<p>I have just finished my first year at ND and it was an interesting and fun experience. However, I did apply for transfer admissions to Penn and was accepted. Now I'm faced with a choice. Penn was the number 1 last year, and I think that had I been accepted I would be at Penn right now instead of ND. I would be in The College at Penn and I'm in Mendoza with a second major in the College at ND. </p>
<p>I want to study econ/international relations or maybe anthropology. All of these programs at Penn are highly ranked/regarded. </p>
<p>Well, either school is ranked highly in business. If you want to work out East after graduation you’re probably better off with Penn, but ND has a lot of pull in the Midwest. But it really comes down to what type of experience you want out of your undergraduate years. Think about what you like/dislike about ND and what would be different at Penn. If I were you, I’d start making a pro/con list.</p>
<p>Agree with the pro/con list and esp consider housing situation plus safety of the campus. Spouse is a Penn grad (Wharton) and neighborhood was not that great. Even when we visited with our own student, we were a little put off by the influx of people on the campus that were not students. But, it is Philadelphia with much more to offer than South Bend. I would look at all options and evaluate both. It is a personal decision that you alone must make–have you visited Penn’s campus lately?</p>
<p>I was faced with this same decision when I was deciding between these schools. I eventually chose Penn. </p>
<p>I visited both campuses and in the end I loved both. I loved the community aspect and closeness that ND offers. The dorm life seems like a frat without all of the shenanigans, personally I would have loved that. Penn has a very big social scene with the frats and I am a little worried about that, but I am sure that if I want to, I will be able to avoid them. Penn’s campus is very urban and doesn’t have the seclusion that ND has. Personally either one would be fine with me, but each has its pros and cons. For example: at ND, you are pretty much stuck on campus (unless you want to venture into South Bend); at Penn you have the campus and you can easily access downtown. ND offers tranquility and peace while Penn offers the hustle and bustle of the city. Furthermore this plays into the food. At ND you have the 2 cafeterias, a Subway, and a BK. At Penn you have the various cafeterias and fast food restaurants, but also have the various food trucks that line the sidewalks. Chinatown (and all the other downtown areas) are easily accessible as well if you want a different meal.
If sports are a major issue, then ND wins hands down. One reason I wanted to go to ND was because I wanted to experience the ‘ho-rah’ of being with 80000 fans. I’m sure that you have experienced this so this shouldn’t be that big of a factor for you.
Academics is a coin toss. Both institutions are great and highly regarded in the world. Penn is probably more regarded for its academics whilst ND is for its football.
Either way you won’t go wrong. Pray and ask the Lord for guidance and hopefully you will have no regrets with your decision!</p>
<p>Go to Penn, Penn economics is more well known and has a better chance at getting you a job (my opinion) but I seriously think Penn would be a better choice. Take advantage of the opportunity you get because transfer admissions to Penn is very difficult. Congrats
Of course I suggest you visit the campus or a least see if you it would be a good fit, but I think it is because you got accepted. (Unique thing about transfer applications IMO is that the admissions office would see if you would fit in at Penn because they know what your major is and how hard you have worked for your first year)</p>
<p>After a lot of reflection and a heart to heart with my parents. I have decided, to stay at Notre Dame. The marginal benefit of moving to Penn would be too little when faced with the realities of unsure housing arrangements, my uncertainty of a definite major, the extra cost, and the added stress on my family, financially, emotionally, etc. I would also be giving up a variety of opportunities at Notre Dame (semester in D.C, tour guiding, undergraduate research with the history department, a flourishing social network, the alumni network).</p>
<p>In reference to the alumni network I have already made personal contact with a few Trustees and the Houston Alumni Association has really taken care of me. </p>
<p>I would still like to go to Penn, but under the circumstances a move right now would not be the best.</p>
<p>Also would miss my friends too much. If anything Notre Dame knows how to foster very tight communities. </p>
<p>My only hope/fear, is that I’m not giving up a substantial difference in academic quality at Notre Dame. Yes Penn would open many doors, but I think with my drive I could open just as many for myself with a degree from Notre Dame. </p>
<p>btw, who has been creeping on me on facebook? :P</p>