There are a few main areas where Penn differs: 1. You will need to go through the application process and admission is not guaranteed. West Philly, despite the bad rap it gets for crime, has great old colonial rowhouses, some farmer's markets, a park close to campus, and really excellent restaurants. Our classes are challenging and intellectually rigorous, but at the same time, they’re … We live in the city, there's no such thing as a college town here. Most Penn students are extremely proud to be a part of their school, but a big complaint is a constant need to differentiate between the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University in State College, PA. The average person will immediately say, "Oh, Penn State?" At Penn, I’m part of the design department for the Daily Pennsylvanian, a social media editor for 34th Street, Penn’s arts and culture magazine, a member of the Spring Fling planning committee, and an Upstander Initiative mentor. that also accept Penn volunteers. people everywhere -"Where's that?" The best thing about Penn is the party scene. They don't know it's Ivy League. I'm currently working on a two-year project to promote female empowerment … Finally, while the “Why Michigan” and “Why UPenn” examples go for breadth, discussing many different reasons; the “Why Cornell” example discusses fewer reasons but with more depth. We have traditions that we do at each game, and Penn itself has some great traditions (i.e. Right now, UPenn is putting a lot of funding into its sciences. the Class of 1920 Commons dining hall. While I loved my childhood in New York suburbia, there’s something special about the urban energy of Philadelphia. Should I go to UPenn if I’ll have more than 200k in student loans? Very few people actually know what (or where) the school is. The top 10 reasons why you should go to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Everyone camps out for season tickets to the basketball games and makes toast to throw on the field at football games. Because we want you to pursue your passion and combine it with purpose. It is interesting that I got this question because I’ve been in the Philadelphia area this week. October 2012 edited November 2012 in University of Pennsylvania. I wanted to get some input on why some people chose UPenn over other great schools that may have offered admission to them(any other Ivy/any other top school). ... As one way to characterize where you might go as a Computer Engineer, we have identified a set of role models* that … My favorite course has been chemistry since freshmen year and this is the path I want to follow in college. There is a central walk so you often run into people you know on the way to class, and never feel lost in the crowd. the best thing about Penn is the location of the campus. Controversy regarding Islamo Facism Week. But there is enough going on on campus that you needn't go into center Philly if you don't want to. The impression I get is that our alumni haven't historically been rich as individuals necessarily, but that as a community they gave back a lot to the school. Title basically. Even though Penn is technically large, it definitely doesn't feel it - I run into people I know all the time! Perhaps most importantly was this unique balance of city and campus. 100% Free AP Test Prep website that offers study material to high school students seeking to prepare for AP exams. We get both. The next day I might wander into Chinatown, roam around Rittenhouse Square, or visit historic landmarks in Old City. It's a city school but it still has a beautiful campus. But I think that most of the moaning is from whiny brats who think a normal meal is take-out from Stephen Starr restaurants. I would also add more green space. Penn wants to keep it's "Most happy to be there" status, and when deciding between someone with a stellar "Why Penn" essay with good stats and someone with a contrived essay but stellar stats, they'll want to get the person who seems like they'd be "Happy to be here". It's a miserable building. I don't think Penn has that much school pride. to which I respond, "Penn, not Penn State". Classes are really interesting and the professors are high-quality. Penn students don’t have to pick between urban energy or a traditional campus. Admistration tries to be helpful. Also, the location is great as well. I was lucky enough to experience this program over the past summer, and I can confirm — Viterbi Summer Overseas is the coolest study abroad program out there. While I’m passionate about art and journalism, I’m also a huge foodie. How people react: they immediately become more interested in what I'm saying because they assume I'm a genius. (said in a way indicating that I'm probably stuck-up and elitist) At night I can have a many course meal at the new Hill dining hall, take a quick visit to one of the many restaurants only a block or two away, or eat dinner at a famous restaurant in Center City. If You're Applying to the BFA or 5-Year BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree at the SMFA: This prompt, also 100 to 150 words, applies to students who are on one of the above listed fine arts tracks. I’m currently a rising sophomore, so I’ve been at UPenn for one year so far. There is also an actual campus, but it is not a closed campus (like Columbia) or a completely open one (like NYU), which creates a sense of belonging and community at times. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Going to UPenn is somewhat of a dream come true. I would change the weather. But then came the most daunting task of all: choosing which school I would actually be attending. Enterprising students use this website to learn AP class material, study for class quizzes and tests, and to brush up on course material before the big exam day. They aren't extremely responsive to students needs or desires. You won't find as much UPenn gear in the country as Penn State, but school spirit can still be strong. The second best part goes hand in hand with the campus: you have the option of living "off campus" without actually being off campus. There are numerous opportunities to get involved in research. Do you really think all "Why Penn" essays are contrived? The best thing is its campus: It is the perfect blend between living in a city, without having it be too overwhelming such as NY, and without being stuck in a small town. I just completed sophomore year. It's about realizing that your friend is the Girls State Chess Champ or won national titles playing tennis. Penn is also known for its research and professional resources. We all come together to have fun and laugh at ourselves every chance we can. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Penn is a campus where innovation and research is encouraged and fulfilled. I guess this my time to rant on UPenn. we think people should come here because it is a great school in terms of academics and student life. The University of Pennsylvania academically is one of the best schools in the world, but unlike its Ivy League counterparts it has and is known for its strong social culture. - Yes, many people do think I go to Penn State... Although University City revolves around Penn, the amount of activities around Philadelphia is amazing. so we can do that. Penn is located in West Philadelphia's University City neighborhood, which has the standard group of late night eateries and a good selection of other stores. This makes for the work hard, play hard attitude that so many of its students have. Large enough that I'm still meeting new people every day, but small enough that I run into people I know every time I enter a class or step outside. The ten minute walk between Engineering and the high rise dorms is just bearable enough, and the public transportation, albeit a little shitty, is so incredibly convenient. West Philadelphia is not the nicest or safest place in the world. Penn is a great big mess of people all trying to get along. I was accepted to the Huntsman Program and my parents will have to pay 73k a year. Unusual about Penn - We're pretty vocational for an Ivy League school. Spring fling is just around the corner, the best party in the Northeast. If on campus, I would highly suggest the banana whips with chocolate chips at HipCityVeg. The quality of student here is outstanding, personalities and ambitions in all, but in my mind the students are the only thing that holds up the shoddy infrasture and administration of the school. Save that money for … There is a lot of school pride! Learning at Wharton is not just academic. so you can come up with as many … It is a beautiful campus, but it is also in a great city. The biggest recent controversy was when Stetson, the Dean of Admissions, just up and left and we still don't know why. People's reaction to "I go to Penn"? 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. The biggest controversy was last Halloween when Amy Gutmann hosted a halloween costume party and a kid came dressed as a terrorist and Amy Gutmann posed in a picture with him. College town - it'd be more correct to say that Penn is a Philadelphia university than to say that Philadelphia is a college town. The social life there is great, which is one of the reasons I chose it over the University of Washington - Seattle. My activities range from costume designing for musicals to singing light opera to the sport of curling to being a big sister for a student in West Philly. The information on this site is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid. All students are motivated to do well, but also passionate about multiple interests. also, location-wise, penn is the perfect combination. The Penn Computer Engineering (CMPE) major emphasizes design and engineering. no one here even mentioned it's ivy status as a reason that we are great. Whether it’s throwing toast at Homecoming, screaming at midnight with your 600+ classmates the night before your first Econ midterm, or attending the freshman toga party there’s something special about each of these silly rituals. SinkOrSwim123 223 replies 12 threads Junior Member. There are downtown events along with a great campus life/ frat parties. I'm Colleen! Narrow down over 1,000,000 scholarships with personalized results. But, as evidenced from how involved everyone is, work rarely gets too overwhelming. For programs in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Computer … Studying in a study room. Everyone is smart. Your dedication to learning is part of what drew you here, and part of what we found so appealing about you. Penn is located in Philadelphia, but the school has its own campus, which many colleges in cities do not. The best thing about this school is the academic spirit that permeates it and the support UPenn provides its high-caliber students. Click to Open. Philadelphia is a city more than a "college town," but it is home to quite a few universities (like Temple, University of the Sciences, St. Joe's, Drexel, etc) and does cater to them somewhat. The best thing about Penn is its social scene - we have a great mixture of scenes and there's something for everyone. Philadelphia will not shut down during school holidays so there is always plenty to do, especially if you are inclined to eating out. Penn is a great school because you can find pretty much any college experience you could want to have. School pride: I think so. Now, you have the precious opportunity both to explore broadly and to focus intensely on what matters most to you. 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. Everybody on campus goes through these moments together knowing every Penn student before them has done the same. i go to upenn too!" University City (aka West Philadelphia, where Penn is) is a great balance of college town/not college town. And there’s always one question that students find is the hardest: “Why us?” We asked some students from UPenn to tell us their best The University City area, where Penn is located ,has a few businesses that cater to students, but it is not an overwhelming presence. : I will always remember New Student Orientation (NSO) and Spring Fling. Beautiful, cohesive campus in the middle of big city. Or at least a strong desire to brand our school's name so that people know we aren't a public school, but rather an Ivy League institution. We appreciate that attending Penn is a tradition for many families, so an applicant’s affiliation with Penn, either by being a child or grandchild of alumni, is given the most consideration through Early Decision. There are a lot of groups on campus, although the joke is that there are more accapella groups than any of the others combined. Put another way: this essay wants you to be specific about why you want to go to Tufts and prove to the admissions committee that it's the right school for you! I spend most of time either at the one or two frats in which I know the most guys or at one of two campus bars, Blarney and Smokes (when I go out). The facilities in general are very good. Like most schools it has its pros and cons but overall it is a wonderful university. At Penn, we pride ourselves on having a strong work-life or school-fun balance. I’m not sure if the student loans are worth it, or if I should withdraw and apply RD to other … Why companies should see responsible business practices as a boon to profits and essential for success. Also there's always something going on, regardless of what day of the week it is. Not a college town. I really like Penn. If you come to Penn, GET INVOLVED with the community--you won't regret it. You don’t need a car or bike on campus, although it is nice to have one when you want to … When I tell people I go to Penn, what they say really depends. There is a pretty good amount of internal school pride, but unfortunately a lot of people outside the Penn community seem to have never heard of Penn. I want to know what they do with our ridiculous endowment. I'll always (kind of) remember my first Spring Fling. If someone wants to attend UPenn, they should be doing it because they want to, not that they are being forced, or they will truly detest their time here. But that got blown out of proportion. Also, there is a lot fo school pride and people love going to the basketball games. It makes itself seem like some resource rich in a phenomenal city with a burgeoning social scene. We have t-shirts that say "Not Penn State" for this exact reason. I use to think the dorms were awful, but then I saw other universities' dorms. The University of Pennsylvania is a fantastic place to spend four years. We call it the "Penn Bubble" because we are so involved here but still take trips into center city on the weekends and for other fun occasions. One of the most fun parts of going to school there is discovering the things people either have done or are planning to do. For the Class of 2024, UPenn’s acceptance rate was 9%. The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences as well. The resources available to students are phenomenal, however in some of the schools grading can be a bit tough. The amount of diversity you encounter is tremendous. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. I hate slush. ... Should I go to the class that I’ve requested on the Waitlist (but not gotten into)? By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school. Penn Supplement. I think the administration of Penn is fine, but they're a little bureaucratic - but then again, what administration isn't? If that isn't exemplary of the student body, I don't know what is. When I tell people I go to UPenn, they say "Main Campus?" Among scholars and those who went to Ivy Leagues, it is well known. This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Hi! Hi, I am a student becoming an undergraduate in 2013, and I may have an opportunity to go to several schools. The school's most famous strengths overall are in somewhat vocational areas: journalism/communications, business, medicine (including veterinary medicine) and nursing, &c. All of your classes are within 2 to 10 blocks, and there are a lot of shops around. So far, I've studied abroad in China and Peru, interned at a start-up in Mexico City, worked in Beijing, China, and completed non-profit consulting projects in Peru and Japan with the Tuck School of Business. I feel the UA, or undergraduate assembly, definitely works and listens to the students, implementing a lot of their suggestions within a year or two. No other school has such a great amount of pride, and why shouldn’t we? If you continue to encounter problems, please contact mbaoperations@wharton.upenn.edu. Too small. It's great to have bars to go to where everyone is in college. We have the city right there, within walking distance when it's nice out (or a 5 dollar cab ride when it's not!) Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. If you meet those restrictions and are still not able to register, please email fnce-courses@wharton.upenn.edu.We will check the system to see why you are not able to register and get back to you. Despite Philadelphia being home to a large number of colleges, it is in no way a college town. Consulting is a safe way to figure out what career is right for you by trying out different industries, roles and locations. It began casually and … While Philadelphia has a lot to offer as a city, West Philadelphia has never felt like the nicest nor safest area to live in, despite Penn's efforts to increase public safety. I spend most of my time in the Van Pelt library or in my apartment (Harrison high rise). They all just say "Oh, that's nice." In grade 9, I started messing around with Google Sketchup. Being in the city provides a great outlet for many of the classes and extra curriculars - there are classes about the art, music, and architecture just to start. Penn has a university campus within a major city, and students spend more time exploring downtown Philly after exhausting University City's shopping, restaurants, and bars. But not only are they smart, they're hard-working and actually doing exciting things. Penn is also called the “Social Ivy,” and it really is. So what does this mean for you? Penn is a great school with great people. jeez davida1, let's lay off the penn hatin'. ... Students who fit into this category can go to any school and do exceedingly well in their lives. Unforgettable. It is the school with the highest percentage of students with internships. Anybody who grew up in suburbia, as I did myself, has quite a bubble to pop. As a freshman, I spend most of my time in the Quad. School pride - Not a particularly large amount. The college town is amazing. The arts and sciences (aka the liberal arts) prepare you for life. 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