Alumni Conversations | Penn Admissions

An Alumni Conversation is a two-way exchange between you and a Penn alumni volunteer. It’s just that, a conversation—nothing to be nervous about. Relax and be yourself! This is an opportunity for you to learn a little more about Penn through hearing the experience of a proud alum.

Okay, so what is an Alumni Conversation, really?

We truly get all the information we need to make a decision about your admission to Penn from your application. So an Alumni Conversation is for you. Remember, you're also deciding if Penn is the right fit for you. Alumni Conversations are informal, virtual chats with a proud Penn alum where you can ask questions about Penn from someone who's been there. It's a chance to make a personal connection and learn more about life at Penn, and is intended to be fun!

Here are some important things you should know about Alumni Conversations:

They are not evaluative and do not influence admissions decisions. Unlike an admissions interview, which some schools offer, this isn't part of how we evaluate your application to Penn.
Applicants may not request an Alumni Conversation. These conversations are solely based on alumni availability. Not being contacted to connect with an alum has no bearing on your application and is not a reflection of how we have viewed your application so far!
If you would like to opt out of participating in an Alumni Conversation, you may indicate that directly on your application to Penn. If you choose to opt out, please know that it won't affect your application negatively. This is an opportunity for you, so it's up to you if you want to take it.

For the accessibility and convenience of our prospective students and our Penn alumni volunteers, conversations will occur virtually for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

These conversations are offered to first-year applicants only. Transfer applicants will not be matched with an alumni volunteer for a conversation.
Our alumni aren’t admissions officers, and they will not see any part of your application. They will only receive your name and contact information to contact you directly. Our Penn alumni volunteers look forward to creating a positive experience for you!
To maintain a respectful and open environment, applicants are asked not to record audio or video of their Alumni Conversations. These virtual meetings are designed to be informal, candid interactions, and recording could impact the comfort and confidentiality of both parties involved.

Alumni Volunteers will contact you directly via phone or email to set up a time to meet virtually. Please be patient and understand that this opportunity is likely for most applicants, but not guaranteed for all applicants due to limited alumni volunteer availability and capacity. Opting out or not being contacted for an Alumni Conversation will not impact your admissions decision negatively. Alumni conversations are not available by request.

Depending on when you apply, your conversation will be scheduled within the following timelines:

Early Decision applicants: mid-October through end of November
Regular Decision applicants: December through February

Respond to the request from your alumni volunteer. We suggest you frequently check the email address provided in your application, as this is the method most likely to be used to contact you. Alumni may also contact you through the phone number listed in your application. Please reply within 3-5 days. Remember, it's okay to decline this opportunity if you'd prefer and it won't impact your application. If you'd like to decline, we ask that you please still reply to the alum who reached out to you and let them know scheduling won't be necessary.

There is no need to research your alumni volunteer before you meet. If you choose to do so, we ask that you please refrain from connecting with them through social media to respect their privacy.

Where to Go
Conversations will be conducted using Zoom, Google Chat, other similar video chat software, or by phone. If possible, please try to find a quiet place with stable internet connection or good phone reception to limit distractions or disruptions.

What to Wear
Dress as you would for a school photograph or a presentation in class. Be comfortable and let your personal style show through so you can focus on the conversation, not what you’re wearing.

What to Bring
Just yourself—and any questions you may have for an alum. You may want to take some notes during the conversation for your own record. Please don’t bring or send a resume or a portfolio. Your passions, personal story, and questions are what bring the conversation to life. (Note that international applicants may be asked to bring or send additional documents.)

This is an opportunity for you to share information about yourself in your own words. Alumni conversations are not a test, and alumni are not evaluating your candidacy for Penn. The conversation will focus on your interests, as well as your decision to apply to Penn. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about Penn from a proud alum.

Make the most of this opportunity by thinking about your questions beforehand. Write them down and bring them with you if it makes you more comfortable. Penn is a dynamic and ever-changing university, so your Penn alumni volunteer may not be an expert on campus life as it is today, but their experience will offer you valuable perspective about life after Penn and even provide insights on career pathways.

As you prepare your own questions, consider including the following questions for your list:

Can you tell me about the most influential parts of your Penn experience?
How did attending Penn affect your life?
What is one of your favorite Penn traditions?
In what ways are you still connected to campus and your Penn peers?
What are the advantages of the Penn alumni network?

We hope you had a great conversation and learned a lot more about Penn from the experience.

After your conversation, a quick thank-you note is always appreciated. Beyond expressing your gratitude, no further contact with the volunteer is necessary or expected.

If you have any questions about your alumni conversation experience, please contact Penn Admissions.