Hi, everyone. I’ve narrowed down my decision to Penn and Northwestern. I’ve visited both, and I’m really torn between the two universities. I’m aiming to double major in biology and Spanish (pre-med track), so if anyone could elaborate on the strengths/weaknesses of each school, I’d be really grateful. I’ll be posting this in the Penn forum, too, for more opinions. Thanks!
Were you accepted at both?
Penn’s pre med track is extremely cut throat. Because of the harsh grading curve, students try to sabotage each other in order to have an edge. (i.e Telling peers the wrong homework assignment intentionally; ripping pages out of text books)
@franko5150 yes, I was. @CaliCash thanks for the information!
Congratulations! You’ll do just fine in whichever you select.
I can’t compare the academics because I didn’t take any classes at Penn. They are peers so I assume they are pretty comparable.
But I can compare the two cities for you. Chicago is simply much more vibrant and fun. The vast areas from Lakeview to Downtown are awesome along the lakefront. I recently just moved from DC to the west coast; Philly was easy to get to from DC and I went there several times before. I was not impressed with the downtown and the supposedly vibrant areas of Philly. Center City, arguably the best part of the central Philly, is pretty subdue even on weekends. I was confused the first time and thought there might be some event but it’s the same atmosphere the next few times I was there. It’s weird.
At night, I felt very comfortable walking in the Chicago areas I mentioned above. OTOH, I felt like I needed to be more alert in Philly, even when I were in Center City or Rittenhouse Sq. It just had a shadier vibe.
I forgot one more thing. Whenever I was in Philly, I notice the city had a serious litter problem. That partially explains why it felt shadier.
Calicash - as a hs senior, how do you “know” this? I am certainly a NU booster (chose between NU and Penn myself) but I don’t like spreading half-truths about other schools.
Penn for sure
NU has the quarter system which you may or may not like where you usually take more classes but they usually end quicker. It may give you flexibility with your majors (more time for electives, more core classes if different niche sub fields of each major, more time for exploration to see if you like your majors) since your majors don’t overlap at all degree requirement-wise.
@Pizzagirl I’m not spreading any half truths. I’m not a Penn student and neither are you, so we can not go based on the experiences of those who actually are. I know several people in the Penn pre- med track. That was what both of them experienced and they aren’t even friends.