<p>Harvard vs. Upenn: Finaid, Academics, Athletics, ECs, Location etc.</p>
<p>I am from Philly and grew up around UPenn and i love it, but it's Harvard and I wouldn't mind leaving philly and the crime. Just got in off the waitlist for H so I don't know my Finaid status but i hope they can match UPenn (damn near full ride). Any advice???</p>
<p>Wait and see how much finaid that you get from Harvard.</p>
<p>If Upenn is near a full ride, Harvard will probably be a full ride.</p>
<p>Harvard will offer you a better financial aid award.
It’s also a nice opportunity to get away from home and broaden your horizons.</p>
<p>Harvard’s resources are unmatched, and it should be excellent in every regard that you’re concerned about.</p>
<p>I like Boston and Cambridge, and I think it sounds like a great opportunity for you to obtain new experiences :)</p>
<p>FinAid: Harvard will be better.</p>
<p>Academics: Both are top notch, though Harvard has an edge in most every field.</p>
<p>ECs: Again, you can problem get a ton of exposure at both places but Harvard will again have an edge.</p>
<p>Location: Broaden your horizons, go to Cambridge/Boston. One of the best, if not the best college town in the U.S.</p>
<p>Financial Aid: Trust me, Harvard’s finaid is absolutely unparalleled. Hands down. And in that one in a million chance Penn is slightly better? No problem. Fax a copy of Penn’s award and a little note to the Harvard Fin Aid office and voila. Problem solved.</p>
<p>Academics: Again, Harvard. Name a department and in 99% of cases, Harvard will have at least one (in many cases, many more than one) scholar who is the world leader in the field, and who just so happens to teach a wide slew of undergrad classes. HMS, HBS, and HLS are fingertips away.</p>
<p>Athletics: This might be a draw. Do you mean school spirit or just athletic talent? Some teams are great.</p>
<p>ECs: Again, unparalleled.</p>
<p>Location: Cambridge beats Philly any day. The shooting that was in the news was a freak of nature occurrence.</p>
<p>VERDICT: Harvard!</p>