University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

Despite Philadelphia being home to a large number of colleges, it is in no way a college town. The University City area, where Penn is located ,has a few businesses that cater to students, but it is not an overwhelming presence. Penn is also located in West Philadelphia, a fact that the admissions people tend to neglect. West Philadelphia is not the nicest or safest place in the world. The administration at Penn tends to feel a bit authoritarian. They aren't extremely responsive to students needs or desires. After three years at Penn, you begin to feel like the administration is a business whose sole interest is money, rather than student well-being.

Coming to Penn is easily the best decision I ever made. I was hesitating between Penn and Columbia since location was my main criterion, but I'm glad I came here after much thought. Penn can be whatever you want it to be. People complain that it's too big and impersonal but trust me there's so many student services as well as nice faculty that are glad to help you out if you act as an adult and take the initiative to seek help.

Going to UPenn is somewhat of a dream come true. Like most schools it has its pros and cons but overall it is a wonderful university.

Penn is a great big mess of people all trying to get along. There is something for everyone, and if you can't find it on campus than Philadelphia has it.

Penn is a great school because you can find pretty much any college experience you could want to have. It is a beautiful campus, but it is also in a great city. It is the right size to not seem too big, but at the same time it is big enough for anyone to find friends with similar interests.

The best thing about Penn is the party scene. There are downtown events along with a great campus life/ frat parties. Spring fling is just around the corner, the best party in the Northeast.

The best thing to do at penn is go to the museum of archeology because it is very interesting. Also, there is a lot fo school pride and people love going to the basketball games.

Penn is a diverse place in a great location. In a major city that serves as a cultural center, and situated directly in a distressed part of that city. The opportunities for exploration, learning, and helping a community are unparalleled at any university. The resources available to students are phenomenal, however in some of the schools grading can be a bit tough. The administration is competent and responsive - Amy Gutmann, one of academia's pre-eminent political scientists, is a perfect president to further the vision of Benjamin Franklin. The university has taken difficult positions on issues like music piracy, and also promotes free speech like few other institutions (and not just free speech for those who agree with the administration or majority of students!)

Penn doesn't have much of a "campus" but it is a great college experience. Although University City revolves around Penn, the amount of activities around Philadelphia is amazing.

penn's size is perfect. as freshman, living in either the quad or in hill, you meet so many friends, but there's always more people to meet. also, location-wise, penn is the perfect combination. its a city school, but when actually in the campus itself and walking down locust walk, you would have no idea you were in the middle of philadelphia. locust walk is amazing in that every day there are always people trying to hand you flyers and advertising events. it's the heartbeat of the campus.