I’m trying to decide which of these schools to apply ED to…I’m a black female, undecided major. SAT scores so far are 2300/750 IIc/740 Physics.
So here’s my question: Where do I go? Out of HYP I liked Princeton best, but out of all the ivies overall I really liked Penn best, I just like the down-to-earth atmosphere and the fact that they have a lot of opportunities for undergrad research.
Anyway, what would you do if you were me? How different is the general regard of the 2 schools? I know they’re both very prestigious, but are they close enough so that I should choose the one I like more regardless of the “HYP” craze?
<p>Never go to a school because of hype. go where you feel the most comfortable.</p>
<p>If you are asking re: job after graduation, Penn & Princeton have a similar level of esteem in academic and business circles. The avg. layperson is much more likely to have heard of Princeton than Penn, but that really should have no effect on you.</p>
<p>Seriously. Go where you'll be happy, not where you think looks better on a resume, because you'll just end up miserable and transferring later.</p>
<p>now, as for princeton and penn, i doubt the opportunities for undergrad research differ much between the two. i'll grant, however, that there are real differences in prestige and atmosphere. since you like both, i'd suggest visiting again during the school year, if you can manage, and talking to as many people there as possible to get a real "feel" for each. good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>I agree with Starry...if you say that you like Penn the best out of the Ivies, go for it! </p>
<p>I think that you're thinking "hmm maybe I can do better than Penn" but a more prestigious school doesn't mean you'll be happier there. So choose where you would be most comfortable/happy. The academics at these two schools are similar enough not to be a huge impact.</p>
<p>Personally, I chose Princeton and would choose it again so take this with a grain of salt. I preferred the ambiance at Princeton, and it seemed less restrictive academically than UPenn (this is solely opinion however, the distinct colleges at UPenn made it seem as if students were pigeonholed in a respective course of study). Both schools are phenomenal, but the undergraduate focus at Princeton sealed the deal.</p>
<p>If you like Penn more, go for it. In an important decision such as this, happiness cannot be compromised for anything.<br>
Penn has a great combo of urban and collegiate atmosphere, and contrary to some belief, academically, it really is flexible. Taking classes between the four schools is very easy, encouraged even. Of course, I'm sure you already knew that. :)
Anyways, I'd agree that you could take maybe one last college visit to both schools and solidify your decision. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you have visited both schools and like Penn more then I would say pick penn. Personally, I chose Princeton, and im very happy with my decision. and just to let you know, princeton is really down-to-earth has a good social scene as well. (even campusdirt approves)</p>
<p>Philly might > Jersey, but Princeton >>>>> Penn. And is only 30 minutes away from Philly.</p>
<p>OP: I'm gonna go with everyone else and say, if you like Penn best, go with Penn. Your potential happiness at a school should always be the first and most important factor, not money, not prestige, not anything else.</p>
<p>staplechik, you should apply ED to the school where you are most comfortable NOT to the school with the "highest regard." You want to be in a place where you will be happy for 4 years. If you love Penn, that's where you should apply.</p>
<p>basically there is no difference in the educational quality btw these schools (btw the top 20 schools really...). Some programs are better at one school, others at the other school. They both fare well in grad placement (princeton probably better) and industry placement (penn -especially wharton - probably better) and in the end you end up with an amazing degree. So go where you where you fit best & where you'll be happiest. I was making the same choice a few years ago. Penn made me happier.</p>
<p>i'm just going to repeat what everyone else has said so far... :)</p>
<p>If your favorite is Penn, apply there ED. A future employer will not look at your resume and say "Oh my god, she went to Penn which is only fourth on the US News rankings! We can't have someone like that in our company!"</p>
<p>The HYP hype is just that... hype. Contrary to popular CC belief, it will make no difference in your future career whether you go to Princeton or Penn. They are both excellent schools with excellent reputations. Good luck with applying!</p>
<p>I stayed at Princeton for a month in the summer after my sophomore year, I really fell in love with that school (I went back to the place on my own at 6 in the morning, 2 hours before boarding my flight home, just to see the place again). It has a great atmosphere for learning, because of its quiet setting. Yet, you could also visit NYC with a 40 min. ride, if you want to experience some excitement. Over all, I just love the place, and I'm sure that I'm going to apply for it.</p>