<p>I want to go for a BA or BS in architecture (because the B Arch didn't have enough wiggle room for me) and I'm trying to decide between MIT and U Penn. I know that they're both incredible schools and I'll do well regardless of my decision. But I don't know which one is best for me, for the experience I'm hoping to have. Here are my top conflicts:</p>
<h1>1: Location. Boston is a much better college town that Philly is. There's a greater cultural scene there, not to mention the ridiculous amounts of colleges that are located there. I'm into music and art and theater, and I feel like being in Boston would give me a lot to do in that regard.</h1>
<h1>2: Campus Vibe: MIT seems to have students that are more caring and willing to do things. I feel like it's a much tighter community. But this is solely based off the blogs I got from the MIT website and a couple of articles about Penn (because I couldn't find any student blogs...)</h1>
<h1>3: Academics: I don't know if MIT would allow me to pursue the variety that I'm looking for in my curriculum. I want to take classes in different areas, but MIT seems to be very focused on maths and sciences.</h1>
<h1>4: Relates to #3: If MIT doesn't offer a class that I want, I can take it at Harvard, which would be amazing both for academics and for making connections. Penn wouldn't offer me this kind of opportunity.</h1>
<h1>5: Research: MIT's UROP program is extensive and would give me a chance to work directly with professors on something that I truly care about. Penn doesn't seem to have this kind of network.</h1>
<p>I'm going to visit both schools and ask students for their input, but I though I'd post here to see the replies.</p>
<p>Any sort of insight would be a huge help.</p>
<p>Thanks :]</p>
<p>Hm, I’m in a similar dilemma. </p>
<p>For #3, I can assure you that there is a lot of variety in courses - its not just math and science. Remember, you need to fulfill your HASS requirements (do not know if that’s spelled right…) to have that “liberal” arts education. Essentially, you need to concentrate on some humanities and also take a few others. Like you said, you can always take classes at Harvard if MIT lacks something. </p>
<p>For #5, I think you should consider internships for architecture as well. MIT also has a bunch of opportunities like during IAP or summer. There’s even opportunities to work at an architecture internship in many international firms in their MISTI program ([Study</a> Abroad](<a href=“http://architecture.mit.edu/undergraduate-foreign-exchange.html]Study”>http://architecture.mit.edu/undergraduate-foreign-exchange.html)) - not sure how difficult this is to arrange/do though. There are many requirements for languages. </p>
<p>I really like the campus vibe at MIT, personally. I visited my brother at his dorm (Random), and it was a very interesting experience. I also met one of his friends and ate with him/my brother - so I got a good feel for the types of people (a mix of quirky, fun, and friendly). I also looked at the architecture students, and they seemed very friendly with each other and with the professor - got good vibes from their arch. review - they seemed helpful and all good friends. </p>
<p>I do not know anything about UPenn… so sorry about that :P. Those are my thoughts on MIT though. </p>
<p>I’m deciding whether I want to do a BARCH at Rice/Cornell or go through with BSAD at MIT, then seeing which graduate school of design I can get to (is it too hopeful to wish for Harvard?). My main question right now is whether MIT’s undergraduate preprofessional program is actually good and at the same level of quality as their graduate program… Any insight on that? I hope to gain some insight from an MIT architect major to see if they feel the program is good. :P</p>
<p>I’m trying to stay away from that stereotype “MIT is super amazing at everything - you should definitely go”, in this decision, since I REALLY like Rice’s program and the people there as well. Plus the preceptorship is too good to turn down. I’m just worried about being stuck in Houston at Rice… I like exploring the town/city to dine out, but if I’m at Rice, I might feel stuck in my hometown.</p>
<p>If you’re sure about architecture as a career, then MIT is an incredible place, and the obvious choice. If you’re unsure, then only you would know which is the better choice. UPenn and MIT are very different universities.</p>
<p>^Agreed. Different vibes, different people, different concentration.</p>