<p>Hey everyone! I am really drawn to both of these schools and though I've read a lot about the academics at both, I'm not sure how the location/social life/culture of these two schools compare. Could current students and alums (and anyone else!) comment on what they like/ don't like about the non-academic aspects of either Penn and Georgetown?</p>
<p>positive aspect of social life at penn: very diverse, heavy international focus, large campus with medical facilites, vet facilities, hospitals, law school, etc all next to each other which makes the campus feel less “undergrady”. The campus is right in the city which is nice, yet also maintains that college feel with secluded green spaces and trees. Social life comes in a wide array. Students socialize via student clubs, religious meetings (like bible studies), and frats/ sororities. A lot of the conversations are intensely intellectual in nature which is always interesting. </p>
<p>Negative social aspects at Penn: At times the school comes across as so international that many of the students dont care to communicate with you or get involved with activities. To them, its just four years in a foreign country and then they will never see you again. Also, many classes are graded on a curve which means you want to out compete your fellow classmates which makes for a cut throat environment. As such, sharing notes is very uncommon and many classmates view you almost as an “enemy”. Add into the mixture that penn is about 50% pre-professional (if i may put a percentage on it) and you have an atmosphere of competitive individuals who do not care to socialize with you unless it leads to better grades or inside knowledge on med school, law school, or a spot in a coveted internship. The other 50% are cool though and willing to have fun.</p>
<p>Georgetown positive: More sports pride than at Penn, students are more likely to spend their weekends having fun than studying in the library. Most students engage in interesting convos about politics etc. it’s one of the most “in touch” with current affairs college in the country. I would say the conversations are less intellectual than at penn though.
Georgetown negs: The campus is small and old/run down. I am all for old buildings which can be quite magnificent but at georgetown the old buildings are just very run down on the inside. Furhtermore the campus is very crowded and small with little to no green spaces and trees. The neighborhood also is not as bustling as university city at Penn. georgetown neighborhood is itself better off than university city, but georgetown is located in a residential part of the hood and is a good walk from aything worthwhile. </p>
<p>Take away points: Penn is more competitive, diverse, international, and large.
Georgetown is smaller, less cut throat, less diverse, but more into athletics and school spirit. </p>
<p>Last point: Penn academics are a step above georgetown’s and should be your primary reason for deciding. Gtown is great for law school and politics but Penn is near the top or at the top in every academic category.</p>
<p>Georgetown is not in “the hood” LOL. its around a 10-15 minute walk from a really high-end “downtown” area with a a lot of nice restaurants and still some normal chains (chipotle, qdoba), a pinkberry, multiple cupcake places (obviously the famous georgetown cupcakes) and a lot of shops (h&m, jcrew, madewell, zara, vineyard vines).</p>
<p>Thank you; this is all helpful! Could other people elaborate on this “cut-throat” aspect of Penn? Has anyone had a different experience?</p>
<p>Georgetown is probably in one of the richest areas in DC. Across the bridge is Arlington, which is another area with well off people.</p>
<p>i didnt mean hood as in ghetto, just short for neighborhood. Im sorry for the confusion. Yes gtown is in a very nice, residential area.</p>
<p>I haven’t found Penn cutthroat at all, honestly. I haven’t found any people who are unwilling to hang out because they are too focused on professional school or academics. It is true that classes are graded on a curve but I don’t feel that my classmates are my enemies. It is competitive of course because everyone is smart and hardworking but I would not call it cutthroat.</p>
<p>How could anyone have a reliable comparison of both schools unless they spent 2 years at one and then two years at the other? To make a judgement of a school which one would use to advise others based on a “school tour/visit” really should not be done. I think you really need to have attended a school to answer the OP question.</p>
<p>^I agree with you too an extent. I mean if someone has visited school X multiple times, been to social gatherings there and has friends/siblings who go there, then that person is pretty qualified to answer the OP’s question.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the replies!! I know more about Gtown than Penn so if anyone (preferably Penn students) could tell me anything more about the social atmosphere and culture of Penn that would be great! quesadilla, your response is very helpful.</p>