Although I am humbled to be in this predicament, I am having a difficult time deciding between these two opportunities. I love Philly, PENN was my first choice, and I’m thinking the BFS selection would make it feel smaller and more personal. But the money at Princeton is better by about 5k, I wouldn’t have to do work study, and hey…it’s Princeton. I have already spent time at PENN doing PEEP, and have visited Princeton and found it lovely…in fact, I had told my parents after visiting if I could pick up Princeton and drop it where PENN is, it would be my perfect school. I will do Princeton Preview before I decide, but any insight would be appreciated. I am unsure of my major, just pretty sure it will be in the sciences, probably Biological, if that helps.
Good idea to visit them and decide where you feel comfortable.
I have had this conversation with my D when she was applying and we visited both. I though Princeton was really an impressive campus and had outstanding programs. However, D1s egalitarian streak did not like what she viewed as elitist eating clubs, or that Princeton is not in a city. She chose Penn.
If your Biology is also premed, I would lean toward Penn because of the opportunities you get because of the hospital and med school.
No bad choice is possible here. See how you feel after the visit. Don’t discount gut feel as part of the decision.
@Ceciliaagnes obviously no bad choice here. It will probably come down to what type of setting and campus vibe yu enjoy more. Penn and Princeton are quite different in that regard.
Also yes, BFS helps make the Penn experience more intimate by being part of a smaller community on campus. Theses also achieved through participation in student organizations. One reason ECs are so big at Penn is probably that they are a way for students to find their place on campus.
A plus for Penn if you are studying biological/life sciences is that you have access to research opportunities at one of the best hospitals and med schools in the country as well as places like the Wistar institute.
Are you doing Quaker Days in addition to Princeton Preview? I know you have already been at Penn, but it might be worth to experience both one last time back to back so that you can compare them more directly and make up your mind.
@Penn95, could you please elaborate on the thesis part? Is Penn Orchestra considered a student organization? I can’t do quaker days, as I am going to Disney with my HS that week, but I am doing Quaker for a Day to get another look and have some questions answered. Also, I am tuning into the webinar tonight on BFS. Do you think PENN would consider coming closer to Princeton’s price?
It wouldn’t hurt to call Penn to ask if they will up their aid a bit to match Princeton’s.
Do you like the quietness of Princeton or the liveliness of Penn?
It’s a relatively short train ride from Princeton into Philadelphia, you would still have access to the city.
@Ceciliaagnes congrats on two amazing choices! I also chose between Penn and Princeton (among several other fine options) and I ended up choosing Penn partially because, as you seem to recognize, there is nothing like getting a truly world class education in Penn’s incredible location. I bet if you talk with Penn and let them know you’re interested in Penn over Princeton but Princeton has provided you with more need based financial aid, they will probably reevaluate your package.
Furthermore, I was kind of surprised by the prevalence and importance of eating clubs not only as an outlet for social activity but also as a symbol of status on campus. The “bickering” process really turned me off as well and given the eating club’s near dominance of Princeton’s social life, I couldn’t get around how uncomfortable it made me. Additionally, I think Penn provides you with greater academic freedom to choose your own path through your education and the access to Penn’s other undergraduate, graduate, professional schools and research institutions makes for an unmatched opportunity to participate in truly interdisciplinary and personalized education. At the end of the day, however, I just could not see myself in a suburb in New Jersey for four years, no matter how hard I tried to imagine it. I wanted a vibrant campus life that was truly balanced with (and not overshadowed by) a world class city. I am so grateful I followed my gut because while I’m sure i would have found a way to make Princeton work for me, Penn just fit like a glove.
Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have- I’m happy to discuss my decision process more in detail!
@Ceciliaagnes oh hahah i meant This is, not Theses, it was was a typo…that autocorrect feature on my phone is the worst…i should really stop posting on here using my iPhone.
Also I would call Penn and ask them to match the Princeton aid. Not sure Penn has a policy of matching other ivies, but I am willing to bet they would at least consider it. It doesnt hurt to ask them.
@penn95 and @PennCAS2014, although you make compelling cases and remind me of the things I fell in love with at Penn, and also point out what I’m wary of about Princeton (eating clubs), Penn admissions and financial aid officers have been so slow in responding to inquiries that I have made, that I’m starting to lean towards Princeton due to their undergraduate focus. I did reach out to arrange a “quaker for a day” visit, and asked specifically if I could speak to someone knowledgeable about the BFS program while I’m there, and perhaps see where they dorm. The response was just that I could ask a student while I’m there. That’s it. And financial aid did say they would try to make their offer more competitive with Princeton’s and to email them my Princeton award, I did so last week and have heard nothing back and my award status hasn’t changed. Meanwhile, from Princeton, I’ve heard from my interviewer, been invited to a local reception, received much info. and even a t-shirt, and when I asked a question about dorms, the response was swift and thorough. I know these are small concerns in the scheme of things, but I worry that it may indicate what may happen if I go to PENN. I know the suicide rate there has been higher than average over the past few years, and I’m worried that it may be due to lack of support and guidance.
^while completely different, concerning two different schools, when I was considering grad school UC Berkeley was at the top of my list, and Stanford third place after MIT (I wanted that “city” experience and UCB seemed so lively). But I had a very similar experience with being “courted” by Stanford, and ignored by UCB. Guess where I ended up?
@Ceciliaagnes I am sorry to hear Penn has not been more responsive/accomodating. It is very understandable that you are leaning towards Princeton and it is no secret that Princeton’s undergraduate focus is unparalleled. Princeton has more resources than Penn and way fewer students. To answer your more general concerns, yes at Penn you will not be coddled. It is a relatively big school in a big city and while there is a clearly defined campus community, you will have to try harder to find your place and get attention than you would at the small community of Princeton.
Specifically for the suicides, I feel it is partly because Penn is not a really small community so you can get lost in it if you don’t try, but also it has to do with the culture at Penn of trying to juggle too many things (academics, etracurriculars, internships, research, social life) and of appearing perfect (they call it Penn Face).
Again go with your gut, go where you feel you will have the best experience. If your gut tells your Princeton go for it.
Btw, I am surprised you have not received a call from an alumnus/a yet. All admitted students were supposed to receive a congratulatory call by their alumni interviewer or another alumnus/a by April 8th. during the call you get to ask any questions you want about Penn. I have finished my calls, maybe your interviewer hasn’t done theirs yet?
If you are still on the fence it might be worth reaching out to the financial aid office to remind them one last time and ask them when you should be expecting a reply by.
From what I understand though you seem to be leaning towards Princeton so if deep down you feel Princeton is your choice you might as well not bother with Penn and just enroll at Princeton and be done.