<p>I'm considering Penn and Dartmouth right now. Both are very good, but which one is better for someone who is considering med school in the future? Money is no issue; both offered very generous packages. Penn has great access to hospitals, a great opportunity for research and it looks good when u apply to med school. How about grade inflation (or deflation) at Penn and Dartmouth? </p>
<p>Equally important is the atmosphere/student body on campus. Both advertise ethnic and socioeconomic diversity on campus, but after visiting Penn, I would have to say that it's not completely true. This could be a stereotype, but I felt overwhelmed by the number of white, preppy, frat-boy types and ugg-wearing sorority types. Also, a lot of HS seniors who visited came from the same ultra-expensive prep schools and seemed to know each other. They seemed very preppy as well. Coming from a quirky, arts school, I don't know how I would function in this type of environment. As I haven't visited Dartmouth, I can't really compare Penn to Dartmouth. Does anyone have accurate info on Dartmouth in this regard? </p>
<p>My last concern with Penn is that it is much bigger compared to Dartmouth. Although people at Penn claim that class size is small and that there's a community feeling within the large school, I can't help but feel that Penn's urban-ness and large size take away that community feeling. Coming from a large city, I really want a change so I'm thinking that perhaps Dartmouth is better for me. Can anyone comment on my concerns? Thanks a bunch.</p>
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I felt overwhelmed by the number of white, preppy, frat-boy types and ugg-wearing sorority types
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<p>Hey Jude, don't be afraid. Like it or not, Hanover got plenty of em, too. </p>
<p>Think of it as a new learning experience- how to effectively deal with em.</p>
<p>Seriously, don't let the preppy factor get to ya - you will be fine @either place. Speaking words of wisdom...."you've seen philly, now visit Hanover and then make the final decison"</p>
<p>I'd think U-Penn is a slightly better choice in your situation by considering two factors. They are: </p>
<p>1) UPenn medical school nearby ==> more opportunities for med-related ECs
2) Urban location: Philly will provide many outlets for your social activities. This means that your social life is ** not confined ** in campus. You can seek out other cultural/social/fun activities in Philly on weekends, while making fun of preppy types that you so detest.</p>
<p>"Does anyone have accurate info on Dartmouth in this regard?"</p>
<p>No one will be able to give you an "accurate" response because what matters is YOUR perception of Dartmouth in relation to YOUR perception of Penn. Penn never seemed particularly preppy to me -- much more Long Island/Jersey, which is a different animal -- but it seemed that way to YOU. Is there any possible way for you to visit Dartmouth?</p>
<p>There are plenty of frat boys at Dartmouth but also a huge alternative arts scene with houses in Vermont and a couple of great social houses (Tabard). The med school placement is amazing, the access to professors and research opportunities thoughout gives it an edge. My 3 roommates went to Harvard med, Penn med, and Cornell med respectively. They all can tell you that the undergrad advising (Nathan Smith society), access to professors (all did research while at school), and concerned administration (with access to C. Everett Koop at Dartmouth Hitchcock) was a big boost. The balanced LAC-like feel of Dartmouth is something I have not seen at the other Ivies, you get the sense that the whole place cares about you. I probably went to 5-6 professor houses for dinner and got $10K for my thesis research. Everyone does study abroad (2/3). Other schools might have many resources but you have to find them. At Dartmouth they find you and this (IMO) is why graduates do so well at grad placement. </p>
<p>Students at Dartmouth tend to be very friendly and happy go lucky, yet incredibly successful. There is lots of casual fun to be had (jumping off the river ranch in the summer, fall bonfires, open air concerts, etc) that I think students at larger urban schools miss out on. Its truly a community and one of the most special college experiences in the country.</p>
<p>Judy, you should go visit both schools if possible. Take the opportunity visit Hanover during Dartmouth's Dimension for accepted students. You can see for yourself how the campus life is in general plus you can ask all the questions you want not to mention sit in some classes.</p>