I froze like a deer caught in headlights. I could feel hundreds of eyes on me, waiting. My mind raced. My heart pounded as I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. What should I say? I cleared my throat nervously, stepping up to the microphone and frantically trying to think logically. I began: Graphaspasm. G-R-A-P-H-A-S-P-A-S-M. Graphaspasm? My uncertain voice lingered in the silent auditorium. Then, that dreaded sound, the bane of any serious speller’s existence. Ding. The correct...

Penn provides the perfect balance of a liberal arts education with a pre-professional focus. There is an incredible amount of diversity in terms of race, socioeconomic background, academic and extracurricular interests, and geography. The campus is gorgeous and enclosed, while still providing access to...