I am a rising senior, applying to colleges for the class of 2021. In the past year I have visited many schools, but I fell in love with both Georgetown and Penn (Wharton). If I apply to Penn, I would like to apply early decision because of the higher acceptance rate; however, if I do this, it eliminates the option to apply early action to Georgetown and to go to Georgetown if I am accepted to Penn.
I am very interested in politics, but for a long time I was leaning toward a career in investment banking. I am still considering it, but now I am also considering a career in lobbying. I have a finance internship, but to be completely honest, it seems boring (even though I am severely limited in my capabilities due to being in high school and not college like most interns). However, for me, finance seems like a good career path (based on my personality/math-brained). But this internship and the upcoming election also made me realize my interest in politics.
So, my question is, what are some pros and cons to Georgetown and Penn (beside the obvious ivy league, different cities, etc) that may convince me to apply early to one school over the other, keeping in mind potential career interests of investment banking or lobbying?
Hi! I am a current freshman at Georgetown so I obviously have a bias, but I do know a lot of people at Penn so I understand some aspects of the school.
Georgetown has an amazing politics program, and specifically a world famous international politics program. The SFS, School of Foreign Service, is ranked 4th in the country and it is a very unique environment/opportunity. It is better respected than Penn in this area. The same is true for Wharton in its respective area of study, finance. To make this more nuanced there is obvious overlap between both schools. You can study international economics at Georgetown, a very highly respected major where many kids go into international finance and you can do the same at Penn but it probably would have less of a policy bent. If I were you, I wouldn’t focus so much on the ivy league name or the general rankings (Georgetown has a much smaller endowment bc it’s a Jesuit school and it doesn’t do the common app so its general ranking is NOT proportionate to its quality) and think more so about what YOU want to prioritize, business or politics!
Both are great schools. There’s no wrong choice. Penn is probably the better school overall, and you can certainly still study politics and enter into a career within it if you come here. The culture at Wharton is very intense (not cutthroat), and it clearly sets you up better for a career in finance. That said, Georgetown (especially GPS students) do fine themselves. Really though, who actually wants to do investment banking?
@jjioonnee Thank you so much! From what you know of both schools, how would you compare them socially (I know Georgetown doesn’t have Greek life, so is it still a good social scene?) Also, how competitive are the students with each other at Georgetown?
@NashSaddle very true, investment banking doesn’t seem “fun”, just a reliable career choice that seems to go well with my strong suits. Did you go to Penn and if so what did you major in there? When you say Wharton is intense but not cutthroat, does that mean students will help each other out at all or are you just on your own? Thanks!
Don’t settle for reliable already. But yes I study finance and math at Penn. Intense in the sense that everyone is always immensely busy, and as it is every top school, but perhaps especially Wharton, there is a lot of competition over grades.The curve maybe adds pressure, but everything is collaborative. All the upper finance classes, and most Wharton classes in general, heavily involve team projects. Furthermore, upperclassmen are incredibly helpful, especially when recruiting. I had tons of help when prepping for interviews, and likewise have tried to pass that down.
16senior17,
An additional comparative factor to consider is the location of Georgetown and Penn. The area bordering Penn and the city of Philadelphia itself are just fine. Nevertheless, the town of Georgetown is widely regarded as one of the nicest neighborhoods in America. Washington D.C., of course, offers wonderful experiences and often unparalleled opportunities, especially for someone interested in politics.
As to social life, there are, I believe, many more fraternities at Penn than at Georgetown. Nevertheless, Georgetown does have a few social fraternities such as SigEP, AEPi, and SAE. While the university does not officially recognize these fraternities, they do have active chapters on campus. These fraternities are not essential to the social life at Georgetown, but they can and do enhance the social lives of their members.
Georgetown and Penn are both great schools. Good luck with the college admission process!
If definitely finance is your top career choice, both SFS Georgetown and Wharton will not make a big difference.
If you want to be in politics etc, SFS can be your top choice.
If you are not 100% sure about your major, Penn can be a safer option, since they have a wider spectrum of programs and majors.
Just keep in mind that both Georgetown SFS and Wharton are extremely selective, many very qualified applicants are rejected each year. In fact, each year many rejected wharton and SFS applicants end up in other top schools, including HYP.
As a freshman at georgetown, again I admit to bias, but I think the social and academic scene at georgetown is much more inclusive and community based than at other prestigious schools. Georgetown is actually #1 in the country for finance, and the programs and opportunities on campus for preprofessional experience are just amazing. Everything here is completely student owned and operated, from the largest student owned and operated non-profit corporation in the country, to our very own student run federal credit union. As far as international politics, you can’t really beat the SFS. As someone in the business school, I don’t know as much about their programs, but either the MSB or SFS are really amazing schools.
As far as greek life, the frats are really active on campus, and clubs have really filled the social void by organizing most of the parties on campus. Some clubs are almost impossibly selective, but most are inclusive and all of them really contribute to the georgetown community
We have looked at both schools for DD and DS and I would summarise it as the academics are relatively equal as are the chances for going to Wall Street and start a banking career (both are tippy-top so it will be up to the student to make the best of these opportunities).
However, I just think the overall student experience is much better at GU, in part due to the schools atmosphere and in part comparing the Georgetown DC neighborhood to Penn’s surrounding area. Plus given your interest in politics, you would enjoy spending 4 years in DC. Good luck.
You really cannot go wrong with either one. Penn Wharton and Georgetown SFS are considered peer schools, and both are highly respected.
However, if you might change your major, Penn might be a more preferrable choice since they offer a wider spectrum of choices.