UPenn Comp Lit Major?

I've recently become very interested in the Comparative Literature major at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). Can anyone tell me more about the program, such as the quality of the faculty, resources, and overall experience?

The Comparative Literature major at UPenn is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to study literature and related cultural expressions across languages, media, and national borders. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity, while also emphasizing the global dimensions of literary study.

Faculty members at UPenn are world-renowned scholars with expertise in a wide range of languages, literatures, and methodologies, which ensures students within the program are held to high academic standards. Students have the opportunity to work closely with these faculty members through seminars, lectures, and individual research projects.

Some unique features of UPenn's Comparative Literature program include:

1. Flexibility: The program is highly customizable, and allows students to choose their own concentration within the major based on their interests and language proficiency. Students can focus on specific literary traditions or theoretical approaches, or even combine literary study with other disciplines such as history, philosophy, or film studies.

2. Small class sizes: UPenn's Comparative Literature program offers small seminars and close interactions between students and faculty, so you're sure to receive ample personalized attention and have plenty of opportunities to build strong relationships with professors.

3. Study abroad: UPenn encourages Comparative Literature majors to participate in study abroad programs, as these experiences enhance their linguistic and cultural understanding. Students can choose from various study abroad programs that cater to their chosen language or region of focus.

4. Research opportunities: Comparative Literature majors often have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects, by working directly with faculty members. Additionally, UPenn regularly organizes conferences, talks, and workshops where students can gain exposure to current intellectual debates and developments in the field.

5. Interdisciplinary collaboration: The Comparative Literature program collaborates with other departments and programs at UPenn, such as the Cinema and Media Studies, Gender Studies, or Africana Studies programs, to enrich the learning experience and enable interdisciplinary work.

Overall, UPenn's Comparative Literature program is highly regarded for its interdisciplinary nature, customizable curriculum, and eminent faculty. Students in the program can expect to receive a rigorous education that fosters critical thinking and prepares them for careers in academia, cultural institutions, journalism, international organizations, and more.

If you end up applying to UPenn and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-upenn-supplemental-essays. After all, UPenn is a highly selective institution, and the essays are often just the thing that distinguish one talented applicant from another.

Best of luck with your college search!