<p>Hello everyone,
With the decision deadline in fast approach, I've managed to narrow my options down to Stanford and Penn. I pretty much prefer Stanford in all non-academic regards (weather, general vibe, type of students, etc.), but the academic qualities of both schools are still in question. I plan on going into engineering, business, tech entrepreneurship, or some linear combination thereof, and it has come to my attention that both schools offer great programs in those fields. So, while I am leaning toward Stanford, I'm still stuck and not sure what to do. Feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. </p>
<p>With two schools of similar (amazing) strength and Stanford arguably a bit stronger in most scenarios, I would look at the non-academic aspects and perhaps name for hiring later. Based on your comments, Stanford wins in both cases. This seems like an easy choice to me.</p>
<p>So you prefer Stanford in almost all non academic aspects, but because both schools are strong in the fields you’re interested in, you’re waffling between the choices? Wouldn’t it therefore make sense to go to Stanford since it’s at least as academically strong as Penn (probably better than the school given your interests), and you seem to like it better?</p>
<p>I’m with when when. Why the dilemma? Go to Stanford if you can afford it.</p>
<p>At this level of academic excellence, it’s purely a matter of personal preference and fit. If you’ve visited both and feel that you’d be happier at Stanford, then go with it! No need to question any further. They’re both phenomenal schools, and you can’t go wrong with either choice in terms of academics or career opportunities, so let your (well informed) gut decide. And if your gut is saying Stanford (which seems to be the case), then that’s your decision. It’s as simple as that.</p>
<p>Congratulations!</p>
<p>Both are obviously amazing schools with top notch academics. If you prefer the students. vibe, weather etc. at Stanford, go there. Your post seemed to have answered your own question.</p>
<p>I think the key is tech entrepreneurs, Stanford is better in this regard.</p>
<p>I think you should go to UPenn so that Stanford’s yield this year is lower than last year. :)</p>
<p>Many more opportunities post grad for your interests coming out of Stanford. </p>
<p>@2018dad. You are good…Kudos to you for going after every student to open a slot for her…I hope for your D’s sake Stanford will take at least one off their waitlist 
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<p>Stanford’s probably the best school in the country when it comes to combining these three. I know Penn is well known for business, but I don’t hear much in the way of engineering and tech entrepreneurship coming out of it.</p>
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I don’t know how UPenn can match Stanford in those areas, to be honest with you about it. </p>
<p>@gravitas
Would that be something if Stanford will take my daughter off the waitlist? But I don’t think that will happen. My daughter is probably going to Cornell. It’s just brutal this year. Her school consistently sends about 5 kids to Stanford every year at least for the last 5 years or so. This year, Stanford just accepted 1 (a recruited athlete).</p>
<p>@OP
Seriously though, for CS/Engg/tech entrepreneurship, Stanford is second to none.</p>
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<p>Well, Penn can certainly match Stanford in terms of business and general entrepreneurship courses and programs for undergrads. Because of its preeminence in Wall Street-oriented finance, folks sometimes overlook Wharton’s other world-class strengths, including in entrepreneurship:</p>
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<p><a href=“http://entrepreneurship.wharton.upenn.edu/aboutWe.html”>http://entrepreneurship.wharton.upenn.edu/aboutWe.html</a></p>
<p>And those programs and courses are available to ALL Penn undergrads, including those in Engineering.</p>
<p>But obviously in engineering and tech entrepreneurship specifically, it’s hard to match Stanford. Although Penn HAS graduated a substantial number of successful tech entrepreneurs (can anyone say “Elon Musk” 
)?</p>
<p>But given the OP’s preference for other aspects of Stanford, it appears to be the better fit and the way to go.</p>