<p>I am a senior in high school applying to Penn early decision. I have been faced with quite a dilemma. I don't really know whether I wanted to apply to CAS for economics or Wharton for Business. Ever since 11th grade, I was pretty set on Wharton but looking at my scores and stuff, I don't think I have a strong chance of getting into Wharton. I really want to go to Penn and I think I can get into CAS. How different career-wise would it be (i wanna do finance later on) if I went into Economics instead of Business and did an MBA afterwards?
Thanks guys, this is so confusing.</p>
<p>Look: both are hard to get into. If your scores are not good enough for Wharton then they’re also not good enough for CAS. If Wharton is your dream then apply to Wharton. The fact that you think you have a higher choice at CAS than Wharton doesn’t really mean a lot. Having said that, the truth of the matter is that you can land a finance job with both. Yet Wharton is the canonical preparation for such a career path. So in the end, if you’re willing to give up your chance of ending up at Wharton for a higher chance (admission-rate wise) of getting into Penn, then just apply to CAS.</p>
<p>Many of my friends and counselors actually prefer CAS over Wharton for undergrad. Although Wharton is more prestigious, this is only undergrad we’re talking about. I would suggest you spend your undergrad in CAS, explore new things, perhaps find a new facet of your personality or passions, and if your plans don’t change, apply to Wharton for grad school.</p>