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It's very clear that UPenn has a strong program but is it possible to recognize the power of your school's program without attempting to explain the faults of a program you're entirely unfamiliar with?
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<p>Of course it is possible. But the whole point of this thread is comparison, is it not? And the fact is that while I am sure Brown's urban studies program is swell and no shortage of graduates from it have gone on to do great things, I am equally sure that Penn's is simply better by virtue of its history, wealth, and location.</p>
<p>I'm equally certain it's impossible to make an assessment of a program you have 0 knowledge about. If the evidence is so clear, and it may be, then let it speak for itself rather than pretending to be an authority.</p>
<p>I am an urban studies major at Brown. It's a good program with tons of flexibility that allows you to explore urban issues from lots of different perspectives. From looking at the depictions of cities in literature to economics courses studying the development of America's urban landscape, I have learned a ton. Now if you really want to debate which program, Brown vs. Penn, is better its a moot point. Both programs are largely equal having looked at both. To be honest the college of Architecture Art and Planning at Cornell is really the best school for urban studies and planning if that is truly your passion I assume you also I applied there? I got into Cornell and decided on Brown due to the flexibility given here. Pick a school based on the courses offered and professors, not prestige. This debate about prestige is really really really getting old.</p>
<p>thanks sleph! i actually didn't apply to cornell because the urban studies im interested is more specific towards homelessness and poverty issues, which i thought cornell was a bit to rural for (though I may be wrong).</p>