My son is very interested in Penn but does not want a really competitive/cut throat culture (after having 4 yrs of that in high school). I know Wharton is very competitive but what about the College of Arts and Science? My son is interested in the Classics.
The competitive/cut throat culture is in everywhere at top colleges. However, the competitor is likely him/her self at Penn.
Engineering programs are designed for students to work collaboratively. Wharton students are likely competitive for internships. The only comments about cut throat students sent home were about premed students concerned about their grades, specifically the class curve, not willing to share notes or study in groups.