More than 200 people gathered in the Julia Powell Auditorium on Monday evening to attend a presentation by the University of Pennsylvania.Ms Jordan Pascucci, Vice Dean and Director of Admissions, gave pupils, parents and staff an informative overview of student life, the university’s values and the admissions process.She encouraged pupils to submit genuine applications that reflect their suitability not only for Penn’s academic standards but also for its community and city campus environment. Ms Pascucci explained that admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of all parts of an application — including personal statements, the gratitude section, references and academic results — rather than focusing solely on high test scores or heavily edited essays. During her remarks, Ms Pascucci invoked the words of the University of Pennsylvania’s founder, Benjamin Franklin: “When the world needs you, what will you become?” — a question that continues to inspire the university’s approach to education and personal growth.The talk concluded with a helpful question-and-answer session, during which Ms Pascucci reassured attendees that international students continue to be as welcomed as ever at leading US institutions.Afterwards, Mr and Mrs Juan Urdaneta kindly hosted parents and pupils at their home for the The Wharton School reunion.We would like to thank Ms Jordan Pascucci for an engaging presentation, which we hope will inspire even more Runnymedians to apply to the University of Pennsylvania.
