and example.
If you could have lunch with any Penn alum, who and why?
Mention a specific alum whose path reflects your aspirations. Explain what you admire about their achievements and what you would ask them. This shows awareness of Penn’s influence and curiosity about connecting inspiration with purpose.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced or a time you failed?
Describe a moment of challenge or failure and what you learned from it. Focus on growth and resilience. Penn respects students who show maturity, humility, and the ability to adapt.
What is one part of campus that you are most excited about?
Choose a place, program, or experience at Penn that genuinely inspires you. It could be the Kelly Writers House, the Singh Center for Nanotechnology, the Perry World House, or the Quad’s community atmosphere. Explain what draws you to it and how it connects to your goals or interests. Penn interviewers want to see that you have explored the university beyond rankings and can already picture yourself engaging with its spaces and people in meaningful ways.
You find out your roommate is cheating on his exams. What do you do?
Describe how you would handle the situation with honesty, empathy, and integrity. Explain that you would speak privately with your roommate first to understand the circumstances, encourage them to take responsibility, and remind them of the importance of academic honesty. If the behavior continued, you would take appropriate action by seeking guidance from a resident advisor or faculty member. Penn interviewers value ethics, maturity, and the ability to act with fairness while maintaining respect and accountability within the community.
Tell me something about you that nobody knows about.
Choose a story, interest, or quality that reveals depth or personality beyond your résumé. It could be a hidden talent, a quiet routine that keeps you grounded, a meaningful childhood memory, or a personal tradition that brings you joy. For example, maybe you write poetry in another language, collect postcards from every place you visit, or love fixing things around the house. Penn interviewers appreciate authenticity and enjoy learning about the small, human details that make you unique, humble, and memorable.
What do you do for fun?
Be genuine. Share what you enjoy doing, whether it is sports, art, music, or spending time with friends. Explain how these interests keep you balanced. Penn values students who bring energy and joy to campus life.
If you could design a class at Penn, what would it be and why?
Imagine a course that combines your interests in a unique way. Explain what topics it would explore and what students could gain from it. Penn values creativity, interdisciplinary thinking, and a willingness to connect fields such as business, technology, policy, or art to solve complex problems.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind after your time at Penn?
Discuss how you want to make a lasting contribution to the Penn community, whether through leadership, mentorship, research, or service. Focus on how your impact would reflect Penn’s values of knowledge for good, civic engagement, and collaboration. Interviewers want to see a student who aims to build a meaningful and lasting presence on campus.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Select strengths that reflect Penn’s collaborative, curious, and community-oriented culture. You might highlight qualities like intellectual curiosity, empathy, leadership, or persistence. Provide a specific example that shows how these traits appear in your life, such as leading a team project, mentoring younger students, or exploring a new research topic out of personal interest. Penn interviewers want to see that your strengths contribute to both personal success and the success of those around you.
When discussing weaknesses, choose one that shows self-awareness and a genuine effort toward growth. For example, you might admit that you sometimes take on too many responsibilities because you want to help others, but you are learning to prioritize and delegate effectively. Another example could be public speaking anxiety and how you joined a debate or presentation based club to build confidence. You might also mention that you used to hesitate in asking for help but now understand that collaboration often leads to better outcomes. Penn values students who recognize areas for improvement, take initiative to grow, and turn challenges into opportunities for development.
What concerns you about college?
Be honest but positive. Mention an area such as managing time or adapting to independence, then explain how you plan to handle it. Penn interviewers appreciate students who anticipate challenges and prepare thoughtfully.
How did you prepare for Penn while in high school?
Discuss how you challenged yourself academically and pursued learning beyond school. Mention independent projects, clubs, or experiences that show initiative. Penn values students who take ownership of their learning and seek opportunities to apply it.
What activities would you participate in at Penn?
Name specific clubs, centers, or student initiatives that interest you. Explain why they fit your goals and how you would contribute. Penn values students who already imagine themselves active in its academic and social community.
What first sparked your interest in applying to Penn?
Discuss the first time you learned about Penn’s culture or mission and how it connected with your goals. Perhaps it was interdisciplinary learning, the urban setting, or a research opportunity. Show how your interest has grown into a purposeful commitment.
What is something you have recently learned outside of school?
Share a topic, idea, or skill you explored independently. Explain why it interested you and what you discovered. Penn interviewers enjoy hearing about self-motivated learning and curiosity that goes beyond the classroom.
Conclusion
The University of Pennsylvania interview is not about impressing the interviewer. It’s about sharing your story and showing who you are as a thinker, learner, and community member. Approaching it with authenticity, reflection, and curiosity will help you make the most of this opportunity. Preparation matters, but your personality and genuine engagement matter more.
If you want personalized guidance, expert feedback, or help preparing strong answers to sample questions, HelloCollege and our expert team of counselors can help.
Schedule a one-on-one Penn interview coaching session today and walk into your interview ready to share your story with confidence and clarity.
