Hey guys! Am choosing between Penn and Columbia right now, and was wondering what the average GPAs at these schools are; do students generally spend more time on academics in one over the other; how’s grade inflation/deflation etc?
Columbia and Penn are fairly close in grade inflation (3.5 avg), Brown is the most inflated, and Princeton the least base on the Economist data from 2014
@theivyman111 Columbia is said ti have slightly more grade deflation than Penn, but the difference is not substantial o think. At Penn people of course spend a lot of time on academics but but they also spend a lot of time in extracurriculars and student organizations. Student clubs and organizations are a central part of the Penn experience. Also most Penn people have an active social life so they also find time to spend socializing with their peers.
Another thing to consider is that has a core , whereas Penn does not. Some people like the core others like the flexibility of Penn’s curriculum and the fact that you can take classes in any graduate and undergrad school at Penn as an undergrad, and it is very easy to double major. What are you planning on studying?
You should choose between the two schools mainly based on fit. Penn and Columbia are quite different in terms of vibe, campus/student culture etc, and there is difference in opportunities they offer.