<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I'm currently debating between attending Georgia Tech (in the honors program) and the University of Pennsylvania. </p>
<p>I live in Georgia, so Georgia Tech would be MUCH cheaper, but to be straightforward, cost isn't an issue for me. </p>
<p>I'm unsure of exactly what I want to study. Right now I've very interested in biological engineering and biophysics. I'm hesitant about attending Georgia Tech because I'm not dead-set on being an engineer. Also, if I do choose to go into engineering, Penn has a bioengineering major, which I am more interested in than biomedical engineering (which is all that Tech seems to have in the way of biological engineering).</p>
<p>I've heard that Penn has a good social scene (at least for an Ivy) but that actually makes me somewhat nervous. I'm fairly shy and academically focused, so I'm not sure whether GT or Penn would be better for me in this regard. I do like being social, but I have a tough time making friends. </p>
<p>If I was only choosing between Georgia Tech and Penn, I think I would choose Penn. However, I was very happy to be accepted into Georgia Tech's honors program and am now very undecided.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice?</p>
<p>Georgia Tech REPRESENT!!! My cousin who is studying biochemistry at GT says repeatedly “This school has everything!” Also, if you’re in the Honors program they might give you a scholarship :D</p>
<p>Thank you. I know it’s a great school, but I was hoping for some more detailed advice in helping me choose between the two.</p>
<p>As a current Phd student at Penn, living in Philadelphia is a huge plus. There is tons to do (especially if you have the money/time to go out). It’s easy and cheap (8$) to get to DC or NYC by the Megabus. Atlantic City is 1.5 hr (10$) train ride away. </p>
<p>The food is amazing and my ‘meal plan’ usually consists of the food trucks around campus. </p>
<p>Also, especially in the northeast, Penn has a strong academic brand (not so much in the south). </p>
<p>By ‘social ivy’ they generally mean there is a strong Greek presence. But that is definitely not something you have to do to have a good time. I haven’t been to Atlanta as a college student, but I think you’d be hard pressed to beat what Philly has to offer overall. University City (Penn’s neighborhood) is really built up but the mass transit makes anywhere in the city very accessible. Visit Penn’s campus and then take the bus/train to the Italian Market, Rittenhouse, Old City or Fishtown for dinner/drinks etc. </p>
<p>That said, what exactly is the cost difference? I don’t know how much I’d be willing to pay for Penn over GT.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the information 
It was very helpful.</p>
<p>To be honest, the cost difference is pretty huge (full price for Penn vs. in-state tuition with scholarships for GT) but I’m fortunate enough to not have to consider the cost.</p>
<p>G Tech you can always transfer if you keep your grades up.</p>
<p>Well, yes, I could… but then why not just go to Penn straight off? Like I said, I’m debating between the schools themselves, not their costs.</p>
<p>haha seems like your fighting to keep g tech in the race when you know penn is where you want to be.</p>
<p>If you are interested in med school, go to Penn. It has one of the best and takes lots of its own undergrads. If you are interested in a liberal arts education, go with Penn. If you want to study abroad, go with Penn (best program in Ivy League, even for science students. If you want prestige/reputation, go with Penn. If you like the idea of studying on a historical campus , go with Penn. </p>
<p>Plus, as you note already, Penn has the program you like the best – biological engineering, which I suspect will give you lots of interaction with its top flight med school; No surprise that this is not offered at G. tech, which does not have a med school. </p>
<p>Also, since you are not wedded to eng’g, go with Penn, which has a more flexible curriculum and gives you more options both in and out of school. </p>
<p>If your girlfriend is going to GTech, go with G Tech. Otherwise go with Penn!!!</p>
<p>Your reply was very helpful, thank you I think I do really want to go to Penn, but I’m just reluctant to commit because it’s so different from what I’m used to… now that I know that though, I think I have a better understanding of what I should do…</p>
<p>I’ll post something when I decide :)</p>
<p>(oh, and also, I’m a girl xD)</p>
<p>The fact that it’s different from what you’re used to is a good thing. College is the time to get out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons.</p>
<p>And besides, the Penn Orchestra can always use a good French horn player. :)</p>