<p>I've seen innumerable posts asking for the difference between Penn and UPenn or which saying is right. Growing up with parents who not only went there but currently work there, an older sister who goes there, and attending a feeder school, I feel as though I have enough experience to clear up this whole abbreviation question.<br>
It's PENN! UPenn is NOT a thing. Period.
Many people argue that some get Penn confused with Penn State. I can tell you that in Pennsylvania absolutely NO ONE will confuse these two. It's never happened to me or anyone in my family- not once. Penn State people would never say that they go to Penn- they'd make it very clear they attended Penn STATE- quite different!
Nobody on campus or around the Philly area would ever call Penn UPenn. It would be like calling Harvard HarvardU... it just does't happen!
Sure, the website may be upenn, but they also have penn.edu!</p>
<p>So please, don't ever say UPenn! Anyone who is slightly familiar with the school will laugh! </p>
<p>I’m also a geezer and remember those days. In fact, when I was a Penn undergrad myself, one of my parents’ friends told me that when he was a Columbia student in the 1950s, they’d shout in unison at Columbia-Penn games, “U of P? PU!” And for those of more recent vintage who may not be familiar with the expression “PU,” it’s the first definition in Urban Dictionary:</p>
<p>I think that ‘U Penn’ is used in situations where the university might get confused with something else, or by people otherwise not familiar with Penn, much like Chicago U or Tokyo U, both which also share the names of the respective regions they are in. </p>
<p>In the University of Pennsylvania wider community, it is definitely referred to as ‘Penn’ these days, something which was cemented when the university itself formally espoused this nickname some time ago. Back in the day, I believe it was occasionally called ‘U of P’ as someone else mentioned, and I want to believe it used to be referred to simply as ‘Pennsylvania’ as well. </p>
<p>I think the name ‘U Penn’ survives outside Penn’s own academic community since it is unique to Penn, whereas the name ‘Penn’ is a common last name, sounds like ‘pen’, could be short for Penn State, etc. </p>
<p>^ Yes, as I indicated in another thread on this very topic (UPenn vs. Penn), the university WAS also referred to as “Pennsylvania” in fight songs and anthems, on varsity team uniforms, in the press, and on sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc. for many decades (if not centuries!). “Fight on, Pennsylvania! Put the ball across the line!” “But for dear Penn-syl-va-ni-a, we wear the Red and Blue!” and other song lyrics well-known to Penn students and alums. :)</p>
<p>I disagree with this post. Living in Western Pennsylvania, I hear MANY people saying “Yeah, my sister goes to Penn.”
“Penn” is associated with Penn State, and tons of people here call the ivy league school “UPenn”.</p>
<p>Honestly, as far as I’m conserved, no matter what you call Penn, there will always be people who think we are referring to Penn State. Many people don’t know that University of Pennsylvania even exists, so they assume you mean Penn State. Of those people who know University of Pennsylvania exists, some do not know just how prestigious the school actually is. I honestly call the school University of Pennsylvania generally, but I refer to the school as Penn around people who know what I am talking about.</p>
<p>However, this shouldn’t be an issue for prospective students. Yes, the average person might misunderstand you no matter what you say, but that is really ok. Trust me. People put too much thought into whether or not people will know that they go to an ivy league school. Honestly, it is sometimes nice to fly under the radar. Whenever people know what University of Pennsylvania is, the conversation turns into “Wow you must be so smart! How amazing are you! You’re going to do amazing things one day! I’m only going to (insert name of average school here). You must be so much smarter than me!” These conversations are just awkward. Another added benefit is that I comfortably where all my red and blue gear in public without being afraid that I look pretentious or like I’m bragging. </p>
<p>It is interesting when you say Penn, and someone asks if you mean Penn State? When you correct them, they think they stuck their foot in their mouth because they have never heard of University of Pennsylvania and assume it is not as good of a school as Penn state. </p>
<p>I know its frustrating to hear, but when i mentioned to my sister that D was applying to UPenn (and note that I even used the “U” she said, “does that football coach thing still not bother you?” So there you go…</p>
<p>I think it is clear that students do not choose Penn to impress everyone with the brand name at the family reunion. They come to get a great education and college experience. Plus, while Granny may not be impressed, employers and graduate schools have a lot of respect for Penn.</p>
<p>UPenn is definitely a thing, as is Penn. Over half the advertisements around the city for the school or the hospital say “UPenn” You can use them both; it’s really not a big deal.
Source: Penn Student and Philadelphia native </p>
and remember those days. In fact, when I was a Penn undergrad myself, one of my parents’ friends told me that when he was a Columbia student in the 1950s, they’d shout in unison at Columbia-Penn games, “U of P? PU!” And for those of more recent vintage who may not be familiar with the expression “PU,” it’s the first definition in Urban Dictionary:</p>
she said, “does that football coach thing still not bother you?” So there you go…</p>