I was just wondering which one would be better for undergrad.
@amatuerviolinist
Any one of them could be better for some students.
What subjects and type of environment are you looking for?
From this group, Dartmouth comes closest to approximating the strong undergraduate focus of an undergraduate-only institution.
Yes, Dartmouth tops this group for undergrad focus – about 70% of the students on campus are undergrads.
But take other factors into consideration, like:
- Majors offered
- Curricular style (Columbia features a core)
- Environment (urban vs. rural is big among these three)
If you wanted to be in a city, Dartmouth would not be for you. On the other hand, if you wanted easy access to outdoor adventure, it would.
Which is the best one among the three for undergraduate years depends upon your preferences.
Dartmouth is rural & frat & animal house & outdoor activities.
Penn is very pre-professional.
Columbia has a core curriculum & is in NYC.
All have brilliant, accomplished & motivated students. But some types may not care for the preppy-leaning Dartmouth, the professional learning Penn or the fairly liberal leaning Columbia.
Oh yeah, irrespective of my limited reply above, each of these schools offers characteristics that might appeal to different students. Columbia offers a notably strong core curriculum amid the ultimate urban experience; Dartmouth is populated by a high concentration of athletes, particularly winter athletes; etc.
Depends on your intended major, but in order I’d say
- Columbia
- UPenn
- Dartmouth
I’m looking for a somewhat close community and I was looking for specifically for pre-med studies or the pre-med track?
Thank you everyone for your responses 
Dartmouth. Urban universities are not known or their close-knit communities.
Absolutely Dartmouth by the standards you put out. I believe Dartmouth is #2 right behind Princeton for undergrad teaching.
Definitely Dartmouth based on your criteria.
Penn is a close-knit community. Student life is centered around the campus and students are very involved. Penn is the social ivy for a reason. Penn also has a top 5 research hospital right on campus and good opportunities to participate in research. Penn will provide the best opportunities to get involved early on.
^social/=close-knit
Note that most eligible Dartmouth undergraduates do join fraternities and sororities, so those organizations may be the center of social life there.
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The center of social life at Dartmouth is Dartmouth pong, aka beer pong (google it). Everyone knows that. If you are an expert at it, you should go to Dartmouth.
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The best one is the one that accepts you. They are all more-than-fine.
Depends upon what you are seeking. Columbia has a required core curriculum that should result in a bonding experience. Dartmouth is rural & has a bit of a drinking culture. Penn may depend upon the school, but is known to be very social.
@Publisher “Dartmouth is rural & has a bit of a drinking culture”
That is an understatement. I don’t know any other school whose mascot is a beer keg. lol
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Becuase of it’s rural setting and lack of acess to varied options for entertainment I would say it’a close Knit community. You also have the option of applying to Medschool in Junior year if your GPA is great
http://www.dartmouth.edu/prehealth/applying/geisel_early.html