University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

Emily

The amount of diversity Penn has, the strength of Wharton, its business school, and the location. I came into the application process knowing I wanted to attend an undergraduate business program so Wharton was at the top of the list. But Penn really comes together because it is right in the heart of the city, which really adds to the experience at the school.

Terence

Compared to other schools I considered as well as my own upbringing, Penn's urban environment was unique. I had never lived in a large city before, and I did not take full advantage of the opportunities to get involved with the community outside of Penn as much as I had hoped to.

Rachel

There are loads of opportunities for students coming in in different groups. Also, it is nice that there is some emphasis on the Greek scene, but you definitely dont need to be a part to benefit from what they do. Our school is very competitive but in some way that actually brings you closer to people. I can guarantee that my best friends here are easily going to be lifelong friends. There is even a statistic that something like 45{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of alumni found their spouse at Penn, not a bad statistic!

Andi

Penn has two world-class hospitals on its campus (HUP and CHoP: Hospital of University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). This doesn't affect the lives of most Penn students, but for those of us who live with chronic health conditions it makes a huge difference to have help literally at our doorstep. I was diagnosed with a major condition during my second year at Penn. Thanks to HUP, I had top medical care and though I could have taken a leave of absence, having HUP on campus meant I could get the help I needed without missing a semester. The College worked with me to rearrange my course-load and contacted my professors to get extensions of deadlines and explain my absence from class. I graduated on time with honors and distinction in my major. Without HUP on campus and helpful administrators, I might not have survived, much less thrived academically and socially.

Romero

My school has all of its academic departments, graduate and undergraduate, in one campus setting. This enables me, as an undergraduate, to have walking distance access to all of the various graduate and undergraduate departments and classes, without taking a shuttle or commuter vehicle to certain departments such as the School of Medicine. My campus is extremely diverse, with numerous international students, and even a residential program called Living Cultures in my college house. Also, my school has numerous opportunities to acquire preprofessional experience, through schools such as Wharton and the Nursing school.

Brandi

The cultural diversity and support for research and independent projects are unparalleled. They say having a Penn degree allows you to do anything in this world, and it's because Penn will allow you to do anything as an undergraduate. They really provide any resources or funding you could ever need to accomplish anything-see the world, start your own non-profit, etc.

Kasey

The history. The University of Pennsylvania has decades of history on most colleges. You can sense this in the feel of the campus environment, in the silly traditions Penn supports, in the aging fraternity houses in the middle of campus, in the world's first computer, in the close proximity to downtown historic Philadelphia, and in the multitude of alumni who return for events and sporting games. At Penn you feel a part of a bigger path of intellectual studies and you recognize the significance of the college you are attending.

Paula

Even though Penn has a pretty big undergraduate program (about 2500 kids in my freshman class), it is still a surprisingly warm environment. Both the teachers and the students are friendly, welcoming, and generally happy to be in Penn.

DeAnna

Social aspect of a state school mixed with an ivy league education

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emilie

Our uniqueness yet our united aim: to work hard to be the best we can be.

Gaemia

The availability of banks, grocery stores, and public transportation around the school is second to none. I like the fact that the University of Pennsylvania is a quaint University nestled in the large city of Philadelphia. The university itself is quiet but the city is very "city-like" with the hustle and bustle and the culture available in Philadelphia is exquisite.

Nelson

Nothing

Rachael

It is the school with the best balance of academic excellence and social activity. Also, it has an absolutely beautiful and charming campus, but still located within a city.

Kate

Everybody finds their niche at UPenn. I don't know anyone who hasn't loved it there. There are so many opportunities for learning and friendship.

Jesse

In general, I'm very happy about my choice with Penn. It is a great school in an awesome city. There is a very diverse group of people and it wasn't difficult to find my place at this school. There certainly are times when I get frustrated with the school. The administration takes advantage of students and the competition gets very tiring very quickly. It is important to find a good effective way to relax and blow off stress at Penn.

Rachel

gorgeous campus although in an early environment, very diverse

Jodine

the cast number and variety of resources at your disposal. you just have to be proactive about finding them and making relationships with proffessors.

Emily

Social life of students. Urban location. Pretigious reputation. Established history.

Elizabeth

The least pretentious of the Ivy Leagues.

Ben

It's in a city

Joyce

I like that it is big enough to offer much diversity but without sacrificing intimacy and individual attention.

Bryan

It is incredibly diverse and there is a great deal of effort made in research fields.

Mara

The work hard/play hard ethic and the emphasis on community service both in and outside the classroom. My major (Health and Societies) was also unique to the school.

Melina

The athlete community. The athletes at the school are amazing people, and the girls on my team were absolutely the best friends in the world.

Julia

The students are driven, engaged, intelligent, talented, diverse, and are almost always fun to talk to. and many of them are good looking!

Dana

The school is located in a city, yet there is still a very distinct delination of campus and city.

Ashley

I did not consider other schools because I applied and was accepted to UPenn early decision.

Jessie

A student’s take on the social life at Penn, and Penn’s reputation as the “Social Ivy”.

Mark

The new Civic Scholars and Engineering Scholars programs are making a splash on campus, exemplifying Penn’s active dedication to integrating community engagement with academics. Campus security was recently rated number six in Security Magazine’s Security 500, the top 500 security executives and their organizations. Of all educational institutions, Penn ranked first by far. While crime in Philadelphia is high, the Penn community can easily avoid any potential danger by using common sense. Penn provides free walking and driving escort services with a simple call, lighting virtually everywhere, emergency calling booths at every block, and a team of security so that you will spot someone in a fluorescent yellow vest at every corner. Dining is excellent, especially for vegetarians. As a vegetarian, I find more options than one who can’t have a meal without meat. Especially recently, the dining company, Aramark, has made an increased effort to change up the menu every day, with great success. Hillel, the Jewish center and best kept secret, has arguably the best on campus food. The slew of off-campus is so enormous that I still haven’t been to many restaurants a couple blocks away. Best things: The central location, the “One University” policy, Academically Based Community Service Courses, excellent financial aid (especially with the new policy to begin implementation in Fall 2008), the dynamic and rich history of Philadelphia, the cultural aspect of Philly, amazing professors, interdisciplinary and integrative learning, a rapidly growing vision and endowment thanks to a charismatic and dedicated president.

Lisa

If you want an excellent Ivy League education without all the fuss and pressure of "Ivy Leaguedness" while meeting smart, inspirational people from all walks of life COME TO PENN. It's not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} perfect (it's more like 90-95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}) but it's a very good indeed. As long as you're mature, open and not a loser you're so not gonna regret it. It's so worth the 40 grand your parents pay, make sure you make the most of it.

Maria

Before you decide to attend VISIT. The school's campus is very big and isn't in your traditional college green setting with trees everywhere and no one else around. Although there are nice grassy areas, we are right by West Phildelphia. Personally, however, I think being in West Philly gives the school culture. In the end your experience at Penn depends on how involved and open-minded you are. You have to be willing to work hard and play hard since at any school you make your college experience what you want it to be.

Andrew

The school loves to tear up precious green space and put down architectural monsters in their place, which is frustrating should you like to play pick-up games of catch, sit out on the lawn working/hanging out, etc. That said, a fantastic school and one where anyone can be happy.

Shelby

PENN IS THE BEST UNIVERSITY!!!

Dylan

I love blacklights.

Jesse

I applied to Penn early decision. If I could do it all over again, I would apply to some other schools too and not do early decision. Now I'm here wondering if I could have gone somewhere else where I would be happier. The "what if" syndrome is a terrible ailment.

Eric

Work hard, play hard. Jewish. New York lifestyle (for better or worse, but overall for worse). Pre-professional. Greek scene is the social scene. The people who "go out" are in the Greek Scene. Very preppy. Not many tan/blond girls. Food is absolutely terrible: both the university dining plan and nearby eateries. Philly has great restaurants, but they are pricey. Terrible living conditions. Mice is every dorm room. Small living quarters. Freshmen are in for a rude awakening when they realize that the university makes very little effort to improve basic standards of living such as food and shelter. Wharton curve makes classes too competitive and makes for a rather hostile classroom environment in business classes. Low school spirit for sports team, all the sports fans at UPenn root for other colleges, but I guess that's typical for an Ivy League school.

Samantha

Penn is a different world. Depending on which social circle you're in, it can be pretty intense. However, if you're up for it, it's amazing. And if you're a low key person, you can function just fine...there are tons of low key people here. It's what you make of it and if you asked three people about their lives and experiences here, I guarantee you'll get three unbelievably different responses.

Rory

If you are stuck-up, obnoxious, or focused only on your career, please go elsewhere--we're all set in that department!