<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I really love Amherst and Swarthmore, small liberal arts type colleges. It's the right environment and size and just feels right. However, Penn offers me the exact major I need, the perfect academic match. However I feel Penn is too large, impersonal and I'm not a big city person. I would like to see if I get into other schools, but should I apply to Penn early since the early decision factor may boost my chances of getting in?</p>
<p>You should apply to Penn ED if, and only if, you know you would be 100% happy if you attended there. Penn is a large university and there is much less attention to each student than there would be at a smaller LAC. But if you are a go-getter and you’re really focused you can get a lot out of your experience and education at UPenn. If you’re not a city person and you don’t want a large environment you definitely should not apply to UPenn. You can probably find a near-match to your major (or do independent study) at an LAC, where you are more comfortable, and do better. Remember you’re spending four crucial years in college, and it should be in a place that you are comfortable and happy at. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Hi runi27
your post gives me a lot to think about. I should also mention Penn is appealing because it is an Ivy and my mom really wants to send me to an Ivy.</p>
<p>Yeah my sister went to UPenn, and though she loved it there she said that there isn’t a lot of personal attention to each student, due to the big student body. You’ll have TA’s, Study groups, advisors etc. like any university, but at an LAC it’s a much more tight knit community. At first my parents and I were also focused on the ivys, but I’ve realized that kids at LAC’s (especially top-notch ones like Amherst and Swarthmore) actually get into same top grad schools as ivy-league kids, and benefit from a more tight-knit focused environment. I’m not putting down Penn at all, but if you don’t have the right environment/fit to succeed at a University, then the academics don’t matter.</p>
<p>Don’t apply just because it’s an ivy. There are much better schools that are on par or better than the ivys. I suggest you think about the factors that you really admire in a college. Remember that you will be spending 4 years there, so you want to be completely happy with your surroundings. From what you are saying, I feel as if Penn is not the right choice for you. Apply to those LAC’s. Most importantly, follow your heart. Do what’s right for YOU, and not for your mom. Ultimately, YOU are the one at the college, not her.</p>
<p>Ah who cares what your mom thinks!? </p>
<p>Listen to runi27, this is YOUR college experience. </p>
<p>I think that the location and feel of Penn might not be a perfect match for you. In which case, the iron-grip of an ED might not be such a good idea. If it was EA, then definitely apply EA, but unfortunately it is not. I recommend waiting until the RD, instead of the ED, because you’re not so committed to the location aspects.</p>
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<p>If you really love LACs then what other draw does Penn have besides its Ivy status? Moreover, don’t think that just because Amherst and Swarthmore are small that they won’t have the resources to help you flourish in your major!</p>
<p>“Penn offers me the exact major I need”</p>
<p>Are you absolutely sure what you want to study? Most kids change their major. Swat and Amherst are tough admits too. You may consider ED at one of those.</p>