Lots of LSM questions

<p>I read this board but swore I'd never post but I guess that's just one more promise I won't live up to.</p>

<p>I've done everything I can to make myself a good candidate for top schools. I won't bore you with my details. After a lot of investigation I decided that Penn's LSM program is my top choice. I applied to other schools but if I get into the LSM program I'm going. The other side of the coin is that I'm pretty upset with myself for not applying early decision. I discovered the LSM program in late October and just didn't have time. So I have the following questions.</p>

<p>First, does anyone know how many LSMers Penn selects from the early pool? About 25 students make up each LSM class. How many of these have already been admitted?</p>

<p>Second, how tough is the LSM program? For those in the program, what is your life like? Is is a manageable balance or does the program kill you?</p>

<p>Third, what future does the LSM class of 2010 have? Do most go on to graduate school (if so, what kind) or do most start working (if so, in what kind of jobs?). I think this year's graduating class is the first LSM class, and it would be interesting to see where they are going.</p>

<p>Fourth, for those in the program, any regrets? </p>

<p>That's it. </p>

<p>Much love for answering these questions.</p>

<p>Still fishing for answers . . . .</p>

<p>I can’t really answer your last three questions, as I was just admitted this year (ED), but I have heard that LSM is really tough; however, in my opinion, it will be really worth it because it is basically getting two degrees for the price of one. Also, there are two required/guaranteed internships (1 business and 1 biology related) as well as program specific classes. When graduates of LSM apply for jobs after this experience, I believe that they will have an edge over other traditional single degree graduates because they will be unique, more diverse, more interesting, and more qualified in the eyes of job evaluators (but maybe this is just wishful thinking).</p>

<p>To answer your first question, the LSM facebook group currently has 9 students who have been admitted this year ED (Actually there’s 14 in the group, but 5 are current Penn students). I would guess that there’s probably more than that (maybe ~12-14) but half of the spots are likely still available. </p>

<p>Anyways, I wish you the best of luck with your applications!</p>

<p>^Thanks. I agree with your assessment. LSM students should have great opportunities. After a lot of thought and discussions with people I respect I concluded that an LSM degree is far more attractive from a grad school/job perspective than a single (presumably science) degree from any other school. Not only will the LSM student receive a science degree from Penn, which is a top 10 degree, but they will also receive a BS in econ from Wharton. This combination has to give LSM grads a leg up in both grad school and jobs, but when you add in the internships, there’s no comparison. I have plenty of friends at Chicago, Northwestern, IU, Purdue, Washington SL, etc. who are top students but couldn’t find an internship in their field. </p>

<p>Congrats on being accepted ED. I envy you. I didn’t realize so many current Penn students were admitted. That concerns me. I wish I would have applied ED.</p>

<p>Fingers crossed.</p>

<p>Is there a facebook group for current LSM students?</p>

<p>I have the same concerns Hopefull. I knew that current students could transfer into the LSM program but I thought only 1 or 2 did so each year. 5 is more than I thought. I haven’t found any facebook entry for current students but I’ve seen some current LSM students post here so I’m hoping they do again soon.</p>

<p>Hope Full and quakerhope2014 - Just to clarify, I did some research and it turns out that 3 of the 5 current Penn students in the 2014 Vagelos FB group are actually 2012 Vagelos LSMers who just decided to join the group (which is unofficial btw). And, I’m not even sure that the other two Penn students are transfers…</p>

<p>Hopefully, that quells some fears and doubts! Good luck!</p>

<p>This is the link to the group btw:
[Vagelos</a> Program in Life Sciences and Management Class of 2014 | Facebook](<a href=“Facebook Public Group | Facebook”>Facebook Public Group | Facebook)</p>

<p>^Thanks, Quakertastesgood!! BTW, what’s the meaning behind your name?</p>

<p>^It’s a pun. “Quaker” being the Penn mascot, and “Quaker” being a brand of delicious oatmeal. =P</p>