I’m currently deciding whether to apply early decision to northwestern or penn. I’m planning on being pre-med and I want a school in or near a big city and also strong in academics (which both of them have). I’m also trying to have a higher chance to be admitted and I’m a legacy at both schools. Which school should I pick?
Northwestern is in a nice lakefront suburb that’s is fairly urban (i.e. nice downtown with lots of restaurants and retails). Train ride southward to Chicago downtown takes about 45 mins but shorter for all the lakefront neighborhoods north of downtown.
Penn is inside Philly and not far from city center but the surrounding is a bit sketchy and the city center is just ok to me. The city center itself also feels sketchy at night. That said, last I was there was about five years ago so things could have changed since then. You should visit because you would know right away as they really give you different feel.