<p>With only a couple of days left until decision time, I was looking for some last minute advice of which college I should choose. I have narrowed down my choice to be between UPenn and Williams. there are aspects about both schools that I like, but there are also parts of each school that I am a bit hesitant about. </p>
<p>I am not the most social person: I would rather hang out with a few friends than go to a huge party. I do like the smaller size of Williams but the isolation seems like kind of a problem for me. I like how UPenn is in a city and there will be more opportunities in Philadelphia. </p>
<p>Right now, I am undecided of what I want to major in and what I want to do with my life. I have thought about math or chemistry or economics and have thought of being a doctor or and investment banker in the future. I am not one hundred percent sold on any of these paths but I hope that either colleges with offer me the opportunity to explore these choices and will help me in whatever field I choose.</p>
<p>Williams. If you are not a social person Penn will be more difficult. Williams has a hugh number of math majors for an LAC. Check the CDS’s. Penn has the ugly David Rittenhouse Lab for math and physics. Plus, Penn is not the kind of place where you say: “have thought of being a doctor or and investment banker in the future.” You are better off exploring things at an LAC. You could even spend at year abroad at Williams just to get out of the woods,</p>
<p>^^^ Disagree with this. Both are wonderful schools, but quite different, as has been noted. However, Penn will offer you plenty of opportunities to explore different paths and make close friends. It is very manageable and you won’t need to be a party animal. My son also was looking at these two schools and felt that Williams (my personal favorite at the time) woukd get to feeling too small.</p>
<p>I don’t presume to know the answer here. I’ve debated similar scenarios recently to little effect.</p>
<p>What I do find interesting, though, is how intent most are in keeping the rankings of universities and LACs separate when in real life, choices often do come down to choosing one or the other. In other words, in real life, they are not separate.</p>
<p>^ I strongly agree with MomofWildChild and disagree with rhg3rd on this. Penn is PRECISELY the place at which one can think of being a doctor or an investment banker (or whatever!) in the future. Where else can a liberal arts undergrad take advantage of numerous top-10 and top-20 liberal arts departments, take Finance or Management courses in the Wharton School, participate in research at a world-class (e.g., top 5 in the nation) medical research complex, while also taking a class or two in Penn’s top-ranked law school or Annenberg School for Communication, for example. Penn’s longstanding “One University” policy strongly encourages undergrads to take courses in schools at Penn other than their own, including Wharton, Annenberg, and even the Law School.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that you can’t go wrong at either of these phenomenal schools, and it’s really a matter of personal preference and fit. In other words, don’t worry about the academics, and instead focus on other factors (campus life, location, etc.). Whichever you choose, you’ll have made a terrific choice!</p>