Our son is a smart magnet school kid who is confident and likes to have a good time, but he is not into big parties or alcohol. Which school is better for a kid who probably won’t be joining a fraternity? He is in the Honors program at UMD, and the College of Arts and Sciences at UPenn. Since some of his friends are going to UMD, it would definitely be a easier transition.
Definitely UPenn. As UMD is a state school, there is going to be more alcohol than a small private school. However, UPenn is in the city, so he may feel a little “left out” and if he’s quiet-ish, it may be a hard transition. Also, UMD is wayy cheaper so thats def a consideration
I think this is one of those “visit and choose one” things. My immediate reaction is “Neither”.
I went to Penn and I live near UMD and know several students there. Penn has plenty of drinking and fraternities (1/3 join fraternities?); and, the kids I know at UMD don’t drink. He can find what he’s looking for at both schools and both will have the things he may want to avoid.
I went to Drexel, which is adjacent to Penn, back in the day. We used to go to Penn to party and drink. There was partying and drinking at Drexel, but Penn had nicer Frat houses.
Partying and drinking are at all colleges.
My D is at UMD and she is not a drinker. She has a good social life and has been to parties where there was drinking and she just did not partake. There are always other things to do. In fact, the other night she went to an Opera performance on campus. The same is probably true at Penn.
Visit, like SlackerMom said, and pick the one that feels right
One key question may be whether he prefers to be a standout student or one in a group of standout students. Some kids have a much different reaction to these two environments.
I’d absolutely go to Penn. No need at all to join a frat. The city of Phila. is a great resource to do things off campus. A fantastic school and a credential that will last a lifetime.