<p>Hey all! I have yet another 'vs.' question if anyone has some input.</p>
<p>I'm trying to decide between UPenn and Rice, and looking to go into natural sciences (physics and mathematics in particular). So I'm wondering how the science programs at the schools would compare. But then it's not just studying at these schools I'm interested in, it's living there too (if you get what I mean). Anybody have any advice? Anything would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Hmm, I don't know much about UPenn's natural sciences. However, UPenn is dominated by the Wharton School of Business. There may be a great university beyond the (literally) towering presence of Wharton, but it is hard to see beyond the huge shadows. My perception of UPenn is from 5 years ago when I taught there for a semester.</p>
<p>UPenn's location is a mixed bag. West Philly (the area surrounding UPenn) is a rather blighted, run down urban mess. The high security keeps the relatively compact urban campus pretty safe, so as long as you don't do anything stupid, you can have a great time there.</p>
<p>My impression is that UPenn students work extremely hard, and are rather uptight about their future. This trait may be common to many elite northeastern schools. </p>
<p>Rice, while located in a large city, is hardly urban. I would definitely give Rice the edge in terms of campus life, environment and weather.</p>
<p>I would go to Rice. UPenn is in a hole...actually not really as bad as I just described it to be but seriously..the surroundings aren't really all that great. Academically, they are about the same but I believe UPENN is more famous for its business school than for the natural sciences. UPenn's strong point is its interdisplinarian courses but undergrduate research is cut throat (for obvious reasons).
However, UPenn's campus is BEAUTIFUL. There's also a lot of rich preps over there as well who aren't afraid to flaunt their money. If you are a rich prep whose okay with that, fine. However if yo believe education is more important, you might be a little daunted, for the lack of a better word, at all the partying and preppiness</p>
<p>btw, UPenn is the #1 Ivy League party school, and I'm not saying preps are evil and mean, I'm sort of preppy myself, but I know my education and friends are more important than cars, parties, and money. Something to think about. Visit both campuses and you might see what I mean.</p>