<p>Columbia and Penn are my top 2 choices. Academically and in terms of my major, both are fine for me.
I am mostly conflicted as to which I like better in terms of the social life and school environment/subculture. Can people please comment about the differences in that aspect of Penn and Columbia?</p>
<p>It’s unlikely you’ll be accepted at both, so this is a decision you may never have to make, and certainly don’t have to make now. Apply to both, visit where you are accepted, decide then.</p>
<p>I want to do ED though bc without that I may most likely be accepted by neither.</p>
<p>My impression is Penn would offer a more traditional college experience - greek life (if you want it), parties and sports - on or near campus. While Philadelphia is there for you, social life revolves around campus. At Columbia, it would appear that New York would play a greater role in and subsume students’ social life.</p>
<p>I sincerely doubt most people face this decision in real life…</p>
<p>I believe the OP is trying to decide where to apply early decision.</p>
<p>Bump bump…</p>
<p>Penn has the feel of a traditional college campus while also being in a large city. While Columbia tries to do this as well, the city is definitely more important. Not quite as bad as NYU though. Penn is also larger so likely has more diverse social options.</p>
<p>Po-TAY-to or Po-TAH-to.</p>
<p>In other words, both are excellent schools, if memory serves, Penn may be marginally easier to get into – though both are intensly competitive.</p>
<p>The schools have differences, but I don’t think there’s a clear choice socially, etc.</p>
<p>I agree the schools are more similar then different. A couple thoughts. First, Columbia has the core which is relatively unique approach to requirements … for most that would be a pretty big pro or con. Second, I agree that your social like at Columbia would likely be a bit more off-campus focused than at Penn. Have you visited both school? Which felt more like home when you were there?</p>