University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

It's in a city

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

PENN IS THE BEST UNIVERSITY!!!

I love blacklights.

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.

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.

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.

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