U Penn, Is it good place to go? Philadelphia?

Question

I'm thinking of going to U Penn, I've looked at their website but I'd like to hear from people who go/went there. (especially about Wharton business school). Are there sororities? What are the U Penn people's reputations? Is Philadelphia nice? Is there good nightlife there?

Answer 1

University of Pennsylvania is one of the best universities in the country. Being a top five university (and in the Ivy League) it is highly competitive. The Wharton School is the toughest college in the university to get into. It is extremely competitive.

The reputation of the school is exceptionally high. The top companies seek Wharton undergraduates.

Philadelphia has some really nice areas and some that are not so nice. The area west of the campus is not a good area at all. However, the area to the East is the Downtown area (referred to as Center City) and is alright. The campus is prettier than most urban campuses. The facilities at Wharton are beyond compare.

There are sororities and Philadelphia has an active nightlife. But if you are going to Wharton, you won't have much time for fun. Wharton students are driven (especially the undergraduates).

To get in, you will need 2200 on your SATs, a GPA near 4.0 and a great essay.

Answer 2

Wharton business school is the best in the country, so you had better be a really dedicated student if that is where you want to go. It is extremely selective and difficult to get into. There are sororities at Penn, but I can't imagine that you would have much time for such things if you were a Wharton undergraduate student. Having worked for four years at another university in the area, the major reputation of Penn students was "intelligent". It is an Ivy League school. Philadelphia is a major city with some nice parts; you do need to know that the area around the University of Pennsylvania is not really one of them, although you are close to places like downtown which are nicer. I worry, though, that your desire for sororities and nightlife indicate a party mentality which you probably won't find at Wharton. If you are looking for a party school, you might do better at a less intense place.