<p>Does anyone know enough about UPenn to have at least a somewhat definitive answer on its "nerd capability?" Are the engineering, math, and science programs "nerd-oriented" or, like some other Ivies, is there a big focus on well-roundedness and the humanities? For that matter, do a lot of nerds go to UPenn in the first place? I've heard a lot about their business school and joint/dual-degree programs, but aside from Ivy League status, what more do they have to attract math and science people?</p>
<p>Penn bills itself as the best of both practical and liberal arts.</p>
<p>So if that's your thing, apply.</p>
<p>There are a lot of nerds here.</p>
<p>you'd have to define what being a nerd means to you in order to give you the best answer.</p>
<p>everyone at penn is kinda interdisciplinary, i feel - but we do have a great bioengineering program, nursing program, and research opportunities in the special life sciences programs / with a top-notch med school.</p>
<p>if you use my definition of nerdiness which has to do with interest in very peculiar brainy knowledge (like can one push the chlorophyll out of a lettuce leaf at greek lady, or technical details of how to superimpose lines on a football game tv broadcast), then it's pretty abundant, but in a good way.</p>
<p>We have one of the better engineering schools in the Ivy League with top programs in Bio Engineering, Chemical and Bimolecular engineering, Computer Science Engineering, and Electrical and Systems Engineering. We also have the Vagelos Scholars program for top chemistry students wishing to have a very rigorous science curriculum. With a top 3 research medical school, there are many opportunities for biomedical research. We have a bunch of money for BE and just got a big donation for nano so those departments will be strong too. I don't know too much about what's going on in math and physics, but there are some incredibly hard classes offered to freshman in both departments which some choose to take, so there are a good number of math and physics nerds here.</p>
<p>I think he what he means is "nerdy" nerds... the geeky brainy kids you see in high school. Not to be mean or anything, but I think he's referring to "nerds" as people who are lower on the social ladder but nevertheless extremely intelligent.</p>
<p>I also think what he means is that will people from less social, less "cool" backgrounds still fit in at penn?</p>
<p>Well, actually, maybe not... now that i think about it lol. well i was just kind of wondering the above, so anyone can answer it?</p>
<p>please, out of the thousands at Penn I find it hard to believe that someone wouldn't be able to find a group of friends with their interests</p>
<p>Let me clarify; I meant nerd in the sense of someone very interested in the hards sciences, engineering, math, etc. not so much someone with a passion for a subject. (In this sense, I'm not referring to someone in love with literature as a nerd) Not to discriminate against those in the humanities, but I was hoping to find out more about UPenn's emphasis on math, science, and engineering.</p>
<p>Yes take a trip to DRL and you will see some nerds.</p>
<p>plenty of people with interest in science / engineering / math, so don't worry.</p>
<p>if you're looking to live with some of those kinds of people check out "STWing" - it's a residential program (one of the only really active ones) </p>
<p><!-- STWing --> The Science and Technology Wing</p>
<p>If you were to ask around campus, most people would say that they are a "nerd" - geeky people who were probably not the most social in high school (not everyone, but a lot). However, only about 1/4 of the school is in math / engineering / nerdy sciences - and while a lot of Wharton students start out nerdy, they don't end that way.</p>
<p>It's not MIT, but it's not a state school environment either. If you're genuinely interested in Penn, and looking for that kind of environment, come spend the night (and maybe ask to stay with someone in STWing)</p>
<p>With almost 10,000 undergrads, you're bound to find your niche.</p>
<p>STWing is spectacularly nerdy. If I recall their choice of murals for their dorm hallway involved HTML code.</p>
<p>There are all sorts of nerd sub-species, like the artsy-nerds (DMD), the entrepre-nerds (M&T), iNerds, Linurds, and whoever hangs out in Weiss Tech House.</p>
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please, out of the thousands at Penn I find it hard to believe that someone wouldn't be able to find a group of friends with their interests
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<p>The same can be said to some extent for any large college in the country. You will find outliers anywhere, but I still find that every college has its unique atmosphere and personality.</p>