<p>My family, friends, and my girlfriend all live in Brooklyn where I am originally from.</p>
<p>I go to school upstate NY. It takes me 4 hours and $80 to catch bus ride down to New York City, and I try to visit at least twice a month.</p>
<p>I am applying for transfer at Penn, and while proximity to home is not THE reason for my transfer, it is a pretty big reason. Is there any way I could incorporate my love for NYC (which is sincere) into my “Why Penn” Essay?</p>
<p>(Lol… please don’t ask why I don’t just apply to Columbia… I’ve never even considered that as an option. It’s VERY hard to get in if you’re originally from NYC, especially as a transfer)</p>
<p>I understand where you are coming from. I am also from NY and do not want to leave- I’m applying to Columbia, but it’s GS not CC- Anyways, I would steer clear of talking about your love of NYC. Philly is, although closer, still very different from NY. Penn is difficult enough to get into I would really spend your time talking only about penn and what philly can offer you. I think it might be difficult to discuss NYC and not sound like you are using penn as a way to be closer to NY. Not to say I think that you are, but it is very easy to come off this way. Also, if you feel you are qualified to admission to penn then why not just give Columbia a shot? It can’t hurt?</p>
<p>You can say how you want to be closer to home IMO, just don’t elaborate upon your love for NYC. The proximity to your family seems relevent, just don’t take it to far.</p>