<p>Hi everyone! I'm a high school student in need of advice. I love learning about languages and culture, and I have an interest in business and economics as an approach to analyzing and applying knowledge in all types of areas. I like math, although I'm better at the humanities, and always wanted to study abroad. As a result, I originally planned to apply for the Huntsman program.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I'm worried that with the Huntsman program, I would miss exploring my passion for English and history because of the reduced space for courses outside of Huntsman and general distribution requirements. I also do not plan on being a corporate businessperson, though I do hope to lead a nonprofit or other organization in the future alongside a more humanities-oriented career. Finally, I have no prior experience in business and don't know if I would find it too soulless (for lack of a better word).</p>
<p>If I did apply to the Huntsman program, I would write the College of Arts and Sciences as the school I would like Penn to consider me for in case of rejection from Huntsman.</p>
<p>In this case, would it be a better idea to simply apply to the College of Arts and Sciences and double major in International Relations and another social science instead? And if this double major would better match my social science interests, would it be just as meaningful as an official dual degree from something like Huntsman?</p>
<p>Keep in mind that you can also put together your own individualized dual degree program as a Penn undergrad. Although you still have to go through a fairly selective process to pursue dual degrees with Wharton once you’re a student in the College, it can be done. Hundreds of Penn undergrads graduate every year with individualized dual degrees that were not pursued in one of the formal dual degree programs such as Huntsman. Also, even if you don’t pursue dual degrees as a student in the College, you can still take Wharton courses to supplement your liberal arts curriculum (Penn strongly encourages undergrads to take courses in more than one school–it’s part of Penn’s renowned interdisciplinary ethos).</p>
<p>It’s easy to double major in (two majors from the same school), which sounds like what you’re interested in. And with some proper planning (and taking an extra course or two), you may be able to squeeze in a minor with a dual-degree program. No need to stress out too much now.</p>
<p>If you are not that interested in business, don’t go to Wharton. Their graduation requirements have more units than CAS and if you are doing Huntsman, you won’t have time to take non required classes.</p>
<p>I don’t believe that’s true, at all. I’m a student in Huntsman right now and I can say that I have had ample opportunities to take other courses. I’m actually pursuing a minor in nutrition and work for the school newspaper because I think that I may like to work for an international food organization or in journalism at some point in the future. I’ve taken a class on the Iliad and one on the Spanish Empire (just for fun). I have friends who are minoring in math, picking up a double major in econ a few who are minoring in psychology, and even one who is minoring in East Asian studies (her target is Arabic, btws). So you really can pursue any course you want.</p>
<p>I also would say that the business training at Wharton is absolutely phenomenal and would prepare you for running a non-profit with a technical background like none other. I actually worked for a nonprofit in Mexico this past semester and even after my freshman year some of my course material was particularly useful. </p>
<p>I probably wouldn’t have applied early decision to Penn if it weren’t for the program. The best thing about the program is easily the community (something that can’t be replicated with a individualized major). The type of people (like-minded, intelligent and just super interesting) is something that makes the program (imo) the best experience imagineable.</p>