Why I am a Good Fit for Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania - Scholarship Essay Example

Soon after enrolment and completion of my first semester, I gradually embraced the fact that despite offering undergraduate degree courses similar to those offered in American universities, the American University of Beirut has limited resources and opportunities for optimal learning (Betty, 16). In this context, I adopted the notion that if engineering is my game, then I should transfer to an environment filled with action. Undeniably, my goals as an Industrial Engineering student will materialize optimally at the University of Pennsylvania compared to when studying at the American University of Beirut.

University of Pennsylvania feature as one of the most prolific universities in the United States (Raja, 29). Actually, the University of Pennsylvania emerges within the top 10 universities in the world in terms of both the quality and quantity of academic programs. Unlike the American University of Beirut, University of Pennsylvania offers established degree programs complemented with extensive research opportunities for students. Besides offering exceptionally superior degree programs, the University of Pennsylvania also promotes cultural sustainability in education by admitting students from diverse social backgrounds across the world (Nietzsche, 104).

In this case, it is acknowledgeable that my desire for a transfer to the University of Pennsylvania is justified by the institution’s superior academic environment. Moreover, studying at the University of Pennsylvania will awaken my interests in independency and circumstantial challenges ushered in by the change in the environment. As a Boy Scout, I often found myself in environments which demanded responsibility and accountability. Such environments widened my critical thinking skills and my capability for self-reliance.

In the world today, students are encouraged to not only seek comfort in academic proficiency but also become all-rounded in life. Admittedly, studying in Beirut minimizes my chances of becoming independent and self-reliant because I will be forced to stay with my cuddlesome parents. However, transferring to the University of Pennsylvania will present a challenging environment that serves the purpose of hardening my independency (Bohme and Smith, 31). As aforementioned, my desire for self-reliance has always been alive in me since my boy-scout days.

Therefore, a transfer to America will reinforce my interest and ability for self-reliance in new environments. Finally, cultural diversity in American universities is another motivating factor for my transfer request. In the past, I have intentionally thrown myself into practical environments of engineering as a means of strengthening my student profile. However, today’s world is characterized by not only professional diversity but also cultural diversity (Ogbu, 07). Understanding different cultures across the world are essential in facilitating success as a graduate.

Unfortunately, the American University of Beirut hosts a limited culturally diverse environment for learning. Contrarily, the University of Pennsylvania features as one of the most culturally diverse institutions in the world. At Penn University, students, staff members, and administrators represent the face of the world. Studying within such a culturally diverse setting will not only facilitate the refinement of my social skills but also help me in creating a suitable and objective perception of other cultures.

In this context, a proportional blend of cultural diversity, self-reliance, and academic excellence, which is possible at the University of Pennsylvania, will turn me into one of the finest industrial engineers, thus fulfilling my goals and interests as an engineering scholar.