Can any current students or recent grads from Penn or Columbia help compare and contrast the social lives at these two schools? Looking to make a decision about ED.
@stressedapplicant1999 the social lives at the two schools are vastly different.
Penn is known as the more social vibrant, work hard-play hard culture of the two, and I think this reputation is true based on what I have heard and experienced. This is completely anecdotal but there was a guy in one of the student clubs I was involved in at Penn who had transferred from Columbia and he used to say that Penn had by far the bigger, more vibrant social scene. ( I graduated within the last 5 yrs so the account is pretty recent). Also at Penn the social life is mainly organized though student clubs and organizations which are the main outlets for students to find their friend groups on campus.
I feel Penn has a major campus social scene that is supplemented by what Philly has to offer. Philly is big enough amd offer a lot of social outlets but is not overwhelmingly big. On the other hand New York is amazing and impressive and offers way more things to do than Philly, but it is overwhelmingly big and some feel it dilutes the undergrad campus life at Columbia. Again this is just the opinion of people I know and also my opinion. ( and a big reason I chose Penn over Columbia). I am sure there are other people who have liked the social life at Columbia a lot and really wanted to be in NYC for college.
One thing is for sure though, overall Penn people are probably more social, the “social Ivy” tag of Penn is very well deserved Imo.
Outside of social life, another thing to consider is the core. Columbia has a core while Penn does not. Some people love the core, others prefer a more flexible curriculum. If you want to do a dual degree, double major, minor etc a flexible curriculum makes it quite easier.
Obviously I am a bit biased between the two, but hopefully this is kinda helpful.
The Penn students I have known are very engaged in the Penn social scene. Students social life is centered around the U.
At Columbia, students seem to interact more with NYC and less with one another. More students seem to go home for the weekend, or take jobs in the city.
Which is better depends on you.
Thank you so much!!! This was so helpful. I really appreciate it
Thank thank you so much!!! VERY helpful. I appreciated it
Thank thank you so much!!! VERY helpful. I appreciated it