Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and

what you hope to gain by transferring into another institution. (4150 characters)
2400

In 2022, after completing my studies at United World College Changshu, I enrolled in the

University of Hong Kong for a double degree psychology program. This program entailed

spending two years in Hong Kong and the subsequent two years at the University of California,

Berkeley. However, an unexpected shift to remote digital instruction prompted me to seek an in-

person university experience. Enrolling in a program that brought me immense satisfaction, the

split-degree psychology program was initially close to home. But because of this shift to remote

instruction amid the COVID pandemic, I yearned for an in-person program. Time was limited, so

I quickly attended the University of Florida (UF) because of its prestigious Honors Program. The

program's exceptional academic reputation and commitment to fostering a stimulating learning

environment aligned well with my educational goals. What particularly appealed to me were the

unique academic programs and the multicultural student population at UF. The opportunity to

engage in distinct academic environments and the university's emphasis on delivering a

comprehensive academic experience influenced my decision. The provision of specialized

classes, research opportunities, and a community that encourages intellectual growth were key

factors within the Honors Program. These factors aligned perfectly with my academic

aspirations. UF's commitment to diversity was also a decisive factor in my final choice.

Regarding the decision to transfer, my experience at UF revealed a major

misalignment between the campus atmosphere and my academic and social expectations. Despite

actively utilizing campus resources and engaging in the academic community, a palpable

disconnect prompted a reevaluation of my educational path. UF's focus on athletics

overshadowed my preference for a research-centric lifestyle, hindering my social and academic

expectations. In contrast, the University of Pennsylvania epitomizes transformative academic and

social opportunities. Beyond a mere change in location, Pennsylvania symbolizes a profound

shift in the educational paradigm, aligning impeccably with my aspirations to foster a scholarly

environment supporting academic interests and personal growth. Its rich academic legacy and

commitment to inclusivity resonate with my values, providing a platform that UF lacks for

shaping the next chapter of my academic journey.

How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape
your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape
Penn. (1020 characters - Cut in half)

P1 - Research clubs and organizations at Penn related to your interests

P2 - Add your Autism Club essay, shorten it and explain how you might want to
create something similar at Penn

At Penn, I intend to join organizations such as the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania

and ABOARD's Autism CONNECTION OF PA. The organizations will be an excellent starting

point for me to learn more about ways of engaging with and helping people living with Autism.

It will be an opportunity to learn by observing and doing. I find this a very promising experience

because I will learn new things and meet many different people with diverse levels of Autism

and diverse understandings of the world.

I intend to make Penn a more welcoming place for people with neurodiversity by creating

an autism club like the one at UF. I started the club to provide people within and outside the UF

community living with Autism a chance to explore. I incorporated art therapy at the club as a

central element in fostering communication and social skills among members. The club has

helped the UF community realize the importance of inclusivity, even to people with other

disabilities. I would want to create a club with the same mission at Penn to allow more people in

and outside Penn with Autism to explore their abilities.

Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, describe how you intend to
explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania. (For students
applying to specialized programs, please answer this questions in regard to your single-degree
school choice; your interest in the specialized program may be addressed through the program-
specific essay.) (2295 characters) (only 600 characters right now)

Research specific academic programs, courses, professors etc at Penn

At Penn, I want to engage in interdisciplinary research, to try to understand autism

comprehensively. Thus, I will engage in research projects in many areas, especially neuroscience

and art therapy. I want to join the Neuroscience Program at Penn taught by Mike Kaplan and

engage in research and outreach programs conducted by students in this major. I want to engage

in the Psychology program and learn and research more about how people perceive, process, and

respond to information in the world. I also intend to engage with the Autism Spectrum Program

of Excellence (ASPE) conducted by the University's Perelman School of Medicine to research

how to make the lives of people with Autism better. I will be glad to follow the lead of Edward

S. Brodkin, the co-director of ASPE’s class. Also, I will join the Adult Autism Spectrum

Program, try to interact with autistic people of different ages, to understand their cognitive

capacity and how differently autism affect them. Besides, I also want to participate in David

Mandell’s researches on Autism intervention research network for behavioral health, Clinical

algorithm for identifying adult autism, and evaluating the effects of Autism Insurance Mandates.

The Penn Autism Clinic will also be a conducive environment for me to learn and interact more

with individuals with Autism. Additionally, I want to try to use art therapy as one of the

treatment for autism. Therefore, I will engage in art therapy programs, learn how I can use it to

help autistic people across all ages learn to express themselves. Lastly, I want to create a Campus

Resource Guide for Students with Autism, which I believe I will learn with the help of the

professors in these departments.