<p>What do you think? I'm debating between these two schools, and am having a tough time deciding.
These are my thoughts--
-I'm from Vancouver, so I'd be able to live at home if I went to UBC, and therefore not have to spend the time doing laundry, getting food, etc.
-UBC would cost me about $4,000/year, while Penn would cost me $16,000/year (I got $40,000+ from them)
-Penn is ranked higher for biomedical engineering, and I might be surrounded by better students
-I'm scared I might not be able to handle the workload at Penn, that my marks will suffer, and that I won't have time to put into extracurriculars as well</p>
<p>Also, what's better for getting into grad school--graduating from UBC at the top of my class and having being involved in other activities, or graduating from Penn with mediocre marks and not being involved in contests, clubs, etc. as much?</p>
<p>I'd really love to hear some of your opinions!</p>
<p>Penn… seriously go to Penn… UBC is good, maybe even great, but Penn is amazing. Getting to go to Penn for 16k a year is a GREAT deal! Your marks will not suffer… Canadian schools are known for their grade deflation but Ivy Leagues are known for Grade Inflation. You’ll be fine!</p>
<p>I would encourage you to go to Penn (I suppose I’m somewhat biased since I do go to Penn, but I was considering UBC too when I was applying to schools) For one thing, the experience of moving out and living on your own is great. I have a few friends who stayed in my hometown to go to university, and they live at home, and they complain that it feels like high school all over again. The independence you get from living on your own, and the life lessons you learn are invaluable.</p>
<p>Second, regardless of UBC or Penn, you’re going to have to work hard, especially as an engineer. Penn has a lot of great resources available to you if you need the help in your classes, and all of them are completely free. If you come in with the attitude that you’re going to have to work hard, you will be fine. The people I see struggling are the ones who coasted through high school and were at the top, and thought they could get away with it at Penn. Several of my friends are in BE at Penn, and believe me, you will still have time to be involved in extracurriculars (my roommate plays with me on a club team which practices anywhere from 2-5 times a week, another friend play in a string ensemble, both do research/volunteering, etc.)</p>
<p>Edit: If you’re looking to go to grad school, research experience is going to be high on the list of things the admissions committee is looking for. Penn is a major research university, and there are so many opportunities available for undergrads, and even freshmen!</p>
<p>why are u posting this after the may 1st deadline has passed?</p>
<p>go to Penn…seriously, it’s Penn. You’re gonna go there for 16K…that is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you don’t get into a good grad school it’s not the school to blame. and you could try to get back into canadian grad schools if all else fails in the US.</p>
<p>PENN. easiest decision if I were in your shoes.</p>
<p>Penn BE hands down</p>
<p>have you applied already or not? Hopkins trumps all for BME.</p>