<p>So is it true that if you are accepted to a residential program at Penn that you are then housed amongst the other people in your program? Doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of dorm living, i.e. meeting people with different interests etc.</p>
<p>I think it means you will have at least one thing in common. A good starting point for friendships. I am sure the specific interest is just one of many interests the participants have. That is just my guess though, since I have never actually experienced that type of living arrangement myself.</p>
<p>Yes, if you apply to and are accepted by a residential program at Penn, everyone in your hall will also be in the program. </p>
<p>I think the diversity of student interests varies from program to program; Harrison’s Freshman Experience, for example, does not focus on any one academic or extra curricular topic and therefore will likely attract students with very different goals and ideas. You might find slightly more homogenous interests among students in a really specific res program, like Ware’s Entrepreneurs Program, an application to which requires a certain amount of forethought. </p>
<p>Even in a topic-focused res program, though, I doubt that you’ll feel stifled by sameness. From what I understand, most students apply to residential programs as a way to get into their top-choice College House, not because the program’s focus is their top priority. Additionally, students with other interests are never far away; the program hallways are all within close proximity of each other and of non-program hallways. None of the College Houses is completely dedicated to a single, ubiquitous interest.</p>
<p>Also, many res programs are largely inactive and participation in most of them is elective, even once you arrive at Penn. (Programs like the for-credit language ones in Gregory, etc. are an exception.) </p>
<p>If you are still doubtful about res programs, though, and are open to living in any of the choices on your housing app, it’s perfectly fine not to apply to one! Non-program kids are definitely not at any kind of disadvantage.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>