<p>My friend is having trouble choosing between Georgetown and UPenn. She doesn't have an account at CC, so I'm posting her question for her.</p>
<p>"I have to choose between two schools: Georgetown and U Penn. The financial situation at either school is irrelevant, and thus the choice is even more difficult to make. I am yet unsure of what Id like to do in the future, my interests are very eclectic. At U Penn, I am a member of the College of Arts and Sciences. At Georgetown, I am a member of the Walsh School of Foreign Service. I liked the environment at both schools, yet I am leaning towards Georgetown as a result of the fact that its location is more suited to my interests in immigration and politics.</p>
<p>I am worried, however, that as Georgetown is not an Ivy League and not a top school in any of the rankings, my chances of gaining admission to either Harvard or Yale Law will be slimmer. Does the Ivy League reputation count? Is it that important? Furthermore, I have heard several people disseminate an opinion that Georgetown is an average school, and that attending U Penn will enhance my credibility in all the ways that Georgetown cannot. Is this true? "</p>
<p>I had the exact same decision to make and I just decided yesterday. I chose Georgetown SFS over UPenn CAS because the former has the number one rated graduate program in international studies. Foreign Policy magazine rated SFS' program for undergraduates #4 in the country, and UPenn was not even listed. The specialization of SFS really sets it apart from the curriculum at a liberal arts and sciences school like UPenn, and is a unique opportunity. UPenn is a fabulous school, and I felt I would "fit in" at either place because the people are nice and they are both in great cities.
Also, tell your friend that Georgetown has the #17 graduate school placement ranking in the top MBA, medical, and law programs and UPenn got #16 (this was done by the Wall Street Journal). There really is no difference between them in that regard. You ultimately have to go with your gut, and mine told me that the quality of the program, rather than the prestige of the school overall, was going to be the most important thing in the end. Georgetown, by the way, proportionate to the school's population, has a higher pecentage going to Harvard law than UPenn. However, I think the opposite is true for Yale law.</p>
<p>i would pick upenn for the reasons listed, prestige, rankings, academic quality/reputation although i think geogetown is an awesome school and would not at all be bothered going there</p>
<p>sfs is an incredible program as well, of all the reasons to go to georgetown that is at the top of the list</p>
<p>purely personal preference if i was fortunate enough to be in this situation, i would pick penn because titles and the associated prestige, self-confidence, etc. are important to me, and although i'd only give penn a slight edge over georgetown in this regard, it's still an edge</p>
<p>I agreew ith Upenn, however for law and foreign relations maybe Gerogetown</p>